Jessi Marquez

My Kick the Habit

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Kick the Habit

There are a few habits I plan to kick, and oddly enough, they are all somehow related.

I realized that where you invest your heart, is where you invest your life. If you want to know where your heart is: look at where you spend your money, time and energy/thoughts.

Anyone that knows me, knows my love for people. I love meeting people for coffee, or taking friends out to dinner. However, I believe that there are other places where my resources need to be spent. I am not saying that there will be no more coffee dates, what I am saying is, there is a way to live a balanced life.

Starting August 1st: for Kick The Habit I will be kicking:

• Over spending/ not budgeting – aka FINANCIAL FREEDOM

• Time management and spending my time wisely

• Taking care of myself : Fitness and healthy eating

Financial Freedom:

Money is always flowing in and out of your life. On payday it comes in, and until your next paycheck, it goes out to pay for your housing, transportation, food, clothing, entertainment and more. I realized that I had unhealthy spending habits.

I live a busy lifestyle in New York City- and was going out to eat for EVERY MEAL. I was spending hundreds of dollars on food and entertainment.

Breakdown of a typical day:

8am: Iced Latte from Birch Coffee

9am: $5 on breakfast

Noon: Lunch – A salad could cost me $10 easily, or if I met up with someone, I was spending $20 to dine-out

3pm: Another coffee break- another $5

Dinner: I really enjoy dining out, and the social aspect of eating with friends. Dinner typically costs $20+

On a weekday: I could EASILY spend $40 minimum. ON WEEKENDS: I was spending $60-$100

Kick the habit Breakdown of a typical day:

8am: Brew espresso at home (Cost me $5 for a giant bag of espresso)

9am: Eat cereal and fruit ($5 for a box, and $2 for a bunch of bananas)

Noon: Bring a packed sandwich ( cost me about $15 to make 5 sandwiches a week- including turkey, cheese and avocado)

3pm: Another coffee break: I signed up for Starbucks Rewards and get a FREE COFFEE (read more here)

Dinner: Either make a healthy salad, grilled veggie burgers, grilled chicken and veggies (Each dinner cost about $5 to make)

I am now spending about $55 a week for food, which breaks down to $11 a day, saving me $30 a day/ $120 a month! As for my weekends: I am allowing myself to go out to dinner somewhere reasonable on Saturday nights.

So why, why is this SO important? I believe this is important because I believe that God entrusts us with blessings to pour out blessings to others. Sow and Reap. I have always had a very generous heart, and often times wish I could do more. There are friends of mine that are missionaries that I want to support, there are orphans that I call friends that are starving, and there are causes that I am passionate about that need my help!

My pastor Paul actually spoke about this last week. You can listen to the podcast here. It was actually a pretty big coincidence, because this was something on my heart for quite some time.

Another BIG red flag for me was that, I didn’t know where my finances were going! It is imperative to track your finances and start saving. I hope to one day have a family, and this is a lesson that needs to be learned NOW.

I just signed up with LearnVest : I recommend this tool for anyone starting to prepare a new budget. I can track my spending, and develop an easy system to tithe, save, and not over spend. Days of “waiting for the next paycheck” will no longer be words plaguing my life, but will be a friendly reminder of my financial freedom.

Time management:

I have a very full life. I work a full time job, am starting an organization, volunteering at church, mentoring girls, being a Maid of Honor for my best friend, participating in a connect group, legends group, and building the relationships around me. My friends have coined me the “energizer bunny” and ask how I have the ability to always keep going.

I will admit, my energy level is a gift. I believe I’ve been given this gift because of the things I am meant to do with my life. However, here comes that MAGIC WORD : BALANCE!

Even God rested…and that alone is reason enough for me. He worked pretty hard for 6 days, and then rested on the 7th.

For Kick The Habit: I am going to be scheduling time to rest, and spend time with God and time alone. I am a natural planner, but I fully enjoy the spontaneity of life. Hence why I even took on an adventure like The World Race.

So how am I going to do it:

1st-learning to say no. It’s actually okay to not meet someone at 5:30am for breakfast because they neeeeeed you. (Thanks Rhema) Because to be honest, if you are meeting that person at 5:30 am, are you even fully present? I rather give people 100% less often, then be scheduling people in, every free second of my day, and be burnt out and mentally unavailable.

2nd- I have scheduled: No plans Saturday. I know that sounds funny, to plan to not have plans. The thing is this…going to bed on Friday night, and knowing I have NO obligations on Saturday is quite freeing. I wake up Saturday refreshed and expectant to see the beautiful day unfold. Last week I practiced this, and had the funniest adventure day with Deirdre and Meredith…

3rd- I am scheduling time for God, myself, my organization, and then others. I know I know…love your neighbors as yourself. However, I need to love myself and give time to myself to truly LOVE others. Also, FreelyBe is something that is DEEP set into my heart. I need to make sure I give it the time it needs, as well as my energy and time to my team that is passionate about the cause. Everytime I say yes to something, I am saying no to something else. I want to make sure I am saying YES to the RIGHT things.

Taking care of myself:

This one is a biggie. The above two really will be having an influence on this one.

Here’s the plan: pretty simple. Don’t do things to please others or their approval, eat healthy (self control), and workout/rest (time management).

My financial budget actually helps with my eating healthy because my meals are now planned. While grocery shopping I can choose healthy options, oppose to the 1,000+ calorie salad at FoodParc.

I also just joined a gym that has fitness/dance classes. I will NEVER go to a normal gym. I belonged to equinox for a year, and went 7 times. However, I love dancing. This is something that I would be excited to go to, and I even got some of my friends from Legends to sign up with me. Socializing+Dancing+Working out= Fitness Solution that works!

With my new time management plan, I can schedule time to go to the classes, as well as time to just RELAX and watch a movie (Like Never say Never haha)

So that’s my plan…

It’s not always going to be easy. However, success is taking the first step. I know I will make mistakes, but here’s the thing... “It’s not the long walk home that will change this heart, it’s the welcome I receive with every start.”-Mumford & Sons

Mustard Seed Living

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Sometimes we are called to go somewhere/ do something...

and it doesn't make sense.

We feel opposition and logically we can't find reasoning.

The bible says if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move a mountain. (Matt 17:20)

I think most people read this and think it means you can have little faith, and do much. That is true, but I think there is more.

I am a words person. I believe that people choose certain words, for certain reasons. God chose a "mustard seed".

He knows every kind of seed out there, and chose a mustard seed to describe our faith.

Why a mustard seed?

Here is some things I know about mustard seeds:

They are very small, but they have unlimited potential. One mustard seed can grow into a giant shrub that produces millions of other seeds.
It is a seed that needs to be planted in the right soil. Once it has been sown, it is nearly impossible to get the place free of it. The seed germinates.
Think about the taste a mustard seed produces. It is fiery and effects every other ingredient it comes into contact with

This morning I was reminded of my mustard seed faith. Last year while on the World Race I made a very big decision. I felt like I was supposed to extend my trip, by myself. The entire team would be returning to the USA on Novemeber 20th, and I felt called to remain in Europe till December 12th.

I had no plane ticket home.
I had $13.00 in my bank account.
I had no plans.
Some people told me this was un-wise. That a young blonde girl should not be traveling Europe alone.

I agreed, it was crazy. It was also crazy to stay in Africa after being robbed at gunpoint, but we did that. I sometimes think God likes being crazy.

Long story short, God provided. Provided my flight home, amazing hostels that were cheap, and enough crackers and nutella to last for days! He also provided opportunities. Amazing impactful opportunties that I would have never had made if I did not take this step of faith.

In Italy and became friends with four Australian girls. We built such a strong friendship in those few days that I still talk to them to this day. One of the girls even visited me in NYC. These are people I plan to invest in for my entire future.

In Paris I met two of the most beautiful girls I know. These women were passionate and caring, but had brokenness in their hearts. This morning I received this message " jessi i want to say you, i think a lot about you... talk to god for me, said him that i m lost in this moment in my mind..." I shared Gods heart for these girls in the few days we spent together. This was a concept they never heard before. So begins their journey.

In Great Britain I stayed with the most amazing family. I worked in nightlife ministry, which fueled my passion for those in NYC. The two daughters will be visiting me this summer. This is a family I will know for the rest of my life. They have encouraged me to persue my dreams, and are my family across the sea.

What is God calling you to that may seem scary? Crazy? Or not make sense?

Are you willing to pick up your mat, and walk?

Hey College girls...Glamour contest!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Sorry but I just have to say...the college girls at Liberty Church are amazing. These are some of the most beautiful, kind, and ambitious women I have ever met. They have dreams and goals, and persue God with their whole hearts.

If you are a girl in college and looking for amazing community, come join them at Liberty Church this Sunday at Tribeca Cinemas! Guest lounge opens at 10:30am.

Glamour magazine is currently running a contest for college girls. I highly suggest that you enter, and enter in other girls that inspire you! Below are the details:

Glamour recently launched its 2012 Top 10 College Women Competition, and we’d love to know if you—or anyone you know—is interested in applying. The contest is open to any woman who will be a full-time junior at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada (void in Quebec) for the 2011-2012 academic year.

We’re looking for dynamic young women with leadership experience, excellent grades and inspiring goals. We’ll award one grand prize of $20,000 and nine $3,000 prizes. All winners will receive a trip to New York City and recognition in Glamour.

Students can read more and apply on our website

Early deadline for applications: July 15, 2011.

Thanks!

I don't want to date a Christian Guy...

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:20:00 +0000

I don't want to date a Christian guy...

I know that may seem confusing, but I’m really just not interested. My friends and I have dated Christians and non-Christians before and in many cases there wasn't much of a difference.Being a twenty something and single in NYC, dating is a topic that comes up quite a bit. I've heard all points of views and to be frank...I think we often limit ourselves.

The end of February I was in California visiting my best friend Jessica. We had a long discussion about life and other random topics. One thing she said to me was “Don’t waste your time with Christian guys, if you are going to date someone…be sure that he is a Man of God.” Confused? Let me clear this up...yes, a Man of God is Christian. However, I believe that there are a lot of Christian guys that are not Men of God. Still confused? Well, let me clarify...

About a month ago is when I started writing this blog. It was prompted by my conversation with Jessica alongside one of the messages that Paul gave at Liberty Church. Paul Andrew of Liberty Church spoke about "The Family Man". My mind instantly reverted to the Nicholas Cage movie and I thought this was going to be a sermon about choosing family over money and success.

I was wrong.

Paul openly and honestly explained what a Man of God looks like. In humble conviction he shared his short comings as a husband to his wife Andi and as a father to his three kids. He expressed the identity crisis men face today: humble servant vs wild at heart. You can listen to the podcast on the Liberty Church website to hear the full thing.

I left the service and met up with some of the most amazing ladies that grace the streets of NYC. We discussed dating and the many challenges that face single women in the city. All the different viewpoints on purity, pursuit, and pure intentions. We thought about what it means to be a proverbs 31 woman in a modern day society, as well as what a proverbs 31 man looks like. This conversation peaked so much interest that I decided to ask the opinion of women I know around the world. I simply stated “In your opinion, what is a man of God?”

This was the response:

(these responses don’t all represent my viewpoints but the thoughts of 20+ women)

-He is passionately pursuing God and his life displays an overflow of that relationship.

-He is a leader in his community- meaning he isn't afraid to speak truth with boldness and at the same time serve those around him with compassion.

-He sees you not for your past or present, but for who you are becoming.

-He practices self control.

-He lives undignified- not concerned with fitting in but giving others freedom to be themselves.

-He fights for justice.

-He challenges you to be the person you are called to be without being controlling or manipulative.

-A man that puts God first in his life above all things.

-A man that uses the Bible to answer his questions.

-A man that would never lead you into temptation.

-One that WALKS with wisdom and understanding

- has pure intentions and his actions SHOW that

-One that pursues righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11-16)

-You may be able to look at a quite a few guys in the city and just write the exact opposite of how they act?! Just a thought... ;)

-A man who values what God says about him, higher than he values what you say about him.

-A man who is bold enough to follow the voice of the Lord even if that means temporarily upsetting you in the process. ( This is a difficult one to actually want because sometimes it sucks but it is always ultimately better!)

-A man who is slow to anger and quick to forgive.

-A man who does not allow his pride to dictate his actions.

- A man who is desperately running towards christ and fixated on that and not everything else the world tries to influence him with

-A man who you trust because you know that he is on constant communication with the Lord

- A man who is patient

-A man that is ambitious and passionate about the calling for his life, no matter what God wants it to be.

-A man that seeks God's guidance in relationships, as there are three parties that makes up the ultimate relationships... Person1, Person2 and God!

-A man that wants to and does pray with/for his girlfriend/wife/friends/family/people that he feels prompted to pray for.

-A man not distracted by the materialistic things in life.

-A BOLD man.

- a man that understands people. And has a heart for those people...the good and bad.

-A man who pursues you purely and with constant focus on god

-A man who doesn't even know what playing games is

-A man who effortlessly speaks Jesus to those around him without having to be reminded.

-A man who is understanding, forgiving, and wise.

-A man who has been refined by the fire and molded by god

- A man who leads you to spiritual growth and leads you into God's calling and purpose for your life.

-A man who never lets the sun go down on his anger or bitterness

-A man who always puts others before himself ... even if they arent his girlfriend.

-Humble.

-Seeks wisdom.

-Protects.

-Someone who doesn't go down in silence but will SPEAK.

-Someone not controlled by their needs. So they are free and don't use manipulation as a weapon.

-Willing and ready.

-Dances undignified

-Takes his inheritance.

-Loves with all he has got

- A man that knows he will never fulfill ALL your needs-and he is secure and okay with that.

-He is confident & led by the Spirit of God and will take bold steps of obedience when God asks of him, even if it comes at the cost of self embarrassment or risk.

-A man that knows you will both fall short but will STAY AT THE TABLE when times get tough.

-He protects with boldness, flees from temptation, and doesn't settle....

- man who understands the importance of priorities i.e. God, family, work/ministry and not allowing work or family to come before God and not allowing work/ministry to come before his family (basically remembering that family IS his first ministry/responsibility).

- I think there are days when His reckless pursuit of the Lord will be breathtaking and heroic. But there will other times when God's grace will carry Him through the fire and the waters and His power will be made perfect in his weakness. A David, a man whose heart is after God's, and yet, who falls short, sometimes in profound ways...

-a man who loves God and knows His love - who relies upon His love and grace, rather than his own ability.

The last thing to think about is…are you the woman that this man would date? One thing one of the girls said was this “I guess it just got me thinking... would I make the cut for a godly woman? I hope there will be times when I do, but there will also be times when I fall short of the glory of God (rom3:23)...”

Here is a great blog that my friend sent me as well…just in case that wasn’t enough!

Hearing God Series

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:30:00 +0000

In such a noisy city, how does one hear the whisper? Join us for a 4 part series on hearing Gods voice…keep your next 4 WEDNESDAY nights open!!!

WHAT:

4 part series: Hearing God

Week one: How do we know God speaks?

Week two: How can you hear Gods voice?

Week three: What do you do once you hear?

Week four: Real life application/revelation

WHO:

Join fellow New Yorkers to discuss this very interesting and life giving discussion and study. Led by Jessi Marquez and Patrick Baez.

WHERE:

205 East 7th Street [bet. Ave. B and C]

Directions by subway:

Take 6 train to Astor Place, walk east

Take R/N train to 8St/New York University, walk east

Take F/V trains to 2nd Ave/Lower East Side, walk north

Take J train to Delancey St., walk north

Take L train to 1st Avenue, walk south and east.

WHEN:

Wednesday 3/30/2011- 830-930pm and the following three Wednesdays!

Email Jessimarquez@gmail.com to RSVP

Wait Loss

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:46:00 +0000

As summer rapidly approaches I can't avoid the buzz about diets, gyms, and tanning salons.After everyone failed at their New Years resolution...the people are now in sheer panic to be bikini ready.

Weight loss, weight loss, WAIT LOSS!

Just hearing the words "weight loss" on repeat daily, I began to think about another kind of wait loss.

Last week, I had thee most amazing conversation with a girl I met awhile back. We swapped stories, and laughed about funny things in the city. We then began to talk about plans, and the pressure to well, have one.

The ability to wait, has been lost.

We plead with God for the big picture, the dream, the calling. Then feel frustrated when we just see a piece. I honestly think that sometimes we miss out on some of the amazing things God is doing because we are so focused on the end. Don't get me wrong, I am ALL about vision. It's truly one of the things that I think is most valuable in a persons life. However, I think it's imperative to not miss the small moments.

My friend explained how she would love to one day be a pastor, but if that doesn't happen...she's fine! Wow, what a surrendered heart. How many of us struggle with surrendering our own plans, let alone plans we think God has shown us. She further explained that she just focuses on the now: what can she do today.

Joyce Meyer writes quite a bit about being present. She often explains the preparation process that many of us aren't willing to take. I think it's true. We have lost our willingness to wait. With the ability to connect with the entire world within seconds, our patience has taken a brutal beating. I think many people miss out on the amazing things God has for them because they just can't wait for it to be prepared.

She uses a great metaphor which I'll try to sum up and botch up here: God wants to give a family a precious baby. However the woman just can't really wait the 9 months. She wants the baby now. She's seen pictures of the sonogram, even decorated the room. She is prepared for this baby! What would happen if this woman stopped trusting God and took matters into her own hands. Took over control of the situation in month 5?

One thing that I'm known for is getting really really excited about the little things God is doing. It used to be a joke among friends because they never could quite meet my excitement level. I can literally give thousands of examples because it happens several times daily. Here's the thing, I think that's exactly how we are supposed to be. God tells us to come to him as children. Fact: you give a child nearly anything and they are glowing and gushing to all their friends.

It breaks my heart because I think so many people miss those beautiful moments. They want to meet their future spouse, and miss out on the romance all around them. (another blog for another day). They want to preach to millions, but they miss out on the person who needs hope sitting beside them.

Don't lose wait...it's one of the gifts God gives us to live a really funny, exciting life. What moments are happening in your life right now? Share with me because I love hearing the stories of how God literally puts His hand on the smallest details of our lives.

Out with the Old

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:16:00 +0000

How can you make a difference in your life?

This is something that I think many of us think about on a daily basis. Today I really began thinking about a lot of things. For one, I just started a new job. I honestly love it! It gives me an opportunity to meet some of the most interesting individuals in the city, and actually help them with their business. However, with training/ transitioning…many of my priorities have taken a back seat.

This morning while getting ready for work I took a look around. I literally have dressers and closets FILLED with clothes. Some dresses that I have not worn since 2003 were in that closet. I immediately thought of Christine Caine when I saw this. She often is referred to as the “Purge Queen”…because she strongly believe that you need to often clean up and get rid of things in your life.

I decided to look up the word “Purge” and found this:

Purge–verb (used with object)

to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.

to rid, clear, or free (usually followed by of or from )

to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.

to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitable action.

to remove by cleansing or purifying (often followed by away, off, or out ).

I decided that is exactly what I need to do. All the old clothing, the mess of it all…was really representative of some things going on in my own life. Some messy relationships I was still holding on to. Some messy decisions I’ve made that needed to be repented for. Some things that I was called to do, that just sat on the back burner as I tried to figure out “other things.”

This ends TODAY.

So tonight I have set aside time to purge. To go through my things, and well…let them go. What do you need to purge in your own life?

If you need help and you live in NYC check out this cool company I found: Live Organized

Walking on a dream

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:12:00 +0000

When your dream/calling becomes your focus...

Today my friend Chad posted a really great note on facebook. It really hit me, so I decided to share it with you all!

Is a dream really chasing the dream?by Chad Ray Rodriguez on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:16am

So I think it’s interesting how quickly people can come and go. They seem to shift between things as if it has no kind of value or importance. Experience is all that matters most. Having as many as possible is seen as making one wise. These Christians they come and they go. Tossed by every wave. Passionately committed one minute and horribly turned off the next. They chase every kind of inclination of their heart not once wondering if it would be best to just sit still. They come across humble in their changes even apologetic about their actions as if it somehow free’s them from the responsibility. It’s funny because in their eyes repentance is basically their way of wiping their hands clean of the damaged they’ve caused. READ MORE HERE

Homeless twitter

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:56:00 +0000

In New York City...

• Each night more than 40,000 people -- including more than 16,000 children -- experience homelessness.

• Currently 38,400 homeless men, women, and children bed down each night in municipal homeless shelters, and thousands more sleep rough on the streets or in other forms of shelter.

• The number of homeless families has nearly doubled over the past decade.

And now...they are on twitter. A new campaign to raise awareness.

Underheard in New York is an initiative to help homeless New Yorkers speak for themselves through Twitter. Four homeless people — Danny (@putodanny), Derrick (@awitness2011), Albert (@albert814) and Carlos (@jessie550) — were given their own prepaid cell phone, a month of unlimited text messaging and a Twitter account.

Hillsongs new album: Aftermath

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Hillsongs new album AFTERMATH is released today!!

Album Review from ITUNES:

It almost isn't fair that Hillsong has such a deep roster of seasoned praise & worship leaders to craft an album as diverse as Aftermath. Because historically, if there's one complaint about modern Christian worship music, it's that it can lack variety and rarely ventures outside its safe zone. In that context, listening to Aftermath is truly an experience: an event as real and engaging as the worship team's well-documented stage show that has been seen by the masses on six continents. Most bands would consider an album like this to be their magnum opus, but that would connote an apex, and Hillsong shows no indication that they are going anywhere but up. Alternating vocalists between tracks adds fresh variety and pomp. The team shouts refrains on "Nova" and "Go" amid percussive rhythms that sound like a cross between Chris Tomlin, Coldplay, and even Kings of Leon. The guitar work on "Take Heart, Father" and "Rhythms of Grace" is delicate and captivating, evolving into a Sarah McLachlan-like trance on "Like an Avalanche" and "Bones." The stand-out track is first single, "Search My Heart," included here in both radio and congregational versions. Aftermath shows that Hillsong continue to set the bar high and blur the lines between studio albums and live worship.

ORDER ONLINE HERE