Because It Was Cold Outside...

Just because it's cold outside!
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Today at 10.17am CST.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?Grandpa Jessie and Grandma Jean..thus, Jessica Jean Johnson (now Smith).

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Last Night.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes but I have to say I like typing a lot better.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey

5. What are thinking right now?
What we are going to eat for my supervisor's birthday lunch.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Sometimes

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
NOPE!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Oatmeal

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope-I own shoes you don't have to tie! Hehehehe

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Strawberry Cream Cheese!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink when I feel girly, Red when I feel empowered! 8)

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My desire to know everything that will go on in the future..maybe its a control issue!?

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Depends where I am at the time. Right now, my blogging friends!!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure if they want to.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Light brown pants, black heels

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My boss drinking a diet-coke and eating chips!

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue
22. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING?
Rub my eyes.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
my husband after a shower

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Husband

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?I think she’s an amazing person and I am blessed to call her my friend!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College Football and Basketball

27. HAIR COLOR?
Red with blond highlights.

28. EYE COLOR?
blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope

30. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
Right now....salads.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Mall Cop-Way too funny man!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White Dress Shirt with black vest.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer - I need a beach.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?Both

36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm

37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The mouse.

38. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE QUOTES?
A year from now you may wish you have started today.

39. WHY DO YOU WORK WHERE YOU WORK?
God brought this job into my life.

40. FAVORITE GUY NAME:
Umm..Caleb.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Re-run of The Office.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
The waves of the ocean water crashing against the rocky banks and sand dunes.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
London, England

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I love to write!

46 WHERE WERE U BORN?
Aurora, Colorado

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
everyone

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
At Southwestern Christian University's Graduate School.

I have a secret!

Pssst, over here, I have something to tell you! Shhhh..don't tell anyone but......

Everyone loves to be in on a secret. One of the worst things is feeling left out when it comes to being "in the know"-as if everyone is aware of something vitally important except for you. But worse than that is the feeling there are more important things everyone should know but few do. The Bible calls these types of secrets mysteries. For most people, life is exactly that, a mystery. But Jesus came to help us solve our mysteries. He came to five us knowledge of the truth. The key to victory in Christ and in this life is the knowledge and wisdom that unlocks the mysteries of life. That is why God wants you to pursue wisdom and understanding above all else. Seek to know and understand how and why God has created you. This is the one secret you can be in on. There is overcoming power in knowing it is God's desire for you to succeed and prosper, as well as knowing how He has designed you to create success and abundance in every sphere you influence. This includes Spirit-inspired thoughts, declarations, and conversations, divinely appointed relationships, business opportunities and challenges-and above all else, supernatural gifts and abilities as you acknowledge every good thing that is in Christ. So, the secret is out. It is your time to consciously paint the canvas of your life with whatever you aspire to achieve. Fill your mind with majestic thoughts. Generate excitement and expectation with every word that proceeds from your mouth. I urge you to create a masterpiece out of your life. Dare to imagine!

Blessings!

Jessica Smith

On Another Note....

So, this past week our church has been doing a "Daniel Fast", which consists of eating no meats or sweets, but fruit, grains, and veggies. The point of this is to draw closer to the Lord and put down before His feet what doesn't matter in our life. These past few weeks, I have seen how much my junk has been important to me. One of them is my desire to have children. Now, I have not spoken on this before, since really I haven't felt the need to, until now. Being married for almost five years, yet with no kids has brought me joy and sadness. For the longest time I placed a great importance on having our own kids, that I felt out of the loop around other couples. Why? Really it is a matter of self-confidence and the desire to be accepted. The Book of Isaiah in chapter 59 speaks how the barren woman will have kids, and they will be her inheritance. I read this last night in my time with God, and that nagging emptiness filled me. I rebuked it, and came to work this morning feeling His peace. After checking face book, a dear friend of mine from college left a note saying how his son always enjoyed the time he had with me as I watched him. That was when he was a 4 year old, he is now 12 and still remembered the fun times we had. I baby sat him while his father went to night school.

This brought tears to my eyes, how easy it is to forget that I made an impact on that boy, and years later saw the fruit! I hadn't even seen him a few years. I have worked with kids, teens, and young adults the past 15 years of my life and feel this is a part of my life's purpose. I may not have any children of my own right now, but there are plenty of children out there who need a hug, a gift, some time to be a child, and that my friend, is far much better than wallowing in self-pity!

So at church on Sunday, as my friends carry in their babies, nurse them, and change diapers, I can and will sit back thanking God that He has brought more kids into this world that I can make an impact on! *smiles*

Talk at ya later,

Jessica Smith

My Story of the Week-Private Andy

Private Andy Smith of the 5th Battalion of the U.S. Marines had finally landed at the Oklahoma City International Airport. Grabbing his carry-on from the overhead bin, his thoughts were on the reaction of his parents. An honorable discharge was great, but he wasn’t used to the nub on his left wrist. Still sore from the surgery, he shook the thoughts from his head. No, it wasn’t worth dwelling on. Walking through the bustling airport, travelers from across the world, rushed to connect to their next flights. Intercom messages gave the next planes out, stand-by passengers, and delays. Shops of coffees, food, and magazines beckoned a purchase for a few dollars. Following the signs, Andy found his way to the escalator taking him down to passenger pick-up and baggage claim.

“How am I supposed to grab my other suitcase?” Andy asked himself. Shaking his head he watched as the metal conveyor belt threw up cases as if it was hiccuping. “They need to be more careful with that stuff, who knows what may be inside those bags.” Impatient kids ran back and forth between their parent’s legs and others waited in expectation for loved ones picking them up.

“Andy, its you!” Came the cry of his frantic mom. Running up to her son, Martha couldn’t help but weep into his shoulder. He had been away for over two years, and it was about time for a family reunion. “Andy, I’ve missed you so much. I’m sorry we couldn’t make it to the hospital for your surgery. Dad didn’t get enough money in until it was too late.”

“No prob, mom, its all good.” He was tired of explaining what happened, he had no desire to retell his story, especially in the middle of on-looking curious eyes. Turning around, he saw that his dad had already gotten the other bag for him. No need to ask for help. As they were walking toward the exit, a large man with big arms, a bald head, and ear-rings ran after a baggage clerk.

“Come back here punk, you’re gonna get it!” Slipping back in forth in-between the pillars, the clerk ducked one last time before being hit in the head by a giant fist. Trevor Smith was a Viet-Nam Vet and was mighty proud of his son, but nothing prepared him for what he saw unfold before him.
“This is a hold-up, anyone who tries to stop me, will be blown to pieces.” Pulling back a black coat, big baldy revealed a box, duck taped to his body. Snickering, he picked up the blonde, young woman off the floor. “So, missy, let’s see how many people we can blow away before someone tries to be Mr. Hero?”

Crying, the clerk couldn’t stop swallowing her tears. “I…I, don’t wanna die.”

“Who said you were going to die first?”

“Let me go, you sicko.”

“All of you Americans are the same, selfish, pig-headed and ignore the poverty of other nations. It’s time to see who will ignore you!”

In hushed tones, Andy shared his plan with his parents. “Andy, there is no way I’m going stand here and let you do this to yourself.” his dad spoke in pain. “Dad, I love you, but what else is there? This has to be done.”

Without another word, Andy slid himself behind the circulating travel bags. Crouching, he slowly scooted himself behind the gun-man and jumped. Struggle broke out as the clerk jerked free, and Andy pounded into the neck he was holding. “Everyone, run for it! Evacuate the building now!!”

Andy’s mom pulled the fire alarm on the wall behind her and ran. Dozens of people scattered like rain pouring onto working ants. Once outside, Trevor Smith noticed that Andy hadn’t come out yet. Yelling his name over and over, no reply came. A sudden shake occurred and walls started to fall, plaster of pairs hitting people in the head, causing panic to arise once again.
“Andy, Andy!” Tears poured from both parent’s eyes as they watched in horror as the building fell on top of their beloved son.
several days later, as jets flew overhead, and bag-pipes sounded in the background, Andy Smith’s father finished his part:

“The home of the free and the home of the brave, my son, loved the U.S. and gave his life for those 125 people who escaped the wrath of that militant. Thank you Lord for giving us life.”
(Side Note: This IS NOT A REAL STORY-all images were used by permission.)

Pictures from My Trip To North Carolina-Part One

The following pictures are of Greg and I's trip to North Carolina. This is part one, from my first cameras. Join me for this short journey!

We start by meeting up with John and Ginger Wheeler from Falcon's Children's Home in Falcon, NC. We are been friends with them for many years, and they moved to take over the home a couple of years ago. We ate at Ruby Tuesdays of which has THE BEST Mango Tea in the whole world! Too bad Oklahoma doesn't have any. It was sooo good to see them! We miss they dearly.

We then drove a few days later to Whiteville, NC to visit with Pastor Lyndon Purifoy and his wife Penny. They were the Pastors of whom I worked for over 5 years ago, as their Youth Pastor. They have become as mentors, parents, and covenant friends to us and to be with them for the day was one the main highlights of our trip.

Should I share how hot my husband looks in this picture?? He is great, so is Pastor Purifoy!

Penny Purifoy is great! She is a very practical no-nonsense woman who enjoys great movies and funny stories. We had hit it off since the first time we met! I love you girl!

From there we drove to Shallot, NC with the Purifoys to eat dinner at a Seafood place, and watch a movie.

The food was good, but this picture was taken by our waitress, it does not show my best side!

Penny listening to Greg tell a story...can't share it with ya, sorry!

Pastor P laughing at the plate of spaghetti I ordered. I cannot eat shellfish or such items from the ocean, however, this plate of food you see below was bigger than three of the other plates combined. Penny took it home to feed her sons! Goodness! I ate like 1/16th of it.

Yummy! It was very good! I have to admit!

From there we drove home, and the next day drove to see our friends Billy and Allison Autry. They attended the church we were pastoring a few years ago, and we haven't seen them in a while. I miss our late runs to McDonald's as we visited hospitals together!

We then drove to Wilmington, NC. In case you didn't know that is where they filmed Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill.

This is the bridge into Wilmington, NC. We were crossing the Inner Coastal Waterway. Beautiful!

We are almost there! Wait, that's not their house...but I wish it was mine!

We made it! This is Cheri, Greg's Sister.

This is Walt, Cheri's husband:

And in these two pictures, is my new nephew Caleb. He turned 1 while were there. I finally got to meet the little cutie!! Cheri has another on the way! A niece to spoil, yes!

We really enjoyed our time with them. It was VERY HARD to leave and come back to Oklahoma after all that, but we have adapted okay.

I know this picture is from a few months ago, but hey, it was a good one. This is Jessica Smith signing off until later. Stick around and check for Part to of the NC trip!

Be Blessed!!!!

Back and Beautiful!!

Greetings!!

I am back from my travels for the Holidays. I might even have gained 5 pounds...but shhh! Please do not tell anyone, for it is my desire to lose weight this year! Hmmm...sounds like a great idea, but ideas are nothing unless followed, planned, and committed to!

I will be posting pictures of my travels by the end of this week along with a commentary of what we did and were we went to visit.

All in all, I had a great time, but I am very thankful to be back in my own bed! More on that later!!

Be Blessed!

Jessica Smith