proof

the desire for proof, tangible, reliable proof that something that we believe is true is universal. its interesting that the two major religions that dominate our world are virtually without proof. i can't prove the resurrection. my proof for the resurrection is reliant on proof texts from the book that guides my faith. my proof for the truth of the good news relies on stories of faith experience and how it plays out in relationships. my proof for the existence of God relies on experience and existential arguments (such as: how could the human body work the way it does without a creative force that purposely made it that way?).

likewise, the proof that the prophet of islam spoke the words of God in order to form a new religion is based on the book that guides that religion. the proof that the prophet even lived is based on writings dated hundreds of years after his life. the proof that he said what he said is also based on late-dated writings based on word-of-mouth history throughout centuries. the proof that jesus didn't die but that a replacement or a figment died on the cross and jesus went to heaven un-dead and un-scathed is based on a religious book. this is the impass.

it all came down to a lack of real, tangible proof in history class. it all comes down to faith. my faith tells me one thing, and another person's faith tells them another. the only way to make our way over this mount everest of disagreement is through practice. does my faith guide my life? does yours? this is the only proof that i can offer to the validity and the worthiness of what i believe in faith. there is no difference between my faith and that of my neighbor, except in where it is placed. the strength of my faith is fully hinged upon how it affects my life daily, and how it affects others' lives daily as well. this is my daily challenge. and i fail, daily.

i yell. i get frustrated with stupid things. i don't know how to respond with love to my friends. i don't even know how to love my friends. jesus said that even sinners know how to do that, and i don't. i wonder what i am... lower than a sinner, to be most pitied i guess. but, i do know that the struggle to live out the good news and to live in the kingdom of heaven that is at hand is worth it. how do i know? faith.

There's a first time for everything...

Yes, it's me...Jessey! I just want to fill you in on the amazing things God is doing in my life. First of all if you don't know, I'm enrolled in Grand Canyon University's online Education program. I've never really liked attending school (except for the social aspect), but I am really enjoying it despite the fact that I don't have the social aspect this time! I am currently taking an education course and a government course. I'm pretty sure I have an A in government and I know I have a 100% in my Education class!!! WOO HOO!
Anyway, I was becoming overwhelmed with working full-time and doing school online full-time and I have no idea how my mom did it as a single parent with 2 kids! Go mom! God has worked this out for me though. At our workplace people typically don't ask for to much from the administration, and those that do, well they don't work there anymore. Even though the odds weren't in my favor, I decided I needed to turn in my resignation letter and look for some odd jobs (tutoring and subbing) to fill in the income.
So last Thursday I went to the Princess with my resignation letter and asked her to hear me out. She told me to tell her what was going on and I said that I was overwhelmed with everything. She started to say that it was okay that I was resigning and they would find someone to fill my place. I decided to put the ball in her court and said "Well, I could work part time here, if that's something you would want." She looked at me and said "Jessey. I really like you, and I would love for you to work until noon everyday." My mind blew. I think my jaw actually dropped.
Now I get to come home everyday at noon, work on my homework and then I actually get to spend time with Jeff in the evenings! Isn't that amazing?!?!?!?!?! I'm the only person at our school that actually works part time. God is great isn't He?

number 26

i was talking with my friend/roommate Christina about a job i had once, and she gave me the idea of sharing my job experiences with the world. i'm 27. keep that in mind:

1 - paperboy - age 8 - 14

2 - Junior Counselor at Camp of Champions USA - age 14

3 - dirt shoveler - age 15

4 - burr bench operator at Excel Foundry & Machine - age 16

5 - ministry intern FBC - age 17

6 - Pizza Hut waiter - age 17

7 - painter - age 17

8 - B. Dalton books cashier - age 17-18

9 - Farm & Fleet Automotive Dept. - age 18

10 - telephone survey guy - age 18-19

11 - warehouse/imported parts cleaner at Excel Foundry & Machine - age 19

12 - medical records filer - age 19-20

13 - telephone survey guy - age 20

14 - flower delivery guy - age 20

15 - PAC after school program - age 20-21

16 - office cleaner - age 21

17 - Youth Director @ Mosaic Bible Church - age 21-22

18 - Youth Pastor @ Faith Baptist Church - age 22

19 - SEARS warehouse - age 23

20 - salon receptionist - age 23

21 - YFC Campus Life Director - age 23-24

22 - CAT Mossville Assembly Line - age 24

23 - Domino's delivery guy - age 25

24 - Assistant Manager of the Cash Store - age 25

25 - MHP at the Children's Home - age 25 - 26

26 - teacher at The School of Life - Jordan - age 26 - present

my resume is amazing... with this many diverse experiences, i can do pretty much anything. and with 26 jobs in 27 years of life, it appears that i am going to stick around for the long haul as well. i'm so proud of myself.