Feelings put into words

I have always had this feeling in my heart that I want to help people in need in one way or another. Since I have received a degree in interior design, I feel like I am going to be helping people through design. But this feeling, which I have always had, I could never say the right words to truly explain how I feel and this quote says it perfectly. 
"There are people all over the world who are needy, and they dont need to be reminded that they are needy. They need to be reminded that they matter. "- from the book The Scent of Water.

This past week I applied to many jobs through AmeriCorps....to be continued 

killer kitty and a crying baby

Day one watching the baby went great for the most part. She wasn't feeling well (a cold and teething) so she was a little grumpy but nothing a little bit of advil couldn't fix. We went for a long walk around Sparta today, it was nice to get out of the house and get fresh air. Callie loved being outside seeing all the different things around us. It was so cute to see how happy she was to be outside. :)
As for the killer kitty, well Jessica and Josh have a new kitten and it likes to attack feet and hands and well whatever it can get. He seems to like biting for some reason. I am not sure why but he does. It can become very unpleasant to play with.
Josh was so funny yesterday, he was showing me the room that I would be staying in while he is gone. He kept hinting to me staying here the whole summer. I think he really wants me to be here before he leaves and while he is gone to stay with Jessica. He told me he would rather have me here than Aimee. We both like her but I would be a better roomie, coming with less "baggage" to say the least. Josh is like a brother to me, we never come out and say that we "love" each other but you can tell in the little things that we do for, with, and to each other to show our appreciation. He has always been my best friend, even before Jessica, and always will. It just so happened that my two best friends married each other. Josh is due to leave for Afghanistan some time in July. For being their second deployment, you think we would be used to it. But in all honesty, we are more scared about this one. All we can do is pray for the same outcome as before.
Tomorrow we are going yard saleing it's gonna be great!
See you on the flip side
-j

What's Next?

Saturday I graduated from Michigan State University. And I tell you what, it's a weird feeling to think that after 5 years of college I am done. But what is next? Like every other graduate I am going to look for a "real person's" job and begin developing my career. In the meantime, I have decided I am going to focus on my artwork and my faith to stay productive and positive while I try to find a job. 
I have started working on a 24x36 acrylic painting for Andy Berry. I would have to say it is looking pretty good so far. Pictures will come later when it is done. I also will be finishing up a set of wine glasses I started around Christmas Break. I am excited to see what all I will be able to sell. 
Today I went to the Christian Book Store to pick up a book or two for a summer read. I found one called The Scent of Water by Naomi Zacharias. 
"Follow Naomi Zacharias as she talks to women working in brothels in Mumbai; survivors of an Indonesian tsunami in which more than 160,000 lives were lost; a young girl waiting on an operation to save her life; and victims of domestic violence horrifically burned by fire. Be still with her when she realizes the pain she feels in the face of these extreme injustices reveals a common struggle that exists within all of humanity. And rise with her as she wrestles with confusion over her identity, comes face to face with redemption, and then begins to understand her own story...and to find her calling.  

The Scent of Water  will open your eyes to the complexities of the world, showing you pain can also be beauty, and how each is found in the unlikeliest of places"

I will begin reading this book later today when I am relaxing outside soaking up the sun. :)

Ever since I started going to MSU I have put my faith on hold. I will admit, I had "better" things to do such as sleep or study rather than go to church. There is no excuse now that I have graduated and don't even have a job. When at the book store I also got a 365 day devotional, Starting today I am going to become a better Christian and not but my faith on the back burner.  In some ways I don't like who I have become so each day I am going to try to respond to my devo to help better myself.

And with that I am out! See you  on the flip side...