Ecclesiastes 9:17

"The quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish ruler" (NCV).

Lately, I have been learning the value of words. I recently came down with a sore throat that makes it feel like there is a knife in my throat everytime I try to talk or sing. (Those are the two things I like to do the most!) On Sunday, it got really bad so I decided it was best to just stop trying to make it work with me. On Monday, I stopped talking all together, it was definitely a challenge. But, it was worth it! Yesterday, I relied on whispers to be my mesengers. Last night, I tried singing for the first time in two days (which is like 400 years in my world!) It sounded terrible, and it hurt. But, I was soon able to start talking normal again. I knew being able to sing again would come sooner or later. I just hoped for sooner! The worst part of all is that I am supposed to be singing in our city's talent show this Friday!
Why am I sharing this?
Well, I am learning a lot because of this. I am learning that, as much as you may not want to admit it, God's plan isn't always the same ours. I am also learning that God really is in control and, He is good at what He does! (If you let Him do His job!) I'm also learning to be patient and wait on the Lord. Last but not least, I am learning to give God all the glory in ALL that we do!
So, if my voice is fully back soon...PRAISE GOD!
If my throat stops hurting quickly...PRAISE GOD!
Whether or not my performnce is good on Friday...PRAISE GOD!
In all the you do, say, think, feel, want, recieve...PRAISE GOD!
HE IS WORTH IT!

In the beginning...

My name is Jessica Dunn. I have big plans for my life. But, I am beginning to grasp the fact that my plans and God's plans may not always match up. I have been taught the hard way that I am not in control. But, just like all students, you may not necessarily learn everything that you've been taught. I know that life is a struggle because I have lived through many trials thus far. I cannot begin to understand the power of God's love and grace but, I know it's real and true! I cling to the fact that one day I will dance in heaven with my best friend, Jesus Christ. I strive to live more and more like Jesus everyday. Even though, I know that that goal may never completely be fulfilled. I desire to live a holy and pleasing life though I know I mess up a LOT! I want someday to hear God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I cling to James' words, "Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." I know that I am perfect in God's eyes but, I struggle with only looking at myself through the eyes of this world. I know that I am loved by my creator but, I struggle with noticing that this world doesn't care for me. I know that I am forgiven by the grace of God but, I struggle with forgiving myself and others. I know that God is all I could ever need but, I struggle with wanting more. I know that I am not the only one that matters but, I struggle with thinking WAY too much about myself. I am by no means perfect at all, but I am LOVED by my Lord and Savior. And that is more than enough for me! I don't want to try and measure up to any one's unrealistic expectations for me in this world. I am who God created me to be. I am broken and beautiful. Just the way God wants me! I am also a sophomore in high school who loves to sing, spend time with friends and family, play volleyball, write, think, text, talk, listen, travel, go to the beach, and just have a good time! I am learning to focus on the good things in life. I plan to live a drug and alcohol free life. I absolutely love nature and all its beauty. I have come to realize the things in my life that need to change but, I won't change for anyone. (At least I try not too!) I have been through so much but, it has only made me so much stronger. I am single and loving it! I can talk a lot about a topic that I am passionate about. I am praising God for the person He has made me to be! I couldn't thank my parents enough for what they have done for me. I want to use all my gifts to bring glory to the only One who deserves it! I can write/talk all day if I had the opportunity. Although, I am learning when to talk and when to just listen. I cannot take credit for the words that I have written because, God is the One who put all of this on my heart! I am falling back in love with my best friend. I cannot say that this is all that I am because, I am nothing without the One who created me.