Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Goodbyes

Heart Wrenching,
Sobs..
Hugs..
Tears, and more tears..
Memories..
Planes carrying away..
So draining..
Tired..
of these Endless..
Goodbyes.

"Hello", friends!
Laughter..
Sighs..
Hugs..
Happy Tears..
Joy..
Reminiscing..
Those memories..
Short, it's all too short..
and I say Goodbye, again...

"Hello"!
Jesus..and friends..
Laughter..
Hugs..
Joy...
More Unspeakable Joy..
Peace..
Community...
Fellowship..
Everlasting....
in Heaven...
and Goodbye's will be gone Forever.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

I'm going to be a Radiological Technologist!

Well, I got an e-mail from OSU main campus telling me I made it in the Radiation Science and Therapy program I applied for! This is really big and exciting for me because first of all it is a very competitive program. I've been waiting awhile to hear from them. I was feeling pretty good about making it in, but I didn't expect to hear anything from them till June, after I got my grades from spring quarter. So it's a definite praise!! I'm so thankful! It is so nice to have a more exact idea of where and what I"ll be doing in the fall! I'm also really excited to continue my studies in this field.

The opportunities are going to be awesome in Columbus, at least I'm hoping so! God really taught me patience in waiting to hear from the main campus. I have definitley learnt to trust in his faithfulness and his promises to mark out a good path for my life. I'm so excited for what He has done for me already and what He'll continue to do and show me in the years ahead of my studies and living in the city!!! I'm praying for lots of awesome experiences, and I'd appreciate your prayers as well! :)

Just so you know a little more about what this area of study is all about, if you don't have a clue, I'll let you know. Most Radiological Technologists only go to school for 2 years. The program I applied for was a Bachelors in Radiation Sciences and therapy. It's a bit more in depth than just a 2 year degree, and the opportunities that come from it are greater. There were 3 fields of study within this degree and I chose the Radiography (X-ray) one over Radiation Therapy or Sonography (ultrasound). This degree means that I could end up working in a hospital, small clinic, or I could end up doing something like teaching Radiological procedures, management of a Radiology department, or endless other opportunities. I also know that this degree could be useful in other countries as well, if I would want to travel in the future. I'll find out a lot more specifics as I continue in this program, but I'm really excited for the next 2 years and I am so thankful for God's guidance in my life thus far. Thanks for your prayers so far and thanks for your encouragement!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

My mother

I miss my mom. She is overseas in Papua New Guinea right now. I have been thinking a lot about her and why I appreciate her. It is very true that being away from people reminds you how much you love them and why you love them. People who know my mom always tell me that I remind them of her, or they always let me know that, "Jess, you look so much like Karen". :) I don't mind one bit though because my mom is a beautiful, special person. She has so many wonderful qualities about her and I only HOPE I can be more like her as the years pass on by.

My mom is a very giving person. She is very hospitable and she loves to have people over. She is such a good hostess whether it is just a small group or a larger group of 20+ people. She never looks frazzled, but rather looks calm, collected and has a smile on her face. She loves people and she loves to converse with people. She is a marvelous cook. Whether it's her homemade pizza, chicken enchiladas, cheesecakes, or some new dish, she does it wonderfully and perfectly.

Mom is not a complainer. She works hard and the only times I hear her complain is when she probably has reason to be (like being really tired since she has been working a long time). Mom keeps the family together and makes sure everything is controlled in her home. Although we moved around a lot in my life, there was always comfort and familiarity in the way that Mom would decorate and organize our new living space.

Mom is a ton of fun to be around. She's fun to tease. :) She's fun to listen to music with, dance with, cook with, shop with. The other day I noticed a new second hand store (Plato's closet-a nice one!) had opened and I immediatly thought that mom would love to go there with me. I love that my mom loves to shop but she is also a bargain shopper. She is always looking for a good deal. I like her opinion on the things I buy as well.

I also value my mom's opinion about many other things in life. Serious things. I really admire her strength throughout the years especially when times got really tough. She has not had an easy life. She does not give up though. She trusts in her Lord. Her love for Him and her family is evident in her life.

With my mom being overseas the past few months, I've realized all the reasons I really appreciate and value her. I can't wait to see her again in a few weeks, and I hope to tell, and show her more often why I love and appreciate her.

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Everlasting

Growing up a missionary kid meant that I constantly moved around throughout my life. I'm still moving around. I've had many, many homes. I have had to say too many goodbyes. I have struggled with the pain of losing things very precious to me. Sometimes I feel as if nothing is constant in my life. I feel as if nothing stays the same. I feel as if nothing is trustworthy, safe, or everlasting. I am wrong. The Lord is all of these things, and much more. I am comforted today by knowing that my God is an Everlasting Father and He displays His Everlasting love, glory, and power in the glory of His creation. Here is a song by Third Day (at least that's who I know sings it) called You are the Everlasting God. Maybe it will speak truth into your heart today as it has mine.

"Ruler of the universe
Higher than the kings of earth
Long before the world began
Everything was in Your hands
Your glory will forever stand

For you are the Lord
And You are God above
Your love goes on and on
You are the everlasting Father
You are the everlasting light, oh yeah
Every knee shall bow
You are the everlasting life

Through the raging of the seas
The hills proclaim Your majesty
All these things created for
The glorifying of the Lord
We praise Your name forevermore

For You are the Lord
And You are God above
Your love goes on and on
You are the everlasting Father
You are the everlasting light, oh yeah
Every knee shall bow
Lord of mercy [we adore You now]
You are the everlasting life
My heart cries out
My spirit shouts
I'll praise Your name forevermore "

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, EVERLASTING FATHER, Prince of Peace."

Daniel 7:14 "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."