Day two.

"Day two: a photo of yourself at least a year ago."


Two years ago today Katy and I were sitting on the end of our first month in Sacramento. I was missing Santa Barbara and she was missing Fresno. We went to the grocery store to buy comfort food and ended up getting comfort Lips. We spent the entire night re-inacting conversations with our eyes. We inserted our wax lips and used no words, just gestures. It was hilarious.

As for today, after I turn in a few assignments and brace myself for an intense C-doc (Church and its Doctrines) test, I think I just might paint. I completed my summer staff acceptance forms this morning so come June 30th I will officially be on Summer Staff at Young Life's Castaway Club in Minnesota. Here I will serve a month on one of the many great lakes in beautiful Minnesota as a volunteer life guard and waterski instructor. PERFECTION! Dad, all those years we spent more time on water than land have paid off! I am especially excited to see what the Lord's going to teach me in that month of service.. now bring on the one piece suits and killer tan lines. For now, temperatures in the 20's and wicked layering skills will suffice. As for this evening, a friend of mine is playing some of her music downtown. She's fantastic. I'd say I'm continuing to live the good life and not to worry, I miss you all terribly and think about you daily!

Prayer Requests: Remaining focused in school is a constant. I would also like to lift up a classmate of mine who just lost his infant son. We all know the sting that comes with the loss of a loved one. Let's keep his family in our prayers.


Currently Listening to:

30 days! Day one.

The next 30 days will be for you my near and dear. Hayley and I have decided to embark on a fun-filled, pre mapped out, photo journey. So family and friends, here's to the little things I don't get to share with you guys as much these days! I know you miss my goofy antics just as much as my annoying imperfections. So here it goes.. a 30 day journey into a day in the life of James:

"Day one: a photo of you today."


I thought it would only be right to start you off with the beginnings. This morning I woke up in a strangers bed.. with my roommate. ;) Don't worry, standard house sitting protocol. I just tagged along to play with the kitties and share the quiet-darkness with her. Naturally we didn't get to the house until 3am due to some great times with some fantastic people. Worth it.

Today consisted of sleeping in til 11, some dutch bro's coffee, intense studying, churchin, dinner and a red box movie with yet again more great friends. Which leads me to this picture. Theology test tomorrow= Me pullin another late nighter. Absolutely.

currently listening too:

Sweet Victory.

It’s starting to hit me that after three years of much deliberation, I’ve finally committed my heart completely to Moody and God has blessed my decision. It’s been a long yet altogether pleasant road getting here and for that I am thankful. When I look back on all I’ve journeyed through prior to my arrival, I’d say he knew what he was doing from the start. In Psalms 1 David writes that blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord. “..in all he does he prospers.” Psalms 1:3b. In this verse we are reminded when we apply God’s wisdom, the fruit we bear will be blessed. This is music to my ears.

When I look back at all I’ve battled spiritually, mentally, and physically and think of the many things I could’a would’a should’a done differently, it’s comforting knowing at the end of it all there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING I could’ve done that would've changed God’s plan for my life. I am here, and here is right where I’m supposed to be. I may have created a few of my own paths, but he was there all along directing my steps. This may not be the end, but it sure is a great checkpoint.

It’s quite a surreal feeling knowing all I need to do is delight in something to reap such a blessing. It’s also humbling to realize that amongst my imperfections, and childlike decisions, there is someone corralling me in the right direction. I find myself struggling at times with trying so hard to differentiate between God’s will and my own desires. I am pleased to inform you the more I learn to abide by his word with everything I am, the more my actions fall in line with his guidance. It’s not so much about seeking God’s will these days, but listening for his direction. Emmanuel Teney once said “As your faith is strengthened you will find there is no longer the need to have a sense of control.. that things will ebb and flow as they will, to our great delight and benefit.” Amen to that brother. I suppose that is ultimately what this has been about for me, my need to control. So this is what i've been missing? Thank you Jesus for your grace, guidance, and guts. We aren't the most promising investments at times, but all the same i'm quite thankful you stuck with me and continued to pull me back on track.

Stop, Collaborate, and listen.

At church we’ve been going through a series called “Pause.” Two weeks ago the sermon was entitled “Pause to Rest.” It was one of the best sermons I’ve heard pertaining to the Sabbath to date. After a demanding week of classes and feeling especially drained, it’s no wonder why this sermon was particularly prominent on my heart this morning. So, I took my pastors advice quite literally and decided to play hooky.

This morning I was talking with a friend and I informed them of my decision to take a “snow day.” She then responded with “But it’s not snowing.” To which I replied, “Yes, but I’m free to live like it is.” The rest of the day I spent in pause mode. (I would normally refer to it as chill mode but in respect to what initially prompted me to such an act, I will call it pause mode for the time being.) I filled the morning with many pauses that’s for sure. I paused to go back to sleep for a few hours. I paused from doing my dishes. I even paused from changing out of my pj’s. However, amongst those “Pauses” I also paused to thank God. I paused to worship alone with him. I paused to tell him I loved him. I paused to wonder. And I paused to just sit in silence and bask in his glory.

Through all of my pauses I was refreshed, refilled, and restored. Lately I couldn’t help but feel as if I wasn’t doing enough in comparison to life pre-Washington. Thankfully, how quickly I was reminded that when I’m living on the edge of burn out, not only do I have nothing left to give, but I am probably doing more than God wants me too. I hate that I’ve come to wear my busyness like a badge of honor and although I may not be pulled 100 different directions commitment wise these days, it is only because my move has handicapped me in that area. Do not be fooled, it takes everything in my power on a daily basis to refrain from saying yes to every activity that is tossed my way. However, I am proud to say that since my move God has taken a hold of my priorities and replaced them with stillness. Thanks to this day of self-reflection I am starting to understand why.

Why I ever enjoyed being stretched so thin is beyond me, but I can say I am much happier when I step into my blessings and enjoy them for all they're worth. It's a shame I've hurried through so many in fear of missing the next thing on my agenda. Thank you Jesus for days such as these and the realization that letting go of the life we’ve so hastily planned is the only way of getting to the life you've planned for us.




I don't hate it. :)

Bout to get crazy with PB& J-zie

Let's just be raw and start off with basics. PB & J will forevermore be my true love. I'm sitting here on a not so idle Saturday afternoon (although in my own mind i'm dragging it out to be as idle as possible before my 60 page in depth study of "The Moody Handbook of Theology" must commence and then follow itself up with a 4 paged paper.) I have just finished some PB&J for the soul (a little thing i've come to call my Prayer. Bible. Journal. time) And yes, you guessed it, upon entertaining such thoughts of glorious soul food, I have decided to take my vice one step further and indulge in some tangibly delicious, peanut-buttery, sticky sweet goodness. Pure bliss. I am far too easily satisfied. Absolutely.

Amongst the craziness of starting my 80hour school week, trying to get my bearings on a new town (in the snow of all things), keeping up with the Jones' back in Cali, and developing some sort of a social life, I have somehow managed to find the time to check out a local young life club and college group. Shoot, I've even gotten the pleasure of spending some quality time with some pretty cool cats. I'm thoroughly enjoying it here. I'll have to let you know if the above still stands next week when I'm forced back into the adult world of working for a living. *Sigh*.

All the same I'm enjoying the simplicity in playing it small and against my second nature I have yet to stretch myself too thin. (An accomplishment I'm quite proud of if i may say so myself.) I wake up every morning and partake in some soul PB & J while enjoying a lovely cup of coffee from my new gourmet coffee machine (courtesy of my wonderful aunt and uncle), while stretched out on my comfy couch (courtesy of my thoughtful grandparents), curled up in my favorite blanket from grandmas collection back home. I'm a pretty lucky girl.

A brief rundown of Washington: It snowed here a few days ago more heavily than normal. I woke up to find my car completly buried but the rain came through in the clutch and two days later It was as good as new. In fact, I see more land than snow currently and it's a beautiful thing. I'm slowly learning every street here, for the most part, is a one way and drivers are not so forgiving if you neglect to notice such key details. I got a library card the other day and so far am a fan of their book selection. Young Life consistently remains at the top of my prayer list as my desire to get back in the ministry continues to tug at my heart. I am doing my best to differentiate between a need and a call at the moment and just asking the Lord for discernment between the two.

A brief rundown of School: I believe the phrase "Goodbye life as I knew it, see ya in May" should do the trick. I am 100% sincere when I say I'm going to need all the prayers I can get. My classes are extremely demanding and i'm not sure I can learn the amount of discipline and curriculum necessary to conquer such lofty expectations before the end of the semester. I am however excited all the same to see how the Lord molds me over the course of the next few months.

I suppose I can no longer avoid the daunting amount of homework that lies on the table next to me. Here's to another week as a Washingtonian.

Peace and Blessin's. Peace and Blessin's.

From Surfboards to Snow Chains

Alas..Jamie Christine has found a way around her inability to communicate via cellular tele-phono. In other words, a small yet pure hearted attempt to put those who feel neglected by my consistently full voice-mail box and deep contempt for life catch up chats via phone at ease. I pledge to give this blogging thing my best effort in regards to keeping you updated about my life as a.. drumroll please.. Washingtonian!

I'd like to start off by giving a shout out to my wonderful parents..Hey moms. Hey pops. (since you're probably going to be the only ones reading this anyway :) Thanks for all your help with the insanity that consisted of our 3 days trek to this new place I call home. Looking forward to journeying this chapter of my life with your love, guidance, and support all the way from cali.

Second order of business to attend to. Dear Chicago: you'll never guess. You know the girl you said you'd meet one day? Well, i've got something to confess.. For those of you who are wondering why I would ever subject myself to temperatures in the single digits and give up the wonderful WARM side of the pacific, here's your answer. Very long (and super rad God filled) story short, I got accepted into Moody, but rather than sending me to their Chicago campus, they thought i'd be much more legit in Spokane. So, thus the switch from surfboards to snow chains. (not that there's much surfing in chicago.. but all the same i'm still not 100% over the fact I just gave up California... for the abominable snowman none-the-less.) (my mom and dad are probably cracking up as we speak because yes.. that was an inside joke.... with my parents of all people.)

So Washington, yes. Here's what my time here has consisted of thus far;
The journey here took a little longer than anticipated with extreme ice and snow conditions that cut our mobility down to next to nothing. We stayed in oregon for the night and after a few puzzled minutes of my stupid smart car going into lock mode due to a loose air filter cap, we were able to resume commute to the land of spokompton.. that is until my alternator went out in the middle of nowhere and my car lost all power shortly after in the butt cold. My parents left carmen and I alone on the side of the road with few indian blankets.. but not to worry, my father also left in our possession his fully loaded firearm. Carmen and I spent the entirety of those two hours discussing everything from how to justify explaining to the nice police officer that we were fully armed to what we would do if some cowboy who knew my fathers name were to roll up with his posse insisting on helping us out. I think it's safe to say we were prepared for anything. However, amongst all the discombobulation God was faithful and quite favorable on our situation i'd say. There was never a dull moment or even a moment of fear.

We eventually made it to the closest town where my ever crafty father who is quite literally a JACK-of-all-trades ;) replaced my alternator single handidly in the napa parking lot of some ho-dunk little town. I know i know, he's wicked cool. After we made it here we unloaded, had a farewell dinner at sherri's diner. (probably the equivalence of our denny's?) (we go all out) and bid our goodbyes. Carmen and I then spent the next few days exploring life as I had come to know it. There is one store in the entire town i've been able to identify.. walgreens. Everything else is foreign. It took me 20min to locate a grocery store, and well.. it was sheer bliss once we got there. We trekked over to idaho and did the coeur d'alene thing.. (it was tahoe pretty much dead on) and then we got the pleasure of exploring Seattle. (my now favorite city.) There we partook in ferry rides, sight seeing, pikes market (obsessed), the freemont troll, and dinner on top of the space needle. OUR BAD! When it was time to bid farwell to my beautiful and patient best friend, the pass was too far gone due to a storm that had blown in (again another reason to hate the snow.) Unable to head back to my abode, I made other arrangements. So thankful for my dear friend brandon babcock who had my back and supplied me with a surplus of amazing intern friends that i had the pleasure of sitting/sleeping/worshiping in the company of. Even if it was just for the evening that was all the more reason for me to love seattle.

So here I am in my new apartment, in this big city that has the largest small-town feel i've ever experienced. Everything about this place by very definition is the oxymoron of life as i knew it a week ago. However, due to the insane amount of circumstances that God threw together to make this transition so taylor-made for this 22 year old, i'm pretty sure i'll do just fine. I live in a cute little house in downtown spokane. It has been converted into three separate apartments, all of which have the cutest doorknobs i've ever seen, and are inhabited by wonderful christian roommates. The girl across the hall from me is a younglife leader so I can't wait to pick her brain about that. I start my job nannying the most adorable little 2 1/2 year old (aside from caden) next week for .. you guessed it.. ex young life leaders. I think it's safe to say our God more than provides. I also think it's safe to say I am more than undeserving in regards to the insane amount of spoilings he's been pouring onto his daughter.

Currently I am going all out for dinner and cooking up some meat to throw together for my sloppy joe feast. I figured I ate insane amounts of fudge and such over the break so why not stretch out my poor eating habits one more night. I have yet to finish unpacking and my walls are bare but that's what the rest of the week is for :). I'm loving every minute of being here and can't wait to see what the Lord has up his sleeves come the start of the semester.


Here is a picture documentation of the trip up here just for grins. More pics to come. Love you family. Can't wait for easter! Thanks for all the prayers and support!