When ONE door closes, where does the SECOND open?

Hello! Every Monday, I’ve decided will be a post designed and shared for the following purposes:


1) Outsmart any feelings or vibes of Monday blues. {I am just as sad the weekend is over, y’all.}


2) Encourage & Inspire every single woman who reads/checks out my blog.


Today – well, this morning while en-route to work, my radio station that I’ve listed to since 7th grade was discussing the topic of ‘When 1 door closes, when your other window opened.’


I’d love to know when this happened for you – whether it was professional, personal or both. To be completely transparent, I've had my share of these moments. Some of my windows have completely opened, some opened a smidge to let a glimpse of air flow in, and some have opened only to slam shut in my face. I've never met anyone who ALL windows opened up for them. God uses these kinds of opportunities to be teachable moments. Everyone encounters their own version of them, whether you’re as famous as Carrie Underwood or not, or if its something you've been banking on or not.


One thing that is 1 million percent constant that I will never question is that God is crazy about ALL of us on a level we can’t begin to FATHOM. :)


Regardless of the burn or stinging sensation that follows those moments when the windows feel like they’re crushing me alive is of the many scriptures I cling to – this is the one I will repeat and burn into my brain so that I don’t let Satan win – Jeremiah 29:11-13. I’d love to get this tattooed on me somewhere if not just the reference, someday.


Professionally, when my one door closed was when I had graduated college. I had no leads, no offers, and I kept pushing after job fairs like they were oxygen. I got a big stack of rejection letters for jobs. Shortly before this, I had met my boyfriend – now husband – and after a few months, I decided to relocate half way across the country for him. My parents helped me pay for my first apartment deposit, and God led me to employment to help while I was in grad school full time.


In the personal sense, I had been single for a couple of months after breaking up with the guy who became my best friend and I thought would become the love of my life. After finding out that he had lied and cheated on me after vowing he wanted to marry me, I simply wanted to move on. I had just graduated from college, felt sad and annoyed because after all my hard work and persistence to be 'gainfully employed' - I was still unemployed and bills were pouring in. When I met my now husband online, life not only improved greatly but at a high intensity of speed from 0 to 80 in seconds. I moved to the Midwest to be with him and while it blends heavily into my professional one (see above), my life has greatly improved in the best ways possible because of Chris.


Sometimes these moments happen and they can create either a 'wrecking ball' effect or they can reinforce fresh perspective that you weren't ready to imagine or accept for whatever reason/circumstance. I used to think when I was in my teens/early 20's, that I didn't need unsolicited perspective but when I look back - I endorse it to the highest possible capacity. You should welcome any perspective from people, the ones you hold dearest and closest to your heart. The other advice - not so much - let that roll off your back which I understand is easier said than done.




Thanks for stopping by. It's my birthday week! Feel free to join me on Wednesday where I share my goals for my 29th birthday. Not only is the coming days going to be enjoyable but it's my last year of my twenties so its time to make a bucket list for this year before the next big chapter starts in 2015!


See you Wednesday!

Dear Ladies, WE are good enough!

Happy Saturday! Honestly, I have been thinking about this post for months on end. I've been hearing a lot and reading alot of news where it feels like it keeps circling back to women questioning their worth whether its in a relationship, lack of self confidence, or both. To that I say, I've been in your shoes.

Let's take a beautiful walk down memory lane, shall we?

Long ago, when I was a teen, I was in the same boat as these women. Even on my best days, I didn't feel confident. I knew that being raised in the church and by my awesome family, that I was loved and capable of anything I set my mind too. It's a tad bit different when you don't believe that yourself. I used to memorize scripture passages for the sole purpose of encouragement. To this day, that comes in handy on a bad day. But I could quote those passages with my eyes closed & in my sleep. But did they encourage me deep down and make me feel like I was Miss Confident? Not all the time.

I realize that every lady is different. Everyone has had different circumstances in their lives, they've made the choices that has shaped and transformed them into who they are TODAY. I get it, I do because again, I am in the same boat and can relate. Every choice, thought, smile/frown, what I say has a positive or negative reaction that will have a long term effect on my life whether or not I recognize it.

But we as women need to stop either playing the victim card or trying to hide from being the confident, charming, awesome, talented women we are every second of the day. Regardless if we're not living up to our true potential or we're in the process of doing so, we have to stop letting other people dictate our joy and living our lives.

I know its easier said than done to stick up a few quotes and instantly force people to believe in themselves but at the same time, I love finding quotes to inspire & encourage. This is my mantra in life & it is the sole purpose of the book I've been writing to publish women at any stage of their lives.

So, ladies. Regardless if you're single, dating, been married for twenty years - each one of is incredibly awesome in our own distinctive way. Take time to know yourself and read up on what God thinks of you because regardless of what others see, He created you + looks at your heart, not on the materialistic things everyone else does. Be positive.. and like my dad told me growing up, 'Dream Big :)' You are meant for greatness even if you don't see it.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend. Time to spend time with my favorite at my home away from home.. :) **

                         

                          

              

Oh, hey Friday!!//Birthday week countdown. :)

Why, hello! Today I am linking up with some other awesome ladies like myself to celebrate our week. I particularly had a great week that I am about to dive into and share my top 5 reasons why this week rocked my face off. 

But first. This about sums it up. ;)

1. I chopped off my hair this week and I love it.

Lighter, new and different for FALL. :)

& my husband liked it too!

 

2. Surprised my husband with a Starbucks BOGO yesterday. Made my night better too ;)

                                                        

 

3.  I won a giveaway with my friend's blog last week.

& won this beautiful vintage PEACE necklace. It's now a fun staple to wear. 

Check out my friend's blog at Nerd in the City!

4. My birthday gifts have arrived. 

Six months ago, the complete set of Gilmore Girls series on Amazon. (Coming to Netflix - 10/1!)

& he surprised me with letting me order my new KitchenAid mixer (I thought it was a Christmas gift or later).. which arrived yesterday too :) Will definitely look as beautiful in my kitchen too.

    5. My shows: Parenthood, Scandal & Bones are back on. There are many more I watch - but this motivates me to hit the eliptical/Hulu soon :)                                                       

 I have a busy weekend ahead. Working followed by Disney & Del Taco with my favorite. 

Thanks for stopping by :)

 

Without my FAMILY, I wouldn't be ME.

Hello friends. Happy first day of the best time of year: FALL! Those who know me hear this phrase essentially everyday from September til December. Since I live in Central Florida where FALL weather sadly is non-existent - I live vicariously through my friends instagram/facebook/pictures where they get to enjoy the leaves changing, the cooler weather, etc.
I am originally from up North and I always loved the beginning of fall - sunsets were prettier, leaves changed colors, and well because my birthday is in the fall. ;) So those who get to enjoy FALL for what it really is outside FL - ENJOY IT. :)

I discovered the TimeHop App on accident earlier this year and I am so glad I found it. It reminds me of moments that I have almost forgotten and most, if not all, put a smile on my face and give me goosebumps. Something along these lines.

Today, this picture was waiting for me inside the app. & it definitely gave me a smile/goosebump combo right away.

This picture (taken by my Mom) is in the fall of 2009. This particular year was blessed heavily in my family for a plethora of reasons:
1) March 2009 - My Papa (Dad's Dad) passed away unexpectedly. It was a dark time for me but while I miss him daily - he is in eternity, waiting for everyone and I can't wait to see him again.

2) May 2009 - I graduated college. While we were in the heat of the recession, I didn't land a job or face any prospects. Good thing God is at the helm of my plans and steers me in the direction He wants for me which was coming weeks later by introducing the love of my life.

3) July 2009 - I met my now husband, Chris online and we fell in love. He was moving back west at the end of the summer. When he did and I had to say goodbye, a part of my heart got on that plane.

4) October 2009 - I moved halfway across the country to Kansas to be with the man I loved. This was the first time in my entire life I took such a risk but when you know that you're supposed to be with them -- you just kind of make some decisions and take some risks on the fly. We have a love story that will be one to tell the grandkids.

THIS PHOTO was taken in the summer of 2009, maybe early fall 2009. 

 I had lost weight - a good amount. I felt really good. I was getting ready to start another chapter and this picture reminds me who has my back, who I have in my corner. My family has always been special and very close knit to me. Especially extended family. No matter what chapter I am beginning, am in the middle of or just ended, I can always rest assured knowing my family is in my corner and has helped transform me into who I am today. Each of them have special roles individually but when we're all together - you can't put a price on that. The love we have for each other and love we share as a family is an unbreakable bond. Without them, my extended family & in-laws - I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't be growing or know what its like to be strong/resilient in tough times. I wouldn't know how to love, or know what love is without the Godly examples I grew up with my great grandparents, my grandparents or my parents. I wouldn't understand what the big life lessons are and why its important to beat to the drum of your own beat. These beautiful people are my family and I couldn't be happier or feel more complete. :)

Why Frozen's 'Let It Go' & Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' is Greater than or Equal to my Past.

Hey friends. Bet you weren't thinking that could even be an analogy or a math problem. I've been thinking lately how much I love both of these songs and why combined they don't just appeal to kids. If you think about the lyrics and while they're fun to belt out too -- they can be applied to your life!

 

I am a Taylor Swift + Frozen fan. That may make me totally unpopular but I really refuse to care. 

How do these songs relate to my life in any way? 

1) Both of these songs provide fresh perspective when I think about my past: relationships gone wrong with guys and friends, my not so pleasant experience in middle or high school. My teen years. There are many experiences I am not fond of and don't remember fondly but these songs literally help me remember to 'Let it Go because ALL of that is in my PAST.' No longer important to my life.

2) Keeps me focused on ME & my goals. These songs help me remember that taking a glimpse into my past even in the smallest window - is pointless and does absolutely nothing to edify me. Satan tries to use it as a foothold in my life because I was skinnier in that time period. This is why I enjoy creating scrapbooks with my mom & printing out canvasses of those real happy moments. It's my way of remembering my past but only the highlights and focusing on these.

3) Puts a smile on my face. Like I said - I am a Taylor Swift fan + a Frozen fan. I am already saving up and counting down to buy Taylor's new album. Hooray for Target exclusives. 

4) Reminds me of where I come from but not where I am staying at. These songs keep me motivated and encouraged that regardless of what happened years ago do not matter. Parts of my past did help mold me into who I am today, specifically some individuals more than others. But those times taught me who I am and what is important to me in the long term. All those years that I hated myself and I hated being bullied -- only made me stronger. Music became my alliance against them. Jesus helped me forgive, let it go and move on. {Not all of my past is negative or bad - but there are bigger chunks that I wish I could've avoided}.*

Regardless of what is in your past, I hope these songs can inspire and encourage you in some way as well. While they were meant for kids initially - I love finding music that I can enjoy and apply it to my life. So I wish to thank Taylor Swift + the songwriters of 'Frozen' who changed my life & put a smile on my face. I wish I could meet all of them, its on my bucket list. <3

Thanks for stopping by. ~ Jessica

Oh hey, Friday!

Hello again! Thank God for Friday linkups, eh? Today I wanted to share my 5 best parts of this week with y'all. I greatly enjoyed having a short week and kind of wish that was a regular occurrence!  I have a somewhat busy weekend planned, lots of sleep and fierce cleaning.

Here is the highlights of my week to share with you.

1) Monday was incredible to be paid to enjoy a day off with my family, enjoying burgers and an afternoon to relax without anything work related. Snagged a picture with my mama - who made her incredible blueberry pie! My barre workouts are kicking me into better shape already - I look better in this picture than I have previously.

2) When I was a little girl - I did ballet/tap & jazz. It was the best, actually the ABSOLUTE best part of my childhood. I found THIS YouTube channel from JessicaSmithTV ( JessicaSmithTV - Kickboxing + Ballet workout! )who has a ton of FREE workouts like HIIT, Kickboxing, Ballet/barre, Kickboxing + Ballet (insane workout), toning & the list continues. She also has a ton of prenatal/postnatal workouts. Been using her videos for a week and I absolutely LOVE them - already noticing a difference.

3) I worked last Saturday which counted as Overtime pay and got to start my workday off with Dunkin Donut's sweet tea. Best part of my really long day + Mellow Mushroom pizza.

4) This is a last week #tbt by now but last week I paid off one of my student loans in full!!  I am really excited to get that oh so ecstatic letter from Sallie Mae congratulating me. Hooray. It feels incredible to be one step closer to being done with student loan repayment. 

5) This goes hand in hand with #4 - but I've started applying to babysitting gigs and part time jobs so as to help me make extra larger loan payments when I can - it will take a while but thank God - He lined up one tomorrow night. This could lead to future babysitting gigs and future families to help me get closer. 

All in all - its FRIDAY! I am excited for my weekend of sleeping in and cleaning house pretty fiercely. :) 

Thanks for stopping by!