My Morning in Picture Form

Sizzling drops of mocha coffee drip onto the burnercausing steam to rise, filling my nose with the fresh scent of refreshment.

Whipping wind blows around the corner of the brick library,

as frozen tiny crystals attach themselves to windshieds.

Frost bitten fingers rubbed briskly together, unthawing the frozen flesh.

Pounding of feet walking down the hallway,

banging keys as a door opens with a creak.

Sighing in relief, the rumbling of the furnace warms chills.

Sleepy eyes blink while the screen flashes.

Another cup please!!!!

This was my morning!

Talk at you Later!

Jessica Smith

Count Down to Christmas- Pictures of Trees, Friends and Family!

A Carolina Christmas

Here are some pictures of some trees that I decorated. The first one is my home tree.

The second one is one I did a year ago at work, and the third is a flower arrangement that I did a few weeks ago for my boss. I love being creative! It's fun!

So with only two more days until Greg and I fly to North Carolina to see family, most likely I won't be able to post anything the from December 24th-Jan. 5th of the new year.

Here is a pic of one of my friends...Erin Wells, she is da bomb!

This is my father -in-law from last year at Christmas. It will be good to see him!! I have not seen them since last year!!!

Greg and Cheri (his sister) from last year at the beach!

It's supposed to be in the mid 60's when we are there! Praise God!

Erin Wells and Constance Mc. (long last name I can't spell!)

Don't forget my pet rabbit Midget! She is my baby!

She is a Netherland Dwarf, her parents were show bunnies!

She is 3 pounds, black fur, and just turned 2 years old this past Thanksgiving.

Did you know rabbits can play fetch, unlock their own cages, potty train, and yell when they are in pain? Yes, and when they are happy they click!

On an end note, as this year ends, let God give new hope and a new day. The below picture is that of an Oklahoma Sunrise I took on my way home from taking Greg to work at 6:30am.

Let God's light Shine like the Noonday in all of your tomorrows!!

Until Jan! Take Care and Be Blessed!

~Jessica Smith

What I.......

I was tagged by Melissa Kelly from http://thediaperheads-kellyfamily.blogspot.com/ with this wonderful award and meme. Thank you Melissa You know I love ya! So let's see if I can actually do this and give you some info you may or may not know about me.



Seven things I did before:

1) At the age of 16, I was hired on into my first office job.

2) At the age of 17, I worked part-time for Kroger's Grocery in Denver, Colorado!

3) I was a pre-K teacher for 2 years.

4) I was an Assistant Manager for a Used Christian Bookstore

5) I was the Production Manager for a Christian Coffeehouse.

6)I worked in catering, and for a bed and breakfast for 3 years.

7) Broke my jaw in two places when I was 9 years old, I swung off a high-bar doing a stomach flip, and the bar came loose beneath my hands. I fell, and was knocked out cold, waking to find blood running down my neck and hands. Need I say more?



Seven Things I Do Now:

1) College and Career Pastor/Assistant

2) Write

3) Blog

4) Create baskets for my online store.

5) Bus Pastor for the youth group.

6) Administrative Assistant for the McNair Program at Southern Nazarene University

7) I love to cook!!



Seven Things I Would Like To Do:

1) Go to Africa.

2) Visit friends (PD & Tara, Melissa you are on the very top of that list!)

3) Write Children's books and Inspirational Books.

4) Go to Peru and Russia for missions.

5) Go on a vacation with my husband.

6) Learn to speak Spanish well!

7) Have Children



Seven Things That Attract Me to My Hubby:

1) He is very tall! Love it! Love It!

2) He is a man of God!!

3) He sees me as an equal partner.

4) He gives out of his heart and in obedience.

5) He supports me no matter what.

6) He is loving, smart, sexy!!!

7) He's funny.



Seven of My Favorite Foods:

1) Oranges

2) Chili -that I make..sorry all.

3) Chicken

4) Carmel

5) Turkey Sandwich

6) Taters!

7) Wheat Rice..yummy!



Seven Things I Say Most Often:

1) Love ya girlie.

2) Can you help me?

3) Oh, My Lord...

4) Praise the Lord!

5) Again?

6) Sure, I'll pray for you.

7) Lov ya.



Now I am to tag seven people. This may be a little hard...since everyone I know has already done it and I had NO idea until today that I was tagged. Gosh!!!

Until Next Time..Be Blessed!

~Jessica Smith

Simple Chocolate Pecan Pie-Easy But So GOOD!

I don't know what has gotten into me, but right now I really like sharing my food ideas for the Holidays. So here is the recipe that I will be making for another Christmas Lunch. So here it is!!!

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep Cook: 1 hr 5 min
Total: 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
3 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups pecan halves
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell, homemade or frozen
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a double boiler melt chocolate and margarine. Let cool slightly. Beat eggs lightly in medium bowl. Add sugar, corn syrup, chocolate mixture, and vanilla; stir until well blended. Mix in pecans.
Set pie shell on heavy-duty baking sheet and pour in filling. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, until knife inserted midway between center and rim comes out clean.
Cool pie on wire rack to room temperature before cutting.

1 (9-inch) pie, 8 servings

On another note:

This season is very tough on some. I know 12 people who have two homes at the same time, making payments on an empty house. And all their Christmas money is going to that payment or other bills. I want to remind you, that a gift does not have to be expensive to be beautiful. I am not saying this to say you are selfish, but to think creatively!! Food is a great gift, pack it into a basket with a big bow, or wrapped in love...or a homemade card with a letter inside.

What about planning on spending half of your money for someone else in need? It is amazing to see the joy on their faces when you show up bearing food and small gifts!!! Just some thoughts...

Remember that opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work!

Blessings to You!!

~Jessica Smith

Orange Sherbet Recipe!

Updates on my life, etc..

Hubby and I get to fly to NC to see his parents and sister. I have a new nephew that I have never met, and there is another one on the way. All the more for me to spoil!! *smiles*

I now have my own Etsy Store...it is http://www.simplebeautybaskets.etsy.com/

I am making baskets now and putting them online. I now have one up...and two more on the way. I have to take pictures of them. Let me know what you think!!

I made orange sherbet punch for a work party, and everyone LOVED it, so,,..

2 Two Liter Bottles of Club Soda

2 Two Liter Bottles of 7-UP

1 3 Gallon Bucket of Orange Sherbet

1 3 Pound Bag of Frozen Fruit.

Put thawed sherbet into big punch bowel.

Pour one liter of the Club Soda, then one bottle of the 7-up.

Place Frozen Bag of Fruit on top, this is used instead of ice.

Finish Pouring the Club Soda and 7-Up.

This is good for 100 people.

For 50 people, use half the recipe.

For 25 use a quarter of the recipe.

It is sooooooo goood! I promise.

Until Next Time, Be Blessed Beyond Measure and Let God's Light Shine in Your Darkest of Places!!!

~Jessica Smith

Winner of the Basket IS...............................

And the winner of the beautiful patterned basket is.......................

Drum Roll Please...okay thats better.

Cherie J.!!

You have been chosen at random, and you shall have the basket off and coming by Next Monday.

Congrats!

And thanks everyone who played!!!!!

If you desire a basket, they range from 5 dollars to 45 dollars and can be created to your heart's desire of colors, bows etc!!

Thank you and Be Blessed!

Bloggy Give-A-Way-Home Made Basket!!!

Greetings,

So, in order to enter for this basket, please leave a comment about what you like about it!! E-mail me your e-mail after you comment, simplebeauty@live.com I will mail it only with-in the U.S. and the value of this basket is $45 dollars!!!!

I hope to hear from you soon!!!!

I have a basket to give-a-way. A beautiful basket! And I need more than one person to comment, so I can do the drawing. Perferaably, 10 people. Below are some pictures of the basket, if you desire a different pattern, let me know! What would you use the basket for????

I am waiting for your comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Yes, I make them and sell them.

Off Until December 1st!!!! Please comment for your chance to win a dinner for four. Leave a comment!!

My next post will be December 1st. I have the rest of the month off! Wahooo! That is a great christmas present! Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

"It's right to be content with what you have, but not what you are."

~Author Unknown

Story of the Week: On Guard at Christmas/And Give-Away

Let me explain for a second, I enter a weekly entry at www.faithwriters.com to gain more experience in writing. I am a beginer, and the advice of other writers has helped me greatly. So, I decided to start posting my entries here too. And...please comment on the story and leave a link or e-mail addy. At the end of this month, I will be giving away something VERY special!!!!



Sitting beneath the prickly edges of the evergreen pine, Sam almost nodded off to sleep for the third time that evening. One would think that the bright blinking reds, greens, purples, and blues would keep him awake. But it did no good; it just hypnotized him back into a sleepy lull. Being as old as he was, staying up half the night was a shock to his system. Maybe he shouldn’t have eaten those left over chili dogs.

It wasn’t his stomach that kept him awake; it was his excitement, mixed with a sense of duty. He was on guard that night. The kids were not allowed to come near the presents, and last year little Jimmy knocked the tree over causing some of the presents to be crushed into millions of electronic pieces. Not this year, no Sir!

Maybe walking around some would calm his roaring stomach. Glancing at the clock, Sam decided to hide around the corner of the stairs. Knowing Jimmy and Jane, 7am was 5 am to them.

“Creek, creek, creek.”

“What was that?” Sam got on his knees, listening intently.

“Shhhhh, Jane. You don’t wanna wake up Mama.”

“You shhhh too, why are ya wearing those stupid skate shoes?”

“Cause, in case Santa catches me, I can roll away faster than him.”

“Jimmy, Santa can do whatever he wants, he’s magic. He can catch you.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Uh huh, he can too.”

“Shut up Jane, you don’t know whatcha talking about.” Jimmy said in anger.

Shaking his head, Sam had heard this argument before. This was almost the same thing as last year, except, Jimmy didn’t have skate shoes, he had Batman slippers that glowed in the dark.

“Jimmy, wait, Sam might be down here. He’s gonna catch us, then make us go back to bed.”

Jimmy glanced around the corner, and saw a dark shadow moving closer to him. “Jane, run, hurry, Santa’s after me.” Running up the wooden stair case, as fast as their little feet could carry them; the kids ran into their rooms, turned off the light and waited until morning to come back down.

“I did well this year”, Sam thought to himself. Not only did he save the tree, the presents, and keep Jimmy’s foot from being hurt, he kept them from discovering what their Mama kept hidden from them, mostly because of his persuasion.

“I can finally sleep, come on little one, let’s go to bed.”


Fuzzy headed Jimmy and curly haired Jane came down the stairs for breakfast. After a big meal of chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon, the kids could not stop from being giddy.

Finally, with Mama’s approval, they went into the living room to distribute the gifts. “Sam, come here!” Bettie called. “Bring your son with you too.”

Sam trotted into the room, his son jumping all over the place; thank goodness he had slept most of the night. “Calm down, Bandit, I know you are happy, but you can’t destroy the presents. Ribbons are not for eating, they are for makn’ boxes look pretty.”

“A new puppy! Thanks Mama” Jane said as her eyes danced in merriment.

“He’s mine, and I’m hav’n him be my side kick.” Jimmy shouted at Jane.

“No, he’s our puppy, and he is going to stay with his daddy, Sam.” Bettie told her two augmentative kids. “Isn’t that right Sam?”

“Resss”, Sam barked back. What a wonderful Christmas present to live with such a wonderful family.”

Thanks to all!!

Guest Blogger:Craig Sloan

"Get Ready For Rain"
Gen 2:1-72:1 The Garden of Eden Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. 4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. NKJV There is a great frustration in the earth that is crying out for true sons and daughters of God who have greatness on the inside of them. It is a cry for champions, warriors, stories that have never been told, history that has never been written, accomplishments that have never been achieved because it is lying dormant inside of you and I.Frustration can be defined as heaven inside of you trying to break into the earth, it is when you know there is something great in you but all you are seeing is ordinary, it is a great marriage wrapped up in a struggling marriage, it is living underneath the bills when God has put in you a more than enough spirit, it is taking what the world throws your way, when you are a champion that can overcome on the inside, it is knowing that true success is in you , but you wake up every day in defeat. It is knowing there has to be more, life has to better than this, I'm was born for something great, but all I ever experience is good.I hear God speaking tome tonight that He is about to break the spirit of frustration and struggle of sons and daughters who will stop shifting responsibility and blame on everybody including the devil, and realize no devil in hell, I mean nobody can stop the greatness God has put on the inside of you.We are living in day when everybody wants to blame somebody and play the role of a victim. To hell with excuses and blaming everybody, it is time we put into action the ability to respond that Go has given us.God is a God of order. God created the sun before He made the plants, because He knew the plants required light to live, He created the plants before He created the cattle because He knew the cows required grass to live. God is a God of order.There are some things that must happen in order for other things to happen. God put seed in the ground for everything the earth would ever produce. He didn't say let there be grass, trees, no He took the seed of a thing and placed it in the ground, and he did not rain on it because there was no man to take responsibility for it in case it grew.It is possible that there are seeds of greatness in you but God has never let it rain on your life because you have never took responsibility for your own personal development? I wonder how many great marriages with great kids, who serve a great God and who will do great things are inside of people like you and I because we have never taken responsibility. We can pray for rain, dance for rain, sing about rain, but until we take responsibility, God will not let it rain.Could it be that the frustration is there because you know there are seeds of greatness in you but there is no rain? We go through spiritual calisthenics like rebuking the devil, speak to every mountain, go on a 40 day fast, but still there is no rain, nothing is happening. Could it be that the breakthrough you seek does not come with a prayer line or a anointed touch but is the result of developing character and integrity on the inside.Success is not the result of you doing something, it is the result of you becoming something and no matter how gifted you are God will not rain on your gifts, He will only rain on your character. Could it be that there is level 9 blessing on the inside of you but you are a level 4 person on the inside and if God gave you level 9 you wouldn't have the inner development necessary to handle it? There are millionaire seeds, fathering seeds, champion seeds, impact seeds, dominating seeds, entrepreneur seeds, success seeds, in you but are you willing to become the person who is developed enough to handle the greatness that will come out of you. I am convinced many of the scandals we see in leadership is the result of people arriving at a level outwardly that they were never developed for inwardly.Will you do right, when right is hard?Will you be a success privately as well as publicly?Tonight I have made a new commitment to my personal development because I hear God saying that to those who refuse to die with their seed still inside of you and you desire to not just be a seedbed but garden of fruitfulness and you are willing to take responsibility for your ministry, marriage, personal devotional life, integrity... God is about to release a rain and businesses are going to come out of you, successful marriages are going to come out of you, debt elimination, success, is going to come out of you.It is not being perfect, it is will you take responsibility? It is not are your fellow employees lying and sabotaging on you, it is will you take responsibility? You are not qualified if your home is perfect, you are qualified if you will respond. I take responsibility right now for my family, marriage, future, prayer life... To the garbage with excuses and blame games, the responsibility is mine!Blessings,Craig

My Story of the Week: "I Want Teddy"

She had lucked out again this year, the stores were not as full as she had expected. Looking across the parking lot, she found her way of escape. A grey Ford Focus just pulled out, causing a short, but suitable traffic jam. Pulling her Mini van out of the spot, June Montgomery went over her to-do list in her mind, “Lights for the tree, cake mix, Christmas cards, a box of candy canes, and a cup of black coffee. Check and double check”.

Bags full of groceries and such, June juggled her load as she tried to find the house key. No matter how long she had lived at the stony, hut like house on Lake Michigan, it never cease to fail her, always the wrong key. Finally, after much fiddling, she fit the key into the lock and as she opened the door, her 7 year old daughter May threw her arms around her.

“Mama, did you bring home Teddy? I want Teddy, I want Teddy”, she screamed.
“Hold on now honey, you know I cannot bring him home. Teddy does not live at Wal-Mart. He has been gone for over two years now. Aren’t you a little old to be acting this way?”

“But I want Teddy”, she spoke sadly tromping herself back into the house.

Shaking her head June put everything away, grabbed her coffee and settled herself into her corner of the den. Picking up the box of cards, she opened it, and took out a sparkling card, showing the three wise men, bending down before the King of Kings. She always loved the pictures that Joni drew, amazing how God could turn such a heartbreak into a heart- make!

After about an hour, June had finally finished her annual Christmas Cards. The last one though, took her the longest. Her oldest son away from home, got the longest letter of all. Hopefully, his job and schooling would allow him to come home this time.

“Dinner was wonderful as always, honey.” Dan spoke lovingly to his wife of 20 years. “Did you remember to prepare the guest room for the International student from Grace Bible College who is coming over in a 30 minutes?” “Yes darling”, I did, June replied. I even put up a new picture for him. Did you happen to find out what nationality he is?” “No, they did not tell me, but they did say that his fiancée would be coming over to visit this evening as well."

“What on earth! How come no one tells me these things, now I have to go pick up some more cake mix”, June said with drama in her voice. Sighing loudly, she was about to step into the living room and grab her coat, when her cell-phone rang. “Hello, this is June, can I help you?” “Yes, My name is Mary, and my husband-to-be is supposed to be there soon. Is there anyway you can come pick me up at the bus station?” June was worn out already but said, “Of course I will, give me 10 minutes, and I will be in a blue mini-van." “Thanks so much,” Mary replied.

Mary was a lovely girl, with dark black hair, and a Southern accent. “How did you meet your fiancée?” June asked as she drove the frost lined roads back to home. “Online actually, he takes online courses, and we met on the message boards about 3 months ago.” Mary said. “That is very quick.” June thought.

Once back inside, Mary had just finished the cakes and was now frosting them, when she saw a red envelope with her name on it. “Funny, I thought I had read all the Christmas Cards.” she said out loud. Tearing it open, she found a picture of a U.S. solider hugging a child. Opening it up, she read a hand written note saying, “Mom, thanks for the Christmas card. Love, Theodore.”

Spinning around, May grabbed her mother’s hand and pulled her into the living room saying, “Mama, my Teddy is here. You brought him back!! Look Miss Mary, its my Teddy! He’s home from the war!”

With tears streaming down her face, June was flabbergasted. The Christmas card from her son, was the best present ever, but even more so, was her son, Sergeant Teddy Montgomery assistant to the Army Surgeon General, back from the war in Iraq.

How I Feel...

Sitting here my heart is broken.

Not about the electron.

Not about the economy.

Broken from the hardness of loved ones heart.

Irresponsible choices and carelessness.

I have cried enough it seems over this.

I have prayed enough for change.

Hoped for something different,

Endured the throbbing pain.

Disappointment is my friend.

Being forgotten is the norm.

I want to give up.

Forget it.

Leave.

That is how I feel right now.

Is it what I will do?

No.

But it is how I feel.

Left out, left alone, and left to battle this fight on broken legs and a battered heart.

~Jessica

Big As Your Dominate Aspiration

Today is the day that shall change the history of the U.S.

We can end up having the first African American as President of the United States, or the first woman Vice-President. Whoever wins, we will be making history! I will not tell you who I voted for, as to what I do agree with, etc. What I do want to mention is that in order for you or I to be a history maker in every day life we are in need to position ourselves for the opportunity.

"You will be as small as your controlling desire and as big as your dominate aspiration."

~James Allen

Sarah Palin was in Alaska tending to her people, when out of no where she was plucked up and thrown into the national political arena. She can tell you it was one of the last things to be expected, and not too long before, she was prayed over and a word spoken that God was about to shift her into a new season of great influence and responsibility. No matter if she wins or loses, media, friends and family say that she has only just begun! I agree! Obama also represents a season of change to which more involvement from African Americans resulted in a blow-out turn out at the voting stations. No matter what stance you may have today, pray for a righteous man, woman and staff to take the positions in this government. One vote does make a difference, and be prepared for hidden promotions!!!

In His Timing,

Jessica Smith

I am posting about this contest, in order to be entered...

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fireproof: Changing Lives & Marriages Bloggy GIVE-AWAY!!
Bloggy Giveaway Carnival Has arrived!!! Woo-hoo! Here's my first giveaway

http://cherishyourstories.blogspot.com/2008/10/fireproof-changing-lives-marriages-give.html

I also get to give a piece of material advice..

Always make the bed before you go to bed!!! Tuck in the ends, and you will both sleep well and not have to fight over the covers!!

Also, your spouse is not God, God is 100 percent perfect, trust God first and love your spouse, and all the short comings will not stand out.

Thanks,

~Jessica

Quote of the Week

"Behind me is infinite power.

Before me is infinite possibility.

Around me is boundless opportunity.

Why should I fear?"

~Stella Stuart

There is no need to fear the future, or worry about tomorrow. Think

about today, what God has given you, and the boundless love, power,

and doors that at your hand's grasp. Can't see it right now? No open

doors? They are there, and they are open waiting for you, small or big,

God has big plans for you, and sometimes doors are wrapped up in

human flesh. A person, a chance, a meeting, a dream, a birth can

happen after one, "Hi, How are you today?" You never know!!

Step into God's arms, and let Him show you and guide you to the place of

the Unkown. More on the Place of Unknown later.....

~Jessica

The Mountain Breaker

The last couple of days I have been battling a severe migraine. I could not eat, walk well, see, and hear. All these things made me dizzy and made my head, neck, and throat ache and throb.

It came upon me like a wave of water without any notice. Yesterday I went home sick with a throbbing neck and head. No matter how many pills I took to take away the pain, it still was there. Last night, as I tossed and turned, cried and worried, the Lord spoke to my heart, "Jessica, come spend some time with me." So I got up, tip-toed down stairs, trying not to wake my cute husband. I found a blanket, a bible, and a notebook. I started reading out of 1 Kings 19. Thoughts started coming to my heart and head, and as I wrote them down, I just felt God's Presence in the living room at 1 am in the morning. Why do I not make more of an effort to do this every day? As I continued to read out of the Psalms, the Lord spoke again and asked me to write down every worry and fret on a piece of paper. I wrote a long list. He then said to make another list of what I need in replace of that list. So for worry, I wrote peace, for stress, His Presence, etc. I then rebuked the old list, and spoke the newness of God over my life, family, etc.

After this encounter with God, my headache went away, my stress left, and His Presence is with me this very moment as I type theses words onto the screen. I have been so wrapped up in the worries and cares of my finances, husband, lack of money, lack of everything, that I was literally sick of it all.

God spoke and said for me to steward and care for what I have and that He would do the rest. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you and me. This is a daily thing!! So that is my focus right now..to care for what I have and better the weak areas with His strength and not my own.

I Kings 19:
9.
There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10.
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
11.
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
13.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
14.
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
15.
The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.
16.
Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.
17.
Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.
18.
Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

This is what the Holy Spirit spoke to me:

"You may feel that everyone around you is after you, trying to kill your seed, your family and all that you stand for. You may have heartache, the destroyer trying to take all that you are away form you. You may have walls of limitation around you, mountains of impossibility above you, and an army ready to kill all that you stand for.

But I am..

The Mountain Breaker

Fire Maker

Earth Shaker God!

I am not in the middle of the mountain, I am not in the wind, I am not the destroyer of your faith. I am with you as you walk through it. I am with you and I am tearing down the mountains of impossibility, I will tear down the walls of limitation, I will burn all that surrounds you, so you will hear my voice with clarity, know that you are not alone. You feel that you are alone, but I have others who are standing with you and you will find and bind with them in relationship.

I am the Mountain Breaker, Fire Maker, Earth Shaker, God!!!

I build up, I tear down, for you to see my Hand in Your life. I speak in the stillness and the openness of your heart. Watch and see the great things I will do!!! I will break mountains for you. I will part waters for you, I will stop the storm for you. Call on me and I will and do answer!"

I am trying not to cry and dance here at the same time. God is faithful and He is worthy to be praised! Never will a rock cry out in my place, for He is worthy of all my praise!!

Vote!!

Greetings!

Here in the United States, the time of elections draweth nigh. Yesterday at church, our Bishop told us, "I stand here behind this pulpit not telling you who to vote for, but to say, before you go to the election booth, go to your prayer closet, and ask the Lord who to vote for, and for wisdom that the next person in office will stand for righteousness and truth. That the next person in office will not spend 700 billion dollars to "fix" a debt with debt, but ask Americans to fast and pray for Godly wisdom."

I will not say who I am voting for, but I do encourage you that whoever you are, where ever you are, you have the right to vote and take a stand for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! So go out and vote!

In His Love,

~Jessica

Dying From the Neck Up

"Most men die from the neck up by the age of 25 because they stop dreaming."

~Ben Franklin

In our childhood years we say,

"I want to be a doctor today."

At thirteen it has all been said,

"I will be a Marine Biologist instead."

Eighteen brings along our college years.

Find a school, declare a major or else.

Changing from one to another;

Landing in one that we will never;

Use ever in our life

All the college loans are a strife.

Moving in back with mom.

21 years old and going strong.

Video games played all night.

Looking for jobs in the light.

Single, alone and fuming.

Is this life worth living?

25 at last, nothing earned

Nothing shown

Just nothing at last.

At last.

Last.

I do not believe that God desires us to be a push over, pull-over, door-mated, boring Servant of God. There is greatness on the inside of you and we let the issues of life take over our gifts and talents, changing our mind from the very thing that makes our heart beat with passion.

No matter what age you are, God has known you since the days of old, and knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalms 139). Men and women of God, I don't care if you are 9 or 90, open your heart, let God revive His dream for your life. It is only too late when you give up and sit on it. Get up! Get Going! Get Out of the Land of Lameness and mediocrity and do something different. Salt is does food no good just sitting on the dusty shelf in the cupboard. Salt, dust yourself off and flavor your world!!

In His Hands,

~Jessica Smith

When Words are Incomplete

Good Morning,

Last night we had cell group at our friend's house. There are 12 of us who gather every Sunday night for a time of reflection, support, prayer and encouragement. Sitting in a circle of chairs, drinking fo-fo coffee (coffee with all whip cream, cinnamon, etc.), eating health brownies, and sharing our fears was the main highlights of the evening. However, one thing did leave several of us speechless.

We were given a piece of paper, pencil and a few minutes to write down our fears. Leaving no name, we put paper back on the table, mixed them up and took someone else's paper. Taking turns, we read the fear out-loud then gave encouragement and a Biblical perspective to that fear. It was very heart-warming and uplifting.

Opening my paper, and reading, it said, " I have a fear of cross dressing."

*Sound of restless legs, open gasps, and a few snickers*

No one said anything. They really did not know how to address this issue.

Most of all the other fears were addressed.

Some people made a few *harmless* jokes about the subject.

In the end, we prayed and went on our way.

While it is true that the fears that were shared were of the flesh, financial, and relational aspect, and we are to look through the eyes of Father in connection to everything in our life, whoever had that fear most likely left feeling helpless and hopeless.

I am no longer at a loss for words.

Just so you know, I AM NOT a licensed psychologist or counselor, this is my OPINION.

So here is my encouragement for this person, even though this person will never even read this:

-Fear is the base issue in all of what was written down.

-Fear is not of God, but the enemy uses it to keep us from our full potential.

-Cross dressing or the desire to, comes from a desire for feminine/masculine aspects, characteristics, lack of feminine/masculine attention or acceptance, or the desire to be recognized for one's sensitive or tough side emotionally.

You might have the desire to already cross-dress and may have even tried at times, yet feel that this could become a habit for you, and that you might end up being rejected in the church or in your family.

Know that who you are is not based on clothes, the desire to be someone you were not created to be, or the pressure of a bad relationship, example or today's society. Who God created you to be is what is most important. You are looking for your identity, and that can only be found in Him. In a personal relationship with God the Father, through His Son, Jesus.

The desire to cross dress does not make you a sinner, but shows that you are searching. Even if you know God and have relationship with Him, you are still looking to see who you really are in Him and what your purpose is in life.

Do not walk around in shame, may God be your confidence and the lifter of your head. Find a trusted pastor of whom with you can share and talk to and pray with. This is NOT something to walk alone in.

Let God show you who He has created you to be, not a fear or a desire.

Just My Thoughts,

~Jessica Smith

Thirsty Thursday

So, I was dreaming last night that I kept drinking water over and over. I would get a 20 oz bottle, open it up, drink it down and throw it away. I did this about 8 times. And I was still thirsty. I woke this morning thirsty too. I drank a 20 oz of water, then got a Large Vanilla Iced Coffee from McDonald's. I love those things, yum,,. they are good and 3 dollars cheaper than Starbucks. No wonder they are still the leading fast food and beverage company in the U.S.A.

Needless to say, I am still thirsty sitting here typing these words. I do believe that there are times in our life that our soul is thirsty for the Word of God and it manifests into the natural. Call me crazy, but I know this is a way for me to know that there are some things that God wants to tell me, and that I am thirsty for. Remember in John 4, the women at the well who drew water for Jesus, and He told her:

10. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11. "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
12. Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
14. but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

25. The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26. Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

(NIV)

We are in a season where we will harvest what we sow instantly. Now is the time, but we must water ourselves with His Word. What is God drawing you to? What is He saying to You? Are you listening??

Yes, I am still thirsty, but I am also going to be drawing from the deep well of Christ. Let God be your source, and nothing else, to fill you with His words of life.

Thirsting for Him,

~Jessica

Pictures of my nephews.....

Now isn't he just the cutest thing?????

It's Time!

Truth be known

Known in truth

Hearts are heavy

Heavy in life



Blessings Come

Coming down

From the Anointing

Off of the Crown



Piercing the heaviness

Splitting the fear

Calming the heart

Drying the Tears



Time is Now

Now is the time

To reap the harvest

as it is planted.



It is time to harvest what you are sowing

Grab a bag, and let's get going.



It is time to reap!!!!

Time to Heal!

Time to Walk

Time for All

Falling For Jesus

The Rocky Mountain wind of Colorado brushed through my hair as my brother Charles and I walked the trail that leads to the back side of the church. Autumn had come on time the year of 1997. Dad’s car broke down the week before, and once again, we were forced to walk the two miles to church on our own for youth group. At 15 years of age, one would have thought I was mad at God for the loss of transportation, but I did not mind considering the yellows, oranges, and browns the leaves reflected as the sun shone during its setting.

“Charles, come here.” I called after my older brother as we skirted our shoes in the dirt.

“What do you want?” he replied.

“I was just thinking, this whole year I have not seen any ducks along this river. Even when I was in England on my mission’s trip, all we saw were swans.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” he asked.

“Everything, I love the outdoors, and this whole time I have been outside, I have not seen one animal that even resembles it.” I replied.

“Who cares?” Charles said as he shrugged his shoulders while turning his head.

“I do, and all I have asked God for this whole year is to see a duck. Does He not even care about that one simple thing?” I shouted out loud hoping the whole world heard.

Washing in the midst of rocks, sticks, and brush was a small stream that followed the trail for dozens of miles; also known as the “High Line Canal”, its beauty and nature reach even into the deepest of neighborhoods.

As Charles ran ahead to the small bridge, I decided to slow down and watch a Monarch butterfly flutter around for a few minutes. Running to catch up, I heard a small and quiet sound. “Quack”.

I called ahead, “What was that Charles?”

“What?” he replied.

“Nothing”, I said as I crossed over the bridge.

“Quack, Quack”.

“There it is again, Charles, are you making fun of me?” I asked turning around.

“No, look over there”, he said pointing to a small animal sitting under a tree by itself.

“What is that?” I spoke to myself leaning over the wooden rail. Squinting my eyes, I saw a male wood duck, squatting alone, under the shade of a pine tree quacking as if to say, “See, look what God can do.”

That moment is forever frozen in my heart and mind. Not just for the fact that God is faithful in the big, but that He is faithful in the small things as well. God showed me His simple, joyous love in a simple way. The smallest things in my life are the biggest to Him. Since I am His daughter, His desire is for me is to be filled with love, joy and peace.

The year I had turned 15 was one of my hardest years of life. My family was in dire financial need, and I was trying to think of everything I could to make extra money. Feeling that I was alone, I looked for something I always knew that could be found, a duck. Feeding birds in the park was a huge stress reliever for me. Not seeing any that year, put doubt in my heart that God was even thinking of me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 from the New King James Version states:

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will keep your paths straight.”

The autumn of 1997, I fell into His arms of love and trust, and never again fell out or got off of His path. He truly is a God of love.

Thanks!!

Jessica Smith

I Love My Husband

So I was tagged by my good friend Melissa at to do this meme.
Here are the rules: grab the graphic and insert with these rules, in your post. Give at least 5 reasons why you love your hubby. List more if you want. Tag 5 people (or more) to play along and link to their blogs in your post.Then visit those women’s blogs and leave them a comment on any of their posts. Now that I have shared the rules, it’s my time to share my reasons:
1. He is a man of God and the Word!
2. He sees me as his equal and treats me as such.
3. He is my best friend.
4. He is super smart, and lets me know I am too.
5. He is a fantastic husband.
6. He is a real hottie.
7. He prays with me every morning.
8. He thinks about me in the little things he does.

9. He cracks me up all the time...we love to laugh.

I could list more but I was told to at least list 5 and then tag 5 friends...which will be hard since I do not have 5 friends who have not already done this or actually blog...so I tag
Danielle and Crystal with my meme!

Bye!

Jessica Smith

The Importance of Connecting

Last night, my husband and I spoke for a Church Planting group of students from the college where I work. I am going to post here, some of my thoughts on connecting. It was very general, and quick, but you have to have an outlet some where right?

So here ya go!

The act of connecting, or the state of being connected; junction; That which connects or joins together; bond; tie.nion; alliance; relationship.


Being a lone island is not what we have been created for. Creatures had each other, Adam had Eve, there is God the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit. We were created for relationship, to be in relationship with God, and with each other.

With this in mind, we cannot enter any type of ministry to be by ourselves. The mind set that says, “I am all, can do all, and will accomplish all by myself” is misleading and a total lie. While it is true is that we must make up our own mind to take action upon something, it is also true that we cannot do it by ourselves. There is a fine balance between being alone, and totally dependent. We must be inter-dependent.

Church Planting Resources state that:

“Successful church planters must often spend most of their time (some advocate 70%) doing intentional networking before the first public worship and up to 50% of their time doing intentional networking following the first worship service.”

Take to heart the following two passages from Proverbs:

“For by wise guidance you can wage your war and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (24:6)

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (18:1)

Being in isolation for a time can be a good time to reflect and improve your own decisions, but it can lead to a time of self-hurt, pain, and selfishness. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness and came out strong, and thrust into His destiny, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and never came out.

You need to surround yourself with wise counselors. You need to seek out “fathers” and “brothers”. A father is an older counselor that has been trough the fire and can pastor you with his wisdom. A brother is a person close to you in age and maturity who can relate to your struggle in the “now sense” and can challenge/encourage you in the battle. You should seek counselors from within your network/denomination.

We can also define them as “walkers and talkers”

A “talker” is someone who talks you through your walk. They give you advice, wisdom, prayer and encouragement. This person pours their heart into you over the phone or over lunch and cheers you through your walk.

A “walker” is someone who will walk beside you in your journey. They share your hurt, pain, fears, and destiny. They experience the journey with you.

An example of a talker would be the Apostle Paul talking to his spiritual son, Timothy (2nd Timothy 1:4):

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. To Timothy, a beloved son. I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing, I remember you in my prayers day and night, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy.”

An example of a walker is Elijah and his spiritual son Elisha (2nd Kings 2: 6,9):

“Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan”. But he said, “As the Lord lives, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”

It is true that you can learn anything from anyone, but it is very wise to seek out people who share the same heart and outlook for ministry that you do.

It is not enough to talk about what you are going to do with your life, and what area you might want to plant a church in, you must position yourself for your destiny, by connecting to the network and people that will propel you to greatness.

One of the most powerful words to pray are: God take the people out of my life who don’t belong there, and bring the people into my life, of whom you want there.”

Characteristics to look for in relationships:
1. Someone who will cover your hurt. (Noah was disgraced, and his sons covered him)
2. Someone who will walk with you not just in success, but in trails.
3.Someone who is committed to serving you, and vice-versa. (It is a kingdom thing)

What are the benefits to being connected?

-You are resourced with tools that you never knew existed.
-Knowing someone who knows others opens doors.
-Support emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
-Wisdom about fiances, mistakes, and what not to do.

One final thought, remember to forgive people quickly, and love them unconditionally. People are not perfect, even more so those in the church. You will be hurt, but bitterness is not something you are, but something you walk through.

Maxwell Monday

Greetings to All,

I have decided to dedicate every Monday to John Maxwell, at least for a few months. I am taking some quotes from his book, "Leadership Principle for Graduates".

His quote for today is:

"You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine."

This man is a man of great dedication, focus, and transparency. He states this not only out of personal study, but from great experience.

The Children of Israel went around the desert for over 40 years. Their daily routine was to wake up, see the pillar of cloud by day, gather bread, walk around, complain, gather pheasant, eat, complain some more, and see the pillar of fire by night. All the while walking around the same area, wearing the same clothes, and eating the same food, and yes, complaining about the same things!

Whatever you sow, you will harvest. The Children of Israel were planting the same things over and over. You speak bitterness, you reap bitter people and situations. You walk in shame, complaining, and angry, you reap children, and an atmosphere that produces growth in that area.

Stop and look to see where you are walking. What looks the same to you?? What are you speaking in this season of your life? God has been walking with you this whole time protecting you, but you are looking at what hurts the most, and not His glory in your life.

Change comes in action, of which only you can take. No one can decide for you to stop complaining or acting a certain way. Only you can.

Thanks for stopping by.

~Jessica Smith