Hello.
Last Fall, I began to work on a story called "Jessica Jones." I haven't been able to work on it for months, but just started back at it today. The creation of this story began as a conversation with my roommate about the Christy Miller series (a youth Christian fiction series, that was extremely cheesy). The idea was to write a story just as cheesy, but I found myself wanting to make it real and funny and honest.
I was going to start posting it as installments. So, here is part One of "Jessica Jones." Enjoy.
Jenny
Jessica Jones: Part One
Jessica Jones was in the middle of a beautiful dream when the kitchen blender whirred and blurred and startled her into the morning. She stared at the ceiling and then jumped up. She inspected herself in the mirror. No, she didn't look or feel any different. "But I have to be," she said to herself. "I'm 17 today. Everything changes when you're 17." She walked into the kitchen and witnessed her mom putting the final touches on the celebrated Birthday pancakes – complete with a smiley face on top.
"Morning birthday girl," her mom said, planting a kiss on top of Jessica's forehead. "Juice or milk?" "Coffee please," Jessica answered nonchalantly. "And you started drinking coffee when?" her mother replied. "I'm 17," said Jessica. "Things change when you're 17. Life gets exciting and you need to drink coffee to keep up with it all."
Jessica took a sip of coffee, her right of passage into the adult world, and went straight for the milk and sugar. By the time she finished it was almost white. And even then she only drank a quarter of the cup.
Her Dad walked in the door with the paper. He threw it down and picked up Jessica, twirling her around. "Happy Birthday little girl!" "Dad," she said, backing up. "I'm not a little girl anymore. See, I'm drinking coffee - I'm all grown up now." Her dad smiled and replied "OK." He picked up the paper and was reading through the business section. "Oh, I almost forgot. Bob and Randy both need two new pairs of gloves," her dad said without looking up. "Already?" Jessica questioned. "But I just gave them new pairs a month ago."
A year ago Jessica had knit her father a pair of gloves for her father to use when on his motorcycle. Her dad looked every bit the stereotypical accountant – scrawny, slightly balding, glasses and a pocket protector (until a few years ago). However, he also loved his Harley. When he wasn't crunching numbers, he was taking the streets by storm with his biker buddies, The Highway to Hale crew (Hale was the diner they frequented). The gloves Jessica knit were a huge hit with his friends and they all had to have a pair. It was a great side business and she was always working on new designs for them.
Jessica finished her breakfast and went to her room. She took extra care getting ready this morning. As she smoothed her hair one last time she looked in the mirror as if to say, "Hello world."
She picked up her new notebook – this one was clean and had no writing on it. She had learned her lesson about writing on notebooks. What started off as a simple declaration of faith turned into an embarrassing nightmare that took months to live down. She had written "I love Jesus" on her notebook and would proudly walk down the school corridors. That was until one person in class announced "Jessica loves Jes`us!" Jes`us - a sophomore at her school. She repeatedly tried to explain that she loved Jesus and not Jes`us, but to no avail.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Me at the Moment - August 06, 2007
I still love coffee. My friend loved coffee until she got pregnant. Then she got nauseous at the smell. I hope that never happens to me.
I am a big ball of varied emotions when it comes to the changes hitting me this month.
I want to help others bring more justice and love throughout the world (so we can all hold hands and sing "We Are the World").
I just bought my first songs ever on iTunes last week.
My latest life revelation came about while watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Stopping old habits is incredibly difficult.
In high school I carried around an old 8-track case and called it my purse. People thought it was an instrument case.
Driving my parents' cars while they're on vacation is fun! Their air conditioning works so well.
Stevie Wonder makes happy music.
I have green tea mochi in my freezer at my apartment.
I want to travel all over the world – maybe even to places like Antarctica (ok, maybe not).
I love having conversations with strangers at coffee shops.
I hate when I accidentally set my alarm for PM instead of AM.
I went to Brazil in July. I got to meet great people, eat yummy food, drink guarana and pass out on a plane.
I love music that makes you dance. I'll even dance in my car. Except to Paul McCartney's new Dance song.
I ate sweet potato fries yesterday. I pretend that they're healthier for me than regular fries.
Dancing and playing with kids during worship at church is excellent.
I have been out of the country for the last 2 Independence Days. It has been almost 2 years since I have seen a fireworks display (thank goodness for Bonfire Night in England).
I start school in exactly 3 weeks.
Nerts is an amazing game.
I Simpsonized myself.
"Cars" is coming in tomorrow through Netflix – Cachow!
I'm learning that healing is a process and "Better" doesn't = "Perfect."
There's nothing like a Sunday afternoon nap.
My friends are so completely different and I love them all!
Is it Friday yet?
I love the color green.
Target > Wal-Mart (I actually stole this from the Dave Crowder Band blog – it was too amazing not to use). However, having said that, I want to re-consider my expenditures and consumption habits.
Chocolate Hob Nob biscuits are even better than regular Hob Nob biscuits.
I am a big ball of varied emotions when it comes to the changes hitting me this month.
I want to help others bring more justice and love throughout the world (so we can all hold hands and sing "We Are the World").
I just bought my first songs ever on iTunes last week.
My latest life revelation came about while watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Stopping old habits is incredibly difficult.
In high school I carried around an old 8-track case and called it my purse. People thought it was an instrument case.
Driving my parents' cars while they're on vacation is fun! Their air conditioning works so well.
Stevie Wonder makes happy music.
I have green tea mochi in my freezer at my apartment.
I want to travel all over the world – maybe even to places like Antarctica (ok, maybe not).
I love having conversations with strangers at coffee shops.
I hate when I accidentally set my alarm for PM instead of AM.
I went to Brazil in July. I got to meet great people, eat yummy food, drink guarana and pass out on a plane.
I love music that makes you dance. I'll even dance in my car. Except to Paul McCartney's new Dance song.
I ate sweet potato fries yesterday. I pretend that they're healthier for me than regular fries.
Dancing and playing with kids during worship at church is excellent.
I have been out of the country for the last 2 Independence Days. It has been almost 2 years since I have seen a fireworks display (thank goodness for Bonfire Night in England).
I start school in exactly 3 weeks.
Nerts is an amazing game.
I Simpsonized myself.
"Cars" is coming in tomorrow through Netflix – Cachow!
I'm learning that healing is a process and "Better" doesn't = "Perfect."
There's nothing like a Sunday afternoon nap.
My friends are so completely different and I love them all!
Is it Friday yet?
I love the color green.
Target > Wal-Mart (I actually stole this from the Dave Crowder Band blog – it was too amazing not to use). However, having said that, I want to re-consider my expenditures and consumption habits.
Chocolate Hob Nob biscuits are even better than regular Hob Nob biscuits.
Biola Orientation - August 01, 2007
Well, I just had my Orientation for ISF (Institute for Spiritual Formation) this morning. Yea - it was so much fun! I got to meet some of my classmates and found out which classes I need to take. Somehow, it made it all a bit more real, walking onto the campus this morning.
This Fall I will be taking:
Intro to Christian Spirituality & Prayer
Personal Foundations of Spirituality & Retreat
Personal Spiritual Direction
Hermeneutics & the Word in Spiritual Formation
Whew - that's a mouthful!
They told us about what classes we need to take, forms that need to be filled out, etc. Then we had our pictures taken (to later be placed on a wall for all in the ISF offices to see). We also have mailboxes. How fun! You guys can send me mail there.
I also heard back from the HR department on campus (I submitted an application last week). So, I may be spending a lot of time on campus.
Still looking for a place to live. But in general, feeling excited and hopeful about the next month.
Jenny
This Fall I will be taking:
Intro to Christian Spirituality & Prayer
Personal Foundations of Spirituality & Retreat
Personal Spiritual Direction
Hermeneutics & the Word in Spiritual Formation
Whew - that's a mouthful!
They told us about what classes we need to take, forms that need to be filled out, etc. Then we had our pictures taken (to later be placed on a wall for all in the ISF offices to see). We also have mailboxes. How fun! You guys can send me mail there.
I also heard back from the HR department on campus (I submitted an application last week). So, I may be spending a lot of time on campus.
Still looking for a place to live. But in general, feeling excited and hopeful about the next month.
Jenny
Consumption - July 27, 2007
Just a quick thought for you all to ponder. I was listening to the Relevant podcast this morning (seriously, check it out - it always has me rolling on the floor laughing) and they quickly mentioned Live Earth. The podcast from from the beginning of July. They were talking about an article in the NY Times which spoke about the concert, but how the bigger issue with the environment is consumption. That is where we'll see the biggest change, not just in buying more eco-friendly items. One of the examples given was, instead of buying 5 pairs of organic cotten jeans, just buy one pair of normal jeans. As in, don't use eco-friendly as an excuse to buy more things you don't need.
And this all got me thinking (well, I've thought about these issues before). How many things do I buy are needs or wants? I don't think it's bad to buy things that are in the want category, but it's so easy to get out of control with it. What would it look like if I cut down on my overall consumption of products? How do we respond as Christians?
I could go on for awhile about this, but I don't have time now. So, I'll send this post into the internet jungle in order to create dialogue and mass ponderings.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny
And this all got me thinking (well, I've thought about these issues before). How many things do I buy are needs or wants? I don't think it's bad to buy things that are in the want category, but it's so easy to get out of control with it. What would it look like if I cut down on my overall consumption of products? How do we respond as Christians?
I could go on for awhile about this, but I don't have time now. So, I'll send this post into the internet jungle in order to create dialogue and mass ponderings.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny
August = Change - July 25, 2007
There are so many changes in such a short amount of time that I have decided to rename "August," "Changeling."
I have been back from Brazil almost a week and the reality of all these changes are slapping me in the face. I start school in about a month. Weird. It seems more and more real as I fill out the plethora of papers Biola University is throwing my way – financial aid, health office information, all in time for registration on August 1. I am so excited for school, but I'm also nervous. I truly have no idea what to expect with my program and that makes me a bit fearful.
Big Change 2. I just found out that my job won't be able to accommodate my change of schedule with school, so I am officially job hunting. They have been awesome and I think I can continue here till I start school, but I am sad to leave here. I have loved my co-workers and the beautiful campus at Chapman University. It's funny, because I had attended here years ago and left with a bad taste in my mouth. This year working here has redeemed and healed so much. I have no idea where I'll be working, but if anyone knows of a job that is 30-32 hours/week, please let me know.
And to top off the month of Changeling, I'm moving at the end of the month.
These are all good things, but it feels so concentrated. I love adventures, but it is always the risk part that initially makes me fearful (that's contradicting itself, isn't it). When in Brazil, our second flight was a bit rough, especially the landing. I was complaining about it once we got off the plane, but then I had a thought that this is what adventure is. Adventure is the unknown, the crazy plane flights, the sudden change of plans, the excitement of newness. If the adventure becomes sanitized and controlled, then it ceases to be an adventure. We want the appearance of adventure, but the guarantee of safety. I think I quite often approach my relationship with God in the same way. I say I want all He has for me, but when new things come, I find myself grasping for control and guarantees, not trusting Him at all.
So, I have two choices. I can skim the surface, and only experience pretend to fully immerse myself in change, or I can jump, without abandon, into the wild, blue yonder.
I choose to jump.
I have been back from Brazil almost a week and the reality of all these changes are slapping me in the face. I start school in about a month. Weird. It seems more and more real as I fill out the plethora of papers Biola University is throwing my way – financial aid, health office information, all in time for registration on August 1. I am so excited for school, but I'm also nervous. I truly have no idea what to expect with my program and that makes me a bit fearful.
Big Change 2. I just found out that my job won't be able to accommodate my change of schedule with school, so I am officially job hunting. They have been awesome and I think I can continue here till I start school, but I am sad to leave here. I have loved my co-workers and the beautiful campus at Chapman University. It's funny, because I had attended here years ago and left with a bad taste in my mouth. This year working here has redeemed and healed so much. I have no idea where I'll be working, but if anyone knows of a job that is 30-32 hours/week, please let me know.
And to top off the month of Changeling, I'm moving at the end of the month.
These are all good things, but it feels so concentrated. I love adventures, but it is always the risk part that initially makes me fearful (that's contradicting itself, isn't it). When in Brazil, our second flight was a bit rough, especially the landing. I was complaining about it once we got off the plane, but then I had a thought that this is what adventure is. Adventure is the unknown, the crazy plane flights, the sudden change of plans, the excitement of newness. If the adventure becomes sanitized and controlled, then it ceases to be an adventure. We want the appearance of adventure, but the guarantee of safety. I think I quite often approach my relationship with God in the same way. I say I want all He has for me, but when new things come, I find myself grasping for control and guarantees, not trusting Him at all.
So, I have two choices. I can skim the surface, and only experience pretend to fully immerse myself in change, or I can jump, without abandon, into the wild, blue yonder.
I choose to jump.
Returned - July 19, 2007
I have returned from Brazil. It has been an interesting couple of days. Some of you may have heard about the plane crash in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We flew out of Sao Paulo the same day, but we were at another airport. However, there was a minor plane crash at our airport (no fatalities) due to flooding of the runway. We had no idea what was going on for a few hours, except that our flight was delayed. So, instead of leaving at 8pm, we ended up taking off around 1am. I have to admit, I was a little nervous at takeoff, given the crashes that had happened that day (I was praying a lot).
That day, I had started to come down with a cold. By the time we left Sao Paulo, I was feeling pretty crummy. Our plane stopped in Lima, Peru and when we took off this time I decided to take some Nyquill to help me sleep. At that point, I didn't have a lot of food or liquids in my system. An hour or so into this flight I started to feel nauscious. I got out of my seat to use the restroom. As I was waiting for the stall to open up my knees buckled and I passed out for a couple of seconds. The flight attendants layed me down immediately and began asking my questions. The called for any doctors and the plane began to descend. I was amazed at how God provided for me - not only was there a doctor on the plane, but there was also a medical student and 2 nursing students. The doctor spoke a little English (he was from Brazil) and the medical student was from LA. They thought it was a reaction to the Nyquill brought on my empty stomach and altitude. The plane didn't end up landing early, I think because they saw I was alright. One of our team members was walking to the back of the plane and saw that it was me lying on the floor. He told the group and a couple of the women on our team came back to me. They gave me lots of water, took my pulse a bunch of times and fed me. I'm not sure how long I was back there, but eventually I made it back to my seat. It was a weird experience, but a good story to tell.
So, now I am at my parents house, resting up and recovering from this nasty cold and reflecting on my time in Brazil. Once I'm feeling better, I'll try to blog a bit more about my trip.Thanks for all your prayers and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Jenny
That day, I had started to come down with a cold. By the time we left Sao Paulo, I was feeling pretty crummy. Our plane stopped in Lima, Peru and when we took off this time I decided to take some Nyquill to help me sleep. At that point, I didn't have a lot of food or liquids in my system. An hour or so into this flight I started to feel nauscious. I got out of my seat to use the restroom. As I was waiting for the stall to open up my knees buckled and I passed out for a couple of seconds. The flight attendants layed me down immediately and began asking my questions. The called for any doctors and the plane began to descend. I was amazed at how God provided for me - not only was there a doctor on the plane, but there was also a medical student and 2 nursing students. The doctor spoke a little English (he was from Brazil) and the medical student was from LA. They thought it was a reaction to the Nyquill brought on my empty stomach and altitude. The plane didn't end up landing early, I think because they saw I was alright. One of our team members was walking to the back of the plane and saw that it was me lying on the floor. He told the group and a couple of the women on our team came back to me. They gave me lots of water, took my pulse a bunch of times and fed me. I'm not sure how long I was back there, but eventually I made it back to my seat. It was a weird experience, but a good story to tell.
So, now I am at my parents house, resting up and recovering from this nasty cold and reflecting on my time in Brazil. Once I'm feeling better, I'll try to blog a bit more about my trip.Thanks for all your prayers and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Jenny
Quick Brazil Update - July 11, 2007
I am having a great time in Brazil! We are in a historic village today called Ouro Preto (Black Gold). It is gorgeous, but it has a very sad history built on the backs of slaves. The last few days we have been outside a city called Sete Lagos (7 lakes). We are working with a brand new Vineyard. It is a very tiny group, but we have bonded with them and have so much love in our hearts for them.
Towards the beginning of the trip I caught a cold. I have had to rely on my teammates to hold me up. I usually have a hard time receiving from people - I give, give give. But before the trip I sensed that God was going to help me with all of that. And He did. Being sick and away from home I had no choice but to ask for help. And the more I did, the more I realized that I wasn´t being a burden on them. They were happy to help me. And not just my team, but also our Brazilian friends.
Our plans have changed constantly and we are learning to adapt to being open to change.
So much to say and so little time. Thank you for all your prayers! I hope to be able to write more details soon. We are leaving for Piritininga on Friday night and should have more regular Email access there.
Blessings and Love!
Jesus Ama Voce! (Jesus loves you!)
Jenny
Towards the beginning of the trip I caught a cold. I have had to rely on my teammates to hold me up. I usually have a hard time receiving from people - I give, give give. But before the trip I sensed that God was going to help me with all of that. And He did. Being sick and away from home I had no choice but to ask for help. And the more I did, the more I realized that I wasn´t being a burden on them. They were happy to help me. And not just my team, but also our Brazilian friends.
Our plans have changed constantly and we are learning to adapt to being open to change.
So much to say and so little time. Thank you for all your prayers! I hope to be able to write more details soon. We are leaving for Piritininga on Friday night and should have more regular Email access there.
Blessings and Love!
Jesus Ama Voce! (Jesus loves you!)
Jenny
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