Loaves and Fishes

You're probably familiar with the story in Mark of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people from five loaves of bread and two fish. It's often talked about and seen as one of Jesus' miracles. This morning I was reading in Mark 6 and read this story, starting in verse 30. Here are a few random observations:

1.) After the disciples returned to Jesus from their travels, teachings, etc. he encouraged them to go "to a desolate place and rest a while." This is such a reminder of how we need to retreat to quiet places and spaces, and simply rest a while. (verse 31)

2.) While they were on the boat to a desolate place the people noticed them and recognized them. The people ran ahead and were waiting for them to arrive! This was an interruption to the disciples time of rest! What an eager crowd, to run ahead and wait on Jesus and the disciples. Did they have certain needs they wanted Jesus to help them with? Did they just want to be around the disciples and Jesus for the sake of having seen them? (verse 33)

3.) Jesus went ashore and saw a great crowd. He "had compassion on them, because they were like a sheep without a shepherd." I love this line, and I've never noticed it before! Jesus didn't get frustrated that his plans to retreat were being interrupted, but he saw the people as an opportunity. We just talked about this type of leadership in my LEAD class last night at church. How do we see the people around us...as interruptions or opportunities? (verse 34)

Just a few thoughts on the beginning of this beloved story. I'll be back sooner than this past time!

Reflection on 2011

A new year, a new you. Just one of the many slogans about new years resolutions. I wanted to take some time and reflect on different points in 2011. Here are a few highlights of things learned, trips taken:


-I picked up a lot of worry in 2011. More particularly, the same worry kept creeping in. I also realized the power of consistent communion with God. Because at times, this worry felt so heavy, so intense it was tiring, and definitely frustrating. I learned the beauty of laying everything down at God's feet. I learned that it takes continually praying, and waiting. It takes determination to decide not to worry about something, though you can easily slip back into those patterns. I saw God answer prayers, give peace, tell me to wait on Him, and never tire of me...for that I am grateful.


-We got to go to Disneyworld! Oh my goodness, SO fun!

-We found a church! Hooray. We haven't joined Christ Community Church yet, but we definitely both feel at home there. This is a praise! We are on the prayer team, taking the LEAD class, and host a life group.


-SummerShine had a great season and I enjoyed my travels to the campgrounds (CA,CT,NC,SC,VA,MI...) including NY City, with Regis and Kelly!

-Matt and I have realized the power of praying together. Last January is when I started worrying more and also when Matt began to dream about opening a YMCA here. Through both of these experiences we realized that there is power and beauty in praying together. Though we often would say a "goodnight prayer" before we went to sleep, to really get on our knees and pour our hearts out to the Lord, with each other, has been so encouraging. It has deepened our relationship with each other and our relationship with God. For this I am also grateful.


-We took at trip to DC to visit Logan! Good food, lots of history and quality time with dear ones.

-My sister got engaged to a wonderful guy! So excited to have a soon to be married sibling!


-Matt returned to seminary (now at Gordon-Conwell) and is enjoying it so much! Yay!


-Took our anniversary trip back to Tybee! Enjoyed dinner with sweet friends and a beautiful weekend together.

-We learned to wait. Wait and be patient and trust and wait. On the YMCA, our church's fundraising campaign, a possible business venture here in Southern Pines...wait.


-I logged out of facebook on my phone. This might seem odd, but I found myself looking at it whenever I had down time. I didn't like that instead of just being still, I was browsing random people's statuses. It has been a great decision.


These are just a few things we experienced in 2011. I pray that 2012 will continue to be a time of growth and God's blessing!

A Jones Christmas Tour

I am loving being in our cute rental house for Christmas! It has been fun to unpack our decorations from our very first Christmas together and find places for everything. Here are a few photos of what our house looks like for Christmas this year!

Happy birthday Matt!

So grateful for a day to celebrate my hubby. He makes me laugh everyday and I know I'm a better person because he is in my life. Here's to 28!

Too cute not to share...

Adorable.

From my sister's tumblr.

Christmas is Coming...

We haven't decorated for Christmas yet. We've had guests in and out, been out of town ourselves (at a Christmas party) and just haven't quite had the time to get our decorations out. Soon I hope!

The only thing we have out is a cute pillow I got at Belk with snowmen and reindeer. It is sitting on our new sofa! A little Christmas cheer amongst the turkeys and pumpkins still set up. (the pumpkins aren't real.)

Pictures once we're up and running. Happy Monday!

Thought for the day.

In my quiet time a few minutes ago, I read from John 14. The first two verses in the chapter simply state:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me (Jesus)."

The simplicity of this statement struck me as I was reading. If only putting it into practice was as easy. Yet, just the words are a gentle reminder. Do not be troubled, trust.

That's all for now.

Signing off from Charleston, SC!