Sing Louder!...Can You Hear Me Now?

2009-02-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Man of My Dreams

2009-02-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

Beyond My Dreams....

Hello my dear ones...

My heart is flying and the reason being is that Jesus has brought the man of my dreams into my life...yes indeed!

His name is Samuel Gatlyn, and he is AMAZING! He lives in North Carolina and is an INCREDIBLE anointed musician! http://www.samuelgatlyn.com Jesus is so good! Never before have I known a heart like this-so beautifully displaying the love of heaven to the depths of my soul.

I met Sam in Israel on my last trip back in June and the whole weaving of this love story is rather incredible. It continues to paint a picture of the overwhelming love the Lord has for us. For me-I truly feel like my heart has wings... I am going to write more soon...but I wanted to put something official like up here. hehe :)

I can say this-Jesus knew I was trusting Him for a fairy tale and He has and is going beyond my dreams...

Songs 5:16-...This is my beloved and my friend...

2008-12-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

My heart has found me... you are faithful oh Lord...

OUR FIRST MEAL TOGETHER...
picking up Samuel from the airport!

Today and Tomorrow...

2008-12-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Wow... today was amazing!!!! It was the first day of the Prophetic Art major I was accepted into! Soooo wonderful!!!

Worship today was all about intimacy. When we sang "Dance With Me" I cried so much. Just, with some things the Lord is doing in my life and seasons he is shifting in me...it struck a chord that broke me to beauty! :)

Tomorrow my Nazarite Vow is over... and I can really feel some change coming soon. I'm so excited! Oh, Jesus! Good and beautiful things are being gently tossed into my heart!

I am very happy!!!

Back in Redding

2008-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm back in Redding! Had a few delays and long layovers but it was actually a very enjoyable day yesterday! :)

I got to talk to Samuel and Beka, which made my time of waiting go by like a blink! :)

It's rather overcast and kinda rainy here-but not really too cold! Yay! That means I can still walk to school and enjoy the mountain view with out freezing!

I was just reading in 1 John this morning-I think that is my favorite book in this season of my walk with Jesus right now!

He has been speaking in such a lavishing language to me as of late and every word of this epistle seems to speak my heart!

"See what love the FATHER has lavished on us in letting us be called God's children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him." ---When we truly embrace the kiss of us being a son and daughter-in every loving sense of the Father it can truly change the way you do life. I mean when you really wrap your brain around it and your spirit falls back into the arms of the knowledge of that fact! The Lord truly wants us to own it, feel it and hold to the knowing of his smile continually on our hearts and lives!

One neat thing about the later half of the verse I saw is this- The Lord seems to have gone ahead of our next thought in reading the previous love song of the Lord's... :) He knows that when those around us don't seem to get or understand what we are made of-to the core of our being it can be disheartening at times. But, he reminds us that it is not us they are rejecting but the fact that the void of them knowing they are not rejected of God and obsessively loved by him-causes them to reject us. They reject what they don't understand. Their lack is exposed in our fullness... Also, the flip side of that is-when we meet those who truly understand the dna of the depths of our hearts and spirit-those are the ones who know they are loved, cherished and accepted.

Oh, the longing of the Lord can be felt in each of us if we expose our hearts to vulnerable state of being loved. He longs to lavish on us-and to others through us. We are to seep out the precious beauties of his heart without trying to those around us. I think when a heart is lost, utterly lost in the arms and gaze of Jesus-there is no need to tell, no effort to extend-your very state of being is an extension of his heart.

Jesus-may I be so pressed into the sweet depths of your heart that my very life is a direct extension of your heart.

An Adventure

2008-11-30T00:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. A fun, chill sort of a day.

Tomorrow is my last day home...for this break at least, until Dec. 20 that is. Wow. I'm excited to go back to school-excited to see and experience what more the Lord wants to do inside me to grow and mature me.

Yeah, lots of awesomeness going on...yep. :)

The last couple of days have been filled with laughter, christmas music and craziness! :) My heart is in a new, growing place...it's an adventure that's for sure.

Gobble-Gobble

2008-11-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was truly wonderful! I'm so glad I didn't stay in California, but came home! So many silly little things that make it a time to cherish. We gathered down at the art barn with a ton of our friends and family here in Grove to have a huge dinner!

Mama, Daddy and I watched some of the Macy's Parade all together while the fire burned and the fuzzy blankets helped keep us warm. Beka called and "spent" a little time with us on skype. No one wanted to watch the parade where she was so she called us. ;)

It was so fun to get to see the boys (Josh, Jake and Tom). We couldn't go very long without breaking out the music. Soon the drafty old building was filled with beautiful praises and melodies! We even hit on some highland sounding tunes! Out came the bowls and other creative percussion expressions! So much fun!

It was so neat when Ms. Rhonda's husband surprised me with an extra guitar he had sitting in his closet for years. He just gave it to me. I was so excited! :)

Then coming home-we plopped on the couch for a Holiday movie marathon. Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life! "My mouth's bleedin' Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!" ;)

I even got to "see" a really cute lil' bunny named Ollie, who is sooo cute.

I am so amazed at the sweetness of the Lord. He is so good and continually showing me his love in ways I suppose I never dreamed of. Perhaps dreamed of but never expected to see in reality. The soft song of trust and rest in His goodness and faithfulness are overwhelming-always being sung...we just have to quiet our hearts long enough to hear and receive it. :)

I'm Sorry

2008-11-26T01:26:00.001-08:00

It has been so long since I have posted a blog! I'm so sorry! *covering eyes* eek!

The Lord has been doing so much in my life these past few months! Teaching me the true depths of simplicity found in rest, sincere vulnerability and confidence in knowing my identity in the arms of Jesus. Not to mention stirring up dreams and desires in my heart that were like a faded photograph-seen but only as a memory. Except this "memory" had never lived fully.

The Lord is so hitting home right inside of me the importance of truly being the Love of Jesus to people. Doing life as ministry instead of "I do ministry for my living." He is ringing louder and louder in my ears the song of the Father's embrace, known by releasing fears and abandoning the control we so often try to hold onto with a tight grip-right into the loving and longing hands of Jesus.

Bethel is a wonderful place-full of freedom, grace, grace and more grace! Of course it is an understanding of walking in the supernatural as well. But, they really focus in on how that is just a product, or the fruit of walking in a total understanding of the Love of the Lord and cultivating your intimacy with him. You can't help but ooze out the very essence of who He is when he has drenched you with the perfume of his presence. What happens? You will do nothing except infect everyone you are around.

I've grown so much-it's scary sometimes even to realize how much. I have been realizing different things I have held on to as a form of my identity-finding worth and value in what I do instead of who I love. But in the midst of that pain in confronting the places where I hadn't relented in letting the Love of God flow-is a joy. A joy in knowing that in this place of humility I find safety and beautiful hope! Because Jesus is faithful to me.

Things have been intense inside and outside of Bethel for a few weeks-the elections, the Call San Diego-... so much prayer... My heart refuses to hush-even in the most non-understanding groups of people-I cannot quiet down. How can any of us? When millions of babies are being slaughtered? All the while the torturous absence of an outcry rising up in the Body of Christ echos through out the chambers of my heart. This place where the sparks of revolution that shifted nations, changed history and influenced society to take on a new mantel of identity- flew and rose up in the hearts of men and women in history.

I'm home now for Thanksgiving break! The Lord is so shifting seasons in my life right now! It's so wonderful! My Nazarite Vow is fulfilled in a week. So is my Daniel fast. It will be interesting to see what Jesus does in these next months in my life. We shall see-it will be another adventure... it always is!

My dear, dear most beloved friend Beka got to come see me yesterday and spend the night! That was wonderful! SOOOO, much fun!!! :D My basement was happy to have me painting in it again. All in the weeeeeee hours of the morning! lol! I'm working on a painting for an AMAZING music project/cd of my good friend Samuel. I can't wait!

Well-that is a little update-I will try and write at least a little more often. It feels good to have typed all this. There is so much I want and need to get out - but I just have to stop and type! :)

YAY!

2008-09-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, today was awesome!!! We had our "big" small group meeting today! I love our pastor-she is awesome! She totally reminds me of Heidi Baker! :)

Last night we had try outs for the worship team last night! It was so much fun! I found out a few minutes ago that I made it! :) yay! I'll be on flute! :)

Jesus is doing so much in my life!

Guess what I found out today! Bethel is totally supporting the Call San Deigo! We are going to have Call meetings once a week until Nov. 1st! AND, Bethel buses are going to to be going down! I signed up! We will be leaving the night before and leaving right afterwards! My friends and I are starting to call the buses-buses of fire! Can you imagine- 500 on fire Bethel students hitting the call! YAY JESUS!

2008-09-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! here are some 12 sec. video news clips of what is going on in my lil' world! ((hug))

http://12seconds.tv/jessicacortez

Arrival in Redding

2008-09-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well everyone... I'm here in Redding! Had a good travel day yesterday! Although it was very emotional for my heart saying bye to my mom and dad at the airport... *sigh*

It hadn't really hit my heart, that I was actually leaving until Monday night... I cried a few times when I was alone... *sniff, sniff* ;) Saying goodbye is so hard, but like Sally says-you don't say bye you say "see ya later!" :) I called Beka once at my gate-she made me feel better. She had gone through the very "leaving for California blues" I was going through at the moment. :)

Once in San Fran during a layover-I met a sweet, wonderful girl named Susan! She overheard me speaking with someone about Bethel and Redding. She came over and asked me if I was going to first year... well you can imagine what happened after that. There was squealing and laughing, hugging and smiles!

On the tiny, tiny plane into Redding I sat next to a young guy from Wales-we got to talking and the Lord opened an opportunity for me to speak into his life and bless him! It was awesome!

When we landed-it hit me- "Oh my gosh!!! I'm in Redding!!!" haha! I skipped off the plane, (yes, truly I actually did skip down the little stairs! haha) twirled and hugged my new friend Susan! We were here and were about to start a new adventure and precious time with Jesus!

The small baggage claims was PACKED with people when we arrived at 9pm! There were like 10-12 + people there for first year! haha! We all were talking and laughing a million miles an hour! Two girls are from South Africa- as they were speaking I started to imitate their accents... and, well- *clearing throat* they looked shocked and said I sounded like a native! haha! That made me happy! ;)

Jill and Daniel (my host mom and host little brother) picked me up! It was SO good to see them! Lots of hugs went around! lol!

As we drove from the airport to the house my heart became more and more expectant and thrilled. Here I was, back in the town, only 2 months prior I thought would be at least a couple of years before I would see it again. haha What joy! I told myself I wouldn't unpack when I got home. I was just going to save that for the morning. Well... I ended up unpacking practically all my stuff while Daniel and I talked and caught up. Made it go by fast and I didn't even realize I was done when I emptied the last suitcase! lol!

My heart is being filled slowly to overflowing with this confident love and trust... He has beautiful things for me to discover and I can't wait.

((((hugs))) I miss all of you so much!

All my love,

-your jess

Packin' Up

2008-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Well, today I've been packin' up my stuff... I'm set to leave next Tuesday!

My heart is so stirred for California it's crazy! God is so doing something! :D

I've been going through all my Jesus LP's trying to decide which ones to bring... *sigh* such a toughy. I've limited myself to 2 paintings!

By the way-I almost finished one of my paintings I've been working on-of and on for months! Which is pictured above. She is a visual of my heart the past months... this has been an evolving painting-she is basking in the Glory and Lover, Love of Jesus. I added a "Nazarite Lock" to her hair. That was the last touch! haha! I'm so excited! I'm bringing this one and my LIFE painting-that is my statement in praying for the ending of abortion in this nation!

Poppa Jim, I want to talk to you soooooo bad! And I want you to tell me about California!

I can't believe that today next week I'll be on a plane. Wow.

Jesus-let my heart be focused and soak up more of you before I leave.

Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ah! I just watched Sarah Palin's acceptance speech in Ohio and I am really excited! I am so lovin' this! WOOOHOOO!!! My heart is so stirred and hopeful-One of the reasons for me doing my year Daniel fast and Nazarite vow was for the presidential elections and the ending of abortion in America and Israel... so my heart is now hopeful! I'm going to keep up the siege and building up a wall...

Sunday

2008-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have 2 weeks before I head out for California... wow. It's so close...

A pastor of a local church I have been going to asked me to lead worship the coming 2 sundays... so I'm trying to prepare for that! I'm excited but I can feel the battle inside me-the battle of spending alone time with Jesus and getting caught up in all the "things" that have to be done...

I'm going to go spend some time with Jesus...

2008-08-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

praying and interceding for the ending of abortion at the call dc... (my "Life tape" is written in Hebrew) that is one of the things I'm fasting for this year-seeing and being apart of the ending of abortion in america and israel

See Ya Later, Not "Goodbye"

2008-08-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a hard. We went over to say bye to Jake. He is leaving for college! Which is awesome-he is going in as a photography major at John Brown University.

It was more of an emotional parting than I was expecting. As we sat there, all laughing and then praying over him-it hit me like a brick wall. He is such a precious brother to me, a little brother I'd never had and now we all were going different places. This season as we have known it is over. A new one is in the making. :)

I'm starting to get excited butterflies in my tummy about going to California! Wow.

Now, I'm trying to get it all sorted out, with the packing-should I drive, fly or all the above! haha!

Jesus is drawing me deeper into Himself and it feels so wonderful.

2008-08-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

sally and i on the bus to the call
my dear, dear brother chris leading worship on the bus
my gang-john, chris, me, sally's mom, lydia (sally's sister) and sally my love! :) all of us getting off the bus arriving at the call site!
i ran into SOOOO many friends i had made on my last israel trip! these two ladys-Jeanice and Deborah were very special friends from that trip!
Beka-my precious, love and friend!

Extravagant Love

2008-08-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Call DC was truly a time of set apart love and intercession that peaked with levels of devotion and burning passion that was so intense my spirit rumbled with the echos of the prayers of all those who had been there before me in prayer and fasting.

My heart and the eyes of my spirit were so opened to the deep desire to pour into the younger generation. There was such a presence of Israel at this Call like no other time! My friends from the Land were praying and interceding for our Nation like no tomorrow! It was beautiful!

My spirit is so full right now! I feel like everything that was poured into me at Bethel was compacted in my spirit and going to DC in such a state of purpose and longing shook it all loose! yay!

I can't wait to share what the Lord has been talking to me about in regards to Desire-purpose-and extravagant love!

Hot Diggity Dog-I'm In Nashville

2008-08-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I arrived in Nashville safe and sound today! Sally's mom picked me up and it was such a joy to see her and the rest of the fam.!!! I have missed them so much!

Sally, Lydia and I just got back from grocery shopping for water and power bar stuff for the trip! It was fun and we had a chance to catch up! After going to the store we stopped by Sally's really good friend, Misty's house. She went on the summer of love tour back last year with Sally. It was awesome fellowship!

Ah, it feels good to be back here in Nashville with my crazy Naz girls. *happy sigh* :)

We leave early tomorrow! My heart is strangly calm. I don't feel a lot of emotion highs or anything. Just a steady knowing of obedience and faith. It's all good though! :) haha

Jesus do your thing in us Lord~

CALL DC

2008-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ah! I leave in the morning for Nashville to meet up with Sally. I will spend the night with her and her fam. then the next morning get on the bus headed for DC! YAY!

This Call is so spiritually significant! One picture I kept seeing was like heaven like a sheet, heavy with what God wants to pour out-all our prayers, and praises rising up is causing and will continue to cause the seams to stretch and finally bust! Yes! Jesus!

I'm sitting here-when I should be packing my back pack-shower and get in bed...but I just can't seem to believe the time to leave is tomorrow! Everything with Bethel and other things has been kind of consuming-in a good way. haha!

Lord, prepare my heart and the hearts of your people for this Saturday! Put on our hearts what is heavy on yours. May your tears, be our tears and your joy our joy!

You can watch live the Call DC on God tv. If you have direct tv you should have that channel. If not you can watch via streaming on the web at-www.god.tv

I feel this is so meaningful that I go to this call-it is a part of my heritage! I remember a painting my Poppa Jim did in the 80's for a movement that was a forerunner of the Call. It is John the Baptist at the steps of the capitol in dc. He is looking out across the mall with his arm behind him pointing at the massive structure that represents so much to this nation and the world. As if he is crying out once again. That is what we all who will be there on Saturday will be doing in the spirit and in the natural.

Beyond Myself

2008-08-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

Today is such a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the air is warm with a hint of a cool breeze that suggests that fall is not to far away.

I woke up with a sense of expectancy, and happiness-joy and question. What is the Lord going to do today? Where is He going to take me?

He seems to be taking me and those I love so many different places. Far places, near places. Places known, others not yet found. It is a season of newness and change.

We had some friends over last night-Josh, Jake and the fam. for one last night of fellowship and hangin' before we all leave for school. All of us going different places-kinda far a part. OK-I'm the one going far away... :( haha Tom who is 9 (Josh and Jake's little brother-also mine) and I went out to our special place by our tree right next to the pond as the moon's light cast subtle shadows over the grassy wooded lot joined to ours. We decided that this was going to be "our kingdom" and that he was the king and I was the queen. Each having glow stick crowns on we sat there against our tree throwing rock and twigs into the water, watching the ripples dance in the night light. We had hoped to see some fire flies, but so far we hadn't.

As I sat there with him-floods of memories came rushing in my heart. Happy ones spent laughing with these friends, ones of catching frogs with Tom and finding "secret places." Memories of pouring out my heart to the Lord in this very spot, giving him my worries and at times a broken heart. I looked down at him, he was still talking about what to put in the time capsule we are going to bury before I leave. As I listened, I was glad for the darkness, because I could feel warm tears filling my eyes threatening to expose me by falling down my cheeks.

I looked behind me, up to the large kitchen window up on the balcony. It was all lit up and I could see my dad, mom, Vikki and Josh all talking around the table.

Can I just freeze this moment and somehow put IT in my part of the time capsule? How do you explain the simple joy of just sitting in a room with a friend doing nothing all that exciting but braking in a new journal. Or humming a diddly as Jake strums a nameless melody-Talking about paintbrushes and art ideas as if they were the latest hot story of a Hollywood star. Inside jokes, a history of smiles and tears-joy and frustration even. haha.

These tears I realized were a testimony to the blessing of friendship and family.

Jesus truly has blessed my heart here in Grove more than I understood before. Then, as I looked out across the pond, I saw one little fire fly, twilling and dancing with its glow reflected in the calm water. It was a kiss blown to me by Jesus.

Right before everyone left Tom and I went to go lay on the driveway and watch the stars and play the "moon game." Which is you say, "I'm going to the moon and going to bring.... a box of crayons!" you fill in the blank. haha But, as we were looking up, all of sudden we saw a shooting star! It was a special moment. :) I stayed there after they all had driven away-gazing at the stars. Remembering that this tradition of laying on the ridiculously inclined driveway looking at the stars was started the night we moved in-the guys and some other friends had helped us that night-and here I was with them leaving and me about to leave.

One after the other after the other, I watched the leftovers of a meteor shower... it was beautiful.

New seasons lay ahead and new stories not lived out yet are waiting in the wings to come to life-but the precious memories of the past year and a half from Grove and Joplin won't be locked away for my heart not to feel the pain of leaving. But they will be in my treasure box to remind me of returning. Yes, returning with a box full of new stories and testimony to the wonders of my beautiful Jesus.

I realized then, he has given me a love beyond myself.

"Why Should I Even Lead Worship...? "

2008-08-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been going through a season in my worship-where a part of my heart has become anxious. Anxious when ever I think of leading people in praise and worship again whether in a small group or a large church. "Why would anyone want me to lead? What is it about me that would make someone want me to pour out?" The reality of the lack of my capability seems to flood my heart and mind.

In this state I picture myself on a platform or before people eagerly or perhaps not so eagerly waiting to be ushered into the glorious presence of the Lord through song and prayer. I can't think-all I can see and hear is me not being able to preform to the measure that is desired.

Then, like a gentle tap on a window the truth floods in my heart like the light dances in a darkened room. First of all, anytime anyone wants me to "lead" worship, isn't truly about me at all. The moment I ever start to fret is the moment when I think that gaining the result of a group "entering in" is up to me. As if I personally control or my performance in praising the Lord is what makes it happen.

No, it's all the Lord. Yes, I need to be a vessel to be poured out through. But, that comes from my desire, longing, hunger and love. A love solely lavished upon the face and heart of Jesus not thinking about my performance-but the desire for him expressed through the beating of my heart in song. It is as if leading worship is nothing more than the Shulamite in Song of Songs when she hastily and lavishingly finds words pouring out from within the depths of herself, the description of her Love and the longings of her heart to the "daughters of Jerusalem". They in turn are compelled and almost in a romantic hypnosis are desperate to follow her in her pursuit, her cravings of her Love.

Desire. Craving.-how do you describe why you have desire and longing. Where does craving come from? Why do some seem to be dripping with desire while others almost seem to not ever have had it? How do they get it? How did I? I think worship is birthed in the mystery of desire. Desire is what makes us want to go on-take the next step and walk through the next season. It is what makes us laugh and cry. Perhaps it is the rythmn and sound of the heart beat of God-reverberating His desire for us. Desire, when finding a resting place to grow in a person-didn't originate there but was like a blown kiss from the lips of the King of Heaven and Lover of the mysteries of my heart. Jesus.

It goes back to the verse, YES, "We love because He first loved us!" If I have desire-it is because I have had to some degree or another a revelation of my being desired of God. The more I come to grasp this-the stronger the desire within me will grow! Thank you so much Lord...wow.

Out of desire is birthed longing and the want that seeks to lavish on the object of desire. Whether it be lavishing consuming thoughts-or words and acts of love, if it be a person. This is what the Lord is showing me-or taking me back to I should say, but at a deeper level.

If having been in the place where I am found, and being utterly lost in desire-why would I ever leave that? How could I possibly wander into the state of worrying about my capability, freezing in fear at the thought of leading in public again?

I realized tonight-while closing a sweet and intimate time of prayer with friends as the Holy Spirit came in like a thick mist over my heart-as a lover caressing the face of his beloved-it was water to my soul! Rhonda asked as we all sat and stood there basking in the wonder of it all, if anyone had a song in their heart. After a moment's pause Josh lifted his head and began to sing with a sweet passion and steadiness the song "Give Us Clean Hands." Without effort and no thought of myself-stemming from this intimate eagerness that was drowning me and which I had known in previous days-I raised my voice, joining with his. We sang with a trueness and sincerity that held such a precious weight of His glory. It carried all of us up even higher and took us even deeper for those few minutes in Him. It was cry churning upwards from the depths of who I am and long to be-rising to the heart of my Jesus, and He heard it, oh yes, he did.

THIS is what I needed to remember. Not striving to maintain a reputation of being "anointed" or a "prophetic singer," but making that connection vertically with my Jesus and not trying to anticipate the response. It's not about me-it's about me loving him and knowing he desires me-I in turn desiring him.

So simple, such a light yoke. My yoke had started to become rather heavy-but it was because I had traded my own yoke for the weightless, lovely yoke of the Lord. :) How sweet the Lord is to allow me to feel that ache-for it causes me to run with more force and determination than ever before to cling to him in desire and not let go. Pouring out from that well is what is "anointed". Not contriving up the Holy Spirit, but creating a place He can join us and woo us through the fragrance of our love poured out with an effortless cry.

When the desire of the people and my desire collide like a train wreck-what else can happen but the Glory falling? Why do I sometimes forget and make it so difficult? Oh, Jessica! haha! :)

I just got home and it all kinda came to a head-I was at the point where I was actually speaking all of this to myself out loud as I was washing my face getting ready for bed. I was talking as if I were dictating it to someone writing! haha! I had to write it down-why not here I though...?

Love,

jess

2008-08-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

on our way home from florida--walkin' the rails to Redding... ;)

A New Season

2008-08-11T12:11:00.001-07:00

Well, we are back here in Grove, Oklahoma. The place more than ever I truly realize is now my home.

There is a shift of winds in my life right now-good, new, curious winds. Winds that hold expectancy, joy, mystery and tears. I think with every new season a heart, if it allows itself has mixed emotions.

I have really been praying the last several weeks as to what the Lord wants me to do in the coming months-and my heart is excited as to what is happening.

I have applied to Bethel's School of Supernatural Ministry, for their first year. Yep- I did. :)

When I was there, something deep inside my heart and spirit seemed to come alive with hunger! Hunger for more of the understanding of the word-seeing Jesus like I had never really seen Him before. They really equip you there-and while I was there I really realized so many areas that I need to grow in spiritually. I'm excited! Very excited!

Something in my heart has ignited for California! I felt it the moment I stepped off the plane. I don't know if any of you guys have been hearing all the prophetic words that have been given about Cali recently! What is so amazing is that the Lord put all of that in my heart before I knew about them!

When I was at the worship school I knew the Lord was going to have me return for a season in the future-at that point I didn't realize it was going to be so soon! This is going to be a special season for California and I'm excited to be there during it!

I put in my application about 3 weeks ago-and have a phone interview on Wednesday at noon. I'm happy and maybe a tad nervous. haha :)

School starts September 16th-so I would leave the first week of Sept. most likely. I will be able to stay with my host family again! AND-Brian and Sam are going back to Ministry school as well so that is SUCH a joy and blessing!

I have to say-as I contemplated applying, my heart truly struggled and wrestled with me because I thought I was going to come back home-root myself for a good season and plant in my house of prayer in Joplin. I went around in circles talking to the Lord, my mom, Shane others about it. haha! Finally I called Daryl (the leader of my HOP)-he has really been a spiritual leader in my life the last months. I told him what I felt the Lord was telling me. I didn't even finish before he told me, "Girl, if you feel this is the Lord, go for it!!!" He encouraged me shared some really amazing revelation about the whole thing with me! That phone call was so healing for me-he totally released me to go-and blessed me to go-without hesitation.

Learning how to see things as-not worrying about disappointing man but being concerned about obeying the Lord above all, has been a milestone in my walk with Jesus.

Poppa Jim-you lil' jess is going back to that spot along the river in the mountains and is going to build a little stone alter!

Jesus is so good!

Wilderness Princess

2008-07-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

This pic is from the camping trip I took with 5 of my dear brothers while I was at Bethel! It was probably one of the most beautiful times I've ever had out in God's creation. Surrounded by the mountains and feeling like I was being overwhelmed with kisses from heaven as I gazed up at millions of stars that scattered their dance all across the dome of the night. The stirring of the river as it seemed to prattle and sing the wonders and mysteries of the stones and pebbles that lay beneath it's surface.

As the next day stretched over us I was able to go explore down the river and found the most special place, where the pines towered over me like the walls of a fortress. Pockets of deep crystal clear water seemed to call out for me to jump in and play in-which I did... on and on the beauties flooded my heart, and I was unable to believe I was there. We were going to build a little memorial alter to the Lord and to what He was doing and going to do in our lives, but somehow in the midst of everyone the desire lay unacted upon... I had been sitting in the midst of all this splendor weaving and braiding jewelry out of grass and flowers... thus the picture above. It was glorious.

It looks like I will be traveling back to that special place and I will have the chance to set up a memorial to what the Lord has done... I will return to His spot of beauty I feel like He made just for me.

2008-07-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sam, Shane and I worshipping the Lord at the outpouring.
More worship at the outpouring

San Fran To Lakeland, Florida (Back Again?)

2008-07-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

YAY, SAN FRAN!!!
Brian dropping Sam and I off at the air port
Sam and I in Las Vegas!!! (Well, for 10min. anyway) haha! You know, they have slot machines outside of each gate!
4 Bethel School of Worship students at Lakeland Outpouring!!! "WE ARE FAMILY!!"

Ah, being in Lakeland has been so awesome! Truly! The Last few times I've gone to the meetings in the tent I have gone to the back and danced like a crazy woman to the Lord during worship! One night Shane. Sam and I all danced before the Lord together! We had so much joy we looked like a bunch of little kids at a friends birthday party or something! haha! Ah, I love Jesus! I'm excited for the new seasons he is moving me into and about to move me into! New, sometimes is a little intimidating or scary even but always an adventure!

A Story Here and There

2008-07-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

Last night in Redding, "In and Our Burger"
Brian edited this for Shane's birthday card-yep, we truly are the three amigos! haha
Last service at Bethel-with dear brother and buddy Fred! This guy is so awesome!
At Bethel they have a drum circle once a month! They let me play my flute during it! It was such an incredible experience! I miss this!
Well, after leaving Bethel, Sam and I traveled to Lakeland for the outpouring that is going on here. It has been wonderful! The Lord has done so much in my heart! He has been releasing me of so much fear! Sam, Shane and I have been like a little trio at the meetings-ha, it's been awesome to experience that with them! Sam headed back to California a couple of days ago. He is going to fly back to England within the week-then be back in the fall for the School of Ministry at Bethel! Ah, it is SOOO awesome! I've made some dear friends here in Lakeland! Particularly some people from New Zealand!

I really feel like the Lord is and has moved me into a new and different season in my walk and my life. It will be interesting and exciting to see what He does in the next several months.

Poppa Jim, I feel like I'm you in a girl's 21 year old body 30 some years ago! haha! Thank you for my heritage! Oh, I can't wait to break out Honey Tree when I get home!! haha!

Birthday Boy!

2008-07-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

daniel fast-weak moment-no I didn't taste it!
Well these are pics from Brian's birthday! Which was one of the last times for us all to get together! It was the day before graduation. About 20 of us took him to a burger place-then we went to a mini-golf joint! It was good fellowship!

Friends are Friends Forever!

2008-07-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I graduated on Friday night!!! It was so amazing! I going to miss everyone so, so much but we all know we will see each other again and be doing ministry together!

Wow-so much has happened! The Lord has been showing me some pretty freakily awesome stuff about being his bride! A lot of prophetic acts and things He's done for me and having me do! One really exciting one that I'm going to save as a surprise...

But-I went to San Fran to catch my flight out here to Lakeland! Sam, my buddy from England flew with me and our dear friend Brian P drove us! He showed us around the city! It was so different and amazing! I love Cali!

Ha-the day I left for San Fran the time was 4:30am! So, I didn't go to sleep, I just stayed up! My friend Nick stopped by to pick up some hebrew stuff for a tattoo and stayed to help me pack! My host family's son, Daniel and I had planned on staying up and watching star wars as I packed in the living room (for you see I have never seen star wars). So, Nick joined us and it was so much fun! We laughed so much! When Brian and Sam got to my house I didn't think there was anyway my stuff plus my person-AND Sam and his things were going to fit in his little car! (and for 3 hours! ) But, Brian is the man and he pulled it off! I don't know how he did it but he did! haha!

I can't wait to write the blog post on the revelation the Lord's been giving me about being the bride verses trying to become the bride! ah!

The outpouring here has been amazing. The Holy Spirit has been lavishing His love on me!

I hope you guys enjoy the pics! I will write more funny stories and cool downloads tomorrow and probably when I get home late tonight!

Love to you all! I can't wait to get back and pour out!

Muah!

2008-07-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

dance class
angela and I on graduation night
our little graduation party dinner all together one last time

Desired, Loved and Cherished

2008-07-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

Feeding off of my post below I thought I'd share something kinda close to my heart. This whole new season the Lord has had me in has felt like an eternity lost in a moment. So never ending but I can't seem to put an exact time of when it began. I suppose it doesn't truly mater that much as long as I'm recognizing the truth of what He has been doing with me and in me.

I feel like He has been taking me on this whole romantic journey- and the fact that one of the greatest revelations of my life when I wrote of when Bill Johnson said we so often seek so hard and cry out so much for more of Jesus that we pass him by in our zeal of longing. Never realizing that HE is pursuing US. During that time of revelation for me I had this vision- it was Jesus and I was chasing him-like a little girl would do with her dad playing tag or as a girl would do in a playful way with her love. The Lord was showing me that my going after him didn't need to be filled with such intensity of striving as if the Lord didn't want to be found but in a sense of him just letting me think I caught him-He enjoying the whole thing! The look on His face... it was happy, teasing and beautiful.

I have mentioned to a few people how I felt like when I was in Israel the Lord had been courting me, wooing me and engaging my heart to him on a different level. Then there had been talk of my time in Cali as a honey moon of sorts with Jesus. It has been that-and as if I'm about to enter into the "first year of marriage" so to speak. So a lot of cool pictures are going on for me in my walk with the Lord lately. It is so precious what He has done in me here-so precious and captivatingly spectacular. A wonder beyond my heart's dream and my spirit's longing. Like the Bride in Ezekiel, He's been with me from my infancy and now moving into the season where He takes me for His own... but unlike the girl in that chapter-my heart will not stray and be distracted by the things his gifts to me attract... no, I am his and he is mine, now and for all the vastness of eternity's eternity.

Chillin' One Last Time

2008-07-13T01:53:00.001-07:00

Ah, this morning I slept in! Something I have not done the entire time I've been here in Redding. Later in the afternoon I went over to Cherilynn's house with Carly and Angela to swim and chill. It was so relaxing. We had a chance for fellowship-good girl to girl fellowship. *sigh* :)

We met up with Brian and some of the guys in the evening at the square where bells on the tower of the shopping center ring playing beautiful melodies filling the night air. We all gathered outside with our ice-cream and smoothies not really recapping the previous weeks but just enjoying one another. But, we did end up having a Holy Spirit prophecy party! haha! Sweetness! ha! :D

Brock, my good friend from Australia is leaving early tomorrow morning so it was our last time to see him. Having already said good bye the previous night I truly did not enjoy saying bye a second time. Yes, I'll admit it-I cried. We surrounded him, blessed him and prophesied over him.

After our smoothie fellowship church time-3 of us girls went over to the Alabaster prayer house and stayed there for about an hour and 45 min. It seemed like 20 min! Went by like a blink! I had a wonderful time with Jesus. He was showing me so many things! I was reading in Ezekiel 16-where the Lord is speaking about choosing his bride and adorning her. Her beauty was a testimony to the nations... mmm-think on that for a moment. The beauty the Lord puts in us should be drawing the nations!!! He put sandals on her feet-beautiful clothes, bracelets and a nose ring... Then I read about the choosing of Rebekah for Isaac-The Lord really highlighted the role of Eleazar when I read it this time. He is so like the Holy Spirit. When He saw Rebekah he gave her jewelry as a seal-a promise a treasure and gift... upon her running back to her home her brother saw the gifts on her wanted to know what it was all about. So much- then I read about Miriam and Deborah. On and on-the Lord is whispering dear things to me-precious things. I feel a little crazy sometimes-like when I was reading about the bride in Ezekiel I was really pressing into the heart of my Lover then all of a sudden Brian Johnson's song comes on- it's the Lord speaking as a husband to us- "No longer your master, but your husband I will be-how fair is your love my promised my bride..." COME-ON!!! Do you know how many songs could have started to play at that moment!

I love Jesus, yes I do.

Toodles and Shalom

2008-07-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Our graduation was so delightful! We all were seated in alphabetical order and went up row by row to receive our certificates. (They are very pretty by the way! haha!) It almost felt like the first day of school all over again...but we all were bound at the hip. There was so much cheering and laughing. I am just starting to get the case of the "boo-hoos" :(.

The teaching was so appropriate and such the longing and desire of my heart. He spoke on helping others to become successful in what they do and find their dreams-in that finding your own... ah! That is my passion!

The whole class stayed up at the church and took a gazillion pics- crazy and funny through and through! Then, a group of about 25 of us went to eat one last time together.

You know, even though I'm really sad, it hasn't really sunk in yet. Or maybe it's the fact that I'm expecting of the Lord to do amazing and great things in all our lives and this is just really the beginning... Yes, just the beginning.

2008-07-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is from the 4th of July worship circle-the guy witht the djembe is my good friend Stew.
MY host family's son Daniel makes these Star Wars costumes and I had to get my pic with him! haha!
More jammin' on the 4th
from left to right-Shalinda, Adam, Stew and Cecilia

Last Day...My Name On A Chair

2008-07-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the bbq and it was SO much fun! Good fellowship, lots of laughing and pranks! haha! We even had veggie burgers! ;) Before we left for the bbq we had a half day of class-and Dano brought in the sound resonator. It is the machine that I had told you guys about-the one where the sound goes through a metal plate that has colored sand on top. The vibrations of the sound create amazing patterns... Well, we actually got to see it live in action! Plus some of us got to sing into it and watch our voices create patterns! THEN, they wanted someone to sing and speak Hebrew into it-everyone was like "Jessica Cortez!!!" So, I went down there and sang the Hebrew bread and wine blessing then the Aaronic Blessing. The craziest thing happened! When I sang the bread and wine blessing the sand formed a STAR OF DAVID!!!! Dano and another guy yelled "Oh, my gosh, did you see that! It was star of David! I have NEVER seen that shape on this thing before!!!" So, yeah-it was pretty cool!!!

It was SO, SO hot! Oh man-

113! We all were going to swimming at the lake but they closed it because the fires have spread all the way there. So, we ended up all going swimming at Shane's family's house. It was so wonderful for all of us to be together the last full day of fellowship! There were probably like 25 people all there. Ha, and if you've never seen 25 people playing "Marco, Polo" at the same time you haven't seen nothin'! haha! ;D

After swimming we took Brian out for his birthday to Red Robbin, a really good burger place that has unlimited french fries and to all of you who know me-I was in heaven. (Being that french fries are my favorite food! ) ;) haha! It was the most fun time! We all laughed SO hard and got a little sad at the thought of that being our last night of fellowship together...

We had impartation from all the teachers and pastors this morning, with an amazing time of sweet worship!

Now, we are waiting for our graduation tonight. 7pm! Ah! A part of me doesn't want this to end, the bond, the routine of Jesus craziness... *sigh*

Joy of the expectancy for the future fills my heart-knowing that now is just the beginning and part 2 is about to start!

One really, really cool thing that some of you will recognize the significance in is that my name will be on a chair tonight for graduation. Ring a bell??? Remember the prophecy that I was given at Morning Star back last August? He said so many things and hit the nail on the head with everything...but one thing in particular he said I had been stressing over looking for a ministry school and that I just needed to rest because the Lord had it all figured out and planned-he said it was similar to Morning Star and that he could see my name on a chair there.

So, when Kathy announced today that our names would be on a chair for graduation my brain went back to that word. I have been living in that word not even knowing it. Jesus is so amazing!

I LOVE JESUS!

A Lil' Toasty...

2008-07-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

So, today is getting up to 113 degrees! Yeah, it's been hot to say the least.

The fires have kinda been getting bad again. Yesterday it was SO smokey and ash was falling in the early part of the evening. Hopefully it will stay cPublish Postleared up this morning and afternoon for the BBQ. So, keep the fires in prayer.

I've been growing so much in the knowledge of the authority the Lord has given me and it feels so wonderful in my spirit to walk in that!

I'm headed out to Lakeland on Mon.! My english buddy Sam is coming too! Brian helped us book the same flight, which will be nice! Haha! A lot of people are planning on coming! Hopefully I will be there when they all come... Sam and I are about ready to rock the town with the Glory the Lord has given us here! We are planning on doing lots of street ministry once we get down there, with Shane and hopefully Adam and Cherylynn if they can get the $ to come! Please pray for that!!! Ah, I love Jesus.

No Fireworks, Hot Springs and Lots of Luv! ;)

2008-07-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

4th of July was amazing, even though we didn't have fireworks here in Redding. They were canceled because of the fires. BUT, we did still have a Holy Ghost shin-dig. The Bethel Singles group and the worship school sort of joined forces to put a big bbq together at the lake! We had drum circles, tons of worship moments, food and swimming! I even went tubing for the first time and had the most wonderful time! I will have to say, my legs are a little water bruised-but it was such a wonderful time!

After a crazy fun time we headed back to Bethel for the evening service and did the Friday night street ministry with them. A group of about 6 of us went out to sundial bridge, Shane and I ministered with our music and the others prayed for people and it was just wonderful!

We got back from that and all decided we wanted to take a spontaneous camping trip to the hot springs in the mountains...so...we loaded up the van and headed out! I have so many funny stories but to long to tell. All in all it was one of the most fun times I've ever had. It was a dream come true to be in the mountains with the beautiful river and the tall pines! We walked through the river up a couple of miles! Ah, it was gorgeous and so many starts like I've never seen. It was like the Lord put on display all his beauty for me! :)

The Lord has really been trying to hit home to us here about staying in the secret place-really seeking our Lover King out in that quiet place of intimacy.

Just yesterday I had the most amazing opportunity. As we were all jamming to Jesus in HeBrews Cafe-a man came up to me asking me how he and his family could be like me and be able to do what I do. He was asking me if I learned everything I do from a school or what-and mind you I'm telling this story to be some prideful flitty thing in any way, lifting myself up but to give glory and testimony to the beauty of Jesus. He is from Brazil so his english was just a little broken. At first I didn't know what he was asking me... I had been doing some prophetic body art on a friend prior to joining the worship so he had been watching and I didn't realize. I've learned a lot about and grown confident in the authority and fruit of impartation and the laying on of hands up here so I was ready! haha! So I prayed with him-he was so eager and receptive it was so beautiful. He mentioned his 4 year old daughter, that he was going to give what I had given him to her. Something in my heart leaped when he mentioned his little girl so I asked if I could pray and impart everything I had to her. He was so excited-he said she always makes up songs and dances to Jesus. So, long story short I got to pray for her and give her everything I've got! She clung to me and wouldn't let me go the entire time! I saw her the next day and she ran full speed towards me and sat in my lap forever listening me talk to my friends etc.

That little girl was like a sign for me-like the Lord was giving me a peek into the future-the future generation that my generation is called to pour into. They will so pass us up in their walk! That is what I prayed for Rebekah, that as she grew in years and in the Lord she would far exceed my walk. Ah, Jesus is just wonderful!

The past week has been filled with precious worship times, bonding fellowship and inspiring yet convicting teaching, continually pulling us closer to the true heart of the Lord.

Pray for me-I'm trying to decide if I want to take part in the creative expression-where you share a song or anything creative with the class. I'm thinking about doing it on Fri-but I don't know... we'll see. ha!

Today we have a class bbq at one of the Pastor's houses. It should be wonderful! My sounds of the nations class is going to be having a worship circle, which of course I'm thrilled about!!!!

Last night was a Holy Spirit party I tell you! About 6 or 7 of us totally got undone by the Lord! haha! It was beautiful! Oh, I'm going to miss it up here...but I'm excited to be apart of Jesus plan! I actually miss Oklahoma a little! I know, I know-talk about miracles!! haha! I really miss all dear ones and my house of prayer! Hey Daryl, some of my friends here want to come visit our hop!!! Hey, hey, bring it on Jesus! Oh, yeah! haha!

Toodles!

Looking Forward-Seeing the Past and Walking in the Present Hope

2008-07-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was eventful... I WENT TO COSTCO! haha! Being able to finally get to the store and get my own food-and eat as much of it as I want-how sweet it is! :) Brian P. and I went and we stocked up on veggies, fruit and all sorts of yummy stuff! It was so funny, after we got done it was around 8pm and we hadn't eaten supper. So, I was like, I am totally fixin' pesto pasta dude and you're crazy if you don't want some! haha! It was SOOOO yummy! I fixed a huge portion of the pasta, big mixed greens salad with boiled egg yummy bread with olive oil dipping sauce! I also bought the stuff to make my famous fried apples!

We had so much fun eating to our hearts content! So I end up making a big batch of the apples-Amy, Shane and Morgan end up "stopping by" for some apples. We ended up having church! haha! It was really getting late around 11 or so, so we moved out on the front driveway. We had a guitar some buckets to sit on and the street light-you talk about heaven! We all shared about what the Lord has been doing-what He is doing in the spirit etc... By the time we were "done" we all stood up and started imparting things to one another and prophesying! Ah, that's what I call good times right there! So, now moma I must say- yes I am cooking for everyone now! haha! ;) I love you! I love this!

Today-Kim Walker (who I now know is like a Misty Edwards but more fiery) spoke to us today! It was amazing! She is like THE worship leader for Jesus culture and is know in all the prophetic circles... she told us she was kicked out of college choir didn't make the worship team! On and on she told us story after story! Very cool gal, very authentic and genuine.

Well, for lunch I had planned to eat at my house (cuz I got all the good stuff! ). Ha, I didn't eat alone let me put it that way! haha! Shane, Brian, Amy Shiloh and Ashley all piled over to my house and fixed big avocado ranch wraps! Mmmm! While I fixed them Shiloh got the guitar, Shane got on the drum set and we had live amazing worship! Utter sweetness people, utter sweetness! If you could have heard it-it sounded like a cd or something!

Tomorrow is 4th of July and we are going to the lake to minister and all fellowship with drum circles and the like! Right now we are getting ready to meet up with some of our tribesmen and do some street ministry downtown!

I am so excited about what God is stirring in the hearts of people all around me! I look with wonder and expectancy for the future! No striving, no fear, just love and joy in knowing that my Jesus has it all under control and has wonderful things for me to do- for all of us to do!

Rest in Him beloved and find His gaze in the crowd.

Jess

Touch God-Be Transformed-Change the World

2008-07-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

My heart is really at a unique point right now. It feels as if the Lord is opening and expanding my vision, His call, His pursuit of me and even my response to that pursuit.

I'm sitting here on my bed right now with the morning sun streaming in feeling the Presence of Jesus and the knowledge of His working in my life-it's overwhelming me. If I pause for a moment in between typing and think about this my heart rate increases and my eyes start to fill with tears.

He's transitioning me and my spirit and increasing my authority-or should I say just giving me understanding of the authority He's already given me. I don't look at leading worship the same as I did a week ago. It's so much more than I understood. More than EVER-I LONG AND DESIRE TO THE DEEPEST CORE OF WHO I AM AND YET TO BE-when I am leading worship, sining on the street or anything with my music I want people to be healed, set free and delivered just by the sounds... Like David and Saul, Paul and Silas- Gideon-on and on! I can't stand it-truly I can't I want this so much.

So much of what God has called me to do has been that-what He's called ME TO DO... me thinking of just pleasing his heart and obeying him and fulfilling the passion He put inside me-never going on the reality of it doing anything but drawing people closer in moment and time to the feet of Jesus! Jesus wants NATIONS to be changed- battered and bloodied hearts and bodies healed during our sound! It's so much more than I ever realized.

I'm literally about to cry as I write this. The tone of this blog isn't the bubbly Jessica that's bouncing up and down for joy- but a young woman who is being impacted by the intent eyes of Jesus telling me there is so much more-and it feels like I haven't even lived before! There is so much more...

My whole world view if you will of the "worship arts" sound and music have been wrecked by the goodness of my God. I think-how many more experiences like this am I to have?

I have heard story after story after story, and testimony after testimony of people being saved and set free just by being in the presence of worship NOT EVEN IN THEIR LANGUAGE!

JESUS! THAT IS WHAT I WANT! I know that those things are going to happen here in America and throughout the nations-and I want everything to be a part of that-more than my desire for life itself. Finally all the stuff the Lord has been speaking to me about BEING the love-BEING his church makes sense. My passions, the deep passions of my soul are being stirred by the hand of Jesus and being intensified. But it is different-it's not a hyped thing...it's deeply seated with a quiet sort of stirred calm.

I had a very precious time with Jesus yesterday. It started with the worship when we really only officially sang "1" song... the gentle roar of the Lord settled on everyone and the Spirit's song took over. I had been really striving at times to feel the Lord to desire more of Him and Bill gave a word that has set me free. It is simple in it's content but monumental if you actually get a hold of it and plant it in your heart. He was speaking of how so often our cry for desperation for God comes from unbelief-for we never acknowledge him coming to us the last time we pleaded and begged for more him... bypassing HIM by our insane and crazed (all in a good sense) desire for MORE OF HIM when He is right there. This then can create a sense of frustration and despair, which so many times in my life I have!

GOD is pursuing US-we need to posses Him, take hold of him. Faith doesn't grow from striving...it grows from rest.

It was exactly what I need to hear. He knew it. I love Him.

2008-07-02T01:23:00.001-07:00

Misc.

2008-07-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

These are pics from the last week-the two on the right are from our awesome time at the Redding House of Prayer-the others are from fellowship times.

Jam sessions have been braking out at the end of each day after school! HA! It's been TOO awesome! We worshiped/jammed for about an hour in the cafe and then moved to the dinning hall until 8pm tonight! Everyone just grabbing their instrument and playing percussion on practically anything from flip flops on a big garbage can to sharpies on a the legs of a metal chair! All for the Glory of Jesus! haha!

New Sound, New Song and a Bad Salad?

2008-06-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very eventful indeed, I must say! :)

Friday Ray Hughes, (who lead the 300 man Gideon shofar blast at the Call Nashville) spoke all day at all the sessions! It was amazing!!! That man has such a revelation on sound and the Tabernacle of David! All of us were on the edge of our seats!

The Holy Spirit fell in such a strong way as he was prophesying over us and speaking about what the Lord has for us to do! One thing that really has stood out to my heart that he spoke was about David... David gave his heart so completely to the Lord that the Lord poured out His heart to David. Think on that for a minute. *sigh*

There is so much! They have been teaching us to really use intention with our worship, taking it seriously in a sense that we view it beyond just singing or even just flowing-but it actually being used by the Lord to set a tone in the spirit... Ah, it's so amazing.

For another bit of adventure... and the cause for the strange tittle of my blog post- I ate a bad salad on Thursday night and it way caught up with me on Friday night in the middle of service... I was in so much pain I had to throw up but I couldn't. Finally after not being able to worship-I was in such complete and utter pain I didn't know what to do... I was finally able to throw up and all the ladies in the bathroom were praying and singing over me! I was so bummed because I was sick right in the middle of the coolest impartation time in the sanctuary-Amy was cracking up later because in between throwing up episodes I was like "Amy go on-I don't want you to miss it!

haha! Truly though-it was terrible... with the help of my friend Amy I made it to a couch in the cafe outside the sanctuary and curled up in a ball shaking from fever. A woman who had medical training asked Amy who was "in charge of me"-Amy told her we were here in California for a school. She told her that if I had food poisoning I needed to be taken to the emergency room. I was out of it, Amy ran to go get Shane. The next thing I know I'm in Shane's van being rushed to the emergency room. We get there and the pain is so excruciating I couldn't stand it! It was Friday night and it was busy... I didn't have my shoes on I'm rocking back and forth from the pain-Amy was rubbing my back and praying Shane trying to get me in over and over. Finally they got me in-I saw this nurse that was about my mom's age and she was so nice I just broke down. That in turn brought on a whole wave of throwing up. Terri was my nurse and she was just the best! As soon as I had emptied my tank all the pain left for about 10 min. Those were the best 10 min. of my life! I asked her to go and tell Shane and Amy I was ok. They put one of those big moo-moo gowns on me laid me on a bed and gave me a couple of IV's.

Terri brought Amy and Shane back to my "room" and we waited as they took blood and the like. At this point it was about 9:45-we were there until around 2:45am! It was wonderful bonding time! haha! But truly-you know you have true friends when they stick with you through something like that! :) They were so comforting to me. I was a little scarred I will admit. We laughed pretty hard at times and got some pretty funny pics! We all were telling funny mission trip stories-counting the tiles on the ceiling...

By 2am we all were getting pretty sleepy. Amy was bent over one side of my bed asleep and Shane had his feet up on the other side nodding off and waking himself up! haha! We all ended completely out by the time the nurse came in with the doctor. haha!

They checked me out when they were sure I was ok-and I spent the next day in bed recovering. It was an adventure I tell you!

My Life is A Song

2008-06-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Waiting in line at the "Barrito Bandito" stand. Cherylynn, Angela and yours truly.

Our little tribe-haha! (at least a little part of it! :D Break in between sessions.
I took this is on the road up the hill to bethel yesterday. New fires are springing up-please pray.
We went to the music store during on of the breaks-I went to get a cleaning rod for my flute and Shane went to drop off his guitar...on the way back to campus I casually remarked that I wanted to climb a tree before I left Redding-so Shane goes-"How about we find one right now!" ha! It was so much fun! This is a tree in the extended parking at Bethel. It was covered in this crazy itchy moss stuff! Fun times! haha!
Hanging out at the Brit's place. ;)

Yesterday Ray Hughes spoke! It was a jaw dropping experience! He was speaking about the sounds of heaven-our personal and individual song God wove into our makeup and how the Tabernacle of David worked! Mmm...we all were soaking it up and elbowing each other every other sentence practically!

You know I'm sitting here basking in the hope Jesus has for me! Every day in a different way usually unexpected He reveals to my heart a new aspect of a little reason why He brought me here. Carly, Angela and I were talking about how we are going to take what we have gotten here back to where the Lord has us for now. The fire-the intensity-but not only that... it the knowledge of identity and the intentional focused heart to be used to change the atmosphere with the Presence of the Lord we carry! Cool stuff!

Poppa Jim-the son's of Asaph thing is really stirring inside the depths of me... I need to talk to you about it. Got some ideas I want to bounce off of you...

We all got on the ground as a collective body last night to pray for Redding in regards to the fires because like I mentioned we have a lot of new ones and they are closer and way too close to some houses. As I knelt there my spirit was awakened that I DO have spiritual authority here-my poppajim laid claim to this area years ago and now it's my turn! Man when I realized that I did some mighty intense praying!

God is just so unpredictably predictable! haha! I love it!

More Fun Pics

2008-06-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

Just a lil' silliness! haha!
Angela and Cherylynn
Chillin'
The effects of sound sent through these metal plates-the vibrations making forms and shapes!!! the amazing power of sound! YEAH-GOD SPOKE and the world became! wooohooo!!!

BBQ and worship jam session
CHERYLYNN! ((HUG))
Brian P on guitar! Play it brotha! ;)
Brotha Shane :)

2008-06-26T01:56:00.000-07:00

Fire in the Sky

2008-06-26T01:41:00.000-07:00

Ah, Brian Doerkson did the teaching today again in class! He taught on sonship and the importance of understanding the love and heart of the Father! Ah, it was so wonderful!

We all were let out right after lunch because of a worship conference that started last night. So, we had a bbq at one of the English couple's house. It was so much fun! A group of about 15 of us were there. It was really bonding and completely enjoyable! We all made the rounds on the guitar sitting around sharing songs, laughing and eating! One of the guys who was there and I were talking about the Call-he and his wife had been at the original Call DC back in 2001! We were talking all about the Nazarite Vow and fasting. He ended up showing me that he had brought veggie burgers! YAY! I was so excited! Mmmm...it was good too!

A bunch of us are really starting to bond and become close. There are a ton of people here and the group of 20 or so of us that some how all kind of connected have and are becoming close brothers and sisters! We took communion all together when we all were wrapping it up to leave. (Shane's idea-he is communion king! It's awesome how doing that binds us together deeper in the Lord as a group!)

There is a thing called creative expressions where you can pick any venue of anything musical or artistic in any way and present it to the class. I'm thinking possibly of doing a Hebrew song or something...I don't know. We'll see!

Ray Hughes was supposed to speak-but they closed the air port because of all the fires. So one of the pastors here ended up speaking. Which was good! We found out later that night that they have opened them back up and he will hopefully be here tomorrow!

As we were headed out to leave-we had a detour on the railing outside the entry doors. We sat out there eating pretzels and skippy peanut butter... It has become a tradition of sorts. We talk about the cool stuff God did over that delicious midnight snack! haha!

God is wonderful and continually overwhelming me! Keep praying about the fires! We need rain WITHOUT LIGHTNING! Thanks you guys!

A Night to Remember

2008-06-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of the most glorious nights of my entire life. Yes, I know I sound rather dramatic, but...it's true.

After school let out a group of us slowly gathered in the Hebrews Cafe area and what started off as a Mac junkie internet session turned into a total break your instruments out and let's jam session! haha! It was fantastic! :D We Do have pics, which I will post at lunch.

A little while later we all wanted to go to the Redding House of Prayer which is about 5 minutes away. So, we ate dinner and then headed over there! It was so cool because we kept inviting fellow students to come and join us so when we got there we had a really good sized group!

OH MY GOSH! The Holy Spirit was AMAZING!!! One of my girlfriends was on keys, Angela on vocal-Adam on drums, Shane on guitar and I was on flute/vocal. I ended up reading the scriptures-feeding the fire and encouraging my friends once they got something to keep singing it. Not many of them had ever been in a house of prayer before or participated in one. So wham, after wham after wham. Wave upon wave upon wave just to build to another. The Lord hadn't really come upon me like that in singing since I have been hear and last night the Lord did stuff with my voice I really have never done. It was like He was using us a instruments of hight praise and war. Shane one time in the night got the mic and started to sing what the Lord was giving him-it turned into a heart cry the 3 of us were singing at the top of our lounges! Ah, sweetness. *sigh*

Then the Lord led the hop leader to do a fire tunnel! oooooh yay! The joy of the Lord was so strong after going through we just danced and danced and danced and danced! Angel and I locked hands laughing like two little girls and spun together all around the room! It was so cool because it felt like we all were one person moving in unison and in one flow. One time we were singing and harmonizing the word "Freedom" and it built to such an intensity that I was expecting the walls to collapse! haha! God is awesome! YAY JESUS!

To speak Your name isn't enough for me I much touch you, feel you and know you in truest sense of reality! You sweep over me-You're the Rushing, Rushing tide of heaven.

Love, Jess

Redding HOP

2008-06-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

So, tonight in just a little bit here we are going to go do a set at the Redding House of Prayer! I'm so excited!

The guy who wrote "Come Now is the Time to Worship", "Your Love is Amazing" and "Hallelujah" was our teacher today! He even taught our song writing class today! Pretty cool huh? :)

The food situation has been pretty funny over here! You would think that there would be organic stores and cafes all over the place right? Wrong! Here in Redding-it's a bit out there. Only a few of us here have organics as a priority-and it's really hilarious at times!

I'm excited. I love California. I love Jesus. I'm so proud to be my Poppa Jim's granddaughter. This is a part of my heritage and I really know it-it is resounding in the depths of my heart. I'm beginning to live things I've dreamed about from his stories. Poppa Jim-guess what! There is a big cross smack dab on a hill on the property here! How freaky is that! haha!

I fear I'm ruined! haha! YAY!

The Rest of the story...

2008-06-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

We had more incredible teaching on the power of sound. A really cool guy named Dano has been teaching us about it and it has been the highlight I think of each day. The Lord is blowing my mind and enlarging my vision with this stuff! I went to song writing class today! It totally helped me get over some writer's block and help me organize my ideas and inspiration !

The day before yesterday we went to the lake-had the best salad in the world! haha! We took communion and then did a group mikveh (mini baptism) in the water! Talk about awesome! There we were swimming in this beautiful clean lake surrounded by mountains! Ah, it was wonderful!

Three nights ago when we were all coming home we spontaneously stopped at this amazing bridge! It is known for having amazing acoustics under it-so, we got out our guitars and worshiped! Emily danced, I sang and Shane played. What was really, really amazing is that a group of about 8 believers ended up gathering with us worshiping with all their hearts! We all worshiped until the bridge/park closed! haha! We moved our "meeting" to the parking lot. They prophesied over us-we prophesied over them. We ended up praying for the security guards girlfriend who has a kidney problem! Oh, the Lord was so heavy on us! Two of the guys that were with the group that became our new friends, had moved to California from Dallas. The Lord told them to come and they did. Within a week they had a house paid for for 3 months a car etc... The Lord took care of them! More of that fire in the night, cloud by day stuff! Ah! There is something here in California. Something that I'm still praying through.

Last night at my "family's" house we had a big group of people come over. We even had this guy on his way to China! Shane and I worked on some songs for the 4th of July thingy that is going to go on. 8 hours of music, food and fireworks. Bethel asked if some of us would do different sets during the music time-soooo.... a little group of us are going to be putting stuff together! It will be in the community-so lots of families and hurting people. It was so funny-we were trying to get some ideas for song writing on paper using a method our song writing teacher gave us and we ended up having the set up for like the worlds most complicated song covering every human emotion. We all laughed so hard! haha! Yep, we needed to narrow it down just a bit. My "house mom and dad" chilled with us as we played and practiced. Jill, the lady hosting me was just soaking every bit of it in. It has been so cool playing and writing music with others who have such a kindred spirit, and the same heart beat for ministry in and "out" of the church! Ah... Maybe when we are done I will be able to post a link to the recorded song so you can hear it!

One more thing-I know this is rather scattered but I'm in between classes and finishing the draft blog I started last night! haha! We have 132 fires surrounding Redding right now and the smoke is pretty thick in the mountains, which you can clearly see from the school. Yesterday when we got out of class it was so thick and foggy on the church/school grounds that my eyes were stinging and ash was falling like little snow flakes. So, yeah-pray for the fires to stop. There was a rain storm about 3 days ago and the lightning started a lot of the new fires. Did you know there are 2 volcanoes here in this area and Redding is in a valley-actually apart of the "ring of fire"! haha! There's a switch for this Texan girl! From tornadoes to Volcanoes-go figure! haha! (((hug))

2 Amazing Days

2008-06-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

The day before yesterday was a completely amazing time. God has been knitting my heart with the hearts of others here in such a unique and special way. It is different than what I've known before. It is so precious. Yes, precious is the word that always comes to my heart when I'm thanking the Lord for who and what He has brought into my life.

On the 21st it rained and stormed for quite a while. The previous night there was a 10pm-2am worship and soaking time that was just wonderful. 3 of us stayed until about 12:30. Two of the guys who had been playing the worship music (which was mostly harp and bowl) were in the parking lot as Shane and I were leaving-Brian was completely wacked by the Holy Spirit and he didn't want to leave! haha! So we end up talking to them and the guy playing guitar ends up being a Jesus guy! From the Jesus Movement days! Ah-we all talked for almost 2 hours! He about freaked out when he realized I'm totally obsessed with that (being my heritage). So we were going back and forth on all the music from that era. He was very encouraged! His heart and eyes looked like he came alive when he spoke of all that when on during that time! He reminded me of my Poppa Jim so much. Shane now, watching us going back and forth like crazy people talking about all the Jesus music is totally set on finding some and listening! haha!

So lets go to the 21st. I went to the prayer house-Emily (my dear little sister) Shane and some others went to the prayer house to soak and pray. We all were planning on going to get a bite to eat after. (We all needed some Jesus time first though!) Mmmm... I ended up getting a prophetic drawing for someone and just felt the Holy Spirit so strong. The most powerful moment though was when we were getting to a place where we were "soaked up..." Shane came over and I was telling him about my drawing-we started to pray together and it was so powerful. I love those spontaneous Jesus moments!!! We were thanking the Lord, prophesying over the students each other speaking Words and just being blessed by the heart of Jesus. There was like a current flowing from one of us to the other then back again. I'm telling you-I have encountered the Holy Spirit and the Heart of Jesus in a whole other level! As we were huddled over waiting on the Lord thanking Him for His goodness and faithfulness-the Lord just came on Shane like a wave... ah, it was beautiful. Right before that Emily had got up and started to dance around the room! Major amazingness!

I have so much more to tell-like the wild holy spirit dancing that went on for over and hour and a half last night with us all up on the platform! The impartation...but I need to go spend some more time with Jesus before class in the prayer house.

I love you all. Please pray that the Lord will lead and guide my heart in all truth even more and use me even more as a vessel of His love .

All my love,

-Jess

PICS!

2008-06-23T01:06:00.001-07:00

Take It To the Streets Baby!

2008-06-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

So today was just amazing! My faith is at like, level gazillion! haha!

We had amazing teaching all day, we created prophetic journals and got blasted by the Holy Spirit even more!

What my heart is still reeling from though is what just happened a couple of hours ago!

So, here it is-are you ready for this!!! Ah! Ok, -there is this market festival in down town Redding that we were told about-complete with mega drum circles and stuff like that. ( Remember this is California) A group of us got together and decided to head down there to see, have fun and look out for ministering opportunities. We get there and the only people that are there are a small group of people just hanging around. Some of us felt really compelled to minister to them-they asked us if we had any extra cash so they could by dog food. (they had two dogs...) most of us didn't have cash on us-so as we were walking away Shane (one of the guys at the worship school) asked what we thought about going and buying them dog food! We all were all over it! So-off we go to the store. Totally pumped, praying and prophesying!

Shane had told them we were going to be back and when we got back to the park we gave them the food, chilled with them for a while-listened to them and ended up praying for this guys broken ankle, prophesying over him and ministering to this other guy named John. Shane, myself and another Bethel worship school guy, Brian prayed for him for about 30 minutes. The Holy Spirit fell like no body's business! The presence of the Lord was so thick! We spoke words of life and beauty into his life as we prayed. The Lord led me to speak a mother's blessing into his life and heart...that was weird at first. I mean come on-I'm only 21 for crying out loud! ha! But the Lord told me to-and it was like God was waiting for me to just let go of my natural reasoning and let Him do his thing though me! I had NEVER done that blessing thing before-but it just welled up inside of me. As I was speaking over him I remembered that 4 people prophesied that I had a mother's (in the spirit) anointing on me to minister and mother. That's strange to hear let alone actually put into practice! ha! But Jesus was so powerful in His love tonight!

I'm signing off to bed! Much Love!!! (((hug))) Tomorrow is the first day of our music skill lessons! yay! Pics come tomorrow!

Bethel Day 1

2008-06-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? I feel so overwhelmed right now. This whole day has been to much! All in a good sense...

I arrived this morning at the school to find hundreds of other crazy young people all around me signing up and registering for the school. The whole morning I was like, Lord I want you, I want to see what you want to show me. But sometimes-we just have to go or do something without knowing what we are expecting. That's how it was for me this morning.

I went and found a table to sit at with a group of awesome girls, and at the end of the day ended up finding out that I had sat right next to a guy my parents had met and become close to in Lakeland! It was so awesome of the Lord-and we had been sitting right next to each other. Mind you there were hundreds of people there! God is just so uniquely wonderful in the way he weaves his plan!

We started off our day with worship (which was TOTALLY amazing!) There is SO much complete freedom here, like I can't describe! I LOVE it! They are all about equipping you and sending you out! Which is my thing! During one part of the day everyone got up for a few seconds and told who they were and why they came. About half the kids said they didn't know why but that God had told them to go! Over and over you heard that!

Brian and Jen Johnson are amazing! The most real people you will ever meet! Jen says, "Cut the drama!" Get on with realness in reality! Ah, to breath the air of liberty and freedom of the spirit so deeply! *sigh* Yeah, I'm like lovin' it over here and it's just my first day! It feels like I've been here for a week!

One message we heard today was probably one of the most amazing messages I have ever heard! It was really about healing and knowing how God sees you... (how about that Daryl! Hmmm, someone I know was just talking about that...)

I'm so tired right now but I want to write some of the things in a nut shell that he said down for you to chew on!

I really got freed up from a lot of false conceptions of who God wants me to be verses who He sees me to be. It was so healing all the things he spoke on. How appropriate for him to teach on that for the first real message we heard because we need to be freed up!

You know how people say "I am NEVER going to be like my dad!" ? ... well he addressed a big portion of that statement. Think about it... in order to not become this or that you are constantly keeping in your mind what you don't want to become! They are reacting to what they don't want to be verses responding to the vision God has for their life. He took the story in Genesis about Jacob breeding the goats in front of the tree limbs... when the sheep saw the rods... "We don't reproduce what we want to produce-we reproduce what we see at the watering hole..."

Ah, this doesn't even do it justice! I am SOOOO getting the cd!

My eyes are hurting, I need to lay my head down and listen to Jesus sing over me.

Love to you all and I miss you!

-Jess

Humility isn't the thinking less of yourself-it's thinking about yourself less.

Arriving in Redding

2008-06-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Wow.

So, here I am in Redding California.

Alone.

Just me and Jesus.

You know I could write, and probably will-about all the layovers, and running through terminals with blisters on my heels. But, I really just feel like writing about what the Lord is giving me a glimpse of so far. I'm so tired I don't think I can form proper sentences right now-so I'm going to post some pics!

I'll write in the morning before I go to class! Ahh! Yeah, I just said that! :D

Off to Redding

2008-06-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well dear friends,

I'm off on another adventure! This time to Redding California!

In a whirlwind of time and events, I applied last week to their summer worship/music school and was accepted! It was crazy how it all unfolded!

I had heard a few people mention Redding and one night last week I got curious and googled Bethel Church. Seeing the page for the worship school my spirit jumped inside. But... it was starting less than 10 days from the day I was reading about it for the first time! haha!

Ever since I went to Israel on my last trip, the Lord has been bringing me to a place of "fire in the night, cloud by day" living. Where that becomes a lifestyle not just a saying. It's such an amazing adventure!

So, I am packing up my last things. I leave the house around 7:30am. My flight leaves at 10:25.

The Lord provided me with wonderful lodgings with a family that lives a few minutes walk from the church! The Redding House of Prayer is a short walk away as well! They have drum circle once a week! ah!

I can't believe I'm actually going to this thing! I'm looking forward to a lot of alone time with Jesus! I am going to miss my home though. It's just for a month, but I just got back from a trip so it's a little harder to leave-and exciting of course! :D I'm really going to miss the crhop but the Lord has a plan and I'm doing what he told me to! Yay!

I will be blogging frequently so if you like-keep checking in.

I will miss you guys so much! It's only 3 weeks... (still seems like a long time)!

(((HUG))))

Much Love,

Jess

Sorry!

2008-06-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not that I didn't want to blog...but I had some trouble logging into blogger, so... here is a late update! haha!

Sally and I spent 4 more days in Jerusalem and it was just wonderful! We bonded so dearly with our friends Doug and Glenn...the other members of "our little family" as Glenn called all of us.

The Lord was so amazingly faithful to us-always leading and guiding us even when we didn't realize it! :)

Sally and I decided our first full day and night in J'lem that we were going to fix supper! (We had our own little kitchen at Naomi's hostel. We told the guys and headed off to find the grocery store. That was an adventure-it turned out to be like 30 min. away (walking-all walking). We had a food shopping spree time! I got some veggies and pasta-stuff to make fried apples for dessert! Mmm-mm! ;) We had the most wonderful, joyful time fixing the meal and eating all together. We laughed so much. Truly wonderful fellowship!

2008-05-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

Sally and Jess at the One Thing...

Jerusalem Today

2008-05-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well, today is Jerusalem day for us! We are going to be going to Mt. Olives and the Old City...

I've got to go and catch my ride to meet a friend, but I wanted to touch base!

We are going to upload some pics later today!

Toodles everybody and Shalom!!!

-Jess

The Call

2008-05-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

How do you describe such a glorious day? Tell me that and my fingers would be ever grateful to you! So many things happened-but where do I begin?

The Lord had us practically in the front...we danced like crazy-I got to lead some messicanic dance at one time... we ended up going around the whole building... it was so funny and awesome! Matt Gilman and Misty Edward's drummer were standing against the wall and I grabbed Mat's hand and they joined in! They were laughing so hard...it was awesome! The Spirit of the Lord was so strong... I found myself weeping for joy and sorrow-shouting with sheer joy and elation to the point of exhaustion!

So many of our Israeli friends were there from the onething! Lou had them come up and the whole assembly prayed for them! It was powerful!

I feel like I have fallen in love all over again. but this time my love feels more mature...you know? Israel is my Israel and God put it in my heart. To realize that this is where my heart belongs. Oh, I can't explain it! The people, the country side the smells...everything.

What was so beautiful was the amazing humility of all the leaders there. I mean they were repenting to us-like no bodies business! It was the most glorious sight when one of the leaders got all his Israeli "kids" to come up and dance a wild man, david's dance before the Lord during worship!

One woman walked up to me and asked me some questions-blessed me and gave me a large amount o money after one wave of worship. Never met her or anything! It paid for our room and board here at Naomi's house! God is an amazing working God and I have never seen His hand so strong in my life as I am right now!

Sally and I have been bPublish Postonding beyond bonding! We both spent a lot of time at Succat Hallel (J'lem house of prayer) today reading, journaling and listening to the whispers of our Lover.

Naomi's House

2008-05-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

So, we aren't staying at house of peace... we are staying at Naomi's house...

3 of our new friends are staying here and we asked and we have our own apartment! $25 dollars a night! yay!!!!

10 min. walk from Succat Hallel! We went there and it was awesome.

I will update tonight about the Call...and our latest adventures...

The Call

2008-05-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

So many thoughts are running through my heart right now. Memories of yesterday are flooding me in waves of joy and at the same time sorrow because it's over. I know that's silly! But, we made SO many friends over the time of the Onething that it will be hard to not see them as much! We will be connecting with several during our time in Jerusalem though!

When we got to the Call we were put in "overflow" but the Lord made a way for us to be in the front....I'll write later, I have to go!

PRAISE THE LORD! It was awesome!!!

Whoa!

2008-05-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of the Onething! So many things happened that have been so amazing!

I'm about to get on a bus for the Call but I had to write one thing on here before we left!!!

Sally and I met Lou Engle yesterday and we were telling him about our Nazarite vow and the different fasts we are on... He asked us to share up on the platform with everybody what we are doing. Who would've thought! ha! While we were up there I was so taken aback I forgot to give Sally the mic, and I didn't even say everything I wanted to! haha! But the Holy Spirit filled our mouths. Later on in the day while Joel, an Israeli who heads up one of the bound for life moves here-was praying against lust and sins o impurity... Rick sent for us to pray over the young women of Israel! It was beautiful. We let the Lord pour out of His heart into us over all the girls!

Afterwards, Lou asked all those at the Conference to stretch out their hands and pray for us. It was very powerful.

After our sharing about the Naz vow-Lou continued to share and he called all those who wanted more of Jesus and those who desired to go deeper in Him. Practically the whole place went up and many answered the call to the vow! It was so powerful!

The whole trip has been filled with miracles, signs for our own hearts and amazing testimonies!

It has been so fun meeting so many different believers!

The Lord has been pouring out!

I will hopefully write more later!

One Thing Part 1

2008-05-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

First night of the Onething! Totally amazing! God showed up and brought healing and joy!

I will write later-I'm exhausted! (Don't worry in a good way!) haha!

A Lil' Bit of Info

2008-05-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

We are waiting to eat supper then head off to the conference! :) Sally is having little of a hard time with jet-lag. But we spent a portion of today sharing our songs and just chillin'. I'm SO glad we came the day before. It has made it so much easier! :)

I met this really cool girl from Germany. Her name is Andrea and she is here for the Onething. A little while ago we went out walking. It was a lot of fun listening to her heart and her story of how she came to love Israel.

My tummy is not very happy about lunches not being available at the hotel! haha! ;) But dinner is just around the corner.

This morning I had a very wonderful time with Jesus. I watched the early morning sun stream over the Judean hills and the morning shadows stretching out their arms as if with longing. So peaceful. The surrounding hills act as a barrier to the outside world.

It is a beautiful day here! All your prayers are embracing our spirits here! Please continue them.

You know, I know I'm here-but it still is like not totally hit me yet. I think tonight when the worship starts my spirit is going to go crazy. I have met so many wonderful people. It is an adventure.

If you can-watch Godtv for the Onething and the Call! It is going to be amazing!!!

-jess

Where Do I Begin?

2008-05-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Tel Aviv today-just a few hours ago! Sally and I had quite the experience these past 20 or so hours! Safe and sound-minus my camera :(. But, we experienced the faithfulness of the Lord and His total favor! But, first let me tell you what happened yesterday...it is just as amazing.

The beginnings of this day seem like a week ago! On the plane from Nashville to New Wark I put a Nazarite Wrap in Sally's hair! It was fun. We had a 2 hour layover and God was all over it! First, we got a huge meal at a Chinese food place for $2.00!!! (They were closing so they loaded it up!)

Get a load of this-we were approaching our gate and this girl comes up to us and says to me "Are you on Facebook?" I told her yes. Then, she looked at Sally and asked- "Is your name Sally?" We all were excited! It was Gabi from the Nazarite group on Facebook! Haha! We talked for a bit and laughed together! THEN, she goes on to say that herself, her mom and another couple were waiting on standby for our flight! I was totally thrilled! We grouped up and the Lord made away for them to come on . (Expect Gabi will be coming on Sat.)

Earlier we had met these kids at Starbucks from a Jewish school. They started talking to us and we connected in a big way. They all are eighth graders and most them it was their first time to go to Israel.

So we get to our gate-and these kids (more of them, it was the whole group. About 30.) are all sitting on the floor waiting to board. They saw us and were excited! The leader of the group and the kids really wanted us to sing a song with them with the guitar. I got it out and sang the Hebrew prayer that I wrote the music to- "Tzur Yisrael". Which means "Rock of Israel". They all sang with us-it was beyond me! God floored my heart with His goodness.

Then we ended up sitting right in the middle of all of them. A bunch of 14 year olds that were full of life and giggles. Seeing my doodle on my arm-one little girl wanted me to do something on her....you can see where this is going. For 4 hours I did one after the other after the other. It was so healing to my heart-so much I can't explain. They are so awesome! I painted everything from hebrew peace signs-doves and flowers-earthy looking guy stuff. It was awesome!

She had been reading Scott MacLeod's Book Diamonds in Brazil and was just sitting there in the spirit. One of us would get something and we would quickly tell the other! Sally watched August Rush for the first time! She was so inspired!

We had some trouble at the airport in Tel Aviv-I lost my camera, which had all the pics and videos from the stories I just told you. I'm trusting the Lord to restore it to me. I didn't print off the right directions to the hotel so I had to call Gabriel ( Don and Debby Gatlyn gave us his number thank Jesus!) He gave me the number of a lady who knew the number to the hotel! Ah, it was crazy!

It is so fun making new friends! I cannot wait to see a friend I haven't seen in almost a year over here! More fun stories to come!

We met up with Kirk Bennett at ZHOP and had a worship jam session with his daughter and some other onethinger's! Sally got her flute-we had guitars out and Abby was on the piano...

Sally is in the room singing and playing to Jesus-I am down in the Lobby with Kirk, Abby his daughter and some other awesome believer typing this blog listening to the sound of booming firecrackers! The Lord has been whispering in my heart and showing me stuff that is being confirmed right and left. I find my self having a beautiful moment and then one of your faces with appear in my heart and I find myself drifting off and wishing you were here. We cannot wait to bring back what the Lord is giving us and to see what God has been and will do in you guys while we are gone.

All of this and our journey has barely just begun.

Sally will be writing blog posts soon... :)

Love, Shalom and Joy from Ha'Ertez Yisrael!

-Jess

Off, Off and Away!

2008-05-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sally and I are putting the last touches to our packing lists! I printed off all the info we need to find our Hotel etc.

One really cool thing is that a friend of mine over there wants us to stay with her on the 12th. Which will be so awesome! I love her so much and it will just be a blessing! (I just found that out so I'm pretty excited!!!) :)

Today I got to go to the Thunder School!!! Oh my gosh it is TOO amazing! I'm hooked! We walked in and it was just intense, spontaneous raw prophetic worship! It is in Downtown Nashville. The Lord truly blew me a kiss by allowing Sally to take me there and experience the anointing that just drips from that place. I got to meet and talk with a lot of the students. So many people I lost count, prayed for us for our journey to Israel. Worshipping there was a cool mist to my spirit. (Josh you HAVE to come to see it! This is the most amazing place---extremely rawr, beyond us! You would have just gone crazy! There was the most amazing sense and knowledge of freedom and true beauty! Everyone was so in our vein and flow...it was encouraging!)

I so want to come back for maybe a week or something up here and soak it up!!!

We are leaving for the airport in about 20 min. *sigh* we are pretty pumped and still in a quiet sense of shock and expectation.

God is amazing and continually blowing my human brain away into the heart of His spirit!

You are with us in spirit! Tasha I can't wait to tell you some of the crazy things that have happened!!!

Thank you all for your prayers!!! ((((HUGS))) from Sally and I! Sally will also be posting blogs soon! So, stay connected with us! Feel free to leave comments and little notes!

Shalom! We will have an update when we reach our layover. Who knows what will happen by then? Probably just an airport revival or something like that! ;) haha! Yay Jesus!

Too Amazing!

2008-05-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today God showed me in an even more intense way that He truly does guide and lead my steps. In trying to "prepare" for this trip I found myself struggling and in turmoil at times. Trying to make myself ready instead of just laying back in the arms of Jesus and letting Him take over and take me on whatever adventures He wanted to. My dad told me that I needed to do my part in going, trusting Jesus and that He would come through on His part-imparting whatever I need, showing me what ever is on His mind! That helped me in such a tremendous way!

I left this morning a little late. But, we finally loaded up the truck and quickly headed for the airport! :) Daddy called and was encouraging me that the Lord was with me and Josh called to pray with me. Little things like that are what build us up and mean more than we can ever communicate with words... :) As moma hugged me and sent me off through security I felt a new page turn in my heart. I knew how big of a deal this was for her and my dad. The Lord was grasping even stronger to my hand saying, "Here dear, let's go this way."

Oh man! My airport adventures had just begun when arriving at my gate I wait, check my guitar in and head for my seat which is at the back. Only to realize once the whole tiny aisle back to the entrance is stuffed with people...THAT I'M ON THE WRONG FLIGHT!!! AAHH! Haha! It was humorous I promise. (Looking back on it that is.) My seat was 16a and the last seat on this plane was 12 something! They let me off, thank the Lord and I had to wait for the right flight to come in.

Then I arrived in Houston met some really cool believers! It was totally a God thing the whole time! The people He put in my path...I'm just amazed! After delays and more delays I finally make it to Nashville! Sat next to a wonderful lady named Pam and we had a wonderful conversation! I met another awesome couple who are connected with ihop stuff and others who are completely in our vein!

I exchanged info with several people and just had a ball! I get to baggage claims and look around for my Sally! Remember we have never met in person! She didn't get there for a while so I just took the opportunity to change my guitar strings and do some worship. A really nice lady took these pics of Sally and I first meeting! She snuck up on me!!! Haha! It was glorious! :) It is like we have known each other forever!

We had a wonderul supper and then Shea, (one of Sally's friends who is my facebook friend and now other long lost sister) came over and we all praised Jesus and did some prophetic worship for Israel!

All in all-a very powerful day! More than I can express right now!

Sally's dad got out his projection pics from when he went to Israel in the 80's! It was so much fun! All the more putting the longing to be back in the land and with the people who have captured m heart!

(I long to smell Tiberias!) ;) (that's an inside joke in case you were wondering.) ha!

Well everyone, we leave tomorrow! We are extremely excited and expecting of the Lord!

Much Love ! I will write tomorrow probably when we get to New wark!

Jess

Please Pray.

2008-05-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Very late last night my Dad received a phone call telling us of some very serious heartbreaking news. My grandmother's health is severely failing back home in Texas.

So much has been going on already, plus my trip-please pray for my parents and my grandmother... This is a vulnerable time for all three of us and we need the comfort of the Lord. Thank you so much dear ones! :)

Jesus is faithful!

Oh My Goodness!

2008-05-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a quarter 'til one and I leave in the morning from tulsa international airport for Nashville!

My suitcase is laying unzipped on my bedroom floor, a stack of t-shirts are waiting be rolled and stuffed into baggies are sitting on my bench. The windows are open allowing a cool breeze to dance in, carrying the sweet songs of little birds, causing me smile and drift off into thoughts and daydreams. I just want to go outside and soak in the sunshine, twirl in my bare feet and climb my newly discovered climbing tree. Just listening to God's heart beat away, alone, just He and I.

But then, reality wakes me up with the sound of the neighbors lawn mower acting up, the voice of my mom and my cell phone beeping telling me that I have a new email. It is only hours away now and I will be on a plane by myself, setting off for a new adventure.

One part of my brain tells me I'm a fool to go off like this. "It doesn't make sense!"-is the line that plays over and over and over again. Echoing inside of me as if I were shouting in a cathedral with never ending and high reaching ceilings.

Josh and I were recently talking about the trip and how I was blown away I was going. He laughed and said- "Hey, what amazes me is that a year ago you had never been out of a 3 state area and now you are like, 'hey, I'm going to Israel with a girl I met off the internet!'" haha! It IS rather funny! Who would've ever thought!?!

Sally Boyce is the gal I'm going with! She is amazing and awesome! The most dedicated Jesus Freak practically ever! It will be scary the thought of her and I as traveling buddies because we are so similar in our ...hmmm...how do I say this? Our exuberance? Yes, haha! =D

I am flying to Nashville where she lives and we will depart together for Tel Aviv the following afternoon.

I have to say-the butterflies and jitters have hit me. But, at the same time-it feels as natural as going to Joplin. Strange, I know. A part of my heart is sad because there are some people it looks like I won't get to hug and say bye to in person. But, how much better when I come home!

Well, I must finish up my last minute packing-with my Bethany Dillon blaring in my room and new unwritten song lyrics distractingly growing in my heart...I must close. Until tomorrow, when the journey officially starts.