About the New Job... (11/11/09)

Getting dressed and headed to work still feels a bit weird after being out of work for a couple of months. I will be working a 12-9, Monday through Friday shift, with no Saturdays or events. A huge bonus for this job position! As I previously stated, I am making outbound calls to students that have shown interest in the school to encourage them to visit the school and to also apply.

We trained all of last week and started listening to calls this week. We actually started calling people Monday night. It was a bit nerve racking, but I made it through and achieved getting 2 applications taken. Last night, my supervisor was picking on me because I was so flushed. Many of you know that when I am in a new situation, my blood pressure sky rockets and I start turning different colors. Much to my surprise, I was so red that it actually started to appear purple. WOW! I was able to conquer some pretty hard questions and objections that students and parents had. And at the end of the night, I had accomplished achieving another 2 applications.

Today is the last day of training and tonight I will move into making calls by myself without anyone beside me if I need help, but no worries- I have people in other cubicles around me that can help me out.

I have a rather large desk area and all of the work I will be doing will be on the computer. It will be a nice change from previous jobs. While I had good sized desks, I was handling a ton of paperwork and often did not have enough space.

I have had to get used to the hours and still trying to get used to them as I write this. I’m not used to getting up and not having to get ready immediately to go to work. I have been able to keep up the chores around the house for the most part so Luke can continue to study and have enough time to get everything done possible. (But when I don’t have time, he is quick to jump in and get them done for me! I’m so LUCKY!!) We both have had to get used to Mon, Wed and Fri where we don’t see each other until late. He leaves for school at 7:25 and gets back after 12 and I leave at 11:30. So, we do not get to see one another until I get home or he gets home from Moot Court.

I am thankful that we have been married for a couple of years and did not just get married and trying to juggle all of this. I am also thankful that we have not had kids yet so when we are together, we can spend one on one time together. (Just goes to show that God knows better than we do and has perfect timing.)

Also, it is temporary and gives us the ability to grow and become closer by appreciating each other even more with the time that we do have together.

Besides getting used to the hours, I have to keep reminding myself where I work. Every day at the beginning of the shift, we have huddles. During this time we have prayer and share a devotional. I am still in awe every time. It makes me excited that we join together and have this moment. It seems to ground me in my faith and reassure me as to why I am doing the job I am doing.

I am very grateful for having this opportunity and am excited to see where it will lead me to. I love promoting LU and trying to recruit students.

Another verse that has helped me during this time can be found in Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.

It really has made this transition much easier and the job hunt much more pleasant. Glory to God Alone!

God's Fingerprints and Faithfulness... (10/29/09)

We have entered into my favorite time of year- Fall, the time when God’s beauty is revealed so magnificently everywhere I look. Over the weekend Larry and Denise (Luke’s parents) came up to see us. (Denise’s first time of seeing our new place.) We had lunch and then went up to Liberty’s Ski Lodge and then went for a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The red, orange, green, and yellow leaves glistened in the sun with the perfect backdrop of clear blue skies with touches of cottony clouds, created one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever experienced. The dips in the mountains were accentuated and defined by the lines of colors that showed God’s fingerprints. The crevasses looked so smooth and gently carved from the massive mountains.

Recently, I had a Sunday School teacher tell how he explains to his children how Big God is; as big as the mountains were and as tall as some of the peaks were, My God is Bigger! That thought seemed to consume me while riding along the parkway. He carefully carved the rocks and shaped the mountains into this beautiful picture that we can see so many years later.

I have often found myself falling into the pit of self-pity, worry and despair. It seems that my eyes are being opened more and more everyday to realize that I have it great in comparison to the majority of people. I am loved, have a home, have a family, a church, food and clothing.

On October 28, I would have been unemployed for three-months; however, on Tuesday I received the call from Liberty, from the department I was very interested in and offered a job. Praise God!! After nearly 10 interviews, 2 offers and one acceptance, I feel that I am in the right place! Some of the hardest obstacles I had to overcome during this trial was to turn down 2 job offers. I turned to prayer and desiring God’s will for me and His guidance and could not accept the 2 previous offers. I found myself questioning myself and worried about what others may think of me for turning down a job.  I realized the importance of vocation instead of just a pay check.  (This job actually found me- I had not even applied for that specific position!  Talk about a divine appointment!)  I am so appreciative for Luke, my family and friends that encouraged me to pray and answer accordingly.  Thank you all for praying for us during this time!!

I made my concerns and requests known in very specific prayers to God. Matthew 7:7-8 (HCSB) 7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Had I not had the faith and encouragement, I would have probably accepted the first job, which was not the right place for me. The second one I turned down was even more nerve racking as I was a little bit more comfortable with that job, but still felt that the position I received was the place for me. I now am very comfortable with the position I have accepted and very grateful I was able to hold onto my faith.

I have always had a desire to help people, that is why I want to finish my Psychology degree. I am still unsure as to what type of work I will do with that degree, but I know that I will find out soon! The title of the job I have accepted is an Admissions Counselor. I will initially make outbound calls to prospective students to recruit them into the school. I plan to move into a position that helps the student lay out how they want to achieve the degree and goals. I believe this position will help me with determining the exact avenue of my career, possibly teaching…

The education benefit has been changed and unfortunately our schooling will not be completely covered. Both Luke and I can take 1 online class per subterm, which equates to 2 in the fall, 2 in the spring and 1 in the summer, up to 18 credit hours, paid. Other classes will have to be paid by us. We currently are looking into as many scholarships as possible to help cover the expense of school. We both have a strong desire to remain debt free and pray that the doors will continue to be opened for us to do so. We have been fortunate thus far to be blessed in this aspect and pray for the blessing to continue.

Luke’s concentration has been focused on his studies along with Moot Court. Please be in prayer for him as he competes in his competitions. If he does well in Moot Court, with his grades and on his LSAT, we feel that law school will be taken care of, which would be a huge burden off of our shoulders once we get to that level of school.

Luke was a strong tower for me during this season of waiting (Matt 6:25-33). I had many days of feeling scared, depressed, worried and so on. I also experienced many days that I found it hard to pray, so I just cried out that Jesus would intercede for me. I would also surround myself with other followers and ask for them to pray for me.

One day recently I was very upset and discouraged while talking to Denise and Ben on the WebCam, they were able to provide me with such encouraging and comforting words. I have always been blessed when talking to them about obstacles I needed help to overcome. It is as though God uses them as a vessel to speak directly to me. I receive such warmth that seems to wrap all around me and penetrate all the way to my heart from the words they speak. Larry has always been there for me to run to since day one. He has such great insight into so many situations and helps to put things into perspective for me. He has shared some of his struggles with me and how he handles those situations. I enjoy listening to every one’s experiences and receiving insight from them. They are on the outside, they have been through some of the deepest valleys and climbed some of the most treacherous mountains that I have ever known anyone to go through, yet they still remain steadfast in their faith.

During this entire experience, we have seen so many doors opened for us and will never really be able to express how appreciative we are. I have been left in awe of God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness and have felt so unworthy of everything that God has provided for us. It reminds me to stay focused on Him and His promises. While God is faithful to me, I must also be faithful to Him in return.

Joshua 1: 5-9 (HCSB)

5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Falling Leaves, Conditioning Faith and Starting Over... (10/11/09)

Luke and I have arrived safely back in Lynchburg after a trip to Statesville during his Fall Break at LU. It is amazing that school is half over already. It was so nice for both of us to go and visit with many of our friends and family. While we never get to see everyone we want to, we still got to see many.

The almost 5-day journey allowed us to hit some golf balls, play some phone-book charades, carving pumpkins (I carved all these on the same pumpkin),

 to shopping in Hickory with Denise (my mil), to making two fall arrangements, eating Sunday lunch with many of my loved ones and kicking back afterwards to listen to stories from before my time!

(I almost got these to look alike!)

After having lunch and getting to enjoy the time together with everyone, it has made me realize the importance of having friends and family. So many people, including myself, take advantage of all the time we have to spend with one another and fail to cherish it. We can never change the past and how we spent our time; however we all can stand to reflect on our past and give the important things in our lives top priority in the present.

While I was living at home with my parents, I took advantage of the good times and failed to cherish them at that time. When reflecting on my relationship with my parents, I try not to concentrate on our current state, but try and reflect on the positive, good times I spent with them; whether it be getting up before the rooster and going with them to yard sales, cleaning the stuff up that they bought at yard sales or listing items on eBay to help out with income- sometimes I hated and dreaded it, but now I miss it. I miss my dad’s annoying laugh and picking on me during Duke games when they were getting beat by Carolina. I miss walking the dogs and feeding the animals- goats, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits- with my mom. I realize that many our beliefs differ, yet I still respect them. My dad is one of the hardest-workers I have ever met in my life. My mom was always one to go out of her way to speak to or help someone.

I listened to Dr. Ben Gutierrez at Liberty’s convocation on October 7, 2009, on Psalm 46 tonight and was touched so dearly. It helped me learn that I can trust God in ways I had never realized. I suggest watching it when you have a good 45 minutes for a powerful devotion. (Follow the link and click on “You Can Trust Christ”) http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=9002&CFID=10532138&CFTOKEN=55250189

Through this Psalm, I realized that we go through all of these trials in our life to “condition” our faith. My God wants me to call out to Him when I feel I cannot handle anymore so He can step in and shield me. For once, I looked at losing everything and everyone in my life differently. While I may have lost my parents emotionally, I can call on God and while it may not be my parents that come around to comfort and share their love with me- He will send someone into my life to share their love with me and speak words to me that are no doubt from God. Without my church family at Rocky Hill, my friends, Luke and his family, I fear that I would have lacked the faith and strength it took for me to leave my parent’s house and also to Lynchburg with Luke.

My prayer and challenge to you is to reflect on your life and evaluate how you spend your time. ~Is it spent watching meaningless television, surfing the internet, watching things that are disgraceful and demeaning. You can clear the history on your phones and internet to protect yourself from being “discovered” from anyone else, but you can never erase the time wasted on these things or any of the images that are now burned into your memory. Or is it spent working and working to “provide” for a family?

1 Timothy 6:9-16 (HCSB)
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
Compete for the Faith
11 Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have made a good confession before many witnesses.
13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you 14 to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in His own time. [He is] the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords,16 the only One who has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom none of mankind has seen or can see, to whom be honor and eternal might. Amen.

The lyrics to a Casting Crowns’ song, “American Dream” comes to my mind- I have posted those lyrics at the end of this post. No matter how you spend your time, today can be the day that you reset your priorities and start spending time how God wants you to.

Thank you for spending time with Luke and me in the past, present and in the future. Thank you for being a prayer warrior for us.

**Job Update~ I have had several interviews with Liberty and will be hearing back the first of this week about a position that I am very interested in. Please be in prayer that I remain in God’s will and accept the job that He has planned specifically for me.

I pray that I will cherish the time I spend with everyone and always be thankful for the many people God has lead into my life. I pray that these words encourage you and help you grow in your faith as I grow in mine.

“American Dream”
All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy
But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul
But he's moving on full steam
He's chasing the American dream

And he's gonna give his family finer things

“Not this time son I've no time to waste
Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play”
And then he slips into his new BMW
And drives farther and farther and farther away
 Cause he works all day and tries to sleep at night
He says things will get better;

Better in time

[Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands

And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand

But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands
 Well his American Dream is beginning to seem
More and more like a nightmare
With every passing day
"Daddy, can you come to my game?"
"Oh Baby, please don't work late."
Another wasted weekend
And they are slipping away

'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night

He tells them things are getting better
Just take a little more time
 [Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands

And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand

But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands


He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins"
But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end
I'll take a shack on the rock
Over a castle in the sand


Now he works all day and cries alone at night
It's not getting any better
Looks like he's running out of time

[Chorus]

'Cause he worked and he built with his own two hands
And he poured all he had in a castle made with sand

But the wind and the rain are coming crashing in

Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands

His kingdom stands

All they really wanted was you

All they really wanted was you

All they really wanted was you

Trials of My Own Heart (9/18/09)

As I woke up this morning, I thought where am I? For the first time in weeks- I woke up by myself, not because of dump trucks or hammering. After yesterday’s brief moment of insanity due to dump trucks and constant hammering in the condo next to mine- I thought I was on a vacation this morning since I woke up and heard the gentle, encouraging music coming from my radio- nothing else!

Yesterday was a mixed bag of emotions. It started out with insanity and moved into a relaxing time for me making a “Winnie-the-Pooh” flower pot baby.

However, while making this craft, the ringing of my cell phone made my heart skip a beat. As I looked at my phone, I looked back at Luke and said- “Well, here goes…” I was receiving my call back from my interview at Liberty and was being informed that I had come in second place. This information was followed by encouraging words of how well I presented myself and offered to recommend me to another department. 
After getting off the phone, I was mixed with all kinds of emotions. Initially I was numb, then sad, but then I remembered… ‘what had I been praying and asking everyone else to pray for during this time… that’s right- if this is not the right job for me- then close the door Lord.’ After talking to Luke, I came to the conclusion that God has a perfect job for me somewhere else; this was just a door in the process that had to be opened- if nothing more than to just encourage me. While I thought that was the job- we all know that God truly knows all and He answered my prayers. Thank You Abba!!

Initially I was embarrassed to share that I had not received the job and was actually apologetic to Luke for not receiving the job; but of course, he reassured and encouraged me. (I am so blessed to have him for a husband).

Struggling with day to day emotions that act as spiritual warfare can be tiring and wearing on one. Something I have been trying to tame for a couple of weeks now. I feel as though not receiving this job will actually encourage and help in my “war”. Words of encouragement that I have received have helped me climb up the treacherous stairs and I had fallen partially down. After getting a wonderful night’s rest and being able to reflect on how God has been working in my life- I am more on fire to see what He has planned for me in the future and less focused on my present state. It has allowed me to see all the wonderful, Godly people that He has surrounded Luke and me to encourage us, pray for us and support us.

Thank you for listening and allowing me to share with you the trials of my personal heart~ Jessica

Dump Trucks and Encouragement (9/15/09)

We’ve arrived, unpacked and have started settling in and have celebrated our 2 year anniversary. While neither of us feels like we are at home, we are still getting acquainted with our new surroundings. We have not gotten used to pulling into a parking lot with a hundred other cars to walk up 32 stairs to go into our “rooms”. I still feel like we are on vacation- looking out the window and not seeing the ground has a little to do with that.



Currently Luke is in his third week of classes, it is amazing how time flies these days. (Feels like just the other day I was sitting at my desk at Piedmont HealthCare in Statesville.) He truly enjoys his classes and has started thinking about double majoring in Philosophy and Theology. However, he is still kicking the idea of law school around. He is actually going on Saturday to try out for “Moot Court”, which is like mock court.


Well I’m still spending most of my time job hunting. I have had interviews with two locations; one healthcare and one with Liberty University. Still waiting to hear back specifically from Liberty as a Student Advocate. I feel like I have been preying on my phone every time it rings. However, Luke and I continue to pray for the doors to open and God has planned for us. I have been impatient many times, but I always am reminded somehow that God holds me in His palm and is in control. He knows what is best for me even though I think I know.


We have joined the Liberty University Ambassadors Club, which assists with home sporting events. Luke and I were introduced to the Ambassadors through our close friends Bobby and Joan. They have taken us in as one of their own. They know how it feels for their children to be located in a different location and feel it is important to have someone close that can be supportive and share their love. They are our local prayer warriors and seem to constantly be in prayer for someone.


Please continue to be in prayer with us during our journey that we remain faithful and steadfast. We want to insure that we are in the will of God in all we do and that requires much prayer! Thank you for your faithfulness and love that you have shown to Luke and me.


Specific prayer concerns: Luke- health, knowledge, patience. Me- health, patience and a job. Our families and friends back home. Preston and family. Pastor Lee, family and doctors as they continue to search for what is wrong. Tiffany and Micah- job placement. As always remember to pray for each other and Praise and Give Glory to God for each answered and unanswered prayer.

Psalm 34 (Amplified Bible)


[A Psalm] of David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him out, and he went away.


1I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. 4I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused. 6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. 8O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.9O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear. 10The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. 11Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to revere and worshipfully fear the Lord. 12What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? 13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it! 15The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry. 16The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent. 19Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21Evil shall cause the death of the wicked; and they who hate the just and righteous shall be held guilty and shall be condemned.

22The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.

A Journey (9/10/2009)

We’ve arrived, unpacked and have started settling in and have celebrated our 2 year anniversary. While neither of us feels like we are at home, we are still getting acquainted with our new surroundings. We have not gotten used to pulling into a parking lot with a hundred other cars to walk up 32 stairs to go into our “rooms”. I still feel like we are on vacation- looking out the window and not seeing the ground has a little to do with that.



Currently Luke is in his third week of classes, it is amazing how time flies these days. (Feels like just the other day I was sitting at my desk at Piedmont HealthCare in Statesville.) He truly enjoys his classes and has started thinking about double majoring in Philosophy and Theology. However, he is still kicking the idea of law school around. He is actually going on Saturday to try out for “Moot Court”, which is like mock court.


Well I’m still spending most of my time job hunting. I have had interviews with two locations; one healthcare and one with Liberty University. Still waiting to hear back specifically from Liberty as a Student Advocate. I feel like I have been preying on my phone every time it rings. However, Luke and I continue to pray for the doors to open and God has planned for us. I have been impatient many times, but I always am reminded somehow that God holds me in His palm and is in control. He knows what is best for me even though I think I know.


We have joined the Liberty University Ambassadors Club, which assists with home sporting events. Luke and I were introduced to the Ambassadors through our close friends Bobby and Joan. They have taken us in as one of their own. They know how it feels for their children to be located in a different location and feel it is important to have someone close that can be supportive and share their love. They are our local prayer warriors and seem to constantly be in prayer for someone.


Please continue to be in prayer with us during our journey that we remain faithful and steadfast. We want to insure that we are in the will of God in all we do and that requires much prayer! Thank you for your faithfulness and love that you have shown to Luke and me.


Specific prayer concerns: Luke- health, knowledge, patience. Me- health, patience and a job. Our families and friends back home. Preston and family. Pastor Lee, family and doctors as they continue to search for what is wrong. Tiffany and Micah- job placement. As always remember to pray for each other and Praise and Give Glory to God for each answered and unanswered prayer.

Psalm 34 (Amplified Bible)


[A Psalm] of David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him out, and he went away.


1I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. 4I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused. 6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. 8O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.9O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear. 10The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. 11Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to revere and worshipfully fear the Lord. 12What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? 13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it! 15The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry. 16The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent. 19Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21Evil shall cause the death of the wicked; and they who hate the just and righteous shall be held guilty and shall be condemned.

22The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.