Monday, April 30, 2012

Grasping for Truth


Dearest Readers,

I come to you today with confessions on my chest, and I am ready to expose who I am underneath this skin. I figured out that today was National Honesty Day, and I thought that was rather fitting for a blog post. As most of you know, I'm a very open book, but because I have a lot to say you might not understand me at first, or at all. Hopefully this post will answer some questions you may have. Perhaps it will also give you a better perspective of who I am as well as who you are.

One: I recently got my heart broken. Well, maybe not broken, just clumsily tripped over and stomped on. (Yes, I'm dramatic.) Granted, I shouldn't have given it to just anyone..but my judgment isn't that great. I put too much thought into it and became consumed with writing a love story when I was actually writing a cheap Maroon 5esque break up song. The good news is - I'm surprisingly okay. Sure, I'm bummed about it and ice cream does wonders.. but I haven't shed a tear. Maybe because in my twisted mind, I feel like it can all be sorted out and everything could go back to merrily bliss. I have to remind myself that I shouldn't be obligated to make every story have a happy ending. I'm just fortunate to have the personal strength to move forward, as well as my busy schedule to keep me distracted from dwelling in misery. I've shut the door, but the key is still in my hand..waiting.

Two: I've been struggling with some spiritual warfare. I've had a lot on my plate, and when I get lonely, I resort to talking to some very bad influences. I've had some temptations handed to me that I never would have had a year ago. I've even inserted some curse words into my vocabulary, and that just is not me at all. I try to keep it under control, but honestly I'm struggling. I haven't put God on my list of priorities and if church wasn't already a part of my schedule, I might never find time to get His Word in my heart daily or even weekly. Earlier today, I was talking to a friend, and I told them I was battling with some things and really acting out. They shrugged it off and told me it happens to everyone. Then they continued to say I was already headed down that path, why not continue down it, what more could happen?! I understood that what they were saying wasn't what I needed to hear and I halted the conversation. That was tough, but necessary. Please keep me in your prayers.

Three: I need motivation and encouragement. I'll smile and tell you I'm fine and great and just really busy. Don't believe it. Keep me accountable and help guide me to be the best person I can be. I won't want to hear it, but I'll keep my heart open to your words. Keep me productive as well. I've let laziness win far too many days, and that makes me sick. Prayers are appreciated.


Four: I feel better already..Thanks for reading.

God Bless,
Jenny J
    

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Scar in My Sky


The beating in my chest doesn't stop
Those words linger on my lips as I repeat them back to myself
Meaningless or Meaningful - They go back and forth
Chasing torment for pleasure
Will it ever be real?
Don't put another scar in my sky
Strength crumbles, Souls at war
Whispers surround the air
Second chances are lost
His mind wanders
Tick, Tick, Tick
Does he deserve me?
The time has lapsed

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Few of My Favorite Things

So I am always curious about a person's favorite things. I like to think that I am in the business of creating happiness. A smile often says everything there needs to be said. Life is too short to be without joy. So now I have a challenge for you! Read my list of favorite things and email a list of yours along with your address. One or more may receive a special basket of their favorite things! Why? Because the little things matter!

Food
Favorite Candy: Reisens and Red Sour Patch Kids
Favorite Snack: Oreos and BBQ Pringles
Favorite Drink: Snapple Peach Tea
Favorite Restaurant: Pei Wei
Favorite Fast Food: Sonic
Favorite Dessert: Funfetti Cupcakes

Clothes
Favorite Shoe: Sanuk flip flops
Favorite Store: Forever 21
Favorite Decade For Style: The 50's.
Favorite Style: Girly
Favorite Color: Aquamarine/Turquoise and Charcoal
Favorite Accessory: Charm Necklaces

Hobbies
Favorite Sport: Dance
Favorite Board Game: Quelf
Favorite Activity: Greeting Card Making
Favorite Singer: Britney Spears and Rob Thomas
Favorite Band: One Republic
Favorite Gifts: Anything Handmade or Thought (Especially letters and poems)
Favorite Smell: Sweet Pea or anything Peach
Favorite Past Time: Bicycle Riding
Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz
Favorite Mood: Adventurous

Quirks
I am obsessed with brushing my teeth.
I love my cat Indy more than anything.
I am extremely proud to be an American and a Texan.
I like to watch birds hop around on the ground.
I love that I am little.
I'm often called a "Silly Goose".
I like writing with Bic pens.
I am obsessed with the night sky, especially stars.
I try not to let anything go to waste.
I'm easily pleased.

So now you've seen my personal list, and now it's your turn! Email a list compiled of any of your favorite things. You can copy mine or create your own. My email is JennaJShields@gmail.com. You just might get them! What do I want in return? Your happiness. (Seriously!) OR you could send me my favorite things. (Just kidding!) And with this I am starting my campaign "The Little Things".  Will you accept my challenge? I hope so!

God Bless,
Jenny J

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Family Matters

This time last week, I went down to Lufkin, Texas to visit my Papa Don Shields for the last time. He was a man of God and always shared Christ with others. He was a top Texas educator and really had a passion for education his entire life. His legacy continues on with Donald T. Shields elementary in Red Oak, Texas, as well as the Don Shields Service Center for Dallas County Schools. His wife, my Grandma Gloria, was also passionate about education with an emphasis in journalism. Her legacy continues on with the Gloria Shields All-American Journalism Workshop. I was never able to meet my grandma as her death preceded my birth, but I was able to attend the journalism workshop every year in high school and I was grateful for that opportunity to be close to her in that way. I also made several friends at those workshops that I still keep in contact with! I was able to occasionally visit my Papa Don once or twice a year, but I missed out on several opportunities to visit him for other reasons. We shared a special bond because I was his only granddaughter and I am fortunate enough to share the last name "Shields" with him and will treasure it forever. One time when I was in fourth or fifth grade I asked him if we could go "cruisin in his pickup truck and listen to country music," and he obliged. We listened to 99.5 The Wolf and went all over Red Oak. We drove by these huge houses and even visited our dear friends Vernon and Marjorie Coffey. Every time I visited after that he would bring up that great memory we shared together. When I saw Vernon at the burial this past Saturday he remembered my visit and told me how delighted he was to see me again. I have been devastated this whole week about my family's loss, but through this whole situation I have grown closer than ever to my sister-in-law Rebecca. We've laughed and cried about all of the memories and bonded over being "Shields Sisters Forever," which is just so great. I have also grown closer to my brothers Geoff and Jon and am truly blessed to have the best brothers in the world. Please be in prayer for my family, especially my dad, Jim Shields, as we grieve this loss.

God Bless,
Jenny Shields