James 3: A Story

I took the 5:54; will you?

5 Things I Want, 5 Things I Need

I Want:

1) To curl up on a couch and read a book with a boy (the right one )

2) To read/study more than I normally do

3) More acceptance from teachers, family, and friends

4) A better sleep schedule (now that I’m going to bed past midnight, sigh*)

5) To be more relaxed

I Need:

1) Time alone with God

2) To not put myself down about not reading/studying a lot and just do the best I can

3) Learn to accept myself, regardless of what others may think of me

4) To pray about my sleep

5) To realize that God will help me get through the grieving process of my broken relationship

Since I seem to be forgetting…

Here’s a list of things I am thankful for:

1. True friends – I don’t know what I would do without them
2. The ability to write
3. Being able to exercise each day
4. My pretty blue bike
5. A boy that is in my life – even though I am not sure it would work out between us, he is still with me
6. Having a big, supportive family
7. I have a fresh start at NDSU
8. I live in Dinan, which is closer to my classes and the library
9. My brothers – for being able to talk to them over the phone
10. God

Family Lifestyles

I grew up in a divorced family and became apart of two, very different worlds. As with most kids in this situation, I lived with my mom and visited my dad on weekends. Sometimes it was hard to adjust to both lifestyles since they are completely different in terms of expectations, rules, etc., but I discovered the value of families whether they are in one place or the other.

 My mom, on one hand, taught me to live spontaneously. Since she is such an amazing artist, I asked her one day why she doesn’t paint for business. She said, “Well Jessie, wouldn’t that take the fun out of it?” This made sense. Why should we worry when we are trying to enjoy something? She did not want to plan life, which really challenged my “planning” nature. My mom helped me learn how to plan less and enjoy more.

Unlike Mom, my dad likes things planned way ahead of time. This is not a bad way to live; it’s just a different style. After years of weekend visits at Dad’s, I eventually moved there, where military standards set the rules of how to live. I had to pay attention to small details, like scheduling my chores on certain days. Living at my dad’s showed me the other extreme of a military lifestyle—helping me find a balance between enjoying and planning life. Dad felt comfortable in a structured environment, and it shows that we are a lot alike when it comes to everyday choices.

While living these two separate lives, I discovered that no matter how different families are, they share a common view. Both of my families helped me, supported me, and most of all, loved me. The similarities between them are much more lasting than their superficial differences. I’m trying to see my families from God’s point of view. How does He want me to view them? Why has He placed me in two homes? And what does that prepare me for?

 Working on seeing my life through God’s perspective,

 Jessica