Ask me…

Hey friends! I just added an “Ask Jessa” tab to the blog so if there’s something on your mind, shoot it this way. Let’s get to know each other! :)

xo, jessa

favorite place

Love it or leave it, there’s a reason New York City is one of the most obsessed-over cities. It’s not uncommon to hear that someone you’re chatting with would love to visit (if not live in!) New York City. While it may seem cliche, NYC is my “happy place”. My grandmother took me to visit family there sometime around 6th grade and I have been head-over-heels for the city ever since! Having family and friends there has enabled me to visit many times, but I’ve still only had time to discover a sliver of what the city has to offer. From popular tourist destinations to obscure-but-amazing options, I think I could live in NYC for the rest of my life and only scratch the surface. As part of my Christmas gift, my sweet husband Jordan gave me a little pop-up book of New York places and a promise to visit the city and explore later this year. In the mean time, I’ve been mentally planning our trip and finding gorgeous images of the city on Pinterest. Here are some of my favorites:

Image Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Isn’t that aerial view amazing!?

Let’s talk blogging!

He is enough

Our little family spent the weekend in Grand Rapids, MI for a concert with Cornerstone University. It was an event focused on raising awareness about human trafficking and how we can help. It’s always a great opportunity when a concert is “sponsored” by a human rights campaign and I find that I’m often enlightened and convicted by being part of these events.

During our music set, we sang “None But Jesus” (by Hillsong/Brooke Fraser). Paired with the tone of the evening, including videos detailing the crime of human and sex trafficking, it was a tough one to sing. I really felt God pressing upon my heart that Jesus Christ has to be at the core, the center. He has to be enough for me in a real and distinct way for me to be able to share my faith in him with others. It’s one thing to tell someone that “Jesus is enough” when you have a car that works, a warm house and your little girl is healthy. It’s something else entirely to say, and mean, that Jesus is enough for someone who has been trafficked into working long hours of manual labor and deceived into no wages and no way out. To tell someone who has been raped for profit that Jesus is enough is not the same as telling my little girl before bed time that Jesus loves her and praying and believing she will someday accept him as her personal Savior.

I recognize that in our human knowledge and understanding, these scenarios vary so greatly that it’s hard to bridge the gap mentally. Yet, for the great disparity between where I am and where a victim of such a heinous crime might be, I believe that Jesus Christ holds true. I believe he is enough. I believe he sees what we are unable to see in this lifetime and that he provides for our every need, no matter how deep or disturbing our situation.

I’m still trying to figure out how this should affect me. I do know that I am grateful for the salvation Jesus offers and that in my sin, I am the one committing the crime. Jesus provides healing and rest for the wounded and weary, and he also provides restoration and regeneration for the vile and evil-intentioned. I fall into both of these categories as a sinner separated from God by my sin, and by the blood of Jesus I am made new.

This is definitely not an “answers” post. Sometimes in life I am left with many more questions than answers; I’m sure you have been there too. I do know, without a doubt, that in the end we will find our answers in Jesus Christ. Some answers may be clear and timely, others may be answered in eternity. What I believe God will reveal here, now, is what we can do about it. Involvement and activity in spreading the gospel and ministering to the world will look different for each of us. Maybe we need to sponsor a child or give to a particular cause. Maybe we lack strength in our prayers and the best thing we can do is pray fervently for a person or people group. Maybe we need to go somewhere and be involved in a cause, be it our local rescue mission or an overseas building project. Whatever it is, I guarantee there is a way we can help. If I think about it at all, I guarantee there are plenty of ways we can help. Friday’s concert convicted me in a fresh way that I can do more to pour out the love God has shown me on others. I hope you’ll consider what it is God is asking of you and make an effort to grow in service. I know if we come together for the cause of Christ and spreading his gospel and his love, the world will benefit.

If you have a moment, check out Traffic Jam and get more information on their particular cause. I’m thankful to have been part of their 11/11/11 campaign, which brought musicians and listeners together across the world to benefit the victims of human trafficking.

good.things.

I have been crazy busy lately, and somewhat exhausted. With the release of “Not Myself Anymore” on September 13th, life has revolved heavily around work and we have been on the road since just after 4th of July, with only a few short breaks. It’s easy to get bogged down with all the things on my to-do list or to get discouraged by the challenges, but I have been trying to continually remind myself of all the great things going on in my life to stay energized through a busy time! It’s been way too long since my last good.things. post…

FALL!!cool weather.fruit&veggie smoothies to start the day.Starbucks gold card.s’mores around a fire with friends.baby sized boots.a curious, energetic, joyful, opinionated little girl.sweet snuggles with her when she slows down for a moment.layering.cute (cheap!) clothes from Target.walks with my husband.nice hotel rooms.pumpkins.cider mill donuts and hot cider!

Fall is my FAVORITE! What are your good things?

Pinterest Roundup

My poor Tumblr has been slightly neglected lately. I am in such a busy season that every day is literally full of to-do’s (I love myself a list!) and life is kind of just taking me over right now…unfortunately blogging, which seems to be the most time intensive of the social medias, has fallen low on the priority list.

I thought I’d do a little fall inspired Pinterest roundup of things that are inspiring me lately to bring some fun to this busy Tuesday! Are you on Pinterest yet? I’d love to see you there.

This picture makes me absolutely ready for fall. I am suddenly obsessed with gold!

Homemade apple cider… The Michigan girl in me is already itching for a trip to the Cider Mill!

Pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon butter. Absolutely.

I’d like to get away in a cabin like this, please.

Glitter pumpkins would be such a fun DIY!

Here’s hoping fall comes quickly, I’m ready for changing leaves, layered clothing and pumpkin cream cheese muffins from Starbucks! What are your favorite things for fall?

xo, jessa