My Stutter Made His Point

As a musician and speaker, I'm currently on the line-up of a two day conference called The Revolve Tour. This year's theme is "Dream On" and it's wonderful how it worked out as it's always been one of my dreams to be on Revolve. I have the wonderful opportunity to use my story as a way to encourage young people to trust God to give you big dreams even when stuff happens in our lives that we can't control. Particularly with having a condition called Tourette Syndrome that is ironically a disorder causing uncontrollable movements and sounds.

Anyway... this weekend was Phoenix, AZ. I was pretty excited (I really just love my job haha) for Saturday when I would share my story. So, I got on stage... and I started. But then... I stopped.

About halfway through my story I started to say "uh uh" which is one of my twitches. It sounds something like a sneeze or like I'm trying to get someone's attention but is much more annoying than those because I literally can't stop it. I kept doing this which triggered my hands clenching and before I knew it I completely stopped, stared at the ground and said, "I'm sorry."

This happened a few more times throughout my message and while I know it didn't last too long it felt like a lifetime. I was humiliated, frustrated and confused. This had never happened on stage at Revolve before but the cat was out of the bag now and I had to sit through the rest of the weekend knowing my condition had showed up while I had a story to share.

Long story short... I believe this weekend was the best so far at Revolve for my story. It took me late Saturday night to realize it, but I heard it throughout the day... people shared with me that it isn't how I hold myself together or whatever when I speak that speaks to the girls. It was when they actually saw who I am that made a large impact on their lives. It was when they saw that yes, I had this thing in my life that I couldn't control but I still persevered, that proved that it's a daily exercise toward trusting God. (Did I phrase that sentence right? ...Probably not.)

I wanted to take this little blog post to just send some encouragement your way... Whether with school, family, illness, life, death... we've all got that stuff that shows up in our lives that we have no control over. Sometimes it even shows up/happens when we're doing the right thing! It's painful, it's frustrating it's annoying and random, but there's is a constant: and that's God. The things I had to say this weekend had nothing to do with me but everything to do with a God who had a message for me: No matter what He's got my back and isn't gonna let me go. Ironically, that's exactly what I share on Saturdays.

So in the long run, don't stray from God when the mess in our lives seems like to much. You never know when He's using that to build, mold and develop your testimony...

Even though I didn't understand it at first, in the end of it all God did a work in me that reminded me of the very thing I share with my peers. He taught me that I will have to go through things that I cannot stop but it's all about my recovery and the trust that I put Him in. Ultimately, I'm grateful for this weekend. Partially because it technically felt better physically to not hold back my tics but ultimately because God's word was the most important thing and I'm OK with the fact that my stutter made His point.

jamie-grace
(photo: katie)

And A Happy February to You :)

As one of the freshmen girl's "CLM's" or "RA's," I started a monthly newsletter. I debated whether I would post it or not but I figure the world broadcasts what they're doin so why I shouldn't I say that I'm not? ...Happy readin!

----start

I could use words like “purity” and “patience” - they’re wonderful words but I’ll take this time to blunt. It’s not popular to wait until you’re married to have sex. So it’s quite obvious it’s even less popular to sing about waiting for the guy God has for you.

Nonetheless, multi-award winning singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James didn’t necessarily care about what was “in” and sang about it anyway. She made her way into the hearts and tape players of many families in 2000 with her hit song, “Wait For Me.” The lyrics quickly became somewhat of an anthem for girls who were also waiting. It also inspired more songs of purity like Barlow Girl’s “Average Girl” and has swooned along with “movements” like “True Love Waits.”

“...If we cheat in this whole situation, we’re sacrificing something incredibly beautiful in marriage. You pay now or you pay later. If you sacrifice for some of the physical enjoyment on the front end, you pay incredible dividends on the other end.

I’ve waited so long for my prince and then to have found the man of my dreams. He’s literally the perfect man for me. So while it feels somewhat surreal, it feels very real on another level and very right and peaceful...”

-Rebecca St. James

On the other end of the spectrum many people looked down on St. James as she approached 30. Blogs and conversations said... “Will she ever get married?” and “Is she still waiting?” And the answer... yes. She is getting married and is proud to say in every interview that she waited and is glad she did.

----end

Another reason I hesitated to share that is because it may come across as "Oh, there's that preacher's kid talkin about purity..." but let's take a stand, yo! As I said, movies, music, TV shows and 4-word punch lines broadcast sex. The world is tellin us they're doin it but barely anybody is saying they're not...

...Maybe we're afraid of being perceived as outsiders or too radical? I mean I'm not saying you have to shout it from a rooftop haha but waiting is not popular these days and it's not going to get any more popular if those of us who are waiting continue to sit back and not take a stand for what's important.

I guess the best way to close is by sharing one of my favorite stories ever! It's from the Oprah Winfrey Show (barely watch it...) and I actually shared it in a video when I was 17, two years back. You can click here to watch if you want or you can read my paraphrase below...


"I don't know much background on what kind of people they were and I don't want to say the wrong thing. So I'll be really stereotypical and hopfully you get it. They were accused of being polygamists, the kids were put into foster care in Texas and stuff. A lot of people notice them because of the long dresses, the boots, no make-up, no earrings, they don't watch TV. All that stuff. My Faith isn't the same as theirs and I disagree with a lot of the things they practice but there was this one girl Oprah was interviewing. She was 17 and Oprah was asking her things about dating.

It's kind of weird because I'm currently wearing jeans I have on make-up and earrings and a neck tie haha so obviously I'm not on the same level of morals and standards as these girls. However, I loved what they had to say.

It came down to a 17 year old girl... a girl my age... saying, 'When I stand at the alter, I want to be able to say 'I do' and not 'I did.''

Peace, love and Jamie-Grace

my life is changing a little bit.

I contemplated posting this as I didn't want to come across s arrogant, but really it has so little to do with me and 100% with what God is doing in my life!! So, I thought I would share with you my new song "Hold Me" featuring tobyMac. :)



::In Texas right now, preparing for the first weekend of The Revolve Tour as I'll be singing and sharing my story. I've been a little nervous the past few days and though the nerves keep coming back, it turned into pure excitement earlier today.

All of us speakers were sharing our stories with eachother and the staff. It's a time where we get completely into "character" and give each other feedback and advice. Chad is hilarious but very realistic. Shares insightful information that you wouldn't really think to be able to explain! I shared my story. Then Jenna shared. Oh my goodness I almost cried!! She is so REAL! I really relate to Jenna as we had similar upbringings so it's always exciting to hear her speak. ...Her passion for Jesus is so so much. I found myself seriously leaning over in my chair waiting for every next word!

We then took a lunch break and came back to Kathryn - tears! Not in a bad way! I almost completely cried though as she shared her heart and her dreams.. this stuff is real! Ahh!!

...I feel so... blessed to be a part of not a tour I mean I love that aspect but being on this team of God loving young people just like me yet different me who I can learn from, encourage, spend time with and build friendships with. I can't WAIT for Friday to see what kind of exciting things the first weekend brings. But first, must get sleep. I have 7:30 call time and gotta get breakfast. PEACE! :)

--Jamie-Grace

Well, Merry New Year To You!

The things I'm looking forward to in 2011...

January: Starting my internship for my major (www.revolvetour.com) here at ACC, releasing an EP, meeting new students and seeing current students again!
February: Valentine's Day. I feel like as a single females we can pity ourselves on this day but this year I'm making sure not to be a downer on the 14th.
March: I don't know yet.
April: April Fools... not!! I'll be out of town touring with a group of crazy (...) young people... I'm terrified.
May: ACC graduation! So proud of so many of my friends.
June: Not sure.
July: I dunno.
August: School starts back!! Possibly by last semester here... I kinda don't wanna graduate the closer it gets...
September: Uhh
October: What?
November: I turn 20... oh my gah
December: Christmas comes back.

Peace, love and Jamie-Grace

Merry Christmas! (3 days ago...)

Christmas is the best day in the world. First off because the best person everrrrrr was born. Also because of the entire season. The cliche of kindness, gratitude, giving... Christmas trees, decorations... Elf with Will Ferrell. ;) And for collaboration videos to wish people a merry Christmas!! And though I'm 3 days late, I wanted to share a Christmas video with you! It's from most of us over at "The Revolve Tour (2 day conference)." We made our parts back at home and the Revolve editors in Texas put it together. Personally, I filmed my part outside of my dorm at ACC. :)



---Jamie-Grace

things i don't eat.

I can't sleep, so I decided to compile a list of foods I don't eat.. yes. That pointless.

jalapenos
sushi
cinnamon
mushrooms*
squash
eggplant
fried things that shouldn't be (i.e. twinkies... oreos...)
corn
mustard*
olives
things that shouldn't exist (i.e. McRib)
anchovies
ice cream (i'll eat it sure... not too enjoyable though)
brussel sprouts (then again...who does?)
potato chips
cookies
caramel
crackers (i love saltines though)
ritz crackers (they get their own line...)
ritz crackers (unless i have 2 cheese cubes per bite)
ice cubes (i love water, though)
(most) cakes
chewing gum
(most) candy
squid
carpet
scones
snacks (i'f ima eat... ima eat...)
tea (except for most warm throat stuff)
coffee
iced tea
sweet tea

...i think that's all.

*i can eat in moderation. i.e. mushrooms on pizza or a little mustard on a sandwich.

....goodnight!! :)
Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

I Broke A Promise.

I said I was going to tell you (yes, you) how the Andrew Peterson concert was and I never did. So, here I am... making that up to you...It was awesome!

Lasted about 3 hours (not kidding, he just kept going) and it was well worth it. Honestly, I didn't know that many of his songs in the beginning but I ended up enjoying it. One of my particularly favorite parts was when his band (guitarist and pianist - they both sang, PS) took the stage for two songs each. Just before the show I sat down with Andrew & the band (he works with some of the people I work with) and he shared some of his wisdom with me as I'm an upcoming artist and he has had great success.

One of the things he shared with me was when I find that band that I want to travel with me, they should be like my family and they should be some of my closest friends. I really appreciated him for saying that and respected him for it even more when his bandmates played their original songs.He didn't use them as openers or anything like that, they actually played during the concert - it was legit. (I really need to expand my vocabulary...) They were hilarious, and their songs were very moving, as well as Andrew's songs. Everything in the whole night was the perfect mixture of genre and style and I'm so so glad I went!

So, when (yes, when. not if. *smile*) you come to ACC and when we're having other legit (...........see?) concerts, we can go together! And when can see how awesome they are.... yep.

Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

...Is November Always This Cold?

Legit, I have on a scarf, thick jeans, boots, a couple shirts and a hoodie. People.. people.

I thought November was supposed to be warm and cozzy but a legit amount of coolness and just enough lack of sun so that's it's cool but I don't have to dress as if it's in Winter.

Hmph... I'm so confused.

---Jamie-Grace

Happy Weekend!

I had chicken for lunch, got some work done, hit up some schoolwork AND I'm about to go to a concert. This has been a wonderfully productive and well planned day! :)

Had to answer some questions about my job, that didn't take much time and I had a forum to post on for a ministry class which is actually pretty fun. Now I'm getting ready to hop out the door to go to the Andrew Peterson concert tonight.



Isn't that song adorable? The cool part is that the show is presented by ACC, so as legit as this guy is (meaning people like Randy Travis and Toby Mac like him and he's toured with Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Caedmon's Call and some other folk...ah!), ACC has the hook-up. Basically, this means that ACC is legit. :)

So I'm off to the concert soon! And yes, I will tell you how it was. :)

Jamie-Grce

10-10-10

really...how could i not mention the most exciting day of the entire decade? it was yesterday, incase you didn't get the chance to celebrate, and it was the 10th day of the 10th month of 2010. cha-ching! (really?) legit dates right there. so, in honor of 10-10-10 (belated), i have a request for you. really quick, think of the first 10 (didn't see that number coming...did you?) things that go through your mind the second you wake up on the average weekday.

for me it goes a little something like "ugh, i have to get up!" and from there it's snooze button... bathroom (it's true!)... food... "man, i should've written that paper before now"... gotta check my facebook before class... and the list goes on and on. how about yourself? what are the top 5...6...10 things that go across your mind in the AM?

yesterday at my church was the once a month girls group followed by teen night. my sister and i lead both and we decided to start a new series of discussing the ten commandments. of course it's cheesy to start them on 10-10-10 but it's an incredible rarity for any of us to let Exodus 20 slip our minds now since the entire night was based on 10.

in the girl's group we listed the 10 things that come across our minds in the morning and segwayed (is that a word) into the first commandment. "You shall have no other god's before me." i shared how i often times don't think about God's name when i first wake up which i don't think it's wrong to have to pee or think about homework right when you wake up but how much time are we spending thinking about the things that don't actually matter? how much time do we spend stressing about homework or classes when we could just set our priorities straight in the first place so God could be on our minds first.

and that's what it always seems to boil down to... priorities.

when i take the time to do my homework on time and not procrastinate (which trust me...isn't easy) or when i limit my facebook/twitter time, my stress levels are near as high as usual. and when i wake up i'm not panicking trying to get to class on time or wishing i had more sleep because i pulled a near all-nighter writing an 8-page. i'm instead waking up without my head pounding and without having to think if i need an energy drink. i'm waking up feeling like i've accomplished something and that i'm ready to face whatever is coming that day. and when my mind is free like that? the number one thing on my mind is God, because i know i've put Him at the top of my priorities list.

i don't wanna get all preachy, but it's something that's hit me hard lately and i wanted to share it with you. the connection between homework and God may not be the same for others, but when I put Him first He puts my mind at ease and i'm able to focus on things that matter and get them done in time. i'm also not yearning to check someone's facebook or twitter updates and spending more time there than I am with God.

i hope this isn't all a blur of confusion to you and if is i totally agree that i could be that i'm not explaining myself well, so i would love to elaborate or edit. i just want to encourage you to put God first in everything and allow Him to ease your mind of the stress and craziness we often face. if you have a top 10 list? put Him at #1. and if you know me, please encourage me to do the same.

love, peace & jamie-grace

gotta love break!

I'm pretty sure if Fall Break was early in September or early-mid November we (students) would say it was perfect timing but really this second weekend of October Fall Break jazz... it feels like the perfect timing. Right around mid-terms, the change of weather... a great time to head home for a few days and regroup. Eat your mom's food, sleep until noon, kinda sorta look over your homework or drive four hours and work a lot... yep.

Nah, nah I love my job so it's all good! So now, over my break, I'm hanging in the recording studio in Tennessee waiting to head to the vocal booth and lay some tracks. It's crazy, I've always wanted to do this but now that God has opened this door I find myself still looking toward Him with a smirk on a face and a ridiculous amount of "pinch me" going, "Really God? You're letting me do this? Ahh I love it!" Haha it's my reality, but it still feels a bit like a dream.

I got here yesterday and actually head back today but it's been a good and productive trip. When I get home I have a test on Wednesday to study for and my sister's wedding next week to finish getting ready for. I'm also leading a girl's smal group and teaching the message to the youth so I have to get ready for those two Sunday night events. Oh, and I'll probably squeeze shopping in there somewhere. I have an education class to buy materials for to set up an art station for kids on Monday because I can't do it on Tuesday because I'll be in Texas doing message training for a girl's conference I'm doing in the Spring.

So other than those very few things to check off of my list, I'm excited to be back in Atlanta, sleeping in (ha?), eating my mom's food and enjoying my fall break... is this even a break? Haha regardless, I'm excited about it and I actually can't wait to get back to school on Monday... I kinda miss my dorm!!

Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

the munchkin, the fair and the people on campus.

her name is Senuri! :)

She's the little munchkin I talked about in my last blog that I am sponsoring through World Vision. (i say munchkin in a good way…haha.)


She's two years old and is from Sri Lanka. I won't receive a letter from her (well, she's two… so her parents haha) for about 6-8 weeks but I can't wait for her to know someone's sponsoring her. Ahh! It'll be so exciting!

Hmm…well, in other news! I am excited about the rest of this week here @ ACC and just in Atlanta in general. Tomorrow two lovely people I know are flying in Atlanta and speaking at ACC's Special Event chapel on Friday. Jenna and Chrissy are both involved with The Revolve Tour/Women of Faith conferences and it's an all-girls chapel this Friday. Afterward I get to catch up with them a little but then I have to take them back to the airport… *sniff*

After that though, I'm hitting up the North Georgia State Fair. Hawk Nelson's playing there - yes! - and I'm in need of a fair calzone. Going with my sister Morgan (ACC '10), her fiance Patrick (ACC '09-10) and my friend Hana. We're probably going to laugh way too much, each too many turkey legs and ride too many rides. …YES!

Then on Saturday my parents, my sister, her guy and myself are all going to the Third Day, Max Lucado and more people concert. Can't wait. But I really, really can't wait for Sunday - my sister's bridal shower! Ahh!!

So this week/end is going to be pretty awesome(ly busy) and I'm stoked about it. Also about the hours I'm not hanging out because I'll be here hanging out with my friends on campus so what what?? Hoping to catch some movies with some girls on my hall, maybe even hit up the theater to see "You Again." - Bring on the weeeeeeek. …end.

Peace, yo!
Jamie-Grace

Aldi over Publix & Wal-Mart over Target

For the longest time I have wanted to adopt. That sentence probably sounds strange because I'm a unmarried college kid and trust me I don't plan on adopting any time soon! Haha. But even as a lil kid, I really wanted my parents to adopt. I wanted to give love and hope to a little kiddo who didn't have some of things I was raised with.

My parents were unable to adopt due to my medical situation for a while so I always thought I would need to wait until I was a married 20/30-something to give to a child. However, I started thinking lately... what about sponsorship?



So I decided to sponsor a child. :)

Everything isn't final yet so I won't post her picture or anything, but we share a birthday and she's an adorable little munchkin. She isn't old enough to write letters back to me or even do chores around the house but that's OK. I know that I will be able to help her have food, go to school soon and take visits to the doctor.

I absolutely cannot wait to start giving to this little girl. The love my parents gave me was wonderful and has stretched beyond the hugs and kisses but to food, clothes, school and toys - things that not all children have. I'm so excited that God has placed this on my heart to give to someone else what they may not get if it wasn't for organizations like World Vision and Compassion International.

For the longest time my church has sponsored children and I love being able to drop a buck or two in the basket for them. But I'm at that point in my life where I'm realizing something. As many times as I go to Chic-fil-A and the movies, which isn't even that much, I could be giving a little baby something she needs. Instead of venturing out to get my monthly fix of The Big Zax Snak (spelling?) meal @ Zaxby's, I can put it that money away, sponsor a child, and be able to donate to the little boy my church sponsors.

I don't think I realize how much money I was actually spending on extra things and I'm not even a big shopper. But I'm gonna head to Aldi over Publix, Wal-mart over Target, the cafeteria or my house instead of Chic-fil-a, and do what I can do sponsor this awesome little kid. (I can't wait to show you her picture!!)

I hope this post encourages you to check out organizations that sponsor little kiddos and maybe even with 5 or 6 friends, work together and sponsor a little boy or a little girl that really needs some love! :)

Love, Peace & Jamie-Grace

Dear this past weekend... I love you!

Today (well... the today that ended just before midnight hit 24.5 minutes ago) was Labor Day, incase you didn't know. And while it doesn't mean "a day off of school," that is one of the perks. :)

Friday morning my older sister Morgan and I randomly decided to drive up to Nashville, TN where I used to go to school (then got in my right mind and came back to ACC...yes... I said back) and where I work. I have a lot of lovely friends there and it was great to catch up with them.

We couch (two twin beds) crashed, ate more food than we could handle (vacation, duh) and had an awesome weekend just the two of us.

See, Morgan (right) and I (left...) were raised like twins. She's 2 years (21 months...) older (gosh I love parenthesis) and 3 inches shorter but her hair that was once down her back is now pretty much the exact same length of mine (she cut it like a year ago... I think she wanted to be like me... *major wink*). Also, as we're getting older our speaking voices are sounding the same and we both play guitar. I guess that's why people we know often get us mixed up and random strangers ask us if we're twins - all the time - and in a way, we kind of act like twins.

Like I said, we were raised really close and now someone is all happily in love and about to get married so this weekend with just the two of us was quite essential I think. :)

The four hours there and back were spent with my awesome song choices that took us back to middle school (i.e. Teddy Geiger and Stacie Orrico), wonderful conversation, and her critiquing (I feel like I spelled that wrong) and coaching my driving. The time in between the 8 hours of transportation were with our friends and a few hours of me jumping to the recording studio but mostly just catching up on life with the people I wish I could see on a daily basis.

Now I'm back at ACC, and of course I love it. I'm a CLM and was so happy to see all of the girls today. (Happy Birthday Jerilyn!!!)

Tomorrow I'll see my sister, probably having lunch with her fiance and I'll awkwardly join the conversation for a good 3-5 minutes like I always do. It's that level of being a little sister but still knowing that she's the oldest and I've gotta give her that space to grow up.

...Seriously why am I being so emotional about this? They're not having kids any time soon so that by default gives me a room at their house... right?

---Jamie-Grace

You Ready ACC?

Last Saturday was the first LINK @ ACC for the 2010-11. I had the opportunity to lead worship alongwith my sister Morgan (piano, guitar), new friend Matt (drums) my friend Mandy (bass, vocals) and just plain ole Greg on guitar and vocals.. haha I kid I kid he's my friend too. (So you know, I put all of their roles up there incase you were there and didn't get to formally meet them all.)

I was singing and just having an awesome time worshipping with fellow students, a former student (my sister - class of '10 - sniff!) and all of the future ACC students and their parents. We sang some songs, heard from President Collins and Mr. Huxford and the day continued with registration and school info etc etc :)

I am also... (drumroll please!) a CLM. Woo!!

CLM = Campus Life Minister. (definition) one who lives on your floor and stuff. :)

Basically, as CLM's we are RA's, but through our individual walks with God and the experiences at ACC, we are growing closer to Him and want to grow with you! I am one of the freshmen girl's CLMs and I cannot wait for the Fall semester to start. Really... I can't wait. :)

---Jamie-Grace

I Love You, Chocolate

Actually...actually I don't really enjoy chocolate that much but on occasion I don't mind a good brownie and right now? Chauntel, an awesome member of our women's basketball team is selling stuff for their missions trip to Puebla, Mexico this June. And one of those things? Brownies!

I just bought one... it was amazing... and I just want the world to know that.

jamie-grace

My Break Isn't a Break But It Is

I'm currently hanging at my friend Cammie's house in Nashville, TN after being awake for barely 4 hours...

I spent the last week working on a Christian television show here and of course doing homework after filming :) Now I'm having some down time, learning to play Cammie's dad's Flying V ukulele and getting ready to study for a test I have next Monday. The Monday after break :)

I must say, I'm really excited about Spring break. Obviously because it's break but also because I'll be working again. And while it doesn't sound like it's a break because I'm working, it's a break because I just might be doing something really exciting that is a break from not doing it. Does that make sense? I'm trying to announce this music news without announcing it... :)

In other music news (ba dum chh), I'm watching GAC (Great American Country) and they're playing Toby Keith's "Cryin for Me." A ridiculously sad song about his friend who died. Not really the perfect soundtrack for this blog... ooh! An eHarmony commercial!

---Jamie-Grace

then there was a snuggie.

Ever become too comfortable? Just goin with the flow and not really making a difference?

...that's not cool.

In fact, it's so not cool that President Collins (ACC) spoke about it in chapel this past Wednesday and what's the best way to show someone being comfortable? By wearing a Snuggie... Duh. :)

Unfortunately I was out of town but some awesome people decided to text me and tell me the wonderful news considering how much they know I. love. Snuggies. Also, Sarah Huxford (one of my d-group leaders) sent me a short video from chapel that I will attempt to post here... *sigh* I love Snuggies.


---Jamie-Grace

Nah, I Just Have Tourette.

"Everyone in class agreed with what the psychology professor had said. Few would dare to blatantly argue with a college professor anyway, but in this case, his statement was true and the entire class could see that. Then, out of the corner of his eye he saw a girl shaking her head. It was Jamie-Grace, the 16-year-old college freshman. He called her out and asked if she disagreed with what he said... She didn’t disagree at all and didn’t even realize she was moving her head."

Reading that paragraph it could sound like it was my most embarrassing moment but as this year at ACC has talked about defining moments? Yeah, that was totally one.

That paragraph is actually an excerpt from the SUSIE Magazine, a Christian magazine by Susie Shellenberger for young girls. Unfortunately, I did not express to them it was actually a female professor - my absolute favorite professor here at ACC. And yes, it's not the best to pick "total faves" but Mrs. Sadler (psychology professor) gave me something my terrified-of-college 16-year-old-kid-self didn't know I could have. A voice.

I'm a motivational speaker, so I'm used to speaking up about Tourette and I'm open to any questions. However the idea of living on a campus with new people and seeing them everyday made me a little confused as to how I would tell people, when I would tell them - if I would.

(What was I supposed to do have a motivational talk at the beginning of the semester and talk about my experience with overcoming Tourette? Maybe... I'll have to talk to Mr. Huxford about that one... ;)

So when Mrs. Sadler asked me, the girl shaking her head, if I disagreed with the statement? And I did? I simply said, "Oh! I have Tourette Syndrome" and boom - it was out.

My little statement that always finds it's way into some conversation... My few words I hesitate to say sometimes... My phrase I can say in my sleep (and probably do)... My awkward statement that often causes disbelieve... it was out of the open.

As I said before, I'm very open about it, I just don't always know how to tell people. So the chance to say it righ there in front of the entire class made it perfect. I'd already gotten to know most of the class through orientation so they really didn't care or see me any different. It also helped because we briefly (briefly, btw) discussed Tourette in class and OMG it's awkward when that happens and people don't yet... it's like having a conversation with somebody and realizing, once you walk away, that it's their birthday! (I'm sorry Anthony Nasser, Gerardo Mancilla and John Aymerich).

*sighs* Well, it's about 1:20 AM (actually it's exactly 1:20 A-WAIT! 1:21) and I'm leaving for Nashville at 5ish AM. Eek! I'll be filming Season dos of a Christian TV show called "iShine KNECT" as well as going to a few meetings. Lots of sitting, waiting, listening - as well as singing, acting and following God's plan like whoa!!

So I should go now! To check out the full SUSIE Magazine article, visit www.susiemagazine.com or go to Barnes & Noble... Kroger... and look for the February Issue with Brandon Heath on the cover.

...WHOA! Guess time has wrapped around because I'm staying up so late?? I just got hungry and I am not eating at this time unless it's a slumber party! Omg my 1991 is showing...

With lack of proof reading and sleep,
Jamie-Grace

PS - my mom (our mom...my sis Morgan blogs here too) spoke in chapel Wednesday! You can hear her message ("Mona Harper") and all of the other messages this semester by clicking download here! (Archives actually go back to Spring 2006 - crazy, I know!)

PSS - that first picture is of me and one of my CLM's freshman year, Staci. We were hiding in my other CLM's (Adrian) room to surprise her on her birthday... I should blog about that story next. Total party at ACC.


- Jamie-Grace

Oh, Holy Night

It seems as though "Holy Night" would be something said only during Christmas time but, oh... oh Holy Night.

Last night on Twitter, roughly 9pm, I saw the status of my friend Ayiesha. She's a Christian recording artist and was doing a live chat. I absolutely love her love chats, she's hilarious, her brother's hilarious, and they always sing and do random stuff - something worth watching!

Ayiesha was recording a new song and closer to midnight they started doing Q+A and just chatting. I was doing some homework so I wasn't really paying that much attention but I saw someone who was posting about free beats. Donald (Ayiesha's brother) started playing the guys beats and talking with him, it's was pretty cool they were, for the first time, doing free promotion on a live chat.

To make a long story short, it was aobut 1am and the chat was still going on. This time mostly talking to the young guy who initially posted about his beats. At this point Donald and Ayiesha were telling him about God and salvation and calling God had on his life - the guy has crazy talent!! Let's call him C. :)

Closer to 2:00 am most people had gone to bed except for Ayiesha, Donald, C, myself and about 10 of Ayiesha's friends. Reasonable, the "small" number 10, as live chats usually last up to two hours - at the most. But wherever two or three are gathered...

Ayiesha started playing worship songs, literally praying on a live chat, we were all saying encouraging things to C and praying and worshipping in our homes. Some of us in Georgia, some in Illinois, Texas... God was moving!

I believe the chat ended at 4am. We were all tired but honestly I didn't realize it.

The last was hour was filled with praise - C accepted God into His life.

Ayiesha was playing praise songs and just slap happy!! Haha. I couldn't even stay in my seat. Literally. I have never seen something like that. Someone accepting Christ in a video chat - it just adds to the fact that it's not Facebook and MySpace and other internet sites getting bad rep, but the way they are being used.

Every Twitter update or live chat doesn't have to be praise & worship songs, but as Christians we should be ready for that because we never know who is watching, who is listening or who should be. And the way we can be ready is by always posting clean stuff, never saying things that don't line up with our morals; just always being ready.

So, at 1pm I finally woke up. Ha. Still happy about God's amazing way of working but pretty frustrated about my throat. It. hurts.

I guess I would be OK with it if I didn't have a really big audition tomorrow? Yet I'm just praying I'll get better atleast for the next 24 hours. I'm chugging Throat Coat tea, about to take some Claritin and am gonna try not to talk.

Well, hello impossible.

- Jamie-Grace