Jessica Nicole McDonald

Wedding Photos!

2012-01-22T18:06:00.002-06:00

Melissa and I shot another wedding of some friends two weeks ago! The photos are up on our photography blog - so please, go take a look, leave a comment and tell us your thoughts!!! :D

Josh & Suzanne's Wedding

2011: Life and Other Musings

2012-01-03T12:54:00.019-06:00

“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” - Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place

2011 was a crazy year. When I sit down and think about everything that has happened, I get a little overwhelmed and have to remind myself that it was only *one* year in which all these things happened. It has felt like a lifetime.

But, I learned so much! In spite of some difficulty and stress, I have recognized God's careful, loving hand as He molded and shaped me. Through difficulty the Lord has revealed grace. I've been reminded that this life isn't about *me*. The Lord has been teaching me to take the focus off of myself and to focus more on Him and loving others as He loves. I've learned that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. Instead, I need to look at Jesus and take example from him. I need to love as He loves. It hasn't been easy...actually, it's been difficult, but I am grateful for the learning - for the process and where it has brought me in my relationship with those close to me as well as with the Lord.

Besides, without the difficulties in 2011, I wouldn't have a realization that family are the most important people in the world - friends come and go, but family is always, always there for me. I wouldn't have a closer, encouraging relationship with several friends who I hadn't appreciated before as I should have. (I am so grateful for the true friends that the Lord has blessed me with! You know who you are!).

And so many more things that I am unable to write down.

More importantly then anything, though, I have learned that no matter what we may be going through, no matter what tough choices and decisions we face - God is always there, leading us and teaching us and shaping us to be more like Him. When we're in the middle of a hard situation, we don't always see or understand what God could possibly be doing, but when it's over and the worst is behind us, we can look back and see God's hand throughout the storm. He is faithful, dear friends. That is what 2011 has taught me above all...no matter how difficult the future may look, God is in control of it all. He loves us and He holds us in the palm of His hands. Trust in that. Trust in Him.

“At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him...Watch where God puts you into darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet...When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.” - Oswald Chambers

Of course, I don't want you to think that my year has been nothing but difficulty! On the contrary, my hardships have revealed greater blessings! Plus, sooo many wonderful events have happened this year & I have been able to see my sisters who live so far, more often then I did the year before, which was a great blessing to me. Also, James, my oldest brother, got married, Tiffany & Ben had a baby girl, I turned 21, I flew a plane for the first time, I experienced the Northern California mountains up close and personal (cough) and I got to have all of my family together for the Holidays. I call that wonderful. The Lord has truly blessed me. :)

Happy, happy 2012! May this new year of your life be a blessed year and bring you closer to our Savior!

Without further ado, here is a recap of the year in photos. :)

Life Rally 2011
(This is our singing group!)

Twelfth Night 2011

Valentine's Day

Liberty Day!
My first experience with being completely in charge of the household for a week. This includes meals, cleaning, schooling the kids, etc. It was a HUGE learning experience for me! But I was super glad to have Mom and Melissa back home. ;-)

An outing in DeKalb with dear friends!

My eldest brother, James VI asked Jill to marry him and they had a lovely wedding in Peoria! I gained a niece AND another sister this year. :)

Road Trip!
Our big road trip this year consisted of driving all the way out to California. A full, three day journey! It was full of fun & was definitely a highlight of the year. :)

Mom & Mrs. Chapa!

We loved staying with the Chapa family on our way out and back!

We love our Colorado friends. :)

I flew a plane for the first time while I was out in Colorado!

Mr Chapa is a fantastic pilot and let me take control of the plane for a few minutes! It was thrilling & terrifying! And let's not even get into the stalls that we did... :-)

Dad & Mr. Chapa!

Visiting with the fabulous Storrie girls while out in Colorado!

Presbytery took place in the beautiful mountains of Northern California!

Spending some much-missed time with our wonderful, amzing outlaws! I miss y'all!!

Sister & Brother-in-Law! <3

Nic & I were the milkshake makers.

They tasted pretty good if I do say so myself. :-)

I miss my outlaws!!

Moosh & Caleb, exploring the mountain behind the Hectors home!

The baptism of my niece, Lilyana Shapirta Hector!

Outlaws!

Back home! This is our Spring Family Photo!

Turkey Festival!

The Fourth of July was spent with dear friends!

Lilyana and Tiff came out to visit for the Ladies' Tea! And she brought SURPRISES: Mrs. Hector, Matthew, Nic & Anthony!!!

My beaaaautiful niece!

We're just missing Christa & Mom! :-(

Shopping trip!

Because we love little coffee houses... :)

Saying goodbye was ridiculously hard...*sigh*

Some dear friends blessed me with this entire Agatha Christie Mystery collection! I am in love. :)

Dad, Caleb & Mr. Vogel built a tree-house. It is spectacular!

Family Camp in Nebraska!

Concert with the Wintons!

Dates with girlfriends. :)

Thanksgiving!

And the family is back to visit again!! Not Justin Bieber. ;-)

Christmas Morning!

Visiting with my little niece was definitely a highlight. :)

Sisters 2011

Our entire family: Christmas 2011

At Romantique Photography - A Wedding!

2011-10-26T20:23:00.002-05:00

Melissa and I, as some of you may already know, are pursuing photography. We started a blog sometime back and have been posting often on it ever since!

Anyway, we recently shot our first wedding, which was both stressful and exciting - a great experience! The photos from the wedding are finally up on the blog! Please check it out and tell us your thoughts. :-)

http://romantiquephotography.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/justin-melinda-wedding/

Sincerely,

Jessica

Gossip and the Sinner

2011-10-11T11:51:00.006-05:00

‎"For such is the weakness of human nature, alas, that evil is often more readily believed and spoken of another than good. But perfect men do not easily believe every tale that is told them, for they know that man's nature is prone to evil, and his words to deception." (Thomas a Kempis)

Gossip is so destructive. It can destroy reputations, friendships, families, churches, and unity in the Body of Christ. Think before you speak about another person; stop the conversation when someone gossips to you about another person, realizing that you should "never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter" (Samuel Hurwitt). Stop before you speak and consider whether or not your words bring glory to the Lord.

Before passing on or discussing negative information about another person ask yourself these questions:

Is what I'm saying completely true?
Is what I’m saying colored by any anger or bitterness
Am I seeking for someone to agree with my position?
Am I assuming false motives?

Is what I'm saying kind?

Is what I'm saying God-honoring?

Is the person I’m speaking to part of the solution (a pastor, parent, or other person in authority)?

What are my motives in passing on this information?

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. (Psalm 101:5)

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape... A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (Proverbs 11: 9;13)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (Proverbs 20:19)

This isn't something I've mastered. Unfortunately, it's something that I struggle with on a regular basis. But near the beginning of this year (and since then) the Lord has really been revealing to me the destructive nature of slander and gossip, and the importance of being trustworthy. I've also realized that listening to gossip is just as sinful as speaking gossip. It can change your opinion of someone, and the information you're hearing might not even be true. You don't know circumstances, perspectives, motives or reasons.

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18:17)

We can also be sure that someone who gossips to us, will also gossip about us. It’s tempting to listen, but remember it affects your very soul.

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (Proverbs 18:8)

Please, please, avoid gossip; don’t speak it and don’t listen to it. As Christians, we must be trustworthy. Let us be like David when he said, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

As the old saying goes, "If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all."

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18)

Romantique Photography

2011-09-19T12:11:00.003-05:00

Introducing a new blog! My sister, Melissa, and I have our new photography blog up & running! Please go and check it out!! :-)

Romantique Photography

So this is...love?

2011-08-22T15:55:00.006-05:00

"So this is love. So this is what makes all of life divine. I’m all aglow, and now I know, the key to all heaven is mine..."

- Cinderella

It’s overwhelming. In fact, the air is thick with it. Everywhere I look, I am bombarded by illusions of “love.” It’s in the music, the movies, the marketing—it’s even in the food. I see young people who are attracted to one another merely for their looks, or for the ego boost they get from all the attention they receive (isn’t that what flirtation is all about?).

I see it in movies where the beautiful girl falls instantly in love with the Brad Pitt look-alike. The fact that he’s a “bad boy” who she needs to make “good” only adds power and romance to the story. Or what about the song where the man croons over the girl he saw for only a moment? Without any knowledge of her character, he knows instantly that she is the one for him! The fact that he doesn’t even know her name is supposed to be proof of some “magical spark” and convince us of his deep and profound love. Easy come, easy go.

Though stories like these might appeal to our sense of romance (or maybe an amused eye roll), we need to recognize that we are being wooed by a superficial, self-focused, unrealistic, and empty view of “love.” In fact, sometimes I feel like I’m being indoctrinated by an evil fake—by a false definition of love.

Dictionary.com defines love as “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” I think that comes naturally as a result of real love, but it doesn’t start there. The Bible defines loves in this way:

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

If a man really loves a woman, he won’t risk her heart or her purity by pursuing her in a way that is outside of God’s will. He won’t play with her emotions or tempt her affections simply to satisfy some sort of fleshly desire inside himself. In fact, if he’s acting in love, he won’t attempt to stir her affections at all, outside of the bounds of a lawful commitment.

If a young woman is truly acting in love toward her brother (yes, he is her brother), she won’t risk his heart or his purity by seeking to be pursued in a way that is outside of God’s will. She won’t play with his emotions or (by her actions, words, or dress) tempt him to think of her in an inappropriate way simply to satisfy some sort of fleshly desire inside herself.

Love is all about dying to self and putting others first. I think self-gratification may be the very opposite of love. True love is all wrapped up in humility, gentleness, truth, and long suffering. True love resembled or mirrors the love we receive from Christ. Love isn’t focused on the self-satisfying ideal of what someone looks like or how good they make us feel about ourselves. Love isn’t deceived by flattery.

Love is not a noun; it is a verb—an action. I think that Paul Tripp words it well in his book What Did you Expect? He says:

Love calls you to be silent when you want to speak, and to speak when would like to be silent. Love calls you to act when you would really like to wait and to wait when you would really like to act. Love calls you to stop when you really want to continue and it calls you to continue when you feel like stopping. Love requires you to lead when you really would like to follow and to follow when you really want to lead. Love again and again calls you away from your instincts and your comfort. Love always requires personal sacrifice. Love calls you to give up your life.

I recall a time when a young man showed me a lot of attention. A lot. And I don’t mean that he simply talked to me or spent a bit of time with me. I mean that he openly and constantly flirted with me—to the point where others noticed and I was strangely uncomfortable.

Still, deep down, I was flattered when he singled me out above all the other girls. He said all the right words and made me feel really good about myself—it was an exhilarating feeling. When he complimented me, I felt beautiful; when he picked me out of a crowd I felt special; when he showered me with constant attention I felt like I mattered. Though I wasn’t at all interested in him in a romantic way, the attention he gave me made me feel good about myself. In a way, I was using him.

In my soul, in my very being, I felt the desperate need to love and be loved. That longing for romance was in my heart. I wanted to matter to someone. Though I have an amazing relationship with my father, I still desired the love of a man – a man who would love only me, who would cherish and desire only me…and me alone. Don’t most of us have that desire?

But, like a sugar or caffeine high, the drug of false love causes a hard crash—and depending upon how long and to what extent we’ve entertained our flesh this way, it can be a long fall to the ground.

You see, just like I wasn’t interested in him, this young man didn’t care about me. He didn’t love me (or the other girls he treated this way) as Christ loves me. He wasn’t striving to protect my heart or my mind. No, he was casually using me to make himself feel good—to build his ego and to satisfy his fleshly, prideful desire for attention. That’s what flirtation is—a self-gratifying game of “boost the ego.”

In a surreal sort of way, it hurt to watch him suddenly lose interest and almost immediately go on to another girl. This is not because I’d given away my heart, or that I had hoped he would ask to court me. I was hurt because I felt…well, used. Like he had been leading me on for his own amusement and then dropped me when he found someone more attractive and more interesting. By not being on guard to my own flesh, I had set myself up for rejection. In my heart, even if for a moment, I had allowed a person to define my worth.

When I realized how foolish I had been, I have to admit, I cried. Not over a broken heart, because I hadn’t given my heart away in the least, but because I was insulted by the way I had been treated. I was irritated that I hadn’t recognized it right away! And I was mad at myself for stupidly (and selfishly) enjoying the attention of a fake.

You see, I think I can safely say that all of us long to be loved for who we are. We want to be loved in spite of our awkward tendencies, our imperfect body shape, or the silly things we sometimes say. We long to be cherished and desired for who we are—to be loved, protected, and valued.

There have been times in my life when I’ve wondered if there is a man out there who could ever truly love me in spite of my imperfectness. Have you ever had those thoughts? It is not like I’ve ever been desperate to be married. In fact, I love my life just as it is. It’s just that I sometimes wonder if anyone (outside my own family) will really want/love me after truly getting to know everything about me.

I think maybe, without even realizing it, this has been my secret fear for some time. Recently, after observing another group display of the idle “he likes, she likes” pattern, those melancholy thoughts of not being “good enough” somehow came upon me again.

But, at that moment, something amazing happened—in the middle of these thoughts, the Lord revealed something beautiful to me…something that spoke and ministered to me in a million different ways.

So, this is…God

It was late evening. The sky was already dark and sprinkled with numberless beautiful stars. The radio was playing softly in the background. I hadn’t really been paying attention to the music, mostly because I was too self-absorbed in discouraging thoughts—thoughts of not being “good enough,” lovable enough, pretty enough, or clever enough.

It was while these thoughts were whirling through my head that my ears perked up. The song, I Love You This Big, was being played on the radio. The song itself was sweet, but nothing all that profound. However, as usual, God took some ordinary thing and made it spectacular. As I listened to the chorus, my eyes stayed fixed on the brilliant stars that highlighted the blanket of darkness above me.

I love you this big
Eyes have never seen this big
No-one’s ever dreamed this big
And I’ll spend the rest of my life
Explaining what words cannot describe…

I realize this is written from one person to another, but as I listened, it was like God was speaking words of love to me. Here I was hurting because I felt unlovable, unattractive, and sometimes used by others, then God allowed this song to come on the radio.

I sat back and let a few tears run down my cheeks. I knew that the Lord was speaking to me. He was reminding me of what I’d already been told a million times – that man can never fill that void in us that is reserved for God alone. My God is a jealous God. I don’t need the attention of a created man to make me feel complete or loved – I am loved by the One who created them all—and who created and chose me! And, as I gazed upon the stars which He made, I felt a sudden peace. It was just so, so overwhelming, and so beautiful. I wish you could have been there. I wish that I could share that beautiful moment with each of you – because in that moment I felt more loved and more wanted then I’ve ever felt before. El Roi loves me!

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)

My worth is not measured by whether or not an earthly man loves or admires me. I have been pursued by the Lover of my soul—the One in whose image I am made. The One who created me, who knows everything about me, who watches me stumble and fall – and still loves me! He loves me!

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

The powerful, beautiful, wonderful Creator of all things loves me! He holds me, comforts me, showers me with blessings. In my clouded thinking, I seemed to almost forget. I have Someone who not only loves me, but who proved it by dying for me, in all my unloveliness!

I’m talking to all my friends here: I beg you – don’t fall for superficial love! Don’t fall into the worldly and immature “he likes her” and “she likes him” silliness. Don’t be deceived by flirtatious fickleness, or by men or women who are paying attention to you just to feed their own egos ( Romans 8:1, 12:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:6).

Does that young man actively love you (by love’s true definition), or is he flattering his own ego—appealing to your flesh? Will he make a faithful, godly husband? Will he be a good father and example to your children? Ask yourself what it is about him (really) that you find attractive?

Guys ask yourself the same thing about that girl who makes your heart skip a beat. What is it (really) that attracts you to her? Be honest with yourself. What is it that makes you think she might make a good wife or mother to your children?

Don’t let popular music, Hollywood, or pop culture deceive or define you (Romans 12:2). If you are lonely and empty, if you feel unlovable and unwanted, remember we’re all unworthy. Remember Christ’s sacrifice for you on the cross…the very picture of true love (John 15:13).

Turn to Jesus. He will fill that void—that hole in your heart that is shaped only for Him. His love never fails – and it’s not based on how cute you are, how smart you are, or how “good” you are. In fact, Jesus Himself is the one who transforms our unloveliness into something beautiful indeed. Yes…this is love.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! —and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning, in Sonnets from the Portuguese, No. LXIII.

2011-08-04T18:46:00.001-05:00

I've had an...interesting experience this week. I though I would recount it to y'all so you can each share in a bit of my terror.

The Night Terror: A Horror Story with a Slightly Satisfying Ending

So there I am, reading at midnight. It had been a loooong day & I was really into the book I was reading. Somebody must have been dying, or fighting...or something interesting was happening. I'm so engrossed in it that I barely hear the gentle "Plop" beside my ear. But, it being a plop (and "Plops" being shortly followed by my viewing of bugs...) I, of course, must turn to look.

Now everyone knows that I don't care for bugs. Okay, I REALLY don't care for bugs, but usually I can (mostly) keep my cool. There are a few select creatures, though, that really, really, really, really freak me out. Also, seeing ANY bug at midnight tends to freak me out more then it would if I saw it at noon. Does that make sense?

*cough*

Anyway, so I turn to my left and what do I see? WHAT. DO. I. SEE??? A BIG FAT DISGUSTINGLY GREEN AND DISGUSTINGLY FREAKISH LEAF BUG BESIDE ME. Right there. Beside me. At midnight. Waiting - JUST WAITING to plop on my head while I'm sleeping. I could see the malicious intent in it's green face...well, for as long as I looked at it (which was probably for 1/100th of a second.).

I leaped from my bed, through my book on Melissa's bed and ran screaming from the room. I called first for Dad, but seeing as all the lights were off, I decided that he was already in bed. Who is the next closest? CALEB. So I go into his room, flash the lights (while still yelling) and he jumps out of bed. He tries to put on his shirt, which I refused to let him do (I grabbed it and threw it in the air) seeing as it would take WAY too long and by then the bug would be IN MY BED (one of my worst fears). I shoved a shoe into his hands and led him to my room and pointed out the bug.

Caleb, being the sweet, kind, brother that he is killed it right there. But then...(HORROR OR HORRORS) HE REFUSED TO WIPE IT UP. So there, beside my head, on the wall, would be a big, fat, disgustingly green and disgustingly freakish SQUASHED leaf bug. That's almost as bad as an ALIVE big, fat, disgustingly green and disgustingly freakish leaf bug (emphasis on "almost".). He leaves the room, I'm practically in tears even though I am VERY grateful that it's at least DEAD. Mean green trespasser. As I struggle to decide who to ask to pick it up (I just CANNOT pick it up myself.) who do I see as I leave my room once more?

Dad. He's half-smiling and clutching a shoe in his hand. I thought I was going to die of joy. MY HERO. HE would pick up the bug for me! I would never have to see that big fat disgustingly green and disgustingly freakish leaf bug ANYMORE.

"Where is it?" My hero asks, ready to do battle on my behalf.

"Well, Caleb killed it, but............could you please pick it up for me?"

He is amazing and he did it.

Thus, my terrifying night was concluded.

Well...ALMOST concluded. I moved my bed AWAY from where the bug had been and I slept at the farthest end of my bed (just in case that leaf bug had any friends, cousins or enemies.) and I laid in bed for about 10 hours (praying there were no more in the room.) before finally falling asleep.

Now where can I find some Leaf Bug Killer?????

P.S. I was going to add a picture of the horrid thing (I found one on the internet.) But it was TOO terrifying. I just couldn't. So if you want to see what a leaf bug looks like, then go look it up yourself. *shivers*

"It's Independence Day..."

2011-07-07T20:44:00.007-05:00

Independence Day is always a big deal over here in our neck of the woods. Actually, I can hardly remember an Independence Day in my life that WASN'T celebrated. We love to get together with friends, enjoy the heat (*cough*), munch on watermelon & grilled meat, laugh, play and of course - FIREWORKS. We Americans sure do know how to put on a party, if I do say so myself. :-)

So anyway, without further ado, here are some photos of our 4th of July. :-)

Anti-Legalists?

2011-06-30T09:47:00.003-05:00

Do you ever read something or repeatedly hear something that makes no sense and just drives you crazy? An idea? A point of view? An opinion? There's been talk in Christian circles lately that’s been driving me up a wall. No, I'm not talking about youth groups or hard rock; I'm talking about judgmental attitudes.

Now, before you start pulling your hair out, please hear me. I'm actually coming from a different side of the picture than most. Usually, when I hear people talking about "legalists" and "judgers," I'm hearing it from “liberal” Christians who are calling more "conservative" Christians "legalists". Why? Now that is the question.

I recently participated in a discussion on Google Buzz about "hyper-conservatives". First of all, let me say that I really, really hate that term. I mean, it's so relative! Who is to say what “hyper- conservative” even means? Or even "conservative?” I know people I would definitely consider liberal who call themselves conservative, but, I also know strict Mennonites who call themselves conservative! They look and act like they’re from different planets, but they both own the term. In fact, some non-Christians use the term “conservative” to describe their political position. There is no clear line. It's all relative.

Anyway, I noticed that one of the people in the conversation pointed out that a certain secular pop star (Katy Perry) "used to be" a Christian, but ran from the faith of her childhood (into a completely anti-Christian behavior and lifestyle) because of her parent's alleged "hyper- conservative" lifestyle. He added that he wasn’t surprised and the she obviously, “ran from the prison of religion as soon as she could.”

This is a total sore spot with me. First, I really, really, really hate it when people blame their "hyper-conservative" families for their own rebellion—“running from Christianity.” What caused Katy Perry to run from "the prison of religion" – a term I think is just an excuse to do whatever we want, as if "free in Christ" means free to do whatever—was her own sinful heart. It was not her parents fault, or her family's fault, or her church's fault. We get so caught up in blame shifting that it gets ridiculous. We are responsible for our own sin - we can't blame it on those around us.

I don’t think a conservative (or even a hyper conservative) lifestyle is what causes young people to run from Christianity (and even if it is, it is still not the family's “fault”). I think what causes a young person to run (outside of his/her lack of faith in Christ) is perhaps not knowing why they believe what they believe.

Some young people haven't embraced a true faith, or their own convictions; instead, they have simply been going through the motions, adopting the convictions of others who, in their opinion, have it all together. They don't know why they do what they do.

When they're child says "Why do we __?" or “Why don’t we ___?” the parent doesn't have an answer—or doesn’t take the time to give one. This is a problem! We have to know why we do what we do - otherwise we are living a works-based religion. But a family who has convictions from the Bible (perhaps they are considered "ultra-conservative", but they're still based on a thoughtful interpretation of Scripture) is doing nothing wrong. If your parents decide (from their reading of Scripture.) that head-coverings are to be worn constantly in their household, that does not mean that the child has an excuse to abandon their faith and blame their rebellion on their hatred for head coverings, complaining, "Oh, they were just sooo (hyper) conservative."

Being “ultra-conservative" (whatever that really means) is not a bad thing if the Holy Spirit has convicted the family and this is how they choose to work out their understanding of Scripture.

And what does it say about the child who rejects Christianity for such superficial things? It's a love for the things of the world that causes a child to run from Christianity (or authority.), not whether or not the parents are "ultra-conservative". And what does "ultra” or “hyper” conservative" mean anyway? Can we be "too godly"? True, if our heart is in the wrong place then it is sin - but anything that isn't done in faith is sin.

Remember, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it (Matt. 5:17). He said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21). Love isn't a warm fuzzy - it's more than simple human affection. Like my mom said today, “Loving God means we honor and obey Him with abandon because of who He is and what He’s done for us.” Loving our neighbor is treating others the way we want to be treated, sacrificing for them, and putting them first (John 15:13). Isn’t it interesting that these things happen when we keep his commandments?

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37–39)

In other words, all the commandments of God have to do with these two commands. If we can obey these, we will have obeyed the others. Think about it. Be careful of judging others as “ultra-conservative” or “legalistic.” Be careful of being a legalistic anti-legalist.

For more on this subject, read Sally “Used to be” a Legalist by my wonderful Mother. :)

2011-06-22T13:12:00.003-05:00

“Her heart was torn between love and the future of Hawaii.”

Well, I watched Princess Kaiulani with Melissa last night.

The movie is basically about Princess Victoria Kaiulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawekiui Lunalilo's journey from a little girl growing up in the rugged, tropical beauty of Hawaii in the 1800's to a young woman standing up for her Country and fighting for the right's of her people. It was slow moving and quiet, but interesting. This will give you a bit more into the basic story before I go into my thoughts on the film...

Okay, soooo...the basic premise of the movie was good but a few things really started to irritate me (and caused me to become irritated with the movie itself.) one was the kissing scenes. They eventually got...um...kind of ridiculous? Not really scandalous - just super awkward. The other thing that bothered me was the fact that everything went waaaay too fast. I mean, we were just introduced to the guy 5 minutes ago and already it's two years later and they're kissing each other like there's no tomorrow??!!! What??? I'm not talking about once or twice but like, 8 times - never-ending-ly awkward kissing scenes. :P Pleaaaase, people - get on with the story.

(Also, Princess Kaiulani giggles constantly. ANNOYING.)

Just to clarify - it's not like I'm unromantic or unfeeling or anything, but this was NOT romance. This was the director not helping you get to know the characters but deciding to make up for that by passionate kissing and giggles over and over and over again. Sorry, but that doesn't fly with me. I want to FEEL for the characters! I want to know them and care about what happens to them. I want to feel like these people are my friends and their fate is something that I actually feel something about.

Now for the positive things I found in the movie (yes, there are some! :))

I thought that the actor who played for the Princess' aunt was wonderful. She didn't have many lines, but the ones that she did have were delivered powerfully and with much emotion.

Another thing that I really loved was the cinematography...I thought that the sweeping views of Hawaii (a Hawaii that's not swarming with tourists. ;)) were breathtaking and Melissa and I both agreed that we wished we could've visited Hawaii before the 1900's.

I have not read very much about Princess Kaiulani, or her story, so I'm not sure how much of the movie was true, but I talked with my Dad a bit afterward, and told him some of the facts that the movie had communicated to me and he informed me that many of them were true to history. Which brings me to the one thing that I found extremely interesting and thought-provoking about the movie...

I am most assuredly NOT Anti-American (I love my Country!) but it really, really annoys me when I hear of us Americans sticking our noses where we have no business. :P Yes, we are called to take dominion (as Christians.) - but Hawaii was a Christian country - we're not to take dominion of each other. :P

We invaded Hawaii and claimed it as our own. This was NOT our right and not something that we should have done. Of course, we take that a step further and only landowners in Hawaii could vote. Now I think that would be a fine decision here in the States, but in Hawaii, 90% of the population were Hawaiian - and none of them owned land. Kind of ridiculous - agreed?

Anyway, before this film I had known very little of the history of Hawaii and how it came to be an American state, so I really appreciated the learning experience that it afforded me.

Morally, the movie was acceptable and there were several moments where I saw examples of Christ-like love and sacrifice. One part that particularly stood out to me was Kaiulani showing kindness and mercy to the teacher who had been so cruel towards her in the beginning. A true picture of Christ and an example we would all do well to follow.

In closing, I wish I could say "Go see this movie!" and "It was amazing!", but really, I can't and it wasn't. But if you have an evening with nothing else to do, and you want to watch a relatively clean and quiet documentary-style film - I'd say to give it a go.

2011-06-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

My life is a little overwhelming at the moment, which is the reason I haven't had time to put up a longer post then the past three. But soon, one will be coming. For now, give this beautiful & encouraging song a listen.

Stronger
by Mandisa

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger.

2011-06-19T23:16:00.001-05:00

I have the best father in the world and everyone should know that. :-)

So, Happy Father's Day to my amazing, talented, patient, wonderful, loving father.

I love you so very, very much, Dad. Thank you for everything you done for me and everything that you continue to do. Thank you for being my Knight in shining armor - my defender, my encourager, my challenger and my daddy. I wish for you the best father's day of all time. :-)

I'm so blessed to have the privilege of you being MY father. <3

2011-06-12T21:16:00.002-05:00

Do you ever hear a song that moves you and really speaks to your heart? I had one of those moments. I heard this one on the radio on the way home from Church today and nearly cried. It's beautiful.

Blessings
by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Turkey Fest 2011

2011-06-10T14:08:00.020-05:00

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Proverbs 17:22

Last night was the annual Turkey Festival in Tremont! Let me tell you, nothing is quite like a small-town carnival!! We were joined by many good friends and we spent the evening riding the rides, eating a few snacks and laughing...a lot. :)

They had a new ride that I have a bunch of pictures of in this post - it was called Nemesis 360°...terrifying, exhilarating and a TON of fun. It went extremely fast and went upside down several times. It was VERY popular with our group. :D

So anyway, without further ado, here are a few snapshots of our amazing evening. :)

Amusement... *grin*

Melissa got this "up high" view of the carnival grounds from the Ferris Wheel!

Big smiles were everywhere...

Emma and Hannah were having a fabulous time. :)

Abigail and Hannah try out the "Orbiter"...

I think the Boat ride freaked them out a bit. ;)

Mom and William take a spin...

Moosh took some amazing pictures while at the carnival!
(all these pictures are courtesy of her...except the self-portrait ones that I took.)

Lenna, Kasey and I right before Kasey and I went for a CRAZY ride on the Zipper!! :D

"Eyzma! Put your hands in the air!"
Lenna and I brave "Nemesis"!

We stayed upside down for a couple seconds before being dropped and spun around....

We decided it would be more epic if we stuck our legs out. :D

Coming back down...

Look closely...I'm screaming. :P

Caleb and Corey...being calm and collected. :D

The Ferris Wheel at night is beautiful. :)

Melissa and I...exhausted and messy, but we had a fabulous time. :)

After much arguing we made Sam get in the picture with us. :D

Moosh and Sierra. :D

Suzanne and Sierra! :D

I think Steven and Sam were talking about throwing up in this picture. :P

A small portion of our group!

And it was a wonderful night. :)

Ciao!

2011-06-09T10:56:00.003-05:00

My dear friend, Elissa Pickle, started this blog a little while ago. IT IS AMAZING.

Go visit. :)

Crunchy Con Natural Health and Cosmetics

2011-06-02T16:55:00.009-05:00

And now for the second part of our trip - CALIFORNIA! :)

These are not quite in order, but I felt that it was only fitting to begin with a picture of my beautiful niece, Lilyana Shapirta Hector. :)

McDonald & Hector girls!

A group of Hectors & McDonalds (and 1 Blanchard!) went hiking - it appears that they had a good time. :)

::smile::

On our way up to Yosemite National Park!! Unfortunately, it was too cold to stay very long.

My adorably and happy nephew, Joshua! :)

We had fun. ;D

Hohn took us out to a wonderful Mexican dinner!! Here he is holding Lilyana. :)

Mother and Daughter! <3

Joel, Nic, Moosh and Anton, having a fabulous time. :D

Matthew and Mr. Rafferty...having fun too, I think. :D

Moosh, myself and Anton with our niece!
Outlaws!!!

Emma *loved* the zip line at Jenness Park Christian Camp!

William had way too much fun. :D

The conversation at Presbytery was great. :D

Moosh & Anton - OUTLAWS!

Look at those cheeks!!! SO CUTE. :D

Both Ben and his daughter (and his wife!) don't mind dressing up for events. :D

Lilyana's baptism was beautiful and moving. There was a lot of emotion in our pew. :)

Dad, Mom and their newest grandchild. :)

Abigail loved the "Leap of Faith" at the camp.

MILKSHAKES. Nic and I were the milkshake makers. :)

William and I being goofy. :)

Thomas and Lindsey!! :)

All in all, it was a wonderful trip. So many new memories were made, so many good times were had, not to mention the conversations, encouragement, laughter and joy that was all around.

This vacation was so perfect. Thank you Hector & Chapa families for offering your homes to us and thank you to all our friends (old & new!) for the wonderful, encouraging fellowship that was had.

It was amazing. :)

"It's a dangerous business, going out your door..."

2011-06-01T12:48:00.007-05:00

"...you're step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."

(these are not necessarily in perfect order, but it gives you a little taste of bits of our trip.)

Once we'd left Illinois & Kansas behind us, our journey was filled with beautiful, wide open blue skies...

Rest stops are lovely places for family photos. :)

Some exhaustion was had...

Once at the Chapa's lovely home in Colorado, we were able to go up in a plane flown by Mr. Chapa! It was amazing.

Here's our lovely little plane...

(slightly excited!!)

Up & Away!!! :D

Lovin' It!!

Faith is one of the sweetest most hilarious little girls I've ever known. :D

Like their previous visits with each other, William and Faith were inseparable and hilariously goofy. :D

We loved getting to visit with the Storries!!

An afternoon at Garden of the Gods was a must! But since the parents were busy, us young people went out by ourselves. It turned into QUITE the adventure. *cough/laugh*

Mrs. Chapa & Mom!!

Mr. Chapa & Dad!!

And we left Colorado with more beautiful skies...

To be Continued...

Liberty Day 2011

2011-04-04T10:21:00.004-05:00

The ingredients for a lovely Liberty Day 2011 are as follows...

a blue sky

sunshine and smiles

happy children

self-portraits

sweet siblings

biiiiig, goofy grins

a sense of humor

Two Calebs

amazing friends

beautiful music

Girls

boys

a fabulous speaker

singing songs of praise

tired little eyes

a fashion show

learning how to march

confederate and yankee friends

enthusiastic conversations

and, of course, something yummy to drink. (:

Spring Walk 2011

2011-03-21T09:23:00.005-05:00

The weather was BEAUTIFUL yesterday. I mean, really gorgeous. So Melissa and I took the kids out on our annual "the-weather-is-finally-nice-so-let's-go-out" walk (or more simply known as Spring Walk). Anyway, here are a few photos that I took of our escapade. (:

"

A little bit of Thursday...

2011-03-03T11:51:00.005-06:00

I hate it when my mind goes blank. I’ve intended to write more often on my blog, but just can’t seem to think of anything to post about anymore. So, here’s where you come in! Please, tell me what you like to see on my blog: Pictures, articles, personal testimony, links, fashion, a little bit of it all? Just let me know!!

As an aside, the weather is still rather chilly (“nippy” as we like to say.) which is altogether disappointing. I’ve been anticipating warmer weather for some time now. I do so wish it would come! But, I remind myself: How would we know the wonder and beauty of spring if we didn’t know winter? So, I’m content to wait for it to come in God’s timing…though I wouldn’t mind if it came sooner rather then later. ;)

As for the happenings inside our house, there is a great lack of anything to speak of. I mean, besides cooking meals, schoolwork, doing laundry, cleaning, and relaxing in the evenings, our lives have been rather quiet (I’m still trying to figure out if I like that…I think I do.). St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, so Melissa put up some decorations in the archway that leads to our living room…it looks amazing! We try to decorate this area differently for every holiday that comes around. It was a sad day when we took down the pink hearts & vintage valentines that were dangling so beautifully…ah well! There is a season for everything. ☺

Speaking of which, lately, I’ve been contemplating my need to truly trust God. I know, I know, you probably hear that every day, “Trust God with this” & “Trust God with that;” but, sometimes I just stop and wonder, am I really trusting God or am I just acknowledging the fact that I should?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God… (Philippians 4:6)

I’ve had to make some big decisions lately, and sometimes I worry (I am a total worry-wart) about whether or not I’m doing the right thing. I don’t worry all the time, mind you, but I have these moments when I just pause…and then freak out – wondering & worrying if I’m doing the right thing, or if I’ve analyzed everything enough (yes, I'm also an over-analyzer).

I didn’t really know what to do about this (I mean, I would pray about it…but not very often.) and I just figured that it would pass and soon I would be fine. But, after several months, what really bothered me, was that my worry wasn’t going away on it's own. Then, I read an article on boundless.org. I can’t remember the title of the article but the theme was trusting God with big decisions in our lives. It stopped me in my tracks. I read that we’ve got to trust God completely…and not just with big decisions, but with little, “insignificant” decisions too. We need to consciously make the decision in our hearts to say, “Lord, I’m going to trust You. Lord, you have promised me that if I pray to you in faith that my prayer will be heard.”

James 1:5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

We need to pray in faith. Pray, expecting God to help you. Know that He will when help you. I realize that sometimes He answers prayers in ways we weren’t hoping for. But, I truly believe that, we ask Him for wisdom for making a decision, He will give us what we need. If we pray in faith.

So many times I’ve caught myself praying and finishing off with the thought, “I’d be shocked if God actually does anything about this…” (to my utter horror, but how is one to stop their subconscious thoughts?). I tend to have this “wrong thinking” going on in the back of my mind that my little problems aren’t important enough for God. I don’t trust Him. So often, I want instant results. I wrongly believe that, since I didn't receive a sudden “light bulb” above my head, it must mean God doesn't care; so, I just give up on praying about it. This is not trusting the Lord! I'm failing to believe that He’s going to do anything in the first place. Actually, I'm expecting Him not to. That is the opposite of faith!

In Matthew 21:20-22, “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

When we doubt that God will help us or give us wisdom when we ask for it, we are sinning. When we doubt His promises, we are doubting the very character of God. When He promises something, He will never break His word…it is impossible for Him to do so...God IS truth (See John 14:6).

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” - 1 John 5:14-15

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” – Matthew 6:30

“…Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I still am struggling with trusting God implicitly, but I thought I would share with y’all what the Lord is teaching me so far, slowly but surely. It's a learning process, my friends.
Also, remember, not only is worrying not trusting God, but it is a way to get the gloomiest look on your face of all time. So, remember - trust God & smile. :)

Cheerio,

Jessica Nicole

2011-02-22T10:29:00.005-06:00

I've been thinking about doing a blog post. Though, obviously, I haven't acted on this thought until now. *cough* Anyway, what's been happening in my life lately? What has been taking up my time and my energy? The real question: WHY haven't I been blogging?

Actually, I have no excuse. I've just been procrastinating (I'm the Queen of procrastination.) - and thinking, and...*gasp* facebooking. Very soon, I'll be taking another break from facebook, and who knows? Maybe I'll find more time to blog. :)

What have I been reading? Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith. It is book 2 in a series about all the wives of King David. Honestly, the writing-style isn't my favorite (I'm not really into popular Christian fiction.) but it's an interesting book, in that the way Abigail feels about being one of the *many* wives of King David is pretty much something I'd always wondered about. Obviously, it's not really how she felt (it's written by a 21st Century woman, after all.) but I'm sure her feelings were relatively similar. I mean, how would *you* feel, being one of many wives? Yeah, that's what I thought.

As for what I've been doing, here goes.

Tuesday was the day my family joined 4,000 other homeschoolers at the State Capitol to oppose SB136. A bill that was attempting to force homeschoolers to register their children with the state. It was SO exciting to see so many of us there, standing for freedom!

I went to a lovely party for Jesi Ryken's 16th birthday this past week. It was a wonderful time had by all (I do believe) and I really enjoyed just visiting with all the girls and celebrating another year in a dear sister in Christ's life.

On Sunday evening I enjoyed a small "Valentine's Day" party with Melinda, Melissa and Marie Michelle. We had a good time watching movies, eating ice cream, fellowshipping and laughing together!

Now the upcoming week is once again looking to be quite full, and I am remembering to be thankful. Whether or not I'm busy, I am alive. To smile and laugh, is to be full of joy. To love, is to know life at it's fullest. And that's what I'm going to do this week. Live, laugh & love.

In Christ Alone,
Jessica

Life Rally 2011

Superbowl Party

Opposing SB136

More pictures coming soon!

Vintage

2011-01-17T14:44:00.004-06:00

I've been in love with "vintage-style" dresses recently.

Not that I own many...

But still. They're gorgeous. Agreed?

Shabby Apple

Anthropologie

Boden

Kohls

::smile::

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEXAS!

2010-12-29T15:31:00.002-06:00

Today is December 29th - the birthday of the state I was born and raised in for 16 wonderful years. ::heart::

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TEXAS!

2010-11-28T20:29:00.006-06:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...and I can't believe it's already upon us again!! Can you? It's freezing outside, I can tell you that. The annoying thing is that i know it will only get colder. But I don't really mind it because I happen to like an excuse to wear boots. ;) Anyway, despite the cold, I truly love this time of year. The joy, the spirit, the remembrance, the victory, the mercy and the love. It's all wrapped up and combined in one big beautiful package this time of year!! Like I was commenting to my Mom earlier this week, Christmas is also a WONDERFUL time to share the gospel. It's our chance to show those in the world the TRUE meaning of Christmas!! How exciting is that??

"Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give..."

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I know I did. I just sit here thinking of all the things I'm thankful for and so many things come to mind...

Clean crisp air. That goofy little snort William does when he thinks something is hilarious. Emma, wrapping her arms around me and telling me she's so glad I'm her sister. Sitting in my Mom's lap. Those songs that come on Pandora that you can dance to. The foot heater in the car. The SEAT heater in the car. People who make me laugh. Those brave men sacrificing their comfort and lives for our freedom. The ability to laugh at myself. A certain man who's helping me learn so many things. My Dad and how I can always go to him with questions. Big hoodies that I can cuddle up in. Those cute half smiles. My sheep slippers. My family. My friends. Hugs. Jesus Christ, the Lover of my Soul. He didn't have to save me - but He chose to anyway. I am thankful for that most of all.

*deep breath*

So have y'all started shopping yet? Or finished shopping? We went out on Black Friday...it was QUITE an adventure. We went last year at around 1 in the afternoon and discovered that most of the sales ended at noon so this year we decided that we'd go out earlier. As a result, we got up at 4:30 am and were out of the house by five! We got lots of Christmas shopping done and saved a bunch of money. But mostly Mom, Melissa and I just enjoyed spending time together! Who cares about the sore feet and the tired heads - we were having a girls day out and loving it! :)

We also set up the tree yesterday. It looks beaaaautiful.

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay.
From now on our troubles will be miles away."

Have a wonderful Holiday season, y'all!

2010-11-14T20:13:00.002-06:00

So I'm sitting on the computer on an uneventful evening wondering what to write about. So much has happened and yet I can't quite remember all of it. :P I know, silly me.

Today was beautiful. I mean, it was cold, so the weather wasn't beautiful. But the day was beautiful minus the weather. (: Worshiping each week with my Church family is something that I love to do - & something that I look forward to each week. It's a blessing that I try not to take for granted.

Reformation Day was a smashing success! I hope everyone else was as blessed by the sessions, music and the fellowship as I was!! I will say, though, that it was slightly exhausting, and that the day after the last of our company left some of us slept in...pretty late. ;) But we LOVED having the Chapa family & Christa, Daniel & Joshua come stay with us! We had a blast talking, laughing, feasting, watching Doctor Who & singing in the car. (:

So, I got a surprise phone call from a special person this week! :) It was nice to hear from him after so long with just letters - something about hearing a person's voice is so much better then writing. (Though I'm not a big fan of talking on the phone...there are some exceptions I guess. ;)) Anyway, that was definitely a highlight of the week. (:

I've decided to start reading, "The Family: God's Weapon for Victory" by Robert Andrews...haven't started it yet but am definitely planning to soon in case y'all were interested. ;)

I'm getting *very* excited about Thanksgiving this year! I'm not really sure why (besides the obvious reasons. ;D) but just something about it has got me thrilled! Maybe I'm just loathe to admit that despite my hatred of cold, the holidays in winter are my favorites? Well, and July 4th. :)

So here's a question for y'all, readers! What 3 things are going to be at the top of your "I'm thankful for..." list this Thanksgiving?

So I'm going to stop now. This blog post is extremely rambly, probably due to the fact that I'm slightly tired after a long week. :P

Anyway, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, peoples! :)

Thankfulness...

2010-10-29T13:51:00.002-05:00

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to his name: He forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
Amen.

-Traditional Thanksgiving Hymn
(A translation by Theodore Baker: 1851-1934)

(Reformation Day Post *hopefully* coming soon. ;))

2010-10-18T15:47:00.008-05:00

To say that I'm BUSY would be a huge understatement. I've been so tempted to just complain about everything I have to do but I'm attempting to stay cheery. Reformation Day is JUST around the corner...which explains the stress. ;) Right now, I've finally finished deep cleaning the basement (company this weekend!), William is sitting down watching "Toy Story 2" & I've got some flan in the oven so I figured I'd sit down and write a blog post. :)

I picked up a delightful book at the library. Tiff recommended it to me...I'm so glad she did. :) "Damsels in Distress" by P.G. Wodehouse. It really cracked me up, because I finally sit down on the porch to read this book after putting dinner in the oven and soon after find out that that very day was P.G. Wodehouse's birthday. So I guess I celebrated just right. :) Anyway, it's a hilarious book so far...I love his writing style. He's simply brilliant with words.
Oh, and we've been watching Doctor Who in the evenings. It's my brother-in-law's fault. Really. He got us totally hooked on it. :) You know those annoying fans of "LOST" that would not stop harping on and on about the show? Those people that annoyed you to death? Those people that made you think "Who could like a dumb TV show so much?!" Well, that's us...*cough* But I"ll tell you, it's a fun way to spend an evening after working all day & stressing about Ref day. :)

Random conversation I had with Moosh recently:

Me: I'm stressed!!
Melissa: How can you be stressed? You're eating popcorn!!
Me: *British accent* Well, I can hardly eat popcorn in an agitated manner!

I love my ability to bring Oscar Wilde into regular conversations. *grins* ^^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So anyway, I'll stop boring you with my ramblings and show y'all a few random pictures from my very random life. :)

a lovely day spent at the Niesen's house! ^^

a lovely afternoon at the Mitts' house! ^^
(playing telephone pictionary and having a fantastic time. :))

driving in the car with Moosh, Marie Michelle, Kasey & William. ^^

william & emma on hay bales. I love fall.

my beautiful little sisters at the apple orchard in the apron's Tiff made for them. :) ^^

visiting with Mrs. Sanford, Sarah, Melinda, Jennifer & Mooshy. ^^

Moosh & I love doing dishes. ;) ^^

Had a great time shopping with some of my favorite girlfriends. :) ^^

Emma turned 8 this month...gosh, where is the time going?

Just because I like this picture. *grins* ^^

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:4-7

"Life is but a quick succession of busy nothings..." - Jane Austen

2010-10-05T17:07:00.002-05:00

If I said "life is crazy" at this point, I think it would be an understatement. But, just so you know it's a *good* crazy (for the most part. ;)). Between juggling life, life's changes, cold weather, sick friends, Church events & various other activities one can almost forget to breath.

But I will say, I'm pretty thankful for this afternoon. Yes, if you think about it the day has been stressful (also known as, our well ran out of water *again*.) but it's been quiet as Melissa took the kids out for the day. I was sitting here thinking how thankful I was for the beauty of the day (in spite of the things that have gone wrong, it's been a great day - week & past few months.) and I wondered to myself - why not write a blog post? So anyway, here I am. :)

Do you ever wonder why God blesses us like he does? I don't know about y'all, but I find that my blessings usually come when I least expect them. I *try* to know what's going to happen. I guess, I imagine, I romanticize, but in the end, guess what? God ALWAYS surprises me! I love it, truly. Because, I can't *not* guess & imagine but I want to be surprised (fyi, I love surprises...most of the time. ;)) and God knows this, and he does it every time. :) I'm just so thankful for all the ways he's surprised me with blessings over the years. I certainly don't feel a bit worthy & yet the Lord made the decision to bless me. I praise Him. :)

So with Reformation Day around the corner and no new costumes to wear the future could look very bleak. ;) But with my imaginative mind (*coughcough*) & Melissa's practicality we'll figure SOMETHING out, I'm sure. So if you thought that because Tiff has moved out of the house that the McDonald family will no longer show up to historical events in costume - NEVER FEAR. Nothing could be further from the truth! Who says we can't RE-WEAR old costumes? ;) So, that's decided. Moving on...

Martha Washington has the cleverest quotes. Get this: "The greatest part of our happiness and misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." I love that. Right now, I have some things I'm struggling with - things that tempt me to be gloomy & worrisome, but that quote gave me such a good perspective on my struggles! I don't have to mope - what can I do to change circumstances? Nothing! So it's time to put a smile on my face and get out there and cheer myself up!! As I always tell my little siblings, "Don't cry over spilled milk!" It's time to trust God, understand that He's got everything under control, seek to learn from your struggles, see what the Lord is trying to teach you and LIVE JOYFULLY.

So yes, life is busy. Life is good. And blessed. And a little stressful. But I'm going to try and make it a point to turn that frown upside down.

2010-08-28T09:38:00.004-05:00

Life is beautiful.

The phrase brings to mind a poignant Italian foreign language film (La vita è bella - Italian for "Life is Beautiful") with a powerful message that will break your heart, while encouraging your spirit. It begins as a sweet romance between an Italian Jew, Guido Orefice, and his wife. As the movie progresses, the focus moves to the couple’s young son. After being taken by the Nazis to a concentration camp, Guido hides his son in the barracks, where he manages to convince his precious little boy that the whole thing is a game, that it's not scary, and that soon there will be a winner - the prize being a tank (the Allies coming to the rescue.).

It brought tears to my eyes as I thought about how this father wanted his son to have a beautiful life - not a life full of the fear and danger he was experiencing. But, I couldn’t help wonder how much more beautiful life would've looked to this family had they lived with the knowledge that God is in control? If God had been the center of their lives? If, instead of fearing that his son would find out that World War II was not a game, he had hope—hope that his trials weren’t for naught—hope that the Lord holds all of us in the palm of His hand, and that for the Lord's Chosen people hardship is destined to end, how wonderful that would have been.

I guess lately I've just been thinking about the blessing of life—the blessing that through wonderful times, difficult times, and even sad times, the Lord is always with me. I may not be able to hear Him or feel Him. I can't see Him or smell Him; but, He has promised to never leave me. He's there whether I know it or not. I'm in the palm of His hand and can never be moved. I don't know about y'all, but that knowledge gives me an overwhelming sense of peace. And it makes my life beautiful.

My life really is beautiful. And, as I sit here reflecting on all the blessings the Lord has literally SHOWERED upon me, I feel so overwhelmed with thankfulness. I'm not always as thankful as I should be, and for that I am so ashamed. I thank my Precious, wonderful Savior for all He’s done in my life.

How about you? Have you taken the time today to thank the Lord for what is beautiful in your life? For the blessings? Yes, we should thank the Lord for the hard times too (they do build our character), but sometimes we're told that so often that we forget to tell God "thank you" for the good things too. So, take a moment, hit your knees and praise the Lord for your beautiful life.

2010-06-24T15:14:00.013-05:00

The weather is beautiful outside (sun is shining, wind is cooler than usual and the grass is a brilliant green...) and I plan on taking a walk and soaking up some of the beauty - first, though, I think I owe y'all a blog post. :)

Once the initial post-wedding exhaustion passed we found real life setting in - sort of. (: Christa and Joshua came up earlier this month to stay with us for a little while (they were up here for a homeschool conference) and that was such a blessing just to be able to spend time with them! We had an incredibly fun time hanging out before she had to leave. About a week after she left I found myself on the way to the beautiful state of Virginia with some dear friends of mine where I was able to just hang out and relax. (: And now, coming up, is a trip to sunny California for my sister and brother-in-law's wedding reception!

So as you can probably tell, life has been busy. But, I like it this way, especially when the days are spent busy with people I love! God is good. (: So, I suppose y'all would like to see a few pictures? ;) I'll upload some then - just for y'all. (:

Yes, we're pretty happy to be here. ^^

WILLIAMSBURG!

Girls and guns. (:

Men and hats. ;)

Ain't they darling???

*shrugs* We were thirsty!

THE CHRISTMAS MOUSE

Peter and Travis are wannabe cowboys. ;)

Aren't those camo Santa hats the cutest things??

Nathan asks the lady to dance.
But she didn't think it was proper to dance in a store. (:

We hold up Melissa's name as a "hello"! (:

Support Our Troops...

Or else. ;)

See a resemblance? (:

My "adopted" second mom and sister. (:

Becca and I sport our blue tongues. (:
(I know! It's not very ladylike!)

I had a Frosty for the first time! Delicious!!!

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORP

Walking up to the front...

A quick picture in front of the helicopter before going in to the theater to see a movie about the Marines!

Melinda found her man!
Unfortunately, he was cardboard. ;)

Mine was wax. :P lol

^^ *laughing* ^^

Peter pulls himself up!
(this is one of the obstacles the Marines-in-training have to complete at Boot camp.)

And another one!
This backpack weighed a RIDICULOUS amount! I'm not even going to post the picture of me trying to stand with that thing on my back! It has to take some serious strength to hike up even a small hill with that thing!

Mrs. Sanford's parents looking adorable! (:

In the front of the building!

In the mirror!!
(we're trying to entertain ourselves while the guys look at guns in Bass Pro Shop. ;))

Typical Zach and Nathan. ;)

Having WAY too much fun boxing with the Wii!! (:

Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have a go at it!
(guess who won!)

Group shot!! It was a wonderful visit!!

A quick picture with Mrs. Sanford's grandmother!

Melinda looks happy to be at Sanford Farms! (:

Trying out the bicycle built for two! It was so much fun!

The Sanford's singing a song for Mr. Sanford's parents at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration!!

JUMP!
(it took us a while to get it, but we were pleased to discover that in at least ONE shot we were both in the air. Jumping pictures taken on timer aren't the easiest things to get. :))

Mrs. Sanford blowing up some balloons! (:

Getting ready to take Meli for a ride in the go-cart! (:

The dear people that so sweetly took me to Va with them!!

Some of my favorite people!! (:

And with this picture of us at 4:30 in the morning, I end the pictures of our trip. (:

Lord bless!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

2010-05-24T20:14:00.001-05:00

What an incredible and exhausting two weeks I've just experienced. Between wedding prep, the actual wedding, packing for Presbytery, Presbytery iteself and coming home to a home that we needed to put back in order, I feel like I've been hit by a semi! I will tell y'all what, i wouldn't trade these past two weeks for anything though. It's been wonderful and joyful and blessed.
I'm thankful for all the friends and family who came together to help us and to comfort us and to rejoice with us. The Lord has been so gracious in giving us a Church family and extended Church family who are so dear to us and who care about us (not to mention giving us some pretty amazing "Outlaws". ;)).
We will all miss Tiffany so very much, but there's a comfort in knowing that she's leaving to live her very own real-life fairy tale.

I was going to post some photos on the blog, but there are just so many! So, if you'd like to see some go to: Wedding Pics

Have a blessed, wonderful week, my dear friends. May the Lord bless y'all exceedingly and abundantly.

In Christ's Love,

Jessica Nicole

2010-05-05T22:49:00.002-05:00

"Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike."

{John Keats}

My family is big and loud but they're my family. We fight and we laugh and yes, we roast lamb on a spit in the front yard. And where ever I go, what ever I do they will always be there.

{My Big Fat Greek Wedding}

Life is changing quickly - joy and sadness flow together in a twirling, wild stream of colors and hues.
Bittersweet.

Prayer would be appreciated for the next week.
{thankful smile}

it's a beautiful day

2010-04-27T17:14:00.005-05:00

After so long without a blog post I'm beginning to feel rather guilty! It's been way too long since I've posted, and yes, I'm prepared to say that it's mostly because of Facebook and Buzz. But this post is to make up for that long absence. :)

A few snippets from my life and the life of my family...

William's feeling high on the hog these days...

Emma likes rain.
And we all know what rain makes!

Dancing doesn't happen often enough these days. But we managed to do some at the last Consistory meeting. Fun stuff. :)

Some people are getting married in May...

We can never get enough of our friends!!!! So what better way to spend time with them then to go on a picnic in freezing weather??

Practice for Tiff's wedding at Liberty Day was eventful and fun. :)

Summer approaches and that means brightly colored summer clothes.

Joel McDurmon, R.C. Sproul Jr., Gary Demar and Dad the Sunday after the American Vision Worldview Conference.

William's looking so grown up these days...*sigh*

So is Caleb...

And James!!!!! ;)

There's never too much food on Sundays! Look at the beautiful feast!

Me and Tiff. I'm going to miss her so much.

living it up {aka goofiness}

2010-03-12T23:42:00.003-06:00

(we're not as frightening as we seem. :))

Some more: Here

Christmas Day

2010-01-02T12:26:00.011-06:00

Morning.

Snow covered rooftop, lights on the trees...

The sound of singing I hear down every street

Families have gather from miles away

Oh Merry Christmas, it's Christmas Day

You see that old tree down cotton lane

Those lights keep shining it's always the same

We hear the church bells ring out to say

Oh Merry Christmas. It's Christmas day

See the lights and hang the stockings

Decorate with green and red

Made the cookies for old santa

Made a runway for his sled

Singing carols on a sleigh ride

Gather 'round the manger scene

Open presents and read the letters

And together we will sing A Merry Christmas

Joy to the world

For every nation

for every boy and girl

Let's light a candle

for peace we pray

Oh Merry Christmas

It's Christmas day

Ooooooh

It's Christmas Day.

*Michael W. Smith and Mandisa, Christmas Day

Evening

A wonderful Christmas Day feast was followed by a Christmas night feast with our dear friends, the Sanfords.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. ~W.J. Ronald Tucker

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents
as opening our hearts. ~Janice Maeditere

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Happy New Year, Y'all!

2010-01-01T21:33:00.001-06:00

(A post about Christmas Day is coming soon. :))

2009-12-16T10:07:00.003-06:00

I know what you're thinking. And yes, I know that I have been terrible about blogging. Well if it does any good, I *have* been fairly busy. Well, fairly may be putting it lightly. I have been *very* busy and I'll leave you to guess what I've been busy with. *cough* Okay, so the library has been a very frequented place lately by yours truly. I don't know why (maybe it's the coldness on my part of the earth at this moment in time.) but winter tends to get me reading more then usual. And if you knew how much reading I do *usually* you'd really understand what a big statement that is. *cough again* You anti-bookworms probably can't relate, but books are one of the best things in life. One of the *very* best things. I amore them.

Anyway, moving on. Dad's 50th Birthday was Monday. We had a surprise party for him on the Saturday before that. He was completely sorprendido (a.k.a. shocked.) and not expecting a bit of it. I love it when we get away with stuff like that. You know? Dad's usually are pretty hard to keep secrets from. But it was successful and we were very happy. I hope we communicated in the party, just a little bit, of how much we love him. He's wonderful.

Sometime before that (Okay, in November.) my sister Tiffany was proposed to by Ben Hector and they are officially engaged to be married. Let me tell you, those of you who've never had a sibling get married, it's one of the strangest and most difficult things. Well, for me anyway. Tiff's my best friend and I'm very contento for her. So join me in wishing her congratulations! :) Or you can just go tell her so yourself on her blog, www.itsthesimplethings.blogspot.com

So I finally saw "Penelope". I'd always heard people raving about it and I'd never actually gotten around to seeing it when everyone else did. (Maybe I was too busy reading...) But I finally watched it and was very enchanté. It was adorable and sweet and funny. All that a Chick Flick should be. *smile* So, go watch it if you're like me and haven't yet.

I know that more has happened, but I can't seem to recall much of it at the moment. Well, besides the things I've already told y'all, that is.

In closing, I hope that each of you have a Merry Christmas season. Oh, and I will try and blog more often.

Joyeux Noël,

jessica

Church Garage Sale!

2009-09-27T22:23:00.008-05:00

Well, the computer with the "Best Days of My Life" part 2 pictures has been turned off and this girl is too lazy to start it up as it would take a good deal too long. :) So instead I'm going to post about the Church garage sale our Church put on last week!! I hope y'all enjoy!!

In the beginning we set up, ate lunch and then consumed some homemade lollipops made by the Degenhart family...

As you can probably tell, they were quite enjoyable little blobs of sugar...

Mhhm.

(are you sick of lollipop pictures yet? :))

Meanwhile, Geneva takes a turn at the trampoline...

I'm not sure if she liked it or not.

Mel, Meli and Len appear to be having a relatively good time!

As do Nathan and Zach!

A few of the younger girls cleverly set up their own little booth! Did fairly well too! :)

*random moment for random self portrait*

Much laughter occurred...
And many smiles. :)

Mr. Sanford - the deacon who put the garage sale together!

I love this next one. :)

Looking at the wares!

Chatting!

Playing Apples to Apples at some point during the day!

And finally, eating dinner! (The girls were enjoying those carrots, methinks. ;))

All in all, it was a delightful day. :)

Best Days of My Life - Part One

2009-09-05T13:34:00.010-05:00

This is just a little peak into my life and a few of my happiest moments in it that I wanted to share with y'all. I will admit that I don't have photo proof of all of the best days of my life. But I do have some, thankfully. And of those some, here are a few. :)

Oh, and this is the first installment of the series. The second one will be coming soon!

Having a smashingly amazingly incredible time with the Hector family, Tiff, Mel, Caleb and Melinda! On our trip from TN to IL we stopped in Nashville (among a BUNCH of other places!) on our way home and got a picture in front of the Grand Ole Opry!! Unfortunately, the gift shop was closed. :(

At Hannah Candler's birthday party we are talking to a good friend over Skype! He's in Japan and we miss him a lot!

That same friend's going away party!
Tiff, Mel, Meli and I sang a Military song for him. :)

CHRISTMAS!
Actually, this is us McD kids putting away the Christmas tree. You see, it's a rather large fake tree and it's a foldable kind (as in the branches don't come off...they fold.) so it was kinda difficult to fit in the box. So we all sat on it. Fit pretty well after that.

Len, Meli and I on Easter Sunday 2009!

New Years Day! 12:00! We did a "To the New Year" toast. :)

Me and my dear parents at my 18th Surprise Birthday party!
It was such a beautiful surprise! Thank you.

My "twin" Becca and I! :) <3>

We took a walk in the rain. Garr, Peter and I were the only ones with sense enough to wear a hat. :P :)

Enjoying the crisp late winter air!
That was such a beautiful day!

What?! You might think! Is Jessica Kneeling before Melinda?!

I can safely tell you. No, I'm not. Well, I am. But only because we're practicing for a play. :D

Having a hilarious and wonderful time with the Hector family at a mall in Nashville! This is us in front of a shark. :D

Love this picture! This was taken after Church one Sunday at the Christian Center (where we used to meet for Church before we got a building)! Look at Becca. Cracks me up every time. :D

Twelfth Night! We celebrated it with the Riggenbach family! We made King Cake and wore costumes and everything! It was VERY fun!

When Christa, Daniel and Joshua came to visit us.
*sniff* LOVE AND MISS Y'ALL!

Tiff and I in Jamestown visiting for the Jamestown 400 event!

FAMILY 2008!

This one always makes me grin. :D I was "Santa" and everyone sat on my lap and opened their Christmas Eve gifts. :D

Visiting my Sis and her husband in Texas the day after Joshua was born! I was so glad to be able to be there!! <3>

In Chicago for the "Messiah" concert with some of the Sanfords, Ashton and Anna! The Erber family so kind hosted us and we had an AMAZING time and great memories were made!

Me, Mom, Mimi, Christa and Joshua!

On the train ride up to Chicago with Meli, Anna and Mel. We were FREEZING! :-)

Peach Pickin' with the Bandys!

Our two families were interviewed by the BBC for a large family program they're having! It was quite the experience!

My amazing grandmother took Tiff, Mel and I to Chicago for the day by train! It was SO wonderful! Not only did we get to spend rare time with her, but we got to go shopping, see the sights, and just laugh, talk and have a good time! Thank you, Mimi! Love you!

The Bandy's came over one night and we had a BLAST (as usual! :))!!

4th of July 2009! It was so much fun!

We sing at a nursing home once a month and afterward we get ice cream. We used to get it at this little place called "Pinky's". Here we are waiting for our ice cream to come out and being our usual goofy selves! :D

The CPC Presbytery meeting will always be remembered fondly. :)
In this picture are the Hector kids, Davis kids, Pickle kids and McDonald kids. :-)

New Years Eve 2007. This was taken in our "shop" which we converted into a ballroom (Christmas lights, sound system and all!)
This is some of the Sanfords, Candlers and us. :-)

Second installment coming soon! Have a blessed week y'all!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Church Picnic 2009

2009-08-30T18:47:00.017-05:00

This past weekend we had our first (to-be-annual, I believe.) Church Picnic! It consisted of Providence Church, a Church in Elk Grove, IL, a Church in Harvard, IL and a Church in Troy, MO.

We had an incredible and extremely blessed time catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, enjoying games and activities, laughing, singing, talking...you name it! :) It was an absolutely and completely wonderful time.

I wish pictures and words could properly capture the day so that I might share it with y'all...but unfortunately, that is impossible. So my meager captions and photos taken by several different wonderful photographers throughout the day will have to suffice. Enjoy!!

Mr. Candler and Hannah in the 3 legged race. er...something is just not quite saying "three-legged race" to me. ;D I think that the significant height difference created a slight problem. ;)

Dad and Emma! They walked most of the way, which would explain why Emma is still standing!

Mr. and Mrs. Erber doing a fabulous job there! :)

Rebecca and Ben Serven working together!!

Beth and Jonathan Ten Dolle doing the three-legged race!! :)

David and Jeremy...uh...having a fairly good time, I think. :)

Ashton and Grace. :)

Becca doing very well at the egg race!

The two redheads who did not do any of the relays. *shakes head* Shame on y'all! ;)

The most embarrassing relay of all. Who invents these games anyway? ;)

Dad doing the baseball bat challenge!! He was so dizzy!

"Can't the paparazzi at least leave us be while we eat? For crying out loud!"
Or
DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS! ALERT.

Your choice. ;)

The Hymn Sing part of the day began!

The younger one's did a beautiful psalm! (William sang a solo. Y'all might say I'm biased, but I'll say it anyway: He. Was. Adorable. ;))

Elita and Hannah Candler presented us with a special song!

Some of us young people doing "It is Well With My Soul".

A boffer war is taking place at one end of the park...

And a baseball game on the other end!!

Let's go, Deacon! Let's go!

The "Harvard" team. :)

The Harvard team's cheerleaders! :)
They did an an amazing job with their cheering!! Though we beat them (*grin*) they were still enthusiastic and wonderful. And they *did* start the ingenious stomping...

The Morton team's Cheerleaders!
And did we yell/scream/stand/stomp/wave our arms about wildly! :D
I.LOVE.BASEBALL.
:-)

Mr. Sanford goes for the ball!

Mr. Erber hits the ball!

Aaron gets ready to bat...

And John Creath gets ready to run...

Ethan's up to bat...

And Aaron makes it home!

Both teams decide that even though Harvard beat Morton by ONE point, they will still be friends. ;)

Handing out the awards! The Candler family won 1st place in every relay!!

One of my bestest friends turned 19 this past weekend!! Happy Birthday, Meli!!

Because we're happy to be alive and so thankful to be so blessed! :)

Peach Pickin with the Bandys!

2009-07-29T20:15:00.014-05:00

Hello y'all. Here I am again, with pictures too! :)

The Bandy family kindly invited us to go Peach Picking with them in a sort of nearby Orchard. It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors and the sky was a bright blue, some fluffy clouds and happy, smiling faces were below it! :)

We left the house at around 8:00am and arrived at 9:20-ish. We left immediately for the orchard and spent a good hour or two picking bushels of peaches. (Few bugs! Woo!) After we picked them and loaded everyone into the three cars we'd brought, Ashton, Emil, Grace, Caleb and I decided that some crazy music, unrolled windows, open sun roof and arm waving was in order. We spent the hour drive back to their house singing and dancing. It was hilarious. :)
We arrived back at their house where a lovely meal was prepared and we enjoyed a bit of fellowship and food. After a short game of "Truth or Dare" (which had everyone laughing!) we took a walk before going home.
It was a delightful time spent with dear friends and we are so thankful to the Bandys for their kind hospitality! Thanks, y'all!

And now for the pictures. :)

Handing out the cartons to fill with peaches!

William enjoyed picking the peaches!

So did Dad!

The little girls were pretty excited and worked hard to get those peaches perfectly picked. :)

Caleb takes a bite! The juiciest peaches any of us had ever tasted. Truly.

William preferred picking them to eating them.
He thought the fuzz on the outside was gross. Silly boy. :)

It looks like Caleb found a bug on one of the peaches and is showing it to Ashton. :D

We thought we'd start a band and call ourselves "The Peaches". :D
Ashton kept telling us we looked "peachy". :D

"i'm movin' to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches..." :)

Ashton helping the farmer load up the truck.
Is that a knife I see on the guy's belt? *gasp* ;)

What could Mel have found in the peach tree?

Ashton pretty much loved his peach.
To death.
Or to stomach.
Whichever you prefer.

Emil sporting a peach. Looking...um...peach-ish?

I found all these peaches. They were so big and pretty.
They called me the peach queen. See that look of overwhelming humility at such a title being bestowed upon me?
*grin*

Emil began sprouting peaches out his ears. Or maybe they're just big earrings?

"Is that a beetle on my arm?!"

*SMILE BIG*

The truck loaded with some delicious peaches.

We decided to make Emil our slave.
We made him pick peaches for us.
*evil laugh*

(not really.)

The farmer started handing out wipes for our stick hands.
Great guy!

My parents.
Don't they just scream "Country" people?
I love it!
*grin*

Mr. and Mrs. Bandy looking pretty cute too. :)

The younger girls with big smiles!!

"I can take you for a ride on my big green tractor..."
*smile*
Doesn't he just look picture perfect on there?

Emil wonders why in the world there's a thing of folgers coffee on the tractor...?

Don't we look like naturals?
I'm telling you, I love being a country girl! :)

There is just something wrong with that picture...

Go Naomi! Go!

Having wayyyy too much fun bein' in the country. I love it!!

How many people can you sqoosh on a tractor? A lot!

"Look! We can balance!!"

To quote Edna Mode, "Kisses, Darling."

I think that the farmer's son thought we were tourists or something.
He looks a little freaked out over there.

My oh-so-adorable-country-lovin-farm-lovin-tractor-lovin baby brother.
Can you resist those irresistible eyes? :)

They look kinda small-ish to be on such big-ish machines, don't they?

"Drive, Baby!"

Chug-a-lug-a-lug 5 miles an hour, Em!
;)

And farewell, Bandy family!
*waves back*

One can't have a proper post without an always adorable picture of my little brother.
*grin*

Have a blessed and wonderful week!

In Christ Alone,
Jessica

2009-07-21T17:29:00.007-05:00

Because nothing says summer like good friends, sunshine, laughter, soft green grass and lazy Sunday afternoons.

*smile*

*things that I love*

when the sun penetrates your skin causing a delightful feeling of warmness all over.

laying the grass staring up at the sky and thanking God for all His bounteous goodness.

wondering what life will be like 5 years down the road and hoping it holds happiness.

thinking how ridiculously blessed I am and how I don't deserve any of what I have. He is so good to me.

sunglasses. the big kind that look hilarious and when friends tell me how ridiculous I look in them.

singing at the top of my lungs and driving down the highway while Tiff teaches me how to let the wind carry my hand along.

wondering what friends are doing far away and knowing for a fact that I will see them again.

reading a Psalm and feeling the mercy and peace of the Lord pour over my heart and mind.

parents. they're wisdom and how they care enough about me to help me on the road of life. the older I get the more I realize how blessed I am to have them and the more I appreciate they're advice.

sisters. they're godly, gorgeous and galloping with insanity. Because I can't think of any I'd rather have then them.

brothers. because they're crazy and lovable and one of the most amazing things a sister can count herself blessed to have.

music. because nothing says "I'm alive" quite like it.

seeing fireflies dancing above the grass like little stars in the great blanket of darkness called "night."

people. 'cause I do.

babies. when they coo and giggle and cry and cuddle. they're a specialness straight from Jesus to us.

water. 'cause it ripples and runs and flows and just looks plain incredible.

life. it's God's gift to us and I never can tell where it'll take me.

what are some things that you love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Picture post comin' soon. :)

Some pictures from days gone by...

2009-07-17T16:45:00.012-05:00

Some dear friends of ours inspired me when they put up several series' of posts entitled "Through the Ages" in which they had photos of their family through the years. I was looking through our photo albums with my grandmother, and thought, "Why not do that too?". *grin*

Without further ado...

Here's Moosh and I ready to get Baptized. :-) I'm not really sure what Christa's doing in the baptistry, but I'm sure she had a good reason. :-D

Caleb was one of the cutest babies I'd ever seen. He drooled a lot though. :P :-)

I still, to this day, have no idea as to who is behind those sheets and blankets...

Look at that little girl...so patient with her little brother!
*grin*

Tiff was an elf in a Christmas play.
Doesn't she look cute?

Everyone has there dorky days. Right? :)

...and the guys.
(By the way, that's our Great Grandfather on Dad's side in the middle!)

*happy days are here again* :-)

Tiff and Moosh doing something at this little old fashioned village near our house.
Cute!

Christa and I with a friend and a cousin at our joint birthday party.
Those were the days...

Got bugs?

I think I'm attempting to get some sandals on his feet in this picture.

Our first house that we built...it's just about done in this picture.
Look at us! We make me laugh just looking at us! :-D

Dad and Me. :-)

Setting up the Christmas tree wears Dad out...

Dad and Mom in front of the Alamo in San Antonio!

Easter with the family!
That's all of us kids (Caleb on up) with our cousins, Lindsay and Kyle at Mimi and Papa's house!

Inside our "still being built" house! :-)

Abigail is born...and our house still isn't finished...

Dad and Caleb soakin' up some sun at Adventure Bay!

Maybe at some point I'll post some more (no promise's there!). Hope y'all enjoyed a little peek into our life!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

A visit from some friends...

2009-07-16T14:37:00.006-05:00

I was going to post about our trip to Chicago with my dear Grandmother, but Tiff already put together such a complete post on it, that I decided against it. You can read about our trip HERE. So instead, you get this post. :)

The Bandy family came over for dinner the other evening, and as usual, we had a good time with them. Crazy, but good.

The evening began with Shrimp and Vegetable Shish-Ka-Bobs among other foods.

The married adults (who were peacefully enjoying their dinner.) had no idea as to the happenings in the house...

We ate, drank and were merry, and them proceeded to clean the kitchen.

Well, some of us cleaned the kitchen anyway. :D

We cleaned while singing and dancing to the classic Beach Boys song, "Barbara Ann"...

Some people sang happily, some people planned mischief and some people looked just plain old worried!

Yeah, I don't know either.

After the dishes were done Tiff had an interesting idea...why not don some hats and get 30's era-ish pictures? Ashton so closely resembles Al Capone, after all. :P That went over rather...um...well.

We then quickly consumed some delicious Creme Brulee made by Tiff, and then headed downstairs for more strangeness...

The little ones did not want to be left out.

And the evening ended with smiling faces and happy hearts.

Aren't friends such a blessing?

My Country 'Tis of Thee...

2009-07-05T18:46:00.012-05:00

We had a delightful time of fellowship and fun at the Sanford family's annual 4th of July celebration! Unfortunately, due to the amount of rain that the state of Illinois received, they were unable to have the event outdoors at their home, so everyone ended up meeting at the Church building in Morton.

The evening began with prayer and food, much laughter and talking, some singing, some short speeches, a clip from the movie "John Adams" about the Declaration of Independence and a goofy song put together by a couple of us young people. :) It was a great time to remember our Country's founding fathers and just to bring to mind all that they went through to make us free. Not only that, but seeing the mercy of the Lord throughout history is incredible in and of itself. To think that through His providence we are here today- free!

After the get together at the Church a few of the families split up to go to different places to watch fireworks. I was able to head to the Coast Guard base with the Sanford, Candler and Castle families. From there you get an incredible (and close up!) view of the Peoria city fireworks. They were...unbelievably breathtaking. Oh, and as a side note, I decided that fireworks are officially romantic. Who could think that bright and beautiful lights exploding vivaciously into a nighttime sky isn't romantic? :) I love fireworks.

The evening came to an end rather reluctantly at around 11:30pm...an end to another exciting 4th of July. To God be the glory!!

So without much ado, here are a few photos of the evening for y'all enjoyment! (More should follow soon, I just have to beg some off of friends. :) We hardly took any with our camera.)

What is the 4th of July without watermelon?
Here's my sweet baby brother munching on some and enjoying it's crisp and juicy sweetness.

My wonderful parents posing for a quick picture before they get back to...

...grilling. :)

Dad- "Who's idea was it to bring Shish-Ka-Bobs to a 4th of July party?!?!"
Mom- "It's alright! They'll cook just fine! Let me show you..."

*grin* And they turned out extremely delicious too, if I do say so.

Enjoying some fresh (rainy) air before dinner!

Practicing for the goofy song that we performed. :)
Hopefully I'll get some video footage of it up here at some point...

Sisters.
Friends.
<3

Mr. Sanford, Mr. Ryken, Garrison and Jeremy kind of jumped in this picture. :)

A penny for your thoughts?

*smile*

In Christ Alone,

Jessica