I will take this opportunity to say that we are all the same. Maybe some of us are older, shorter, etc., but we are the same. There are those who dream and then there are those who attempt to be the dream. When I was about 4 years old, I decided that I wanted to become a doctor by day and a taxi cab driver by night. That didn't quite work out because I hated to play hospital and the next year I got another dream...I wanted to be a writer. And so I tried to invent new people and friends. I even had an imaginary brother who was always in trouble. And I believe that we all have it in us to accomplish these great things, not for ourselves, but for the one who gave us so many incredible talents and visions. It all goes to glorify the Lord, right? Yes. As I was praying about this decision, I spent time reading about Jesus' life and ministry to people. The thing that screamed at me through the scripture was that Jesus didn't have a "safe" life and he didn't want one. And I guess that is what I'm chasing after. The uncertainty of my next step will build more character and faith with each day and I'm glad that I've responded to the call. So where are you in this if we are all the same? What is God calling you to? What dream do you have that you are afraid of saying aloud? Are you who you want to be? How curious are you about what God has for you?

And I believe that God can do incredible things through all of you. Ministering to you has taken me to the Throne of Grace day after day. At times, I think I need all of you more than you could ever need me. But I feel that what we have built here has earthly value in addition to the eternal value. We are the Body of Christ and as I have experienced in the past, that means we are family. So maybe we won't see one another all the time, but the time we do spend together will be special. I do want you to know that any time you need anything...my phone will always be on and i always check my email. I would do anything for you guys...you know that. I look forward to hearing great things from you all in the future. God has allowed you to give me more joy than I have had at any other time in my life.

So I will only ask for one thing from you... Give your life away to other people. Minister to them when you're not at your best and tell them that God loves them exactly how they are right, this second...not when they get things together...but in the midst of the junk and the mess. God loves them. You should know that, too. And..do selfless deeds for people. Love the kids who have never experienced unconditional love in their lives. Spend your time on the things that have eternal value. Invest in people...let others invest in you. And love your Savior with the same passion he loves you with. His thoughts about you are more numerous than the grains of sand. Be His.

He loves you, I love you.
Jessica Garza
www.basicallyfamous.blogspot.com