I just got word this morning that the news piece that Chad Tucker from Fox8 did on the last day of school last year for Nancy Reynolds has been nominated for an EMMY. Here is the link to the video:
http://mailsvr2.stokes.k12.nc.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-nancy-reynolds-last-day-090610,0,2673310.story
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Maggie Valley Pictures
Me & Julie on the back porch
View from the front yard
One of my favs. Thanks for making Josh do this Julie!
SO us.
Josh trying to talk us out of taking pictures
After rafting down the Tuckseegee river. That was an adventure!
After a rivoting round of mini golf and air hockey.
The boys waiting patiently while we shopped.
Len & Julie
UsI hope you enjoy these! We had a great trip! Thanks for the free lodging Reeves!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The challenge & other things
I hope some of you took advantage of my last post with the 30 day challenge. I have been reading through 1 Samuel and I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight. I have not read every single day as I hoped I would. I have only missed a maximum of 4 maybe 5 days. I learned that if I don't sit down to read in the morning before work then it is really likely that it won't get done. I have enjoyed this process and I have read my Bible more this month than I have in a long time.
It has brought about some personal changes however. At the beginning of the book there is a woman named Hannah. She is married to a man named Elkanah who had another wife also. Hannah didn't have any children and she desperately wanted them. She went to the temple to give sacrifices and she prayed that if God would give her a son that she would dedicate him back to the Lord. She did conceive and she named him Samuel. I tell you all of that because it is no secret that I would like to start a family at some point in the near future. I yearn for children like Hannah but my desire can come nowhere near hers. Reading her story helped me put my desires in perspective. So, not only am I no longer fixated on starting a family but I am now taking my diet seriously and getting my body ready for that kind of change. I know it is going to take a while and even when I am fully healthy we won't start trying but in the mean time, this is a change that I CAN do to help myself out.
We went to Maggie Valley over Labor Day weekend with Len and Julie and we had a blast. We went rafting, played mini golf, shopped, ate a lot, played Settlers of Catan, had a lot of laughs and enjoyed fellowship with friends. I tried to load some pictures but blogger is having trouble so I'll add them later.
That is pretty much it for now. We are both working hard and enjoying our free time when there is some! I'll post pictures later!
Also, today is Sandy's birthday! Happy Birthday Sandy! We love you!
It has brought about some personal changes however. At the beginning of the book there is a woman named Hannah. She is married to a man named Elkanah who had another wife also. Hannah didn't have any children and she desperately wanted them. She went to the temple to give sacrifices and she prayed that if God would give her a son that she would dedicate him back to the Lord. She did conceive and she named him Samuel. I tell you all of that because it is no secret that I would like to start a family at some point in the near future. I yearn for children like Hannah but my desire can come nowhere near hers. Reading her story helped me put my desires in perspective. So, not only am I no longer fixated on starting a family but I am now taking my diet seriously and getting my body ready for that kind of change. I know it is going to take a while and even when I am fully healthy we won't start trying but in the mean time, this is a change that I CAN do to help myself out.
We went to Maggie Valley over Labor Day weekend with Len and Julie and we had a blast. We went rafting, played mini golf, shopped, ate a lot, played Settlers of Catan, had a lot of laughs and enjoyed fellowship with friends. I tried to load some pictures but blogger is having trouble so I'll add them later.
That is pretty much it for now. We are both working hard and enjoying our free time when there is some! I'll post pictures later!
Also, today is Sandy's birthday! Happy Birthday Sandy! We love you!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Embrace the Challenge! See what God can do!
I was driving through town yesterday listening to WBFJ (our local Christian radio station) just listening and singing and it dawned on me that this music that I listen to and support with a monthly gift is very seldom a form of worship for me. Of course when I am at church I worship through song but in my car it has become just noise and something to sing along to. Sometimes there is a song that I focus on and listen to the lyrics but mostly I just listen absentmindedly. Then I thought about my daily walk with Christ and admitedly it has been lacking in intimacy and good honest work lately. Then I had (or God placed) a thought that I should give myself a 30 day challenge. I know what you might be thinking, "Jessica this isn't like weight loss, it has to be a daily committment." With that mindset, this is exactly like weight loss, except what you lose is yourself and what you gain is a mind like Christ! I can't think of a better plan! So here is my personal 30 day challenge for the month of September to revamp and refocus my personal relationship with Christ:
30 day challenge:
1. Read my Bible every day for 30 days.
2. Spend time in prayer and meditation every day for 30 days.
3. Challenge my mindset and daily attitude toward my surroundings every day for 30 days.
4. Remind myself that Christ comes before everything every day for 30 days.
5. Blog about what God is doing in my life often for 30 days. (I won't promise that I'll blog every day, Lord knows I barely have time to breathe most days)
6. Challenge myself with evangelism every day for 30 days.
7. Lift up my husband in prayer every day for 30 days.
8. Challenge God to use me in ways that might make me uncomfortable every day for 30 days. (This one makes me nervous)
9. Manage my time better in the morning every day for 30 days so that I can get my Jesus time in before the world comes crashing down on me during the day.
10. Lastly, enjoy this and hold on tight!
So now that I have publicly announced my personal 30 day challenge, here is your challenge:
Do this with me and see what God can do! Share with me what God is doing!
Please let me know if you decided to join me in my journey to spiritual renewal in September!
30 day challenge:
1. Read my Bible every day for 30 days.
2. Spend time in prayer and meditation every day for 30 days.
3. Challenge my mindset and daily attitude toward my surroundings every day for 30 days.
4. Remind myself that Christ comes before everything every day for 30 days.
5. Blog about what God is doing in my life often for 30 days. (I won't promise that I'll blog every day, Lord knows I barely have time to breathe most days)
6. Challenge myself with evangelism every day for 30 days.
7. Lift up my husband in prayer every day for 30 days.
8. Challenge God to use me in ways that might make me uncomfortable every day for 30 days. (This one makes me nervous)
9. Manage my time better in the morning every day for 30 days so that I can get my Jesus time in before the world comes crashing down on me during the day.
10. Lastly, enjoy this and hold on tight!
So now that I have publicly announced my personal 30 day challenge, here is your challenge:
Do this with me and see what God can do! Share with me what God is doing!
Please let me know if you decided to join me in my journey to spiritual renewal in September!
Friday, July 31, 2009
We're inked!
Tattoos are something that Josh and I have wanted since we were both old enough (and even before then). After much consideration, thought, and preparation we went today to get them. We both knew what we wanted going in and the process was quite easy. Josh did the research on where to go in terms of product, artists, and cleanliness. We knew they would be expensive (you never want a cheap tattoo) but they were cheaper than we had projected. Here are the pictures. These are from my Blackberry so the quality could be better. Once my camera battery charges I'll upload better photos. Keep in mind that these are just hours old and will settle in about 5 days. The redness you may see in mine won't be there. Both of the tattoos are black and gray.
Here is the scripture.
2 Tim. 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Cor. 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
There are many many reasons we each chose what we did and maybe in a later post (perhaps a guest blog from Josh!) we'll explain to blog world why we got what we did. Just know that it means something personal and significant to each of us.
Here is the scripture.
2 Tim. 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Cor. 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
There are many many reasons we each chose what we did and maybe in a later post (perhaps a guest blog from Josh!) we'll explain to blog world why we got what we did. Just know that it means something personal and significant to each of us.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
I just wanted to make a quick post to wish my dad and Father in law a Happy Father's Day! We love you so much and hope you have a wonderful day!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Closing down the school
Last week we had our last day at Nancy Reynolds Elementary school as it looks now for at least another year to 2 years. The county plans to tear it down and rebuild it as it looks from the outside but like a modern school on the inside. The Fox 8 news team came out and did a story. Here is the link for the video.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-nancy-reynolds-last-day-090610,0,2673310.story
The teacher you see crying is one of the funniest people I know. Chad Tucker specifically chose her to have a mic because she was crying. I loved the time that I was able to spend at that school and I feel honored to have been there alongside the other teachers as we all lined up outside and waved goodbye to the students. This tradition is something they do every year and it really was sweet. Something I'll always remember.
The W-S journal also ran an article. You can find that here.
Now we are getting into the summer routine. I have 4 full days a back to back clients and I am finding the transition from having 3 days in the school to 4 days of running around a little difficult. It is not bad, just different. I have added several new kiddos to caseload, some very medically fragile, so my senses are on alert these days. Josh is thoroughly enjoying the first few days of his summer break and celebrating by sleeping. He found out this week that he is Vitamin D deficient so he is starting to take that in hopes that he will have more energy. I can tell a world of difference in my energy level now that I am on iron.
Well that is enough for now. I am going to take advantage of being up so early and work on some paperwork!
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-nancy-reynolds-last-day-090610,0,2673310.story
The teacher you see crying is one of the funniest people I know. Chad Tucker specifically chose her to have a mic because she was crying. I loved the time that I was able to spend at that school and I feel honored to have been there alongside the other teachers as we all lined up outside and waved goodbye to the students. This tradition is something they do every year and it really was sweet. Something I'll always remember.
The W-S journal also ran an article. You can find that here.
Now we are getting into the summer routine. I have 4 full days a back to back clients and I am finding the transition from having 3 days in the school to 4 days of running around a little difficult. It is not bad, just different. I have added several new kiddos to caseload, some very medically fragile, so my senses are on alert these days. Josh is thoroughly enjoying the first few days of his summer break and celebrating by sleeping. He found out this week that he is Vitamin D deficient so he is starting to take that in hopes that he will have more energy. I can tell a world of difference in my energy level now that I am on iron.
Well that is enough for now. I am going to take advantage of being up so early and work on some paperwork!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Weekend in Lake Lure
We are back from Lake Lure. We had a wonderful weekend just being together and goofing off. Friday night we arrived around dinner time, checked into our room and then went in search of food. We ended up in town on the recommendation of one of the inn keepers at this Italian grille. The food was okay but the view of the lake was great.
Saturday we ate breakfast at the inn (omelets, fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, cereal, etc....). It was great! Then we headed out to Chimney Rock Park for some hiking. Now if you know us at all then you know that we are the LAST people on earth that would pick an outdoor exercise activity to do on an anniversary weekend but we couldn't pass up the chance to see the falls and earn some weight watchers activity points. We first hiked the trail that lead us to the base of the famous falls that were in "Last of the Mohicans". It was not a tough hike at all compared to what was coming my way. We had a good time with that and the view from the bottom of the falls was pretty. Then we walked up to the next trail which was a series of wooden stair cases and carved out steps from the mountain that lead to the top of Chimney Rock. Seriously.... I thought I might die before I made it. I got so hot and winded that I almost passed out. Josh was a trooper though and hung right with me. We finally made it up to the top and the view was well worth the hike. You could see most of the Broad River. It was beautiful. Then we ate up at the top (Josh made me work for my food) and then we just hung out before we took the elevator back down. I think our final elevation was just over 2000 feet.
After that we decided to take a boat tour of Lake Lure. We bought our tickets and spent the next hour on a pantoon boat with the tour guide telling us about the history of the Lake. It was very nice and relaxing.
Saturday evening we had hors' devours (sp?) in the main inn and then rested for awhile. Again that night we had dinner on the recomendation of the inn keeper. Mine was great but Josh's was less than desirable. After that we drove to the down town area to window shop and play mini golf. To our surprise the down town area pretty much closes shop at 6. The only places open were the mini golf place and an ice cream shop. So we did both. We had a good time and I almost beat Josh at mini golf. I only lost by 2 strokes. Maybe I should have been a golfer?
This morning we ate breakfast at the inn again. We had french toast and eggs benedict. I didn't like the eggs but the french toast was great! We checked out at 11 and drove home. It only took us about 2 hours so now we are doing laundry and catching up around here. I have loaded the pictures on my computer so I will load some at the bottom of this post for your viewing pleasure.
This week is going to be rough. My last week at the school, a cookout, a baby shower, 2 nights of CPR class and scheduling my summer kids. Whew... I need another weekend to get myself ready for this. I hope you all had a great weekend!
Josh on Vista Rock
View from the parking lot
View of the Broad River from Chimney Rock
We made it to the top!
On the boat tour
Saturday we ate breakfast at the inn (omelets, fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, cereal, etc....). It was great! Then we headed out to Chimney Rock Park for some hiking. Now if you know us at all then you know that we are the LAST people on earth that would pick an outdoor exercise activity to do on an anniversary weekend but we couldn't pass up the chance to see the falls and earn some weight watchers activity points. We first hiked the trail that lead us to the base of the famous falls that were in "Last of the Mohicans". It was not a tough hike at all compared to what was coming my way. We had a good time with that and the view from the bottom of the falls was pretty. Then we walked up to the next trail which was a series of wooden stair cases and carved out steps from the mountain that lead to the top of Chimney Rock. Seriously.... I thought I might die before I made it. I got so hot and winded that I almost passed out. Josh was a trooper though and hung right with me. We finally made it up to the top and the view was well worth the hike. You could see most of the Broad River. It was beautiful. Then we ate up at the top (Josh made me work for my food) and then we just hung out before we took the elevator back down. I think our final elevation was just over 2000 feet.
After that we decided to take a boat tour of Lake Lure. We bought our tickets and spent the next hour on a pantoon boat with the tour guide telling us about the history of the Lake. It was very nice and relaxing.
Saturday evening we had hors' devours (sp?) in the main inn and then rested for awhile. Again that night we had dinner on the recomendation of the inn keeper. Mine was great but Josh's was less than desirable. After that we drove to the down town area to window shop and play mini golf. To our surprise the down town area pretty much closes shop at 6. The only places open were the mini golf place and an ice cream shop. So we did both. We had a good time and I almost beat Josh at mini golf. I only lost by 2 strokes. Maybe I should have been a golfer?
This morning we ate breakfast at the inn again. We had french toast and eggs benedict. I didn't like the eggs but the french toast was great! We checked out at 11 and drove home. It only took us about 2 hours so now we are doing laundry and catching up around here. I have loaded the pictures on my computer so I will load some at the bottom of this post for your viewing pleasure.
This week is going to be rough. My last week at the school, a cookout, a baby shower, 2 nights of CPR class and scheduling my summer kids. Whew... I need another weekend to get myself ready for this. I hope you all had a great weekend!
Josh on Vista Rock
View from the parking lot
View of the Broad River from Chimney Rock
We made it to the top!
On the boat tourThursday, June 4, 2009
So much time, So many changes
Wow, has it really been 4 months since I last posted? Is anybody still out there?
The reason for my absence has been good! Things are on the up swing and life is so good. Today marks my 4th wedding anniversary and this year I am so excited to still be married! The past 2 anniversaries were good but we let me pass with little celebration. This year, no way Jose, we are doing it up big! We have reason enough to celebrate so we are going to Lake Lure this weekend to stay in a cute bed and breakfast and just enjoy being married. We are planning on hiking up Chimney Rock on Saturday to the falls and hopefully a romantic dinner somewhere Saturday night. We haven't been on a trip alone since our Honeymoon and now we realize the importance of getting away and focusing on our marriage no matter the cost or the time. THIS IS IMPORTANT and we have pledged to put our marriage second in command only to our personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Amen, we are finally getting something right!
Can you tell that I'm happy? =)
This is where we are staying. We booked the Dogwood room and it looks fabulous!
So let's recap the last four months or so:
February: Valentines day was good but I worked at the coffee shop that night and was able to enjoy all the other happy couples who came in. No rude costumers that night!
A lot of family birthdays were celebrated with several trips to Raleigh. It was fun.
March: Went to NYC with my sister. Had a blast and took lots of pictures. Hopefully I'll get some up here at some point over the weekend. Celebrated Josh's 26th birthday. Worked A LOT to recover the missed hours from my NY trip. So worth it.
April: Josh and I moved back in together in a new apartment. It took 2 movers, 8 hours, 500 bucks and about 30 boxes but we did it and we did it without help from anyone else other than professional movers. We were even able to witness to them and share our stories and the day ended with them telling us that we had made an impact for them. Praise God! We even hang out with one of them when time allows. =) I had Spring break and so did Josh, we were lazy and loved every minute of it.
May: Went to the doctor because I was experiencing some strange things health wise. Not pregnant, which was my first concern. I have low iron and apparently a doctor who transcends professional boundaries. I'll tell you about it if you want to know but I won't blast it up here. I'll just say that I am in the market for a new doctor's office. Got hooked into Twilight. Seriously, if you haven't read it and you don't want to to get sucked in, then don't pick it up. Josh bought me all 4 books in hardback as my anniversary gift because I love them so much. I am currently re-reading book 1. Do yourselves a favor and watch the movie first so you can create mental pictures in your head while you read. I promise, it is the right way to go about it. I think I may be morphing into a bigger Twilight series fan than I am a Harry Potter fan (gasp!). I know, take a minute. You know it has to be good if I like it better than my beloved Harry Potter. Seriously. addicted.....
Now that you are caught up, I am sitting at school bored out of my mind because the kids are on that last few days of school kick where they only want to play Candy land and if I have to play candy land one more time, I may vomit. Next week the kids get out and we have to pack up the school. We are moving on down to Pinnacle to the lovely pods next year. I am stoked because it is an upgrade for me. No more camel crickets and creepy spiders. Yay!
This weekend we are out of town and then the next weekend I am going to Virginia Beach to see Katie and Jo for a girls weekend before Jo moves on to Hawaii with her hubs who is in the Navy. Should be a fun time for all!
That is it for now. Check back for pictures in a few days!
The reason for my absence has been good! Things are on the up swing and life is so good. Today marks my 4th wedding anniversary and this year I am so excited to still be married! The past 2 anniversaries were good but we let me pass with little celebration. This year, no way Jose, we are doing it up big! We have reason enough to celebrate so we are going to Lake Lure this weekend to stay in a cute bed and breakfast and just enjoy being married. We are planning on hiking up Chimney Rock on Saturday to the falls and hopefully a romantic dinner somewhere Saturday night. We haven't been on a trip alone since our Honeymoon and now we realize the importance of getting away and focusing on our marriage no matter the cost or the time. THIS IS IMPORTANT and we have pledged to put our marriage second in command only to our personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Amen, we are finally getting something right!
Can you tell that I'm happy? =)
This is where we are staying. We booked the Dogwood room and it looks fabulous!
So let's recap the last four months or so:
February: Valentines day was good but I worked at the coffee shop that night and was able to enjoy all the other happy couples who came in. No rude costumers that night!
A lot of family birthdays were celebrated with several trips to Raleigh. It was fun.
March: Went to NYC with my sister. Had a blast and took lots of pictures. Hopefully I'll get some up here at some point over the weekend. Celebrated Josh's 26th birthday. Worked A LOT to recover the missed hours from my NY trip. So worth it.
April: Josh and I moved back in together in a new apartment. It took 2 movers, 8 hours, 500 bucks and about 30 boxes but we did it and we did it without help from anyone else other than professional movers. We were even able to witness to them and share our stories and the day ended with them telling us that we had made an impact for them. Praise God! We even hang out with one of them when time allows. =) I had Spring break and so did Josh, we were lazy and loved every minute of it.
May: Went to the doctor because I was experiencing some strange things health wise. Not pregnant, which was my first concern. I have low iron and apparently a doctor who transcends professional boundaries. I'll tell you about it if you want to know but I won't blast it up here. I'll just say that I am in the market for a new doctor's office. Got hooked into Twilight. Seriously, if you haven't read it and you don't want to to get sucked in, then don't pick it up. Josh bought me all 4 books in hardback as my anniversary gift because I love them so much. I am currently re-reading book 1. Do yourselves a favor and watch the movie first so you can create mental pictures in your head while you read. I promise, it is the right way to go about it. I think I may be morphing into a bigger Twilight series fan than I am a Harry Potter fan (gasp!). I know, take a minute. You know it has to be good if I like it better than my beloved Harry Potter. Seriously. addicted.....
Now that you are caught up, I am sitting at school bored out of my mind because the kids are on that last few days of school kick where they only want to play Candy land and if I have to play candy land one more time, I may vomit. Next week the kids get out and we have to pack up the school. We are moving on down to Pinnacle to the lovely pods next year. I am stoked because it is an upgrade for me. No more camel crickets and creepy spiders. Yay!
This weekend we are out of town and then the next weekend I am going to Virginia Beach to see Katie and Jo for a girls weekend before Jo moves on to Hawaii with her hubs who is in the Navy. Should be a fun time for all!
That is it for now. Check back for pictures in a few days!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A NY State of Mind
BIG NEWS!!!!
I AM NYC BOUND!!! WooHooo!!!
My sister and I are heading to New York City in a few short weeks for a vacation and we are both so stoked about it! I can't wait!!!! I have to say a huge thank you to my dad for planning all the details and cashing in credit card points and airline miles so that we basically have a free trip! I have the best dad in the world!
We are going from March 7 to March 11. We are staying right near Times Square and we are going to see these shows!
We are going from March 7 to March 11. We are staying right near Times Square and we are going to see these shows!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Christmas & Birthday Recap
So I am now officially 26 years old! Eeek! That number puts on the pressure. My mom says it is because it is one year closer to 30. I think she is right. I feel the pressure to START my life....does that make sense? I am 26 with a marriage in a rebuilding stage, no house, no children, a new career, little savings, and a car that was a gift. I feel extremely blessed to be this age and have no debt but in that same sense I feel like I cheated the system. Don't most people my age have school debt or car debt or house debt? My friends and acquaitances are starting families and I am just trying my best to rebuild mine. At times I feel slighted because this place is NOT where I thought I would be. However THIS place is the best place I have been in so far. My life is focused on God and on being the best example of Christ that I can be. Of course I want the house and the children and the 'dream' but in real life those things don't come without strings or sacrifices so if I have to spend a year or so refocusing my life on what is important then I can wait. Our God is so amazing and it baffles me to know that on the day that I said 'I do', my God knew the struggles I was going to face and the challenges and the broken heart that was headed my way. Thankfully God doesn't reveal things before their time because I don't know if I would have stood up in front of that church at 22 years old and said forever to the last 3 and half years that have just passed. God is good and although these times have been tough and some days I wasn't able to even fake a smile, He has brought me through it. I heard a pastor say once that when God allows a turbulent time in one of His children's lives that He can choose one of two paths for you. The first is to deliver you from that trouble and to use that time to bring Him glory through your healing. The second is that God may not bring healing to that time but He may use your suffering to bring glory to Him in a way that doesn' seem possible. This option makes me think of Kay Yow. She suffered for almost 2 decades with breast cancer and although in the end, God did not choose to heal her, He used that situation and that trouble to touch so many lives through that woman. It's amazing when you think about it.
Okay, I think I got off track. This was supposed to be about my birthday and Christmas. My birthday was great. Josh took me to PF Changs for dinner. It was yummy and we had a good time. The next night my Bible Fellowship class (all ladies) went back to PF Changs to celebrate my birthday and another lady's birthday. We had a blast. My family also came up on saturday to spend the day with me. It was good to not have to drive to see them and for them to come see me. All in all, a great birthday!
Christmas was great too. It was different year being in mom and dad's new house and just being by myself. Thankfully I didn't have much time alone to sit and dwell on being alone on Christmas. I felt loved and I got lots of great stuff. Here are some pictures:
Both grandfathers and piles of presents
Cute Jenna!
New Coat and scarf!
Best cutting board ever
Christmas morning- No jokes about the robe. It's comfy and I love it.
Pops
Looking in the stockings
Zoe playing with her new toy.
Old fashioned shoe box gift
Jenna with Sasha on Christmas Day
Okay, I think I got off track. This was supposed to be about my birthday and Christmas. My birthday was great. Josh took me to PF Changs for dinner. It was yummy and we had a good time. The next night my Bible Fellowship class (all ladies) went back to PF Changs to celebrate my birthday and another lady's birthday. We had a blast. My family also came up on saturday to spend the day with me. It was good to not have to drive to see them and for them to come see me. All in all, a great birthday!
Christmas was great too. It was different year being in mom and dad's new house and just being by myself. Thankfully I didn't have much time alone to sit and dwell on being alone on Christmas. I felt loved and I got lots of great stuff. Here are some pictures:
Both grandfathers and piles of presents
Cute Jenna!
New Coat and scarf!
Best cutting board ever
Christmas morning- No jokes about the robe. It's comfy and I love it.
Pops
Looking in the stockings
Zoe playing with her new toy.
Old fashioned shoe box gift
Jenna with Sasha on Christmas DayI don't have pictures from my birthday or I would post them. I am praying for good things this year and so far so good. Zoe is bored by me being at the computer for so long so I am signing off. Good night!
I'll leave you with another one of favorite songs currently. It is from Hillsong Church and someone made a video for it on youtube. Here is the link. Turn up the volume, get on your knees and WORSHIP!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc
I'll leave you with another one of favorite songs currently. It is from Hillsong Church and someone made a video for it on youtube. Here is the link. Turn up the volume, get on your knees and WORSHIP!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Love them like Jesus
So I obviously have not blogged in quite some time but I have often thought of blogging. Many times I will sit down at my desk to do my billing or check email and within minutes Zoe is at my feet whining. The dog hates it when I am at the desk. I guess because my back is to her or I am not paying attention to her. Anyway, it makes answering emails, doing billing, and obviously BLOGGING a challenge. For now she is curled on the love seat behind me content to watch me type. We'll see how long that lasts. For some weeks I have been thinking about how much I have been through the last few months of my life and how WONDERFUL my parents have been through the whole thing. Financially, Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually....just every way they have supported me without question and been there for whatever I needed. So in their honor this blog is a public thank you for being wonderful parents. So many kids I see today don't have a support system like I do and I fear for their futures. I am so blessed to have been born into the family that I was and to have parents that care about my well being, especially when times are tough.
Mom & Dad- I am forever indebted to you for all of the tears that were cried, bills that were paid, prayers that were offered, furniture that was moved, and hugs that were shared. I wouldn't be the woman I am today and have the faith and trust in my Heavenly Father if it weren't for the strong and gentle guidance of you both. Thank you for everything.
Every time I hear this song on the radio it makes me think of how my parents "loved me like Jesus" during the most difficult time in my life thus far.
Casting Crowns sings this song "Love them like Jesus" and although not all of the song applies to me, it reminds me of how giving and loving my parents were. Here are the lyrics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3UI--v_xY
Love Them Like Jesus
I would remiss if I didn't also thank my grandparents. They are immeasurably wonderful people and were also understanding and faithful during this time. I love you too!
So enough mushy stuff for now. Hope this finds you all well!
Mom & Dad- I am forever indebted to you for all of the tears that were cried, bills that were paid, prayers that were offered, furniture that was moved, and hugs that were shared. I wouldn't be the woman I am today and have the faith and trust in my Heavenly Father if it weren't for the strong and gentle guidance of you both. Thank you for everything.
Every time I hear this song on the radio it makes me think of how my parents "loved me like Jesus" during the most difficult time in my life thus far.
Casting Crowns sings this song "Love them like Jesus" and although not all of the song applies to me, it reminds me of how giving and loving my parents were. Here are the lyrics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3UI--v_xY
Love Them Like Jesus
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
This song is a sequel - an answer to the questions posed in "Here I Go Again". When I fear what to say, I've taken my eyes off Jesus. He will restore. He will rebuild. He will answer the questions. My place is just being there, loving them, and pointing them to the Father.
Matthew 11:28-29 / I Corinthians 3:7
Isaiah 55:10-11 / 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
2 Corinthians 12:9 / 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18
Hebrews 4:14-16 / Matthew 11:28
Lyrics
The love of her life is drifting away
They're losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart (I change this verse to 'a husbandless home, a wife's broken heart)
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you
Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus
The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to gray
As the little one slips away
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You're trying to make sense of it all
They're desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They're looking to you
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus
I would remiss if I didn't also thank my grandparents. They are immeasurably wonderful people and were also understanding and faithful during this time. I love you too!
So enough mushy stuff for now. Hope this finds you all well!
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