Reading is good for you.

Book Recommendation: The Cross & The Crescent by Phil Parshall

:)

There's a HUGE butterfly above our front door...

I'm glad life keeps moving along. It's not always what I think I want, but it always ends up being good. A lot changes with perspective and a good attitude. I'm hopeful for the semester. It's the beginning of the end for school. I'm excited for the end. But the process will be challenging and stretching.

I hate leaving my family and my church in Texas. I think I'm addicted to them. Despite our flaws, drama, and even mundane-ness at times, I love living life with these people. I will miss them all. I'm convinced that "real life" outside of college should revolve around our families. God put us in them for a reason...immediate ministry from the day we're born.

Pray for me as I return to Moody tonight. I'm looking at a heavy course load and a lot of hours, but the preparation and study of God's word is so valuable. These are my classes...

Classic and Contemporary Ethics
World Religious Systems
Strategic Planning and Research
Systematic Theology I
Early Childrens' Music Ministry
Tropical Diseases
Directed Study--Muslim studies

My PCM (Practical Christian Ministry) is at the SouthAsian Friendship Center. Not sure what I'll be doing yet, but I get to interact weekly with Muslim and Hindu people. I'm hopeful for some "hands on" ministry training for when I'm doing my internship in the Philippines this summer. (more to come on that)

That's all for now, folks. Time to be with the parents in the last couple hours I've got at home.

Blessings!

Jesse: "a gift; wealthy"

Humor

You are quick on your feet, constantly thinking of the random movie quote or funny line. Your humor makes others feel comfortable and welcome around you.

Work Ethic

You do not complain because you have to work. You do your tasks with diligence and efficiency. You expect excellence, first from yourself, and then from those you lead.

Good looks

Your features are dark and defined. Every attribute speaks to God’s marvelous work. You are a FIIIIINE creation. :)

Athletic

You are talented and knowledgeable in nearly every sport…baseball, basketball, football, hockey, bad-mitten, ping-pong, fuse-ball, and more. Though your ability speaks highly of you, your good sportsmanship does more. On and off the court or field, you are self-controlled and encouraging to your teammates. Disappointments affect you, but do not over-rule you.

Leadership

You lead by example. You do not demand of others or parade your authority, but you lead by demonstrating excellence in what you do and how you live. You earn the respect of those that follow you.

Faith

You seek to know the LORD and His truth in every arena of life. You study hard to know what Scripture says and to apply it in your life. You surround yourself with people and situations that will strengthen and deepen your understanding of Christ and you are quick to obey what is true.

Honesty/vulnerability

You are single-faced—you live the same way in all facets of your life. You do not hide your true nature to make an impression, but you are honest and open. You are transparent and vulnerable when needed so that others may learn from your testimony and know you more personally.

Temperament

You are slow to anger. In the heat of the moment, you are self-controlled and even keel, doing your best to calm the situation and seek peace.

Wisdom

You are cautious and thoughtful in your approach to life. Your big decisions, you give time and thought to, making sure that you avoid rashness.

Demeanor
You are respectable and approachable. Others feel comfortable and secure when confiding in you.

Hands

They are rough and strong because they have seen much hard work. They are quick to serve and ready to extend to someone in need.

Consistency

You make it a point to engage beneficial habits for your life…the greatest of these being spending daily time before the LORD and in His word.

Reputation

Your name is respected by others as a trustworthy and upright man.

Conscience/Integrity/Character

You live righteously, acting quickly if you see a hint of sin.

Service

If you see need, you meet it. While helping with the physical lack, you speak to the spiritual as well, encouraging and uplifting others. You serve without being asked or without being thanked.

Courtesy/Thoughtfulness

You continually think of fun creative things to make others feel special.

Tastefulness

In how you dress and in what interests you (except your music taste in Celine Dion) ;)

Generous

Though you don’t throw away money, you are quick to give of your resources to someone in need. You bless others with what you have been given.

Contentment

You work for what you need and plan ahead, but you are never greedy for your own gain.

Strength

You keep yourself fit both physically and spiritually.

Forgiveness

You are quick to seek peace and reconciliation in your relationships. You do not let conflict sit and grow, but deal with it quickly. You forgive when you have been wronged and are quick to admit to your own guilt.

Kindness

You think of those that are unloved. You remember the homeless, giving your time and energy to demonstrate Christ’s likeness to them.

Slow to Speak

You are careful in your choice of words. You do not speak rashly, but as much as possible you give yourself time to consider your address to things.

Happy 23rd Birthday, Jesse!

How to formulate a blog topic.

I go through moments of inspiration. Maybe that's what I should title this blog instead. :) I think it necessary to write about topics that are semi-worthwhile. BUT...when the great discussions of all time do not pop into my head, what other ideas shall I consider? I could...

* Tell you what I had for breakfast.
* Write out my grocery list.
* Elaborate on my very unpractical new year's resolutions.
* Gawk at my nieces and nephews (more than I already do).
* Tell you about my bad habits, like not writing my thank-you notes within a week of Christmas.
* Quote famous people.
* Give you a list of favorites.
* Or write out a fantastic story.

See, I prefer the random and spontaneous over the expected.

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On another note, I think I have finally decided on a trade, of sorts. I have often toyed with the idea of pursuing nursing, never being extremely all for it, but it has begun to grow on me as of late. My friend, CJ, will claim I'm copying her, which is fine. My mother always said, "Copying is the highest form of flattery." Somehow I stilled never liked being copied...oh well. So yes, the plan as of now is to finish at Moody December 09, take some training the semester prior, then hopefully apply for nursing school through a hospital program. In certain cases, a hospital will pay for your training and you are then committed to work for them for a number of years after you finish, much like the military. We shall see :)

The excellent part about Nursing is it's a guaranteed job anywhere in the world. My interests in international work can be much easily to facilitate with certification in a field like that. So...please pray for direction while I look into schools and programs and don't hesitate to suggest anything you think of.

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Lastly, a music recommendation for anyone that needs to update their cds or itunes....look for the Friday Night Lights soundtrack. It's mostly wordless and very relaxing. BEAUTIFUL music. (Compliments to my brother and sister-in-law who bought that for my Christmas gift).

Happy January 3rd!