My Husband is Amazing

October 29, 2009

(Warning...sappy moment blog)


That gorgeous blue eyed man on the left is amazing. I don't know if I publicly say this that often but I think my husband is incredible. His heart is amazing. He is intelligent. He is funny. He is compassionate. He is genuine. He even has the gift of gab. I appreciate him for everything he does for me, his family, his friends, and his students. He truly wants to help others and has totally grasp onto one of the main purposes of following Jesus, that we should Love God and Love others. He's on that. He has an incredible love for God, a love that is greater than our love, and then a genuine love for others. He isn't perfect and as his wife, I can assure you that but he is the real deal. He's my best friend.

I love you Ryan Jackson and appreciate all you do.

Leaning on the Lord

Sorry for the very "Christianese" language of the title but that's what this blog is about. There are some things going on in Ryan and I's life where we really need to lean on the Lord. Ryan and I are about to open a new chapter in our lives and it's somewhat scary because it's unknown territory. This is the first of many major changes that Ryan and I will go through together. But I'm 100% confident that God is leading us and we need to depend on Him. Just want to send out a simple prayer request. If you are a believer, just pray a quick prayer for us that our ears will be open to God's plan. God is guiding us into something and we're not sure where it is or the details of that but we want to go where He's leading us. Just pray that we are in tune to where He is leading us. Thanks. Love you blog readers...even though it's like 2 of you!

Bay Shore Community Church Staff Trip!

October 13, 2009

Last week Ryan and I hit the road to go on vacation with the whole Bay Shore staff to the Outer Banks. It was awesome! We were surrounded by beautiful scenery and weather, wonderful friends, good food, and tons of laughter and relaxation. We had an awesome time. I hope these types of vacations continue throughout the years.

I thank God for allowing us to be a part of this church and to be surrounded by such wise leaders. The staff at Bay Shore is amazing. Love you guys!

Baby talk

October 01, 2009

Tim and Gillie had Willow Grace Tice on September 18th and she's my favorite baby...even though I haven't been around a lot of babies. She's got these chunky cheeks that are the cutest things I've ever seen. She's beautiful. So Congrats to Tim and Gillie on their new baby girl. She's amazing.

This post brings me to another point. Many people start asking you after you get married, "When are you going to have kids?". Why do people do that? That question annoys me after it's asked over and over and over. I feel like everyone rushes you to have kids as soon as you get married. After you've been married for over 2 years, you're like a rarity if you haven't had kids yet.

Now don't get me wrong, I can not wait to have kids. I know they will be amazing and will become a great joy in Ryan and I's life. We definitely want kids and also want to adopt, but just not now. We want to enjoy each other...call it selfishness if you want. But I understand that when kids come, the time with each other will decrease and our focus will be shifted. I know that once I have kids, it will never be just me and Ryan. I love my time with my husband and I'm soaking up every single moment with him because I know one day we won't have this chance. He's my best friend and I guess I want him all to myself right now. Plus I'm getting my masters, working 2 part-time jobs as well as teaching dance on the side, and part of our youth ministry. If I were to have kids now, at least one, if not a few of those would have to give and I'm not ready for that.

So that's my baby talk. I have my own plans and of course, my plans may not be God's but I don't have the "baby fever" yet. I love holding Willow Grace...I get giddy when she smiles at me, and I could probably just sit and stare at her all day b/c I think babies are amazing...but I'm still waiting. One of my own will come some day...just not soon if I have the choice. So there's the answer to the annoying question that is asked over and over again to Ryan and I.

Congrats Amanda and Shaun!

September 23, 2009

This past Sunday, Ryan and I were honored to be a part of Amanda and Shaun's wedding. It was awesome. We all had so much fun and we're so happy for them. Amanda and Shaun are some of the most genuine and kind-hearted people we know. We love them so much. Congrats guys!

Oh that last picture was all of us doing this dance! So much fun.

His eye is on the sparrow

September 08, 2009

This week in church Pastor Jeff spoke about the story behind a hymn called "It is well". The man who wrote the song lost his 4 daughters in a tragic event. Before he lost his daughters, he also lost a son to scarlet fever and his real estate to the great Chicago fire. He wrote the lyrics to "It is well" at the approximate spot where his daughters drowned. The message from Pastor Jeff was inspirational and I recommend that you watch it here.

But this post is not about "It is Well"...it is about one of my favorite hymns, "His eye is on the sparrow". This hymn was wrote by a woman named Civilla D. Martin in 1905. During that time, Civilla and her husband became close friends with another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle who Civilla calls "true saints of God". Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for 20 years and her husband was an incurable crippled but still conducted business in his wheelchair. Everyone who knew the Doolittle's knew them as people who were always happy and hopeful and brought comfort and inspiration to others. When Civilla asked Mrs. Doolittle what their secret is to being so hopeful and happy despite their inabilities, she answered, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me", and refers to Matthew 6:29. Civilla called this statement a "simple and beautiful expression of boundless faith" and was inspired to write the hymn, "His eye is on the sparrow".

The lyrics are:
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion / A constant friend is He / His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy / I sing because I'm free / His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He watches me (He watches me) / His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He watches / I know He watches / I know He watches me

My favorite version by far is done by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill. I love this song.
Click here to listen to my favorite version...it's awesome.

Great commercial

September 03, 2009

I love this commercial. Especially the "Get out" part at the end. It's one of the little things that makes me giggle every time I see it.