J's Spot

10 years ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

As usual I was running late for work. I had only returned to work a few weeks ago from having my first child. I was on the A train on my way to my job in Midtown NY. The train was taking forever to move from stop to stop. I remember the train finally moving and the doors opening at the next stop. A panicked passenger came on rambling about a plane hitting one of the towers of the Trade Center. We didn't believe him and the train crept on. It pulled into another station where someone else got on the train and informed us of plane #2 hitting the the second tower. This was the moment I knew it was true. Panic and fear filled my heart!

Our train arrived at Columbus Circle and I ran to my office. It was eerily quiet. I ran to my desk and tried to call my husband only to discover the phones were not working. I found my fellow co-workers gathered around a TV watching the events unfold in shock and horror. Moments after joining them, my body went numb as I watched the first tower fall. I remember falling to my knees in shock and hearing the cries of those around me. My thoughts raced thinking about who I knew in that area and I prayed for their safety.

In between watching footage, we all took turns trying to find an open phone line to track our loved ones down. I finally reached my husband Joey, on a fax line. He worked in a hospital/ nursing home in Harlem. He had to finish his shift but he told me he was coming to get me so we could be together. He walked from 126th street to 59th street to pick me up. The subways were no longer running so we walked back to his job. We joined others as they started their walks home in disbelief.

All I wanted to do was go home and hold my 3 month old princess. We arrived home after my husbands shift and I didn't want to let go of Julia. We heard stories of all our loved ones that survived. We also heard stories about the missing and later mourned the people who were lost. I write these words in remembrance ten years later. I will never forget...

Halloween Through the Years...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:01:00 +0000

I love to take pictures. I probably have thousands of pictures on my computer. My favorite time of year for picture taking is halloween! I love dressing the kids up in their favorite costumes and taking them to different parties and trick or treating! So here is a picture stroll down memory lane of Halloween throughout the years for the J-Crew!

Julia's first Halloween-Angel Costume

2001

Julia's 2nd Halloween 2002 Belle Costume

Julia's 3rd Halloween 2003- Cat Mask Costume (really was supposed to be a china doll but she refused to wear the costume!)

Julia's 4th Halloween 2004- Princess Fiona Costume

Julia's 5th Halloween 2005- Cinderella Costume

Julia's 6th Halloween 2006 and Jr.'s 1st Halloween- Elizabeth Costume from Pirates of the Caribbean and Superman Costume

Halloween 2007- Fairy Princess Costume

Halloween 2007 - Joshua's 1st Halloween- Yoda Costume

Halloween 2007

Halloween 2007- Boxer Costume

Halloween 2009- Batman and Robin and Alex from Wizards of Waverly Place Costume

Key 2 Free October 21st, 2010 (a21 campaign)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 23:26:00 +0000

27 Million... That is the number of victims of human trafficking worldwide. Let that number sink in....27 million and we are in the 21st century. Its a sad but very true fact and it is happening here in the USA and all over the globe. Women are being sold into sex slavery every day. We need to do something to help!

There are many great organizations dedicated to stopping this horrendous crime. One of these organizations is the A21 Campaign headed by Christine Caine. On October 21st the A21 Campaign is asking everyone to wear a key necklace to promote Key2Free, a way to show awareness and help end human trafficking.

Please watch the following video for more information:

My diva is 9 years old!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:37:00 +0000

On June 8th, 2001 at 5:55 pm I became a Mom for the first time to the most precious little princess, Julia Elise! My life was forever changed that day.

One of my favorite quotes is “Making the decision to have a child -- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Julia is my heart walking outside my body. She is the best of both me and her Daddy.

I burst with pride over how much our diva has grown over these nine years. She has a great personality, she’s so intelligent (A/B honor roll all year) and very caring. She has a a smile that can light any darkness! She is bubbly and talkative (ask my Dad!). She is also a great big sister to Joey Jr. and Joshua!

I was looking at pictures of Julia throughout her nine years and I wanted to share them. I hope you enjoy my stroll down memory lane! Happy Birthday Julia Elise! Mommy loves you!

Sonogram

Me pregnant with Julia at my baby shower

1 day old

Christening

1st birthday

2nd birthday

3rd birthday

4th birthday

5th birthday

6th birthday

7th birthday

8th birthday

Dedication

1st day of daycare

pre-k graduation

Kindergarten graduation

1st day of school- 1st grade

1st dance recital

Flower girl pics:

Water baptism 2010

May 2010

Marriage Matters by Tony Evans- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 30 May 2010 12:39:00 +0000

I recently read a great book on Marriage called Marriage Matters by Dr. Tony Evans. I read this book as part of a blog tour hosted by Blog Tour Spot and the publisher sent me a review copy.

The book is a very quick read which explores the biblical principles of how to strengthen your marriage.

I love how Dr. Evans explores the importance of the marriage convenant and uses scripture to back up his points. A lot of the points he made were very eye opening.

He goes in depth about what a covenant means and how the marriage covenant was designed by God. He covers three key aspects of what makes up the marriage covenant: Origin, Order and Operation.

One quote in the book that stood out to me was “Marriage is a covenantal union designed strengthen the capability of each partner to carry out the plan of God in their lives”. So often we hear the term “helper” in the Bible when referring to a woman’s role in the marriage and we see it as a negative (maid, cleaner, cook etc.) But husband and wife are so much more than that to each other when we really explore our roles biblically and that is what this book explains.

If you are interested check out some more information from the media release below:

Marriage Matters
Marriages today are deteriorating at an alarming rate: As of 2003, 43.7% of custodial mothers and 56.2% of custodial fathers were either separated or divorced (US Census Bureau). One might ask, “Why do so many marriages fail?” According to pastor and teacher Tony Evans, marriages deteriorate not because we no longer get along, but because we have lost sight of the purpose and prosperity of the marriage covenant.
Marriage Matters examines the nature of this covenant, or agreement, we enter into on our wedding day. This booklet provides the foundation for the booklets For Married Women Only, as Evans looks to the Scriptures to define what a covenant is, who makes it, and what the implications are. Chaos arises when we seek to do things our way—the need to align ourselves according to biblical standards of marriage is evident. Let the practical and engaging Tony Evans lead you in knowing just how much…Marriage Matters.

For Married Men Only
What does it mean for a husband to love his wife? Three things, says Tony Evans: a husband must be his wife’s savior, sanctifier, and satisfier. It is by living out these three principles that a godly marriage will blossom and flourish.

In For Married Men Only, each of these principles is explored and explained using real-life examples. How does a husband be his wife’s savior? By learning to love her as Christ loved the church. What about sanctifier? By dying to self and modeling sacrificial love, no matter what the result. And satisfier? By studying and serving his wife so he can fulfill her needs, just as Christ humbled Himself for our sakes.
First published in 2002 as Tony Evans Speaks Out on a Man’s Role in the Home, this booklet has sold nearly 40,000 copies. Use it alone or with the companion volume, For Married Women Only.

For Married Women Only
How is a wife to love her husband? By learning three things, says Tony Evans: how to submit, seduce, and surrender to her husband. Out of these three principles a godly marriage will grow.

In For Married Women Only, pastor and author Tony Evans explores these three principles in a straight-forward yet encouraging manner. He unpacks the touchy topic of submission and lays out the rewards inherent in this biblical model. On seduction, Evans looks at the quality of attractiveness and how embodying it can be pleasing to your spouse and to God. And with surrender, readers will examine why a wife is the perfect helpmate for her husband and how to combat attitudes opposed to God’s design.
Originally published in 2002 as Tony Evans Speaks Out on a Woman’s Role in the Home, this booklet has sold nearly 38,000 copies. Use it alone or with the companion volume, For Married Men Only.

About the Author:

Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. The first African-American to graduate with a doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), he served as an associate professor in DTS’ Pastoral Ministries Department in the areas of evangelism, homiletics and black church studies. He continues to serve DTS on the Board of Incorporate Members.

Tony Evans, along with his wife, Lois, established Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 with only ten people in their home. Serving as senior pastor for the last 33 years, Evans has seen his church grow from 10 members to over 8,000 congregants with 100 plus ministries.

Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal in America through the church. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 600 stations daily throughout the United States and in more than 40 countries.

Through his local church and national ministry, Dr. Evans has set in motion a Kingdom Agenda philosophy of ministry that teaches God’s comprehensive rule over every area of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church and society.

Dr. Tony Evans is married to Lois, his wife and ministry partner of 40 years. They are the proud parents of four: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony, Jr., and Jonathan as well as proud grandparents of nine: Kariss, Jessica, Jackson, Jessie, Jr., Jerry Jr., Kanaan, Jude, Joel and Kelsey.
Learn more about Tony at http://www.tonyevans.org.

Marriage Matters
Release: May 2010

List of participating bloggers in this tour:

A Godly Wife on Purpose
Bible Dude
Blog Tour Spot
Book Nook Club
Bound to His Heart
CommuniKate
God Restores
J’s Spot
Reflections
Refresh My Soul
Scraps and Snippets
This Mom’s Delight
Ultimate Joy

Shine 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 20 May 2010 01:47:00 +0000

I attended an awesome Women’s conference at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL last week. Shine 2010 was such a life-changing three days. I was stirred up to have courage, be an encourager, and to stand up and make a change in my life so that I can help others!

The line-up of speakers that God used to speak to me and thousands of other women was amazing: Lisa Young, Julie Hadden, Christine Caine, Jentzen Franklin, Stovall Weems and Kerri Weems (conference host), and DeLynn Rizzo.

I took pages and pages of notes that I still need to type up but here are some highlights:

Lisa Young spoke on night one about being reflective tools for the generosity of God. She encouraged us to use our God-given gifts now and not to save them for a later date. One quote that stuck out to me was “God doesn’t look at the better, he looks at the obedience”
Kerri Weems spoke to us about having the courage to fight! She said our place of safety can turn into a place of containment if we resist the call of God. She said we need to stand up to the bullies in our lives (worry, doubt, discouragement, depression etc.)

Her three main points:
1. Keep Showing up Despite the Bullies
2. Stir up passion (stir up the gift within you)
3. Learn to love the fight

Jentzen Franklin spoke on nigh two. His topic of choice- The amazing discernment of women. His sermon was so powerful!

A quote that sticks out to me from his night was “You either carry an embalming spirit of an anointing spirit” This means we either give up and let hope and faith die in our lives or we have faith and live our lives with an anointing spirit and not give up! We have to keep fighting and praying for our families. We can change the atmosphere in our households by our faith. I wish everyone could have heard this sermon. It was that powerful!

Julie Hadden spoke on day three. She was the first runner up on one of the seasons of the Biggest Loser. She spoke about how God uses “the outcasts, the rejects and the unchosen” to bring him glory.
She said that God sees “the person in us that has a purpose not the person we see”. She reminded us that God’s plans for us are perfect and complete.
Her story of faith and her weight loss journey were very inspiring!

DeLynn Rizzo spoke about embracing change. She spoke about the different seasons in our lives and how we need to embrace them. She said that God sees our potential and not our comfort. Sometimes we get too comfortable and we don’t allow God to make changes in our lives.

Pastor Stovall spoke about Rahab and the wall of Jericho. What a great story about a woman standing in the gap (literally and physically!) If you have a chance to read the story it’s in Joshua 2:1-21.

He spoke about how Rahab heard the word of God but did not see the miracles for herself. That she had faith from hearing and not seeing.

One point he made that resonated with me was that we are to “walk in the revelation God gives you and eventually your husband will turn around” It’s all about standing in the gap for our families and praying for them and showing them the God that lives in us!

He also spoke about how we all have the Proverbs 31 woman inside of us no matter what kind of lives we lived in the past (Rahab was a prostitute but she had faith in God) He said Rahab was an an example that the blood of Jesus covers all of us.

There was so much more to what Pastor Stovall preached that day! But I hope I gave you a good summary :)

Christine Caine spoke on night three. She spoke about us waking up and hearing the alarm. She said we need to be a light to the lost and broken generation. She has a great organization The A21 Campaign against human trafficking. I am going to devote a post about this organization and a few others that were highlighted during the conference.

I can go on and on about what all the speakers said but you really had to be there to experience it! I hope that some of you can attend Shine in 2011. Lisa Bevere and Priscilla Shirer will be the featured speakers! You can preregister today!

O Me of Little Faith-Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:29:00 +0000

A recently read O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett as part of a blog tour hosted by The Blog Tour Spot. A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher.

This was an interesting read. The author is a Christian but writes about his struggle with doubt. There were many points in the book I agreed with but other points that I questioned. I feel that the book is very relevant because despite the author’s doubt he understands the importance in faith.

The tagline on the cover of the book says “True confessions of a spiritual weakling”, but I do not see the author as a spiritual weakling. I see him as a man who recognizes that our faith is built on our struggles and our doubts.

If you are interested please check out the author’s website, www.jasonboyett.com.

Here is some more information about Jason Boyett:

O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett.

In O Me of Little Faith, author Jason Boyett brings you a transparent and personal account of his own of struggles with doubts and unbelief in living out his faith. With humor and frankness, Boyett uses personal anecdotes and a fresh look at Scripture to explore the realities of pursuing Christ through a field of doubt.

After three decades of knowing God, understanding Christianity, and living a Christian life, Boyett has come to the place where he can voice the tough questions and travel the road of uncertainty with blinders off, candor on.

The message along the way is one of encouragement: Relax. Rely on the grace of a merciful God, a kind father who realizes that his finite creatures must have doubts, should have questions, and will have trouble making sense of an infinite Creator. Ultimately, Boyett concludes that doubt and faith are not polar opposites, but actually work together, existing side-by-side.

Uplifting, entertaining, hopeful, O Me of Little Faith will strike a chord with you and any Christian who’s dealing with the uncertainties of living life in pursuit of a God who occasionally seems to disappear.

About the Author:
Jason Boyett is a writer, speaker, marketing professional, and the author of Pocket Guide to the Afterlife, Pocket Guide to the Bible, and several other books. He has appeared on the History Channel and National Geographic Channel and written for a variety of publications. He lives in Texas with his wife, Aimee, and their two children.

Learn more about Jason at http://www.jasonboyett.com.

O Me of Little Faith
Release: May 2010
Soft cover, 224 pp.
ISBN: 0310289491

Also check out some of the other participants in this blog tour:

A room without books is empty
Amy Storms
Be Your Best Mom
Bell Whistle Moon
Blog Tour Spot
Book Hooked
Book Nook Club
Captain’s Blog
Catholic View
Deus E Fiel
Dinner with Jennifer
Drive Home Productions
God Restores
Hurdling Hurdles
i don’t believe in grammar
Joyful Scribe
Life on the Wild Side
Marci Seither
Musings
Musings by Lynn
My Alabaster Box
Ponderings by Andrea
Ragamuffin Scrap Craft
Sprightly Amy Anne
Sunflower Faith
Tasra Mar
Tattered Couch
The Friendly Book Nook
The Scroll
Walking Daily

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:46:00 +0000

Check out the new issue of Soar Magazine.... Let me know what you think about my article and the rest of the magazine! http://ping.fm/imG1u

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:56:00 +0000

Feeling so blessed to be a part of Soar Magazine team! Please check out the Spring 2010 edition of Soar- http://ping.fm/pXYcf

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:40:00 +0000

A glass of sangria...Alejandro Sanz music ... relaxing :)

Psalm 73

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Check out the following video by a group called Alert.

Psalm 73 - NLT from ALERT on Vimeo.

I love how they interpreted this Psalm! It has a great urban feel that will appeal to youth and to those that love hip hop. I love how God is moving through our youth. They are using their talents to advance the Kingdom of God!

Shine!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:21:00 +0000

Shine 2010 Promo from Celebration Church on Vimeo.

I just registered for my first women's conference- Shine! It's a 3 day conference being hosted by Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL. The dates are May 12th-May14th. You can check out the list of speakers here.

I have always wanted to attend a Christian women's conference and feel so blessed that my home church is hosting this event. I know I am going to feel so empowered after this conference. I love how God continues to move in my life. Can't wait to see what blessings He has in store for me in the coming weeks and months!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:14:00 +0000

Wishing my little prince Joey Jr. a very happy 4th birthday! Mommy loves you!

I am.... Wonder Woman!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:48:00 +0000

This week a friend posted the following on her status on her facebook page-

post a picture of someone fictional (or real) that you think best represents your personality. Be creative !!!!!!! Copy and paste this so we can all play along!

I chose a picture of Wonder Woman to represent me.

As a little girl, I loved pretending to be Wonder Woman. I would borrow my Mom's gold bracelets and start spinning around in a circle trying to turn from ordinary four-eyed Jessie into Wonder Woman!

Now as an adult I can see how Wonder Woman still represents me. Wonder Woman had an alter ego. Her alter ego was a buttoned up, glasses wearing, hair up in a bun, very responsible career woman. But once she took off those glasses and loosed her hair, she was a powerful woman who took on the world!

I never saw myself as powerful until recently. I may wear glasses and sometimes my hair is up in a bun. I may not be glamorous or beautiful but I am powerful because I know who I am. I am a wonderful mother, a good wife, a provider for my family, and most importantly a Child of God! By knowing who I am I can face any obstacle thrown my way. I can take on the world because I am Wonder Woman :)

It's Been Awhile!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:34:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I have had a chance to sit down and post an update. I have been busy with work, the kids and church. I am happy to say that we are doing pretty good here in Florida. Things could be better but God has blessed us with so much since our big move!

Julia is doing great in school. She is on the A/B honor roll and she has become just like her Mommy, a bookworm! She is always reading! She loves mystery books and the American Girl books too. She just starting reading Nancy Drew books and I love it because those were my favorite mystery books growing up!

The boys are growing so fast. Both are completely potty trained. They are also talking so much. I can't believe that they will be turn 4 and 3 years old in March. Time is going by so quickly.

I am still working as a pre-school teacher. I am looking at my options of becoming a certified teacher in the county I live in. I have been praying for direction. I am not sure if I should teach middle school/ high school or keep teaching younger kids and get certified to teach in elementary school. My minor in college was in secondary education but now I have some experience with younger children so that is why I am having a hard time deciding which way to go.

I am also still trying to concentrate on writing. I have written two pieces for an online magazine called Soar. I am happy to be a part of this great magazine and the organization that it belongs to, CEFL-Center for Emerging Female Leaders.

I hope to have more to news to share soon! I hope to start regularly updating this blog too!

A Slow Burn- Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:20:00 +0000

I had the privilege of reading "A Slow Burn " by Mary E. Demuth for The Blog Tour Spot and the release of the book. This book is book two in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy. Book one was called "Daisy Chain" , which I also had a chance to review for The Blog Tour Spot.

A Slow Burn" is another book that I just couldn't put down. It focuses on Daisy's Mom, Emory and also on a character names Hixon. Both were in the first book but in this second installment in the trilogy we really get to know their stories.

This book is full of hope but also hard to read. The trials and tribulations of the characters are heart-rending and very real. But we do see hope through all the pain and suffering! God's love, grace and mercy are showcased in Mary's brilliant writing.

Below is more information on the book:

A Slow Burn....

She touched Daisy’s shoulder. So cold. So hard. So unlike Daisy.

Yet so much like herself it made Emory shudder.

Burying her grief, Emory Chance is determined to find her daughter Daisy’s murderer-a man she saw in a flicker of a vision. But when the investigation hits every dead end, her despair escalates. As questions surrounding Daisy’s death continue to mount, Emory’s safety is shattered by the pursuit of a stranger, and she can’t shake the sickening fear that her own choices contributed to Daisy’s disappearance. Will she ever experience the peace her heart longs for?

The second book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, this suspenseful novel is about courageous love, the burden of regret, and bonds that never break. It is about the beauty and the pain of telling the truth. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and what remains when shame no longer holds us captive.

About the Author:

Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth is an expert in the field of Pioneer Parenting. She helps Christian parents plow fresh spiritual ground, especially those seeking to break destructive family patterns. Her message guides parents who don’t want to duplicate the home where they were raised or didn’t have positive parenting role models growing up.

An accomplished writer, Mary’s parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God. Her real-to-life novels inspire people to turn trials into triumphs: Watching the Tree Limbs (2007 Christy Award finalist, ACFW Book of the Year 2nd Place) and Wishing on Dandelions (2007 Retailer’s Choice Award finalist).

Mary is a frequent speaker at women’s retreats and parenting seminars, addressing audiences in both Europe and the United States. National media regularly seek Mary’s candid ability to connect with their listeners. Her radio appearances include FamilyLife Today, Moody Midday Connection, and U.S.A. Radio network. She also has articles published in Marriage Partnership, In Touch, and HomeLife.

As pioneer parents, Mary and her husband Patrick live in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France where they planted a church.

Learn more about Mary at http://marydemuth.com./

A Slow Burn

Release: October 2009

Soft cover, 368 pp.

ISBN: 0310278376

August...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I can't believe today is August 1st! Where has the time gone? I have been in Florida for a month now. Monday I start my new job at a daycare center. My parents will be down to visit us in two weeks. On the 24th Julia starts school!

All of these changes are bittersweet. I miss my family and Brooklyn fiercely. The ache in my heart from missing my family and my hometown has not lessened. But I am learning to get used to Jacksonville. I found a great church, Celebration Church. I misss Christ Tabernacle in Queens too... but thanks to technology I can follow along with my church familia in NY via twitter, blogs, facebook and podcasts. I have been blessed to hear some of the sermons from Christ Tabernacle that I have downloaded on my ipod. The real faith sermon series is awesome. Check it out via their website christtabernacle.org.

I also start my new job on Monday. I am going to work at a daycare center in downtown Jacksonville. I am so excited. I wanted to work in a different setting possibly teaching and now God has blessed me with the type of job I have been praying for. I can't wait to meet the kids I will be working with but I am going to miss my little boys. I have never been away from Joshua for more than a few hours. Now I'll be working 8 hours a day! It's going to be so hard. But I know God will give me the strength I need.

Here is one of my favorite songs of the moment by Israel Houghton. It's called "Moving Foward" Pretty much fits how I feel right now!

Oh oh oh yeah yeah....

What a moment You have brought me to.

Such a freedom I have found in You.

You're the healer who makes all things new.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead.

I'm here to declare to you my past is over.

In You all things are made new. Surrendered

My Life to Christ. I'm Moving, Moving Forward.

oh oh oh....

You have risen with all power in Your hand.

You have given me a second chance.

Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead.

I'm here to declare to you my past is over.

In You all things are made new. Surrendered

My Life to Christ. I'm Moving, Moving Forward. ( 2x )

You make all Things new.

Yes, you make all things new and I will Follow You forward. (4x)

I will follow you forward.....

The J-Crew's new Journey....

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Some of you know that our family nickname is the J-Crew. We were dubbed with this nickname because all of our names start with the letter J!

Well the J-Crew has started a new journey in a new hometown! About three weeks ago we moved from my beloved Brooklyn, NY to Jacksonville, Florida! So the J-Crew is now in a city that starts with the letter J! To make the J- connection even more ironic the street we live on starts with the letter J too! We went from Jardine Place in Brooklyn, NY to Jade Drive in Jacksonville, Florida. I feel like we are an episode of Sesame Street that is being brough to you by the letter J!

We are enjoying Jacksonville and trying to settle down and find a church, jobs and other new connections on this new journey we are taking. God continues to amaze me in the directions He is taking me in.

If there are any Jacksonville mommies reading this post, please e-mail me! I would love to know about all the fun stuff we can do with the kids in our new hometown.

I have so many entries to post. I have tons of book reviews to write and of course I want to start my weight loss journey again. We were without the computer for three weeks since we moved because it got damaged during the road trip (yes, we drove from NY to Florida in our big move!)

I am glad to be back online and blogging again! I have missed everyone!

This is J-Mommy Jessie signing off!

Fitness Friday and One Weigh at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:30:00 +0000

I stepped on the scale this morning and have to admit I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I didn't want to see the number. But to my surprise I went from 182.4 to 180.6. A loss of 1.8 pounds. These past couple of weeks have been up and down but I am still motivated to keep going.

I have been keeping my food journal on my itouch but I am wondering if I should keep a written journal too. What works best for you with food journaling?

One more thing! Please check out http://oneweighatatime.com/ There are some cool changes going on with the site. You can join us for weekly weigh ins, support and also get some great information. They also have a facebook page and are on twitter! All that information is on the sidebar of the website. I hope you check out the site! I want to thank all the girls for their continued support and friendship as I continue on this journey to get healthy!

Wordless Wednesday- Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Fitness Friday and One Weigh at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:41:00 +0000

It's Friday and that means that this morning I stepped on the scale. Here are my results: I was 179.8 last week and this week.... 182.4 :(:(:(: A 2.6 pound gain...

I have to be honest. I was binging this week. Whenever my time of month comes around I get the serious munchies! I do have to say that even though I binged it wasn't as bad as it usually gets! I was able to control my binging if that makes sense. I knew that if I didn't give into the cravings that I would go off and really go crazy with the food. So when I had the craving I gave in but had half of what I wanted instead of a whole serving.

I should be getting my EA Sports Active sometime next week! I am so excited and can't wait to start the 30 day challenge. My Mom is getting the fitness game too so she will be doing the challenge with me. I love doing stuff with my Mom!!! When I had my gym membership at Lucille Roberts, my Mom was one of my gym buddies. We both need to lose weight so it will be fun doing the challenge with her and motivating each other to get fit!

So my question this week: Ladies, how do you control cravings when you hit that time of the month?

Summer Reading Programs- 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Julia has really discovered the joy of reading (last summer she got her 1st library card!) and I have been looking into different reading programs to do with her this summer that are fun and free to mix things up a little for her. She has a great reading program at her school and I want to extend what they are doing in school during the summer.

Here are some of the programs I have found:

http://www.bookadventure.org/

Book Adventure is a FREE reading program for children in grades K-8.They can creat their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points and prizes for their progress. Book Adventure was created by and is maintained by Sylvan Learning.

What is cool about this program is that there is a free component for parent's to monitor their child's progress. The Parent's Place let's you monitor their reading activities, track their quiz results and approve their prize selection. Their our tools and resources to help parents motivate their children to read longer, more frequently and with better comprehension.

Another great program is being sponsored by Barnes and Noble. You can learn more about this great summer reading program at Latina On A Mission. She has a great write up on what Barnes and Noble is offering with their reading program and again I have to stress it is FREE!

The Brooklyn Public Library also has a summer reading program. They are updating their website for 2009 so when I get more information I will post about what they have to offer!

Check your local library and see if they have a similar program for the summer. Also if your child doesn't have a library card, sign them up for one! They can borrow any of the books in the above mentioned summer reading programs instead of buying them. If they really enjoy a book you can always go and purchase it for their collection!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:44:00 +0000

No Longer Desolate- Recap of Women's Fellowship at Christ Tabernacle

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:53:00 +0000

I've been attending Christ Tabernacle for two years and have never attended one of their women's fellowships. I finally got to go to one on Saturday and it was awesome! A great outpouring of praise, fellowship and healing happened that day.

I went with my Mom and my Titi Nilka. We arrived early to enjoy the free breakfast they were offering. Little did we know that we should have gone into the main worship hall to save seats first! But it worked out because we were able to sit in the choir seats on the platform! Best seats in the house!!!

The title of the fellowship was No Longer Desolate. The theme was healing from all types of abuse, including sexual abuse. They highlighted Isaiah 62:4 and 62:12

⁴ No longer will they call you Deserted,
       or name your land Desolate.
       But you will be called Hephzibah,
       and your land Beulah ;
       for the LORD will take delight in you,
       and your land will be married.
¹² They will be called the Holy People,
       the Redeemed of the LORD;
       and you will be called Sought After,
       the City No Longer Desolate

There was great worship music and Oraia (a Christian spoken word artist- you can hear some of her work here) did this beautiful piece about being beautifully broken. I wish I could find it online but to summarize her spoken word she said that our scars can be used to help others like Jesus's scars have helped us, his scars gave us salvation and were left on Him as proof. I wish I could do better justice to her piece! It was powerful and gave me goosebumps and my tears were flowing. And this was just the beginning!

One of the many points that were made through a video presentation, Maria Durso and the main speaker was that abuse has long term lasting affects and affect not only the abuser but those around them for a long time. Our kids are affected even if we don't realize it. Sometimes we think we have dealt with our past but something will pop up and if we don't deal with it head we can end up hurting ourselves and others.

The healing process is one step at a time and as Maria Durso said we need to push through and heal from our pasts. Then we can start to help others.

The main speaker's story was so heartrenching but this woman's strength, courage and resiliency was inspiring. She was sexaully abused by her Uncle and by age 14 was pregnant with his kid. She had the baby after many attempt by the Uncle to rid himself of the "problem". He did not succeed and the story that unfolded was amazing. I won't go into too many details because again I won't do her story justice. But I will say this was her first time sharing her testimony in a public setting. Yet she was so natural, so raw and so honest. Her story was one of pain, sadness, joy, redemption, healing and forgiveness. Her words have impacted me in a great way. I came away with such insight and clarity.

She highlighted the following verses and I want to leave you with these powerful words from: Psalms 139: 13-16

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book

What precious words to here! God bless you all! The next Women's Fellowship is October 17th so if you are in the NY area and like to attend a Women's Fellowship at Christ Tabernacle keep this date in mind!

Fitness Friday and One Weigh at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:38:00 +0000

It's Weigh in Day! I was dreading getting on the scale this morning. So here it goes: I was 181 last week and this week.... 179.8. a 1.2 loss! Not so bad! I thought I had gained because I messed up!

I have been tracking calories using Livestrong.com's app on my Itouch. I can also update my weight on the app. I thought this would automatically update the amount off calories I needed for weight loss when updating my weight. But it doesn't! I couldn't find my Itouch the other day, so I had to jump on the computer to log what I ate and I checked the calories and noticed an update button. I was curious so I hit the button, and with the weight I had input, the calories went down! So for two weeks I was using the wrong calorie goal while logging. I thought I would have another gain this week... a week bigger gain! But thankfully that didn't happen! And I am so happy that I am under 180. I'm under slightly but still under ;)

I also tried switching up my exercise routine midweek. I love using my Wii Fit and My Fitness Coach but I also like exercise that incorporates dance. So I checked my cable's free on demand channel and found a bollywood dance workout. It was a 30 minute workout and it was great! I had fun and felt the burn! Today I think I'm going to try the Brazilian dance workout. I also want to see if I get the Dancing With the Starts Latin Dance Cardio DVD.

Starting June 1st I will be participating in the EA Sports Active 30 Day-Challenge! EA Sports Active is a new fitness game that is being released for the Wii next week. I'm hoping to receive the game sometime next week and can't wait to try it! Anyone else getting the game and participating in the challenge? I know a few people who are participating in this challenge already and they have gotten some great results!