Something Big

Lately I've been wrestling with this idea of doing something big in my life. I'm thirty now, so something big should come next, right? "Yeah, my brother said, it's thirty-one."  

I'm unsure what it [my something big] looks like just yet--maybe it's creating a business or starting a movement, or simply achieving something big--whatever it is, I want it to be both epic (maybe even trendy) and positively impactful. 

As I was dreaming of my next big thing, a thought stopped me straight in my tracks. I felt in my heart God say, "What if all of the little things you're currently doing add up to something big? Couldn't you count that, Jes? A lifetime of littles to equal your great?"

The idea of a lifetime or a legacy of service hit me like a ton of bricks. As I've been waiting on my something big (not even sure how to really define big!) I had forgotten how important the little things or #smallvictories are in the grand picture of life.

Sure, I would love to write a book one day, speak in front of thousands, own my own business and positively impact hundreds of thousands of lives, but what counts right now in this season of life, are the small things.

The dedication to teaching Bible study to the few on Thursdays, the soup kitchen that needed volunteer help, the Valentine's brunch for our military spouses, the laundry detergent drive for the "Laundry Love" project, the mentoring group at work that we started, and the twenty-five "Bags of Compassion" delivered to the homeless community by the book club; its those things even in the smallest act of kindness, compassion and love matter. 

I'm definitely not trading in ambition for mediocrity, but I am going to take more time to celebrate the small victories and accomplishments in my life as well. Celebrating the little is a lot more fun than always waiting on the big. 

What is your #smallvictories for today? The Bible says that God has created us for many great things, but He also reminds up to watch over and take care of the flock that we have now. Share with me what you're doing! I'd love to hear and celebrate the good with you in all things! 

xoxo

Jes  

 “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭(NLT) 

 “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭(NLT)

 “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” ‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭(NLT)

Valentine's Day brunch. 

Laundry Love

Will take laundry detergent! 

Through our service project  last October with the Tuesday book club girls, we learned about Ms. Ruthie, an owner of a laundry mat in Pacific Beach, who does a lot for the local homeless community. 

A few of us decided that we'd like to meet Ms. Ruthie and take some laundry detergent to help support her "laundry love" efforts. We put together a small detergent drive for any laundry items--liquid detergent, laundry soap, dryer sheets, stain remover, etc. and coupled it with some travel-size toiletry items a friend and her family gave us. We gathered the items, took some time to pick a date, and finally ran down to PB to meet Ms. Ruthie and drop off the items. 

We arrived to a little quaint laundry mat where a sweet, unassuming lady met us behind a service counter in the back. We introduced ourselves as she was a bit shocked, but cheerfully surprised. We walked back to the car to grab the loot and once again met the same sweet lady still pleasantly riddled by our gifts. She gladly accepted and promised to give to anyone who needed. We chatted for a bit longer, promised to be back and to continue to keep her in our prayers. 

When we got into the car and drove away there was silence. Not a word from either of us for minutes. I was completely taken back at how easy it was to give. There weren't words for why I had waited so long to make a trip down to PB or why I haven't put forth more effort to grab an extra bottle of detergent while grocery shopping.

Finally, I broke the silence, "Wow, that was so simple. Why did we wait so long? How could that be so easy to do?" My heart was full of both love and guilt all at the same time. How did I get so caught up in ME that I'd missed little opportunities like that?

I was washed over with mixed emotions on how someone like me, who is blessed beyond measure, had dragged my feet in simply getting out of my bubble [or comfort zone!] to help...or do something for someone other than myself. With this in my heart and great counsel for a girlfriend, here's what we came up with: 

1. Any size gift or impact makes a difference. God says in the Bible that He cares more about the attitude and the heart of giver than the gift itself. The smallest random acts of kindness still makes a difference in someone's day.
2. Time doesn't stop. Such a simple and obvious truth, but we need to be reminded that putting something off until tomorrow can too soon become yesterday. If there's a nudge/desire/pull in your heart to do something, do it. We can't let busyness or perfectionism get in our way; otherwise we'll never get to it. 
3. Look down. When we compare ourselves to others, it's usually the times that we're looking up and suddenly aware of everything we don't have. Try looking down. Take a moment to become aware of everything you do have. Comparison is an instant joy killer and the quickest way to lose sight of your own blessings. When you do look down, most likely you'll see a need. And beyond that, typically a need that you can help meet. If you can't do it alone, enlist those other friends that are looking down too. God's love can motivate and move mountains. 
4. Generosity and kindness helps make the world go round. As if it's like magic, we tend to feel so much better when we give. Something special happens in our hearts when we take the attention (time and energy!) off of ourselves and refocus it to help someone else. Serving others brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives.  

With all of that, we decided to get in on the "laundry love" movement. Whether it's paying for a stranger's laundry, donating a roll of quarters, soap or dryer sheets, we want to encourage you to do something! And soon! Take a meal, share a smile, pay for some Starbucks, tutor a child, mow the neighbor's yard, or serve at a soup kitchen or local library. Share. Do. Give. We know it not only makes a difference in those around you, but in your life as well. 

xoxo
Jes

P.S. Want to donate to Ms. Ruthie's cause? Email me to drop off laundry detergent, dryer sheets, or other travel size toiletry items! 

 “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:7-8‬ (‭NLT‬‬)

Paul says, "Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:10-12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) 

Giving Back Today!

Oh my, I'm unsure where to start! Maybe I should begin with the Tuesday night book club or the Thursday girls night and Jen Hatmaker's "Interrupted" study, or the idea of missional living and Africa being in my backyard...and the stir in my heart to make a difference. I'll eventually introduce all of those to you, but what I have to tell you about is today. 

There's a group of us, who have been wrestling with the idea of "doing something" to give back to the community. We wanted to meet a need and share the Hope and love of Jesus Christ with those around us. 

We talked about donating clothes, making meals, pooling our money together to give to a cause, feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, helping with the fight against human trafficking and in all of our brainstorming, we landed on creating 25 bags of compassion. We decided that each girl would give $25 bucks for her choice of items to go into a bag that would be personally given to someone on the streets without a home.

The bags were filled with sandwiches, fresh fruit, socks, bottled water, toiletries, Halloween candy, and other goodies. A friend had recommended that we start at the public library in Pacific Beach as that was a popular place for many homeless in the area. Our missional living was off to an enthusiastic start! We knew that we wanted to do more than just pass out bags and call it done; we wanted to meet people, hear their stories, ask what they needed, and share a smile and warm heart. 

We met in the library's parking lot early this morning to finalize our outreach strategy and put the last touches on the bags. As we were finishing up, a clean-cut, friendly gentleman got out of his van to say hello and what we didn't know at the time was that this man was actually going to give to us.

We began chatting with him, asked if he wanted a bag, but he politely declined. He's an Army veteran who turned sixty on Thursday, just recently became a granddad and had sustained some injuries a few years ago which pelted him into a spiral of events leading to his once homelessness. He's no longer homeless as he receives a small income and lives a nomadic lifestyle out of his van. He made Jesus his Lord and Savior a couple years ago and talked about a peace that he's experienced ever since then. He talked about the people in the area and called them each by name, shared more with us about their needs (vitamin packs, hoodies for the cold, laundry soap, socks, sleeping bags, etc.), local meal services, and mentioned the kindness of the sweet lady who owns the laundry mat down the street. 

After Ron prayed with us, he offered to show us around and introduce us to his friends. Not once did we feel unsafe or uncertain around him or anyone. Our hearts were quickly filled with compassion for each of their stories. Many were grateful, but some were turned off. One man, Mr. Rick asked if we'd give one bag to his lady friend. Another asked for an extra pair of socks; Lawrence was grateful for the fresh fruit, Lily said "thank you", Sheryl smiled, Eric and "Word" let us pet their puppies, and one lady said said "no" and that she simply wanted to die. 

Ron showed us a side of San Diego that I hadn't seen. A community that needs us to acknowledge, to listen, to welcome, to love and to give. He spoke highly and gratefully of the people and organizations to came often with hot meals and donations of shoes and clothing. People are doing something and it's incredible. One gentleman and his family hosts a BBQ the fourth Saturday of the month in Marina Point park, another group provides free medical exams and treatment, and another free laundry services. There's a lot going on, but there's still more to do. 

Jesus said, "For the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37

Whether in Christ's name or on your own, it's time for us to do something. Give back. We have way too much to keep it all to ourselves. Maybe it's coaching little league, joining a beach clean-up, shuttling kids to school, tutoring, fostering a child, volunteering for a not-for-profit organization or a service project, inviting friends over for dinner or helping the neighbors next door. Be a light. Be a smile, a kind word, or a gentle heart. 

As we're slowly on our way to "starting small" in our doing something big. I ask that you'll think about joining us next month! We might rally for detergent to take to the laundry mat or join the guy and his family at the BBQ, whatever it is, I'll tell you that it feels good to give back.

Email me if you're curious how to help!
xoxo
Jes

Finishing packing bags at Pacific Beach library. 

Ron showing us around Mission Bay. 

An Overdue Thank You

Thank you.  

Words that I've needed to write for almost six weeks now as my family and I are living a new chapter of life. 

The night before my sweet Momma's funeral, my Dad, brothers and I had a moment to ourselves. Up until that point, we had been surrounded by Arkansas friends and family. They came to visit us, to check on us, to sit with us, and to pray with us each bringing a full heart to share in the love and the loss with us. Our California friends called, sent text messages, emails, cards and flowers. We had been covered in thoughts and prayers and love for days. 

But within that quiet moment my Dad said, "I still have to believe that God has good plans for our lives. That He is the God that we believe He is. And that your Mom is in heaven, a place so much glorious than this. She's not missing us. We're the ones missing her and we'll continue to miss her as we still have a lot of life to live on this earth. This isn't what we chose or what we wanted, but we still have to believe that God has a purpose and plan for the future. And we're going to have to have faith to live that way."

And right there, we chose to believe that God is who the Bible says He is. And that regardless of our life circumstances, He is good and still has a great plan for our lives. God has shown us His love through an indescribable peace and comfort to get through each day.

So, thank you. Thank you for calling and checking on us. Thank you for bringing food so we wouldn't have to worry about cooking a meal. Thank you for texting to tell us we're on your mind. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. Thank you for reminding us that we're not alone. Thank you for stopping by to see us. Thank you for asking. Thank you for sharing in our loss. Thank you for the cards. Thank you for sharing your stories and memories with us. Thank you for loving us. Most of all, thank you for being there. 

We love you too. 

We are grateful that God gave us you. Keep checking on us and praying for us as we begin to feel the impact of our loss in the coming weeks, months, and years of birthdays, holidays, daily life and special occasions. 

There's a box of beautiful cards that I'm still carrying around in hopes I'll soon find the strength to write my thank you's. Until then, please know that I keep you close to my heart and that I am truly grateful for all that you've done. Thank you so much. 

With love,   

xoxo

Jes

She designed a life she loved.

I want this to be true about my life.

For the most, it is. Occasionally, there are days full of wimpy and winey, ones where my life is imploding and I can’t do enough or keep up. Those are the days where I’m just getting by and not aware or focused on the purpose for my life. The truth is I want a joyful and full life. One where I get to the end and am proud of the time well spent. A life that’s focused on Hope bigger than this world, friends and family, activities and adventures, great memory making and passions that bring smiles and life to others. I want to design a life that I love. I want to live a life that I love.

And in doing so, I’m back to blogging. In each of my journals the words “Teach. Write. Speak.” are written over and over again. I’m getting to teach and speak, but I’m not doing much writing. Mostly because writing takes a lot of work…emotional, thoughtful, soulful, heart bearing work and truth be told sometimes that’s tough.

So will there be more stories from “Her Little White Dress”, probably not, but there will be plenty from the girl who wore it. They’ll be real [authentic]; encouraging, soul bearing, funny, make you wonder is this girl serious, with some posts you can relate to and others you can’t, but know they’ll each be written with a truth seeking, prayerful heart.

I can tell you that almost four years post “Her Little White Dress”, life is good. I’m right in the middle of designing a life I love and you are every bit a part of it.

xoxo
Jes