Jessica Mathisen hails from Marietta, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she moved to Chihuahua, Mexico, where she taught elementary grades at a mission school. Upon returning to Athens, she taught for another four years in the public school system and at Downtown Academy. Jessica and Rory met on eHarmony in 2014, and unbeknownst to them, they both attended Watkinsville First Baptist Church, where she is now the Executive Administrative Assistant. They were married in 2015, and you can find them in Athens, Georgia, hanging out with friends, eating yummy food, or reading on the couch with their dog, Bailey.
IF YOU HAVE EVER BELIEVED YOU HAD TO BE PERFECT TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, THIS WAS THE EPISODE FOR YOU.
In this episode, Jessica reminds us we don’t have to be perfect to pursue our dream. In fact, our desire for perfection can often stand in the way of our dream. She encourages us that our dream is really God’s dream, and it’s meant for His glory and the good of others.
You’re going to love her story about being bold with her former boss to go after a need she knew she could fill. (Don’t we all need a little more boldness as we walk towards our dreams?) You’ll also learn from her why it’s so important to share your dreams with others.
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CONNECT WITH JESSICA:
MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
Christian Women’s Job Corps via the Southern Baptist Convention
The Quest Study Journal by Beth Moore
The Passion Translation
YouVersion Bible App
Annie Down’s Qideas talk on One Calling, Multiple Expressions
PODCASTS:
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs
Going Scared with Jessica Honnegar
BOOKS:
I Will Love You Forever by Cori Salchert & Marianne Hering
Two Weak Women and Amazing Grace on faith, vision, miracles to build Fellowship Vally near Clarkesville, Georgia
Fiercehearted: Life Fully, Love Bravely by Holley Gerth
Anything by Jennie Allen
Restless by Jennie Allen
The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp
The Power of a Prayer Woman by Stormie Omartian
Baby Wise by Robert Bucknam M.D. & Gary Ezzo
SCRIPTURE:
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
~ Isaiah 58:12 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
~ Romans 8:1 (ESV)
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin,
the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
~ Romans 8:10 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
~ Romans 8:15 (ESV)
MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
On realizing teaching wouldn’t be her forever career [3:15]
Falling in love with urban ministry but not sure what it would look like [5:10]
A bold conversation with her former boss [6:11]
Realizing her passion to support the moms of her former students [7:07]
When God dropped a next step – Christian Women’s Job Corps – in her lap [9:14]
On choosing the name “Restoration Women” for this ministry [15:24]
Believing the Lord is going to provide for all the things He’s given her right now [16:28]
Jessica’s greatest challenges in pursuing her dream [17:15]
On the fear of it being a flop [18:15]
How God helps her overcome shame and negative self-talk [20:38]
Waiting on approval to become foster parents [24:00]
Loving a fresh look at the Bible through the Passion Translation [27:00]
Romans 8 [28:08]
How leaving her teaching career initially felt like failure [31:32]
About Annie Downs’ talk on one calling, multiple expressions [32:48]
Learning that it’s okay to just be who God created her to be [33:45]
It’s okay if your dreams, goals and desires shift; in fact, it’s good [34:00]
Getting to a quiet place with God so you can hear from the Holy Spirit [35:45]
Jessica’s list of fav podcasts and books [36:56]
Realizing “it’s not about me!” [42:38]
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