Birthday Wishes & Thank You's!

Hey y’all!

Yesterday I said hello to twenty-eight and I’d be crazy not to take a moment to say THANK YOU! 

Thank you for the birthday wishes.

Thank you for the surprise party.
Thank you for the fun.
Thank you for the love.
Thank you for the opportunity to call you friends and family.

I’m not sure this is where I thought I’d be in life at twenty-eight, but I sure do love it! Maybe I thought I’d be ready for my first child or buying my first house, but that’s definitely not the case right now. Although these dreams and wishes haven’t come true yet, I can’t believe that this life--this single, southern-girl life in California--keeps getting better. God’s plans for this life keep getting sweeter.

I don’t expect this next year to be easy, but I do expect it to be good. Good, as in no matter what comes my way, I won’t forget the value of the blessing to have such incredible people in my life. We’re not perfect and at times, we are a little giggly and ornery, but we rally, we laugh, we mess-up, we disappoint, we forgive, we enjoy, we love.  I am fortunate to call so many people FAMILY and even more FRIEND.

As I blew out my birthday candles at the party last week, I wished (or resolved) that…

1. I would not ever take for granted the amazing people in my life

2. I wouldn’t be scared or hesitant to obey God’s prompting.

3. I would get a CrossFit muscle-up (see this link).  

4. I’d get a new pair of running shoes.

5. I would be more generous with my time, talents, and resources this year.

So with that, on the first day of twenty-eight, please let me say THANK YOU once more. Thank you to my amazing friends and family for bringing so much love, joy, and laughter to my life! I love y’all so much!

Cheers!
xoxo
Jes

 For more birthday celebration pics, please visit my Facebook page! 

The Little White Dress Inspiration

Hey y’all!

Back again, so soon? Yes! It feels so good to be writing again. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Back to Her Little White Dress…where did it all come from?

After the divorce was final, I had a crazy idea. I had a wedding dress that I no longer needed AND I wanted make sure I thanked everyone who stood by me and helped as I endured the heartache.

The crazy idea came when I sprayed painted “deLinde” (my maiden name) in hot pink across the back of the dress. But before that happened, I rallied my family, bridesmaids, church friends, co-workers and best girlfriends for a couple of parties (one in Arkansas and one in California) so I could say “thank you” to them.

I began by asking everyone to sign a dress that for several years had represented a marriage vow. But now that dress represented something new: God’s provision and promise. Although, I still hurt badly, God was still good and it was time to accept what had happened.  It was time to say goodbye and move forward.

Please know that the intention of this party was not malicious and had NOTHING to do with my ex-husband. It was MY, Jessica Jane deLinde’s, opportunity to thank those around me, say goodbye to an old chapter of my life and toast to a future that I could not even begin to imagine. It’s VERY important to me that you know that.

We did everything you’re not supposed to do to a wedding dress – shut it in the car door, stepped on it, spilled red wine on it, dragged it through the dirt, wrote on it, glittered it up – all of those things.

But before I ruffle anyone’s feathers too much, please keep in mind that we sometimes spend a little too much time and energy on the wedding dress and not enough time and energy on the importance and meaning of the wedding vows … “to have and to hold, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”.

So at that point, that white satin dress no longer represented a kept vow. It represented some hurt and pain, along with God’s goodness, mercy and grace. I was indeed still alive, I had amazing family and friends, and as long as I let God, He would heal my heart and use this for His good.

    

Two and a half years later, it is being used for His good! It’s been the inspiration for this blog and an opportunity to share my story and tell you about how God took such an awful life event and turned it into an encouragement; a story of healing and hope.

Today that Little White Dress is a symbol of God’s grace, forgiveness, and His unfailing love in a girl’s life who could still be a reckless mess. It’s also a reminder on many refrigerator doors that there is a God – and that He forgives, restores, revives and gives second chances.

That little white dress was later turned into hundreds of flowery, satin rose magnets for everyone that has helped, been inspired, or seen the evidence of God’s love through all of this. It is a reminder that God’s perfect love never fails.

On to the next chapter!

xoxo,
Jes

P.S. Want a dress magnet? Post a comment in the box below or send me an email at Jessica.deLinde@gmail.com and I will mail you one.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans8:28 (NIV)

“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. To all who mourn, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:2a-3 (NLT)

Back to Writing Again!

Hey y’all!

It’s been WAY too long since I’ve sat down to share more this good ole story but I made time early this morning to pick up where I last left off. I can't believe it’s been three months since my last post!

So, why haven’t I written? That’s a great question.

A.   I’d like to say I haven’t had the time.

B.   I’d like even more to say that I met Prince Charming and have been caught up in a fairytale love story.

But neither is true. I’ve tried many times in the past month to sit down and write but simply haven’t had the words nor the energy. Some call it writers block; I call it emptiness. Each time I create a post, I write it from my heart and soul, but unfortunately, when there’s not much in there, there’s not much to give.

At first, I chalked it up to the busyness of a full schedule, then a little funk, and finally one evening in the quiet moment, I realized it was loneliness. Me, lonely? Coming from a girl who is more than blessed with an amazing, loving family, best friends in the whole-wide world, a gracious church family and a killer group of co-workers. How could someone surround by so many wonderful people still manage to feel lonely?  

I was expecting people (and amazing ones at that!) and good, fun things to fill the empty spaces in my heart--empty spaces meant only for a Savior to fill with His unending, never-failing love. 

Over the last couple of months, I had let loneliness paralyze me and steal away the sweetness and contentment in life. I’m learning that more, more, more, doesn’t always mean more happiness or more fulfillment. And if I keep wishing life away, I will miss everything and everyone that's right in front of me NOW. 

Although my life and lifestyle hasn’t drastically changed from then to now, my heart sure has. My heart is more settled, the anxiety and loneliness has subsided and I’m learning to trust God’s promise of Hope for the future. God promises to give great joy in life and a confidence and peace in our hearts that can’t be beat. (See Romans 15:13 & Jeremiah 29:11)

I am trusting that God’s timing is perfect and He will bring THE cute boy into my life at just the right time. In the meantime, I’m going to live this life with confidence, enjoy it, and keep writing and loving those around me.

So with that, back to Her Little White Dress!

xoxo,
Jes

P.S. The little white dress post comes tomorrow.  :)

P.S.S. Not sure how can an invisible God make you feel better than the people you’re surrounded by? Learn more here: Greater Than Part 1: http://www.rockbridge.cc/sermons or take a look at Russ’ story at http://season.org/the-love-of-god-it-makes-us-whole.

 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

When the Anger Burns

Hey y'all! 

I know I’ve been MIA these past few weeks, but I cannot wait to share all that I’ve been up to. God has so graciously blessed me with a sweet friend who happens to know all things regarding tech/website design.  In addition, He blessed me with another delightful friend who is a graphic artist. Accident or design? DESIGN. It’s amazing how things line up just so and I cannot wait to show y’all what we’re working on in the upcoming months!

It feels good to get back into my regular writing again. Sweets & Sandals brought a wonderful opportunity to stand in front of an amazing crowd of women.  But I sure do love writing to my "Little White Dress" gals, too! Thank you so much for your love and patience (grin).

So, where were we? Oh, twenty-five and divorced. Yep, that is right. The divorce decree came in the mail and I was officially a divorcee with my world turned upside down.  Whew, I am so thankful that now I can write those words without pain. Remind me later to tell you WHO made that possible.

I decided to go visit some friends for the weekend simply to get away. While I was gone, I found out that my now ex-husband was publicly in a relationship with someone else just days after the divorce was final. Photos and FB posts gave way to their relationship and at that point, I was L-I-V-I-D. Girlfriends, if Webster had a stronger word for enraged, I was that. Fire burned through my veins as I tried to process what I had just seen. He what? How could he? Why? WHAT!

Before I go any farther, I want you to understand that God could have saved my marriage. The God I believe in is the Author of Time, the Creator of the Universe, the Magnificent Healer and the Great I Am. God heard every prayer and plea to save my marriage, but my husband simply didn’t want God to, so he proceeded on with the divorce. Trust me when I tell you that it is God’s desire to save relationships and mend broken homes and hearts. We simply need willing hearts to let God do the work.

“I’m calling my ex right NOW,” was my first thought. “He needs to hear that I know the truth now,” was the ache in my heart. Thankfully, I never picked up the phone. Instead I took a deep aching breath and headed up stairs for a hot shower as I tried to cool off. I’ll never forget the way I felt and the agony that burned through me as I leaned against the wall in utter defeat. In reality, there was no retaliation that would bring justice to this hurt. I could call and complain, I could tell the world how big of a jerk I thought he was, or even fly to Arkansas and push over his beloved motorcycle. But nothing I could come up with would ultimately bring justice and peace in my heart.

So what did I do? I prayed. I beat my fist against the wall at how unfair everything was as I cried for God to take it all away. I didn’t paint the motorcycle pink (although occasionally I regret that…just kidding!) or rent a billboard splashed with the words I felt. Some would say I took the high road, but the truth is I did the only thing that I knew could truly help me. I prayed to God, the Great I Am, and asked Him to ease this anguish for me. Make no mistake, the anger didn’t instantly subside, nor did great wisdom come upon me at once, but I did have some amazing friends day after day remind me of the importance to simply leave well enough alone. To let go and let God.

Day by day, week by week, the anger went away, and so did the fierceness of the agony. I had to be intentional about asking God to protect my heart from any lingering and long-lasting anger or bitterness. The fact was that I had every right to be upset and angry. What I didn’t have the right to do was hold on to and harbor those emotions in my heart and soul. Some might think that prayer was a wimpy way out of the situation, but instead it was a powerful choice. Two years later looking back – it was the right choice. As the story unfolds a bit more, letting go and letting God was the best decision I have ever made.

Promise to write sooner rather than later! The next post will pick up about how “Her Little White Dress” came along. Lots of love!

xoxo

Jes

“Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (The Message)

“So humble yourself under the mighty power of the Lord and at the right time, He will lift you up. Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5: 6-7

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the work of salvation the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:13a-14

A Sweets & Sandals Thank You!

THANK YOU! Thank you so much for coming to Sweets & Sandals Girls Night last Thursday. It was such a great evening and really good to see everyone! If you missed it, here are a few photos: 

Lots of sweets and delicious desserts!

Little White Dress magnets...a little reminder of God's grace!

Our verse for the night was Matthew 11:28 when Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." The rest Jesus refers to is a feeling of inner peace no matter the situation. Whether life brings joy, sorrow, loneliness or excitement, it is God's rest through Jesus Christ that give us a confidence and a settling of the heart to continue to move forward even though the toughest of situations.

It was such a delight to have the opportunity to share my story of God's sweet love with you. While life hasn't turned out exactly how I had planned, I'm confident that I am living out a life that has been so purposefully planned for me. With that, I can find peace and confidence in knowing there's more to this world than just what we see. Praise God for His goodness and grace! 

I still have plenty of dress magnets! If you wanted one and didn't get to grab a couple, please post a comment below and I'll bring you one or drop a few in the mail.

Hope to see you at the next Sweets & Sandals Girls Night on July 25th!

Much love,

xoxo

Jes

Sweets & Sandals

Come join us for GIRLS NIGHT this Thursday, June 27th at 7:00p for Sweets & Sandals at Daybreak Church in Carlsbad.

Wear your flip-flops, bring a sweet treat and come as you are! It's an evening that will warm your soul and put a smile on your face. So if you're free, please join us! I've been given the opportunity to speak and share my full story of Her Little White Dress. 

It would be great to see your sweet faces and please consider this an invitation to bring a friend as well. You don't have to go to Daybreak or another church to attend this event--it's open to all ladies! If you have any questions or need directions send me an email at jessica.delinde@gmail.com or FB me. Hope to see you Thursday!

Much love,
xoxo
Jes


Daybreak Church

6515 Ambrosia Lane

Carlsbad, CA 92011

http://www.daybreakchurch.org/

You've Got Mail!

Hey y'all! 

As I write to tell you more about the summer of 2011, I find myself dealing with some of the same familiar feelings of rejection and loss. Those feelings reminded again me of how dependent I was on God’s supernatural strength to get up and out of bed in the mornings, to fall asleep at night, to eat, to exercise and to fight off paralyzing emotions and feelings of insecurity. I battled those things one prayer at a time, one day at a time, with God’s truth and love found in the Bible.

Although I slept much better last week than I did that summer, I still found myself drowning in thoughts of inadequacy, despair, and feelings of loneliness and rejection. They were consuming my head and I begged God for some encouragement and truth to get the lies out of my heart. Thankfully, I remembered a verse that I had seen a few days before. 

“But I trust in God's unfailing love; my heat rejoices in His salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me.” Psalms 13:5-6

 

Those words are true! I do trust in God’s unfailing love. I believe that God is who He says He is in the Bible. 

   

I'm grateful to have a placed saved for me in heaven through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

 

I am thankful for all of my many blessings. God has been good to me. 

 

 Whew, truth! Just what I needed for my heart to settle. The encouragement came through a phone call from my sweet cousins (just calling because they wanted to talk to Aunt Jes!) and a crazy, funny (hey y'all!) email from a friend that brightened my day. Sometimes we have to ask to be reminded of the truth. It's okay to ask God to show us how much He loves us AND to ask our friends and family for help when we need it most. One of the BIGGEST blessings of my life also happened that summer of 2011 … when I asked and God provided.

In mid-July of 2011, I found out the judge had signed all of the divorce decree documents and it was just a matter of a week or two before I received my copy in the mail. I dreaded going to the post office and I hated the fact that going to check my mail was making me sick to my stomach. Ugh. But the worst part of it all is that I LOVE getting mail! (I mean, who doesn't?!) So I had this idea! I emailed my friends and family for a favor and asked them to send me some mail – a note, a care package, the Sunday comics —anything fun and lighthearted so that when I opened that little post office box, the good outweighed the bad. And let me tell you …that idea worked!

The first time I went to check my mail after sending that email, my mailbox was stuffed full! I pulled out letters and postcards from across the country! It was UNBELIEVABLE!

I could hardly believe my eyes! I cried all the way back home to the apartment ... and the divorce decree wasn’t even in there! I was overwhelmed with love from my family and friends who had sent mail. Cards of encouragement and love came each time I opened my post office box for the next two weeks and when the divorce decree finally arrived, it didn’t seem to hurt as much as I had anticipated.

We don’t have to do this life alone. God’s love is always enough! Sometimes His love comes from an indescribable peace, confidence and a smile, or in a "thinking of you!" text message from a friend, an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger or a sweet embrace. God puts people in our lives for a reason. Let them love on you, pray for you, and help you need you need it most. That's why we have family and friends!

Thank you so much to everyone who sent cards and letters that summer. I promise never forget the love you showed and the precious words I read. Thank you! Thank you! 

 

Much, much love,

 xoxo

Jes

“Because of God’s unfailing love, we are not consumed. For His compassion never fails.” Lamentations 3:22

“But I call to God and the Lord saves me.” Psalm 55:16 

The Arkansas Trip: Part 2

Hey y'all! 

Jumping right back into the Arkansas Trip, the other big prayer that God answered was the miracle of forgiveness. The ability to forgive my husband for the hurt and pain was a pure miracle and gift from God. As Christians, we are commanded to be compassionate and forgive each other just as Christ Jesus forgave us. (Ephesians 4:32). The good Lord knows, I’ve needed much forgiveness and I am responsible to extend that same grace to those around me….those who love me, who adore me, AND those who have hurt me.

Forgiveness, for cryin’ out loud. That word stinks sometimes … and other times it has never sounded so sweet.

At first I didn't have the "want to" to forgive him. He hurt me and the covenant in OUR marriage had just willingly been broken. There was betrayal and pain … mess ups and mistakes. But I knew I had to honor the forgiveness I've received in my life (I believe God has forgiven me of everything I've ever done wrong, or bad or mean in my life through Jesus' death on the cross) and I had to forgive as well.

Sometimes our feelings and emotions don't line up with what we are supposed to do. If I had waited for when "I felt like it,” then that forgiveness may have never come.  But thankfully it did. Through the sweet and gentle Spirit of God, I committed that I would be obedient to God by forgiving my husband for the hurt and pain his decisions caused. I hope and pray he’s been able to forgive me as well. (It takes two, remember?!)  

Some days were better than others, but let me tell you it was TOUGH! The heartache didn't instantly go away once I decided to forgive him. It almost made it hurt a little worse because in my head it felt okay to justify why I was holding onto the pain. But deep down, I knew that as long as I held onto that grudge of bitterness, heartache, rejection and disappointment, it would control me…and those were things I did not want to be characterized by. It’s hard to think that emotions can control our lives, but resentment and bitterness do just that in the meanest and most subtle way. They take the joy out of living, damage relationships, harden hearts and suck the life right out of you and those around you.

To be honest, I think my husband could have cared less if I forgave him or not. He had moved on and I was the only one standing in the way of myself at that point. A girlfriend told me that “forgiveness is like taking your hand off of the other person’s throat.” Whoa. Let that mental picture sink in for a minute. Forgiveness is an on-going process and is a necessary one in order to get on with life and move forward.

I could write so much more, but if you get one thing out of this post, it’s this: forgiveness is freedom. I know, it’s easy to justify and argue the truth when you have evidence of someone hurting you, but it’s not all about us sometimes. (That last statement has gotten me a time or two.) God has bigger plans for each of us, but He needs us to let go of things, so that He can do His perfect work. It’s hard, trust me, I know! Please know that I’m not down-playing any hurt or pain that someone might have caused you. Painful heartaches, rejection, and disappointment are all real and forgiveness doesn’t always instantly make things better or easier. But God DOES heal all wounds and will make things better. We just need to let Him.

If you’re still unsure about this forgiveness thing, take a look at this message titled, “I’ve got a friend who…can’t seem to forgive someone.”   It has some great and powerful truths in it.

Forgiveness through God's grace has been the most instrumental piece in the healing of my heart and the ability to move forward with my life. Without it, I don't know where I'd be today. 

Love ya tons! Will write soon.

xoxo,

Jes

Praying that God will soften our hearts to forgive others. God forgave us and I pray that through His almighty power, we will too. Don't let something in the past hinder you from enjoying the present or from the excitement God has planned for your future.

 “In Jesus we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:6-8

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:12-14

 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Luke 7:46-48

The Arkansas Trip: Part 1

Hey y’all!

Please forgive me for the delayed post!  I’ve been out of town this past week and I’m working to get caught up on everything. I just got back from Arkansas where I attended my baby brother’s high school graduation. I can tell you that this is the first time in a while that I wasn’t quite ready to head back to San Diego. At last, it doesn’t hurt to go back (and you’ll soon see why). Arkansas is home and always will be. It’s quite a humbling feeling to know that God would allow such healing in my heart so that I can go home to enjoy my family, friends and all my sweet little blessings back there.

So back to the other Arkansas trip home! That trip was not the glorious adventure that I had hoped. In fact, it was one of the most painful moments of my life. A girl whose heart thought that love could stand against anything in the world was shattered into pieces. And girlfriends, let me tell you something, in the next few lines of this story I pray that I’m careful not to let the enemy get an ounce of glory for the hurt, pain, and devastation the betrayal of divorced caused. Yes, I will acknowledge the real pain and hurt, but I’ll also thank the good Lord for being so much bigger than my circumstances.

When I drove to Arkansas, I hadn’t a clue why my husband wanted a divorce. I knew that his actions and decisions in the past week seemed a bit off, but I couldn’t understand what was going on and I wasn’t sure why or what caused the abrupt change. Before I left to make the 1700 mile drive, my sweet roommate prayed for me and asked God to shine light into the darkness of the unknown. Little did we know that God would powerfully and truthfully answer that prayer, and that He would continue to do so in the years to come.

As I searched for answers, I found that the truth was being revealed to me slowly, in bits and pieces. And thank heavens it was. Because I’m not sure I would have survived as gracefully as I did otherwise!

God answered many of my prayers, not all of them, but many of them. Looking back, I’m thankful there were a few He decided not to answer my way. I’m positive that God knew better … that I didn’t need a big billboard or pink motorcycle in my name! (More on that later.) God revealed answers to my prayers through phone records, a professional counselor that-just-so-happened to return a phone call six weeks later, on the day the divorce petition was filed.  God showed me truth through the deceit, wisdom beyond my years, and family and friends who had my best interests at heart. Even at that point, I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. But I did have a much better idea of it.

Arkansas Trip: Part 2 is soon to follow. I didn’t want to make this post too long, so please expect to see the rest in the next few days.

Much love,

Jes

“To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His. He reveals the deep things of the darkness and bring utter darkness into the light.” Job 12: 13, 22

The Words I Never Wanted to Hear

Oh girlfriends! I am blessed that you’d come back to read more of this story. I’ll jump right into the next chapter as I recently found this in a journal entry from the summer of 2011. It read:

“Ten Things God has taught Jessica Jane”

* He alone is the God Almighty.

* He sustains.

* He never leaves.

* He is faithful to His Word.

* Nothing goes to waste - God uses it all for His glory.

* God is at work all the time.

* He hears prayers.

* He answers them.

* His timing is impeccable.

* God prepares the way.

I share this because even though this little white dress story involves unimaginable heart-breaking pain and betrayal, it also tells of God's sovereignty, redemption, grace andforgiveness. 

In the midst of the tears, the sleepless nights, a heartache that would not go away, the loneliness, pain and disappointment of shattered hopes and dreams, God heard each prayer and cry for strength. He walked with me during the daily battle of a new, unwanted and unmerited future someone else had chosen for me. I prayed. The good Lord answered. God provided and He made a way. 

Two years ago, I was driving across the country in a quest to change my husband’s mind. I had just heard the words, “I'm unhappy and I don’t want to be married anymore” over the phone and I was in a hurry to get home and remind him of our love for eachother. I knew this had to be a mistake. 

After I arrived home to see those bright blue eyes and dirty blonde hair, I still couldn't believe his words. Yet he continued to say them; they were as real as the sun shining that summer day. I was in shock. I questioned his decision. How could this be? We had a good marriage. Counseling could fix this. We could fix this. God could fix this. We could make it through this.

Five days later, we walked into the courthouse and my husband filed for divorce. 

I flew back to San Diego the following weekend numb, in complete disbelief, but hopeful that he might change his mind before the divorce was final. I wanted together forever and happily ever after. 

OK, this girl has to get back to work! I will pick up where I left off in my next post AND fill you in on the details of my trip back home. 

Much love!

xoxo,

Jes

P.S. Is there something that has just rocked your world? Ask God to help you get through it. He will. God will give you the strength and everything you need. The Lord our God is faithful. 

"I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me.” Jonah 2:2 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, for the One who is promised, is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

A Little Introduction with A Little Life Interruption!

Hey y'all!

It's time for a little introduction to this story I've been talking about. I’m beginning this right as I’m in the middle of Priscilla Shirer's Bible study, Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, which talks about the privilege of having God "interrupt"or divinely intervene in your life. The truth is that God doesn't need us to complete the good work He planned long ago, but He chooses to use us in His purposeful and eternal plan. When my life was abruptly interrupted two years ago, I did not think it was a privilege at all. To that date in my life, it was the. worst. thing. ever! Ever! And today, while it is still an unfortunate life-changing event, God has used much of it for His good. And I am privileged that God would use it for His glory.

So back to the story ... about the little white dress. Almost seven years ago I stood in front of family and friends in my childhood country church vowing to love and honor the man standing beside me until death do us part. I was thrilled to be his bride and we went on to make many sweet and fun memories over the next five years. God truly blessed us as a young couple and ALWAYS provided for us. It wasn't pure bliss every moment, but it sure was good. God gave us each great families, amazing friends, and a wonderful church community ... the things that truly count in this life. So when the “worst. thing.ever” happened, it was absolutely devastating.

We were in the process of moving back to our hometown.  He went a few weeks ahead of me while I wrapped up loose ends at my current job. Things were tight and a bit tough, but nothing we couldn't stand. And besides, God had answered so many of our prayer requests leading up to this point - from a place to rent, to college acceptance,scholarship money, easy pack-up and move, a temporary post office box, to income and unemployment - divorce never once crossed my mind.Yet it came fast and furious. Almost a month and half after the answered prayers and the move, I found myself divorced. Just like that.

Please know that as I tell you this story, I fully believe it takes two. It takes two to make a marriage and two to break a marriage. I had to sign the papers just like he did. Regardless of who filed, we both have ownership in the dissolution of that sacred covenant ... and I thank God the story doesn't end there.

But right now, I’ve got to get to bed. I promise to pick up where I left off in my next post!

Love, 

Jes

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:6 

"And we know that in all things God works out for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 

My First Post -- Welcome Y'all!

Hey y'all!

I write you with pure, anxious loving excitement that this is finally coming to light. And let me tell you, I've been talking about wanting to write a blog F-O-R-E-V-E-R! It's been awesome to see it slowly fall into place--a graphic artist girlfriend for the logo, lots of love and prayer, gals that actually want to read my written words, a prayerful proof-reader, a heart that's ready to share--all of it and more. Please let me say THANK YOU for taking a moment to read about my story. It's a good one alright! God has been so faithful. I hope and pray from the bottom of my heart that Paul's words from Colossians 2:2-3 come true through this blog.

"I want you to be encouraged in heart and united by love; so much so, that you will have confidence in God's mysterious plan, which is Jesus Christ himself. In Him lie all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

And I want God  to get all the glory for healing this broken heart and saving a girl from being so messed-up and lost. Thank goodness He has a better plan for me than I do...and I look forward to telling you my story of the girl who wore that little white dress over the next several posts.
Lots of love!
xoxo,
Jes

P.S. Say a prayer for me! It's a bit nerve-wrenching to be vulnerable with such dear spots in my heart. Keep praying God will get the glory and at least one sweet gal reading this post will be encouraged.