jess marie

hey beautiful,

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today I'm going to share my story of God's mighty grace with you. Grab a frothy warm latte, cozy up + learn of God's goodness!

I grew up on a fun, big yard with many trees, six younger siblings and parents who loved us. We were taught at a young age about Jesus who died on the cross to save us from our sins. I didn't understand I didn't simply need saving from my sins, but from God's wrath and just, hatred of sin. I remember being 4 years old and running back and forth between my mom and my bedside were I knelt to my knees and asked Jesus to come live in my heart, though not yet understanding what it meant to live my life for Him. After that, as soon as I could read I made it my goal to read the new testament, afterward I figured I could also manage reading the old testament. I read my little 'devotions for girls' devotional and read through the scriptures, understanding little, but praying lots. As I grew up we did our schooling at home, until I was in grade 9. My dad's work took him many different places and we often traveled with him, living in motel rooms or little rented houses. As I grew up, I grew in my faith, in my teen years life got really hard. Things I never would have imagined happening, happened. My parents were getting divorced. It was yucky and messy, and so incredibly hurtful. I felt the weight of the world fall on my shoulders as I tried comforting my siblings and promise them everything would be okay. God was still good. I searched God's word to be reassured of how good He was. I praised Him through the endless tears. He carried us all through on His mighty shoulders. I read and read His word. God said 'Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you.' Hebrews 13:5 Scripture came alive with God's mighty, justice, loving and merciful character. I realized tribulation is a part of life, God never promised it wouldn't be. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalms 138:7 He tells us HE WILL BE WITH US THROUGH IT and preserve us. And that's all we need. “For this light, momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,...” 2 Corinthians 4:8 He's preparing us. We don't go through rough seasons for no reason. He is just so good. He is worthy to be PRAISED. I realized how absolutely unfair it is that He chose me to be His elect. I had done nothing to gain salvation, I am a wretched sinner who deserves death, and yet God chose to send His only son Jesus to die with my sin on His shoulders to reconcile me with God. I realized how God HATES sin. He is a God of justice. Yet, He is so merciful. I exist, not to live for myself, but to showcase God's glory. To live according to His word, and to reflect His character to those around me. To tell the world about God's gift of salvation for those who believe in Him. My constant prayer is that He lessens me and exalts Himself. God has blessed me with an incredible husband who constantly leads me closer to God and shares in the same goal. Braden is the most gentle, patient & kind hearted man I have ever met. He's everything and more I prayed to get in a husband when I was young. We are able to challenge and encourage each other as we dive deeper into the scriptures together. God has been deepening our understanding of His character and His word a lot in the last year, and its been amazing being able to learn and grow together as husband and wife. God has blessed us with our sweet daughter Adaline Marie and we are praying God will help us to parent our child in a way that glorifies Him. That Adaline will grow to love Him with her whole life and walk in truth.