Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24-27

Last night was like, one of the biggest nights of my life. 

Track = awesome

Prayer + running = success

My 4 X 800 team= flippin amazing

Today really hit me on the head...... I don't know how many people still read this. But I just wanted to share with anybody who still does, what I have to say. I could put it all in paragraph form, but I'm just going to list it out.

A good majority of my life I've been stuck up. I was born with an ego problem. It's stupid. I'm no better than anybody else. All my talents and accomplishments are a gift from God.

I have in a way, worshipped success. Now, something I have neglected to listen to, but have heard often was "Glory Fades"..... is very true. It becomes dull. Even if it's exciting to others around you.... it fades for you. It means nothing. Now, Success doesn't last, but despite what others may say, people and many relationships don't either. The question is, which will be missed the most. And which will you regret most when you have not hung on to it.

I want to thank Greg, T.J. and Nolan for being the most loyal friends I've ever had.

I enjoy change, life's ups and downs. And what I can learn from all of it. Stuff like that keeps life fun... well, at least half the time.

Nothing in this life is certain. Nothing is worth being overly excited about, or upset about. Except eternity of the spirit. -- that's something that I would often just spit back out because I was so used to hearing it. It went through one ear and out the other. BUT that is the answer to life.

I make my life way more difficult than is has to be. I find myself cornered with dissapointment and confusion. Asking why life is so difficult. How can I forget so easily? I have the Answer to life. The Answer that the majority of the world's population doesn't have.

The Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Salvation

Prayer

God's Word

Faith and Trust

Love

Perseverance

God won't necessarily give you happiness or a sudden urge to sing and dance all the time, but his promises and his presence give you everything I need to make it through this pitiful life on this cursed planet.

and now a request.... no.... a plea to any who read this.... PLEASE join me in praying for out country. Our generation has a lot on its hands. We can either drive this place to prosperity or destruction. It needs exactly what my life needs.... guidance-and people not too busy, prideful, lazy, or blind to ask God for it.

Well the baby of the class of '08 got her driver's permit this week.  First test, only one question wrong. So that was cool. My amazing dad bought me 1990 blue Cadillac Deville. She's gorgeous and in great condition.

INDOOR TRACK was an astounding season for me. I won third place in both sectionals and the league meet in the 1500m. My 4 by 4 team got 1st place in leagues. The season wrapped up with me recieving the MIP plaque. I'm really excited for outdoor track.

And of course I, along with the rest of the junior population am looking into colleges. Just recently I visited Houghton College http://www.houghton.edu/  .  And I must say that I am VERY impressed with it. It's not Baptist, it's Wesleyan but it shares very similar beliefs. I stayed overnight at the campus with an assigned room partner, and the students were all very open and welcoming. It had an amazing and very strong Christian atmosphere. I had the opportunity to meet with some of the staff, and they made me very comfortable as well. The rules aren't insanely strict, but they really don't need to have them because the students take up the responsibility for themselves according to what would be pleasing to God. It has it's own horse barn and equestrian program, of course cross country and track, and everything that I am looking for in a college. I highly recomend visiting it for anybody searching for Christian Colleges.

Right now I'm looking at majoring in business and minoring in political science. But hey, we'll see.... my mind is very susceptible to change (if that wasn't obvious enough).

I put together my schedule with my guidence counselor yesterday. Here's what next year's classes will be (excluding lunch/PE/etc):

Psycology

AP Government and Economics

Spanish IV

English

Math B2

Computer Science (with college credit)

So yep...... till next time. That's Jessica's update on life.

My brother is a gangsta!