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!

Two years!

We celebrated our two year anniversary on Monday. It is crazy how it feels so normal, like we've always been married and always will be. The past two years have been better than I imagined. Truly a gift.

One of my favorite photos, I posted on facebook:
"Two years of love and adventure."

I surprised Matt last Tuesday, November 1st. He got home from work and I quickly told him, go put on the clothes that are on your bed, you have 60 seconds, and we have a date. He kept asking me questions, but I was determined not to give anything away. We set off to Charlotte - about a two hour drive. We arrived at The Fillmore, a pretty cool venue. I had him close his eyes and I put an envelope in his hands. He opened it and saw our tickets for The David Crowder band, Seven Tour. This is their final tour, and they had quite the entourage with them. John Mark McMillan, Chris August and Gungor all did acoustic sets. Matt was totally surprised and remarked, "I never would have asked for this." Which, was the point. The concert was great and we had a wonderful night, complete with Cook-Out Milkshakes on the way home.

Here are a few photos from my surprise!

All smiles:

John Mark McMillan, he's from Charlotte!

Chris August - he's funny!

Gungor: amazing talent.

David Crowder Band - so good!

For our anniversary on Monday we went to dinner at a local Japanese place and watched some of our wedding video. This weekend Matt is taking me on a get-away, but I don't know where we are going! Then, next week we are off to Charleston for Matt to have a training session for work. Lots to look forward to.

NYC!

I was able to go to NYC last week while making a work trip to Newburgh/Plattekill NY.

At the end of September I wrote in to "Live with Regis and Kelly" to get tickets. All the online tickets had been reserved, so the website said to send in a written request. I thought it was a long shot, especially with Regis retiring in a few weeks. However, about two weeks later I got a phone call asking if I was still available for Oct. 19th. I was thrilled and so surprised! I felt like a little kid! I set plans in motion to make my campground visit, booked a ticket and off I went.

Having never been to New York City, I was a bit nervous about navigating and finding the studio in the early morning. However, the train ride was smooth and I was able to catch a cab with no major hurdles. I woke up at 3:15am, took the 4:32am train into the city and didn't even get coffe until around 4pm (insane). It was raining the whole day, but it was still fun to be there! The show was great, and I'm SO glad I got to see lovable Regis before he "moves on." As to be expected, Kelly is fabulous. Seeing a show, live and in person was so awesome.

As I was walking out of the studio, checking my texts to see when my friends were coming into the city, I heard an intern asking if anyone wanted to see "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Since my friends weren't going to be there for a few hours, I headed down to that studio and sat in the audience for two episodes of the show! The episodes are set to air during the "Play It Forward" week, November 28th and 29th!

Here are a few pictures from my adventure. I am already looking forward to going back to visit my sister and her soon to be hubby when they live there!

Security:

Regis and his classmates! They were so cute reminiscing!

Penn Badgley from Gossip Girl and in the new film "Margin Call"

the beauty of music.

Do you ever have certain albums or songs that connect so much with you, that you can't stop listening to them? A few months ago, some friends here shared Will Reagan and United Pursuit's CD, "Live at the Banks House" with us. I was immediately drawn into the acoustic sound and the lyrics of each song. Some of the words are verses from the Bible, but others are just singing of opening oneself to God, and letting things go...with trust in Him. I have wrestled with worry off and on my whole life it seems. Sometimes it is intense worry over certain things, other times just little things that somehow distract me. The truths in these songs have brought me comfort in the middle of the night and kept me praising during the day.

Wednesday night we sang "Nothing I Hold On To." Part of the song says, "I give it all to you God, trusting that You'll make something beautiful out of me."
This resonated with me. We can give everything to Him, and we can trust Him to take it, and care for us despite the "junk" we carry.

It's humbling to sing these words when I know it's so easy for me to keep things in, or not give everything to God. I mean it's my body, my money, my job, my wants right? No, I'm not just living for myself. I don't want to just live for my own satisfaction. With grace, and humble practice, I want to give it all to You God. I trust that you'll make something beautiful out of me. I have hope that You will.

The line that follows is "I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open." I love this. After the hope and the surrender, is the action. I will go where You lead me, I will stay open to Your Spirit leading me.

There's a sweet surrender in this song. I hope it blesses you, if nothing else for the simplicity of the sound and the words.

Will Reagan and United Pursuit Band, "Nothing I Hold On To."

Dog-sitting

I am keeping my family's sweet dog this week. My parents are out of town for the week, so Ashby is hanging out here in Southern Pines. She is 14 years old (human years). It's great to have her here, for the companionship, and just because she's so cute. I've heard that people with pets live longer, and I can see how it really helps just to have something to care for, walk and enjoy. I feel like I'm cherishing her more at this stage in her life and in my own stage even...(not going too far into that or I'll cry).

Here's a photo from our snowy Christmas:

Isn't she the cutest?

Trying Something New

This afternoon I'm taking my first "hot yoga" class. I really enjoyed taking yoga while we lived on Tybee and were members at the YMCA. Of course, I had a great teacher and I know that made my experience even better. But since we've been here in SP I haven't joined a gym and therefore haven't found a yoga class to attend. So I bought a groupon for a local yoga studio downtown that offers the hot yoga classes and found a friend that was interested in checking out a class. So, there's a first time for everything...off we go!

Ocean

I just spent a week at Topsail Island with my family. It was such a wonderful getaway. No make-up, lots of sunshine, bocce ball, and seafood. But most importantly, a break from the world, a chance to relax and be renewed.

I've always been drawn to the ocean. I have loved the beach for as long as I can remember. The sound of the waves soothe me. The vastness of the open sea inspires me. I guess I just need to be reminded that things are bigger than they seem. Life is not just about me. Something greater is out there. Other people's needs are out there. These things, I am reminded of at the beach.

What a friend we have in Jesus...

This song was in my head this morning, I found myself prompted to sing it instead of turn on the TV. It's a beautiful old hymn, written in 1855. My dad used to sing this to me when I was younger and couldn't sleep. Still today, it's comforting to me.

I didn't actually watch this youtube video, I just had it playing on my computer. I hope it touches your heart like it does mine.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." - Joseph M. Scriven

Monday

Today Matt and I went to a matinee and dinner out, just because. We don't typically have date nights on Mondays but I loved it. I even wore a pretty pink summery dress, just because I wanted to feel pretty for our date. AND I got complimented by a sweet old lady at the movie theater. :)

We saw "The Help" which is the best book I've read in a long time. The movie followed the book pretty closely, I was pleased with it! Though I did not cry while reading the book, I got teary eyed twice during the movie. I was not expecting that to happen, but it's a moving story of friendship, and so much more. If you haven't already read it, check it out.

And treat your special someone to an unexpected treat today...or tomorrow.

Love!

Happy Birthday!

My mom and my dad have birthdays in August. My mom's was last week, and my dads is today! Happy birthday folks, I love you so much!

Welcome Home Bark!

My mom told me about this video and I just had to share! Enjoy a peek at the joy of coming home to a lovable dog.

A Low-key August

I've been a bit quiet. After traveling for most of July, I've taken the last few weeks to somewhat avoid the internet, with the exception of checking email and occasionally facebook. Have you guys ever just needed a break from the world a bit? Specifically the world wide web world...not so much a break from friends and family. Anyway, it's been nice to have some down time, reflection and even renewal with rest, and quiet time with the Lord. If you find yourself needing that, take it.

Home

My parents moved a few weeks ago. I have been traveling so much with SummerShine I had not been able to see their new place. I got to visit last week (was it last week?!) and see where they are now. It was odd, following a GPS to my parents house. Needing directions to go home? A funny feeling. But as soon as I got there, I was reminded again that "home" is not a house, but the people that make it up. There is beauty in being in the same place with family, people that know you and love you just the way you are. Though the houses have been different over the years, home is where the heart is, where the love is.

There is also nothing like coming home to Matt. Being away from him for weeks off and on is hard. The different time zones make communication sometimes limited. I love pulling into the driveway knowing he is waiting for me inside. I came home this week to flowers and a sweet card. Home.

All Grown Up!!!!!

My little brother, and only brother, graduated from UNC in May. He actually graduated on Mother's Day which is a nice gift to my mom and dad for that matter. We enjoyed a cook-out at his townhome, nicknamed the "Domecave," on Saturday night and a fun lunch gathering after all the graduation festivities. Thankfully the rain moved on, so we could enjoy the ceremony. (Although the weather affected the "cuteness" of our outfits).

Domecave Party:

~These boys Logan has tutored and loved the last 4 years. They were so cute!



I feel like I was just graduating from college, and he was graduating from high school (2007). Wow. Time does go quickly. I am SO proud of the man he is and the Lord's work throughout his life. He's spending his summer interning at International Justice Mission, in DC. I am looking forward to seeing him in the big city!

A few more pictures from the celebration:

Family Photo!

True Friends.

Classic.

Handsome.

I believe the actual ceremony photos were caught on a different camera, so this what I have. Proud of you Log!

Sorting...

My parents are moving in less than a week. I've come home three or four times to help pack up, sort through lots of old stuff and be moral support! If you've moved, you know how incredibly overwhelming it can be, not to mention the exhaustion. Whew.

One of the fun things I've been able to do is read through old notes, cards, letters, and see many photos of people that are still special to me. I have a whole shoebox full from each year of college of these items. I'm throwing some things away, but some notes are just "keepers." Every single one from Matt I'm keeping. I just found a card from January 06, we'd been dating for about 6 months. On the back of the card it has the quote "You look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?" Matt wrote his own answer, "Yes, 3 summers ago. I'm glad you dissed me then. Being with you now, it is incredible. Really. I miss you."

What a reminder of the Lord's faithfulness in our lives, and Matt's humor that I continue to love. Though I "dissed" him then, look where we are now! I can't help but chuckle at his candid words and smile because I am loved by him.

Sweet Magnolia

I love walking out my front door, and inhaling the sweet smell of magnolia blossoms. It smells like summertime, and it reminds me of my Gramma. I'm not sure why this is, maybe my mother has told me she "Gramma" loved magnolias, maybe I dreamed that.

Either way, I love the smell drifting through the breeze, and though it's SO hot outside, I can't help but pause and look at the tree, full of its blooms.

Stop and smell the flowers around you friends, life's too short to pass by simple beauty.

What truly matters?

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

I come back to this quote on a somewhat regular basis. I find myself comparing my life, my belongings, my wedding, my home, to other people. My joy is taken in those moments of dissatisfaction, insecurity and frustration. Facebook has amplified this for me, and maybe some of you out there. With so much access to what others are doing and how they are living, I can flip through pictures and then start to cheapen my own life. I am thankful that God has really brought me through a period of comparison and given me satisfaction in Him, but I also find myself slipping back into it. I am reminded of this quote and the beauty that it states. I do not want to be robbed of my joy, for something as trivial as comparison. May I remember that there is SO much more to life than what we can see here. Life is about relationships, about making a difference in the lives of others, about being impacted by others and living for something bigger than myself. That is what brings joy. That is what matters.

Yummy.

I love Japanese food. I think I could eat it multiple times a week.

That's all for now.

Easter (better late than never)

**I tried to post this several times in the past week and a half, but my photos wouldn't upload. So... I'm sorry for the even more tardiness of my Easter post!**


We had a great Easter weekend. We met Matt's dad, Jenn and the boys for breakfast at IHOP on Saturday. It was yummy and a nice visit. I had some of the cinnastack pancakes that tasted just like I remembered them from high school...delicious! Then Jenn and I headed to target, which is always a fun stop. Matt entertained the boys so we could browse. After that we went to Clemmons for Saturday afternoon through Easter Sunday. My allergies had kicked in Friday night, so unfortunately I was not feeling great and missed out on the tennis match that my siblings took part in. But being around family is always enjoyable, even when feeling puny. Here are a few photos of the yummy cupcakes we decorated Saturday night and the "kids" and girls on Sunday morning. Dad didn't make our short photo session, he was still at church when we snapped the few shots.

On a side note, Easter is such a wonderful celebration. I love singing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today..." with the continual alleluia's throughout the song. I love the joy of celebrating a risen savior, and the grace and forgiveness that has been given to me through Jesus's death. It is a beautiful day, a beautiful celebration.

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."