I wish I didn't have to make all those mistakes and be wise...

…name that song! 


Life is a gift. Don't waste it, or fake it. 


Too often I find myself just coasting through the day, totally unaware of the beauty all around me. When you take a minute to look around, and soak up your surroundings, you might be surprised with what you see. I also take for granted my situation in life way too often… as in all the time. I think the saying "You don't know what you got til it's gone" is very true, i might add "you don't know what you got 'til you get shaken up a bit…" 


Unfortunately, even after these revelations come and slap me in the face, I eventually slowly slip back into complacency. Ugh, no. I want to remember all that I've learned. Sometimes being human is just plain maddening. Do you ever feel that way? 


The good news is that I am learning, growing and being molded into who I was made to be- not by me or anything by my power, but by the one who made me and knows me better than I know myself. He alone is writing my story, which is great because he is a best-selling author. Yesss.


Question of the post: What is your favorite piece of classic literature? 


-J

best.

Happy Mother's day to a woman whose constant love, willing forgiveness, and sacrificial life has showed me what motherhood, wifehood, and womanhood is all about.
The one person I can share anything with, knowing I won't be judged no matter how silly the issue is, the one I love to live life with and find humor in everyday things with, the one who is my number one fan and encourager, no matter what the venture or project.
I am who I am because of you.
Thank you Mom- for being the best.
I love you.

-J

oh, life.

Does anyone else ever feel too tired to live the rest of their life?
Sometimes, I just feel exhausted when I think about the future.
Usually, I look forward to the adventure and the unknown that is bound to come.
But some days I just don't know if I can make it. And the truth is, I can't… not on my own.
I am so unworthy of the grace and mercy that's handed to me every day.
It's truly a gift. No matter how many times I run and come back, he is still there with open arms,
hoping that I will jump into them once again.
He is hoping, waiting, and ready with a plan more amazing than anything I could dream up.
And that is reason enough to look forward to the rest of life, this adventure I find myself in.

-J

loving this song lately…

Worry not.

You know, I think that what the Bible says is true. And we really should believe it. How often do we forget these simple instructions Jesus gives us. Especially the ones that are for our own good. See I'm even coming at this from a selfish point of view, and taking Jesus' words seriously still turns out being the only right way.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:4-7

Worry.

             Anxiety. 

                               Fear.

      …have been my downfall as of late. About life, about friendships, about the future. You know how it goes. But, why, why, why should I stress about these things when I am in (or have the choice to be) in a daily constant relationship with the God of the universe!? Seriously, Jami? He not only knows my fears, but he also knows what is best for me. Now that is a God worth trusting. 

Starting here, I'm going to attempt to not get so caught up in my own little world and shallow viewpoint and start giving my cares and burdens and worries to him, trusting he is in control. 

It's really rather freeing. And what more could I ask for, than freedom!

Around the corner...

Sometimes I hate the way life works.

I mean…I love life. I love the excitement of not knowing what is going to happen.
I love the adventure it throws into the routine and normalcy of everydayness…
but I hate the fact that I emote after something is over or when something changes.
You'd think I would have it down by now... I wish I could turn off my feelings for a few days while things get back in order after weeks of constant relationship and routine. I know things are already starting to be back to normal again but I kind of hate that, too. I know I can never go back, never relive those exact experiences- which I guess is why it makes them so special and so memorable. See, it makes sense the way it all works. But that doesn't mean that it's easy.
I am once again reminded of the good Lord's faithfulness. People will disappoint, times will always change. But he is I AM always and forever and that gives me hope for what's around the next corner.

On a lighter note… I've been so into records since I got my player set up. It's pretty much all I listen to these days… i-pods are so overrated…ha. just kidding. I have been having many a solo dance party… Care to join me?



-J

Erin Elizabeth ruby red lips Maude Niles took this photo. looove her.

So this new guy came to town...

… we were pretty troubled.

photo credit: Suzanne Ryan




the Music Man at MNU this weekend (April 8-10- 7:30 p.m.) If you live around here and enjoy a good musical, come on out!

a birth-day.

I have a cousin. Her name is Michelle. She is beautiful and sweet and has a really cute house. She had a birthday. We had fun. Here are a few snapshots of our day.

This is Mini. Mini is a happy little dog.

Meet Bella. Bella is always looking for affection.

Birthday earrings… a common theme.

coolgreens. so good.

Jamie's greek salad and white chicken chili. yum.

Peek-A-Pooh

Lana was pretty excited about the bookshelf ladder.

And I was pretty excited about these trees.

Lana says down with 44 East.

Mint for each other.

Chocolate to the max.

Sassafras. 

We know your secret now.

Cousins.

Pretty sure I have the best cousins in the world. Yep, it's been confirmed.

Papa, Mama, and Baby Pizzas.

Almond! 

Happy Birthday Michelle!