.... Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Things have been chaotic. But they have been fun.

When you ask God to direct your path and really try and trust him, HE DOES. It's a funny, beautiful thing to watch God work and know that the ballsy (excuse lack of filter) thing you are about to do is a true testament to something miraculous.

When JJ and I pray, it is always for God to help us step out of the boat, to give us faith and for him to help us keep our eyes on His gaze lest we begin to sink. This time of life and particularly in regard to this big move has caused us to ask for help more than usual and we have been ears wide open. About 5 weeks ago I began the interview process with my current company for a position out in the heart of LA. It seemed liked a great opportunity and I pursued it full force, even flying out there spur of the moment. However, last Friday after much prayer and counsel, I passed on the opportunity...and this was before it was even offered to me. The entire time I was in the process I prayed that God shut the door if it was not the right path for me, and He did. So that meant, of course, I was about to head to Cali with no job, no benefits and no idea what I was gonna do. All I knew was that I was at peace and doing what was right for me. I was "stepping out of the boat" and just KNEW that God had something greater in store for me and that my faith would prevail. Please note, however: I was still slightly freaked out and endlessly praying that I wasn't just having a hallucinogenic, crazy moment .

Well, as we know, GOD IS GOOD! Today I got the final offer on a job that I began pursuing this week doing corporate sales. This is a HUGE opportunity for me and for our family, and I am so excited to grow, learn and be challenged while I develop my career. God has been faithful to help JJ and I both take leaps of faith. He has been a good Father to us both together and individually.

Just goes to show that when you step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus, He will help you walk on water.

 “Come,” he said.

This Week in the News...

This week....

Rob and Whitney got married on Saturday and their wedding was STUNNING! I love that they branded their wedding with a "WR" logo that was fluid and repeated throughout the entire wedding and ceremony. They seriously did not miss one detail. I mean, heck, they even had Marble Slab Creamery (complete with mix-ins) for guests to enjoy... I was blown away. 

Their wedding was also an opportunity for me to get to know Dana and Jeremy Williams whom we danced the night away with. Well, Dana and I danced, JJ and Jeremy had convulsions and spasms. ;-) It was REALLY fun. 

Jeremy, Dana, Me and J

Monday night was awesome because I got to go hang out with JJ and Laura and see "Bridesmaids." I am pretty sure I have not laughed that hard from a movie in many years. It was such an enjoyable 2 hrs and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new flick to go see. 

After the movie, JJ and I went over to Laura and Travis's place to say goodbye. Let's just say that once the door shut, I was a basket case. I have been through 4 of the most transitional years of my life with Laura as my friend and many times, my family. We have been each others emergency contacts, have been each others bridesmaids, have gone home to each others home-towns, have had wedding initiations addressed to us TOGETHER (actually, a couple of those sound kinda sad and cat lady-esque...eh, whatever:)).  She is a treasure to me and I will be forever grateful for her, her heart and for the fact that she will be my friend for life. She will forever be my original boo.

My lingerie shower

 

Girl's Night!

 

Laura's Big Day

Kentucky for X-Mas

On another note, Wednesday night  I began my "Body by Bethenny" yoga DVD. I love it because it is only 40 minutes long. I hate it because I can only get through 13 minutes so far. It's mildly sad and I'm still praying for arms like Bethenny.

JJ and I have also been working our way through the 6th season of Weeds. We are obsessed. Truly, there is nothing God fearin' about this show but it is so nuts we can't turn away. If I was a soccer mom who decided to gain income through selling canibus, I am pretty sure I would be Nancy Botwin. 

I am very much looking forward to this weekend. I think I may get in some good QT with my husband and then Saturday night I get to go watch him play at Char House, hang with some ladies and go dancing to celebrate a sweet new friend's birthday. I am SO excited to go dancing. Honestly, the last time I actually went out dancing was in my college days and with a whole different set of convictions. I am looking forward to letting loose in a good, clean, Christian kinda way ;-)

On another note, today is my 2 month anniversary... I think he may be the one.

Until next time,

Jess <3

Happy Mother's Day, Mama!

I am writing this post in honor of  my earth angel...my mom. There is not a better mother on the planet (if I do say so myself). Ever since I was a little girl, I new my mom was a place to take refuge, find comfort and glean strength from; my mom truly is the definition of strength. She has overcome
more than many can even fathom. She has risen up to challenges, stepped over obstacles and saved herself from disaster time and again, and always with another joke up her sleeve or a smile to save the day.

I remember times during my awkward, pre-teen/teenage years that I would come home from school or be heading to school and my mom would hand over a picture she colored for me (she worked at a middle school at the time:)) or give me a letter that she had written me, just to say she was there for me. My mother is the queen of letting you know she cares, loves you and that she will always be there, and it was during this time, a time where many push their parents away, that I drew closer to my mom.

The greatest things about my mother are that she is free of judgment, she is accepting, she listens, she lets you be you, she respects you as a person separate from her and by being around her, you become more positive and feel uplifted. I love that my mom and I talk about everything. I love we make each other laugh. I love that she inspires me to one day be a mother EXACTLY like her. I love that she is the girlfriend I run to for a 100% judgement free perspective.

Many people are put on this earth for many things, and I have said it many times, that my mom was put on this earth to be a mom. She is BRILLIANT at it and I know God gifted her with the precise ability; it is innate in her, it is baggage free and it is unconditional.

I love you, mama. Forever and ever. Thank you for always dusting yourself off, changing in any way you have ever needed to and sacrificing for Jonathan and I. We have all that we do because you have loved us well, because you taught us the love of Jesus and because you have always tried to live that example out everyday. You are the BOMB!




HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! <3

-Jess

California Dreamin'....

Today's post is written by me (Jess) but on behalf of myself AND JJ.

As you all know, JJ is a musician (shocker). You may also know that Houston is not a music town in the least. Truthfully, JJ has tapped into almost every musical resource that Houston has to offer and thankfully he has the talent to actually make a living here while doing music 100% full-time. Most know him through his time at RPC, and since then, through his participation and performances in local venues and events. While he has loved all of the gigs, jobs and collaborations he has had the honor of being apart of, JJ's dream has always been to have his music heard by the masses and to share it with the world. So that is exactly what he is going to make happen.

Since the end of November 2010, we have been toying with the idea of moving out to LA when JJ was put in contact with producer, Jim Roach. After much prayer and meeting with Jim and his wife, Amy (who are awesome!), we decided to moved ahead with Jim and contract negotiations. Right now negotiations have come to a close between JJ and Jim's label, Red Parade Records (check them out!). The last step is just to sign on the dotted line. As for my part in the journey, I am actively in process to transfer out to LA with my current company (there are some exciting recent events that have unfolded in regard to this, but I will have to wait to talk about those:)).

There are still a lot of unknowns and lots of prayer that is going on, but the fact is that we ARE moving to California! As of right now, the goal is to be Cali bound no later than July (it is looking like much sooner than that), but we will keep you all posted on timelines and updates as they occur.

Please keep us in your prayers. We are nervous, excited, scared and looking forward to this adventure and fresh start. We know 100% that God has gone before this decision and has affirmed it along the way. And like I said to JJ in my wedding vows, "where you go, I will go." Soooo, here we go!

Much Love,

Jess