Liebster Award!
Jenny from Williams Way nominated me for this super cool award. I haven't blogged in ages - so I feel bad that she has been following me, it has probably been terribly disappointing...haha! But this gave me a good reason to get back on it. Here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.
Oh! and here's how Jenny explains the award: "The Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers by bloggers. It’s a way to acknowledge each other and say “you’re doing a great job”. It is for blogs with 200 or less followers, so it’s also a nice way to spread the word about smaller blogs and get them more readers and followers!
When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person(s) who nominated you. You pass the Award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You’re not allowed to nominate the blog(s) who nominated you! (To get the button, right click the picture on my page and save the picture to your computer. You can then upload to your blog.)" Thanks Jenny!
Here are my nominees:
Life and The Times (my sister)
Los Dos Daubertos
Sarah Gabriel
Vibrant Grace
I follow some other bloggers but these are my buddies, so - if you're in, here are the questions I have for ya!
1. What makes you happy?
2. Is there anything that challenges you daily?
3. Where would you like to travel?
4. What's your favorite weekend routine?
5. Reading any good books?
6. If you could do a day over, what day would it be?
7. What is one of your favorite places? Could be a vacation spot, or a local coffee shop...
8. Do you like facebook? (haha)
9. Current music kick?
10. Describe your dream job.
11. What do you value in friendships?
And now...here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.
1. I haven't blogged in a long time because we opened a frozen yogurt bar this spring. This has kept me very busy and my brain somewhat sidetracked. I've missed putting my random thoughts out for the world however, so maybe I can pick it back up now!
2. Matt and I went to Cambodia this summer to visit my brother Logan. He was serving with International Justice Mission. It was a wonderful trip - and material for a separate blog post!
3. My sister got married in May. She looked stunning. Also material for another blog post.
4. I think instead of having a sweet tooth, I must have sweet teeth. Seriously, why are desserts and sweet treats so good?! Ah....
5. I took my first "pilates barre" class last week. The teacher complimented my form. I felt pretty awesome. (haha)
6. My family dog is 15. She's the sweetest. It's hard to see her age. Every day we have her is a good day. But it is sad to think too much on it.
7. I miss the ocean. I've seen it three times this summer, which is a pretty good number, but it doesn't feel like enough!
8. Live music makes my heart happy. Something about the performance and seeing all the elements actually happening in front of me. Oh I do love it. It draws me in. Must go to a concert soon!
9. I'm enjoying working in the hospitality/food industry. Generally customers are happy in our yogurt shop. This makes the job fun. When customers are not happy it is hard but a good learning experience.
10. I wish I was good at decorating. It is not something that I feel naturally gifted at doing. However I'm growing more confident as we move around and settle in new spaces. I am also developing a taste for certain items, putting things together, etc. It is fun!
11. Some of my happiest times are when my family is all together. It doesn't happen a lot but I love when it does!
Now here are my answers to Jenny's questions!
1. If you knew you would not fail, what is the first thing you would do?
This is a hard one! I feel like maybe something sporty? I always wanted to be a lifeguard but never took the training course - seems like a silly answer but I'll go with that. I'd be a lifeguard. And work at the beach - that seems even scarier! haha
2. (Borrowed this question from Sarah) Describe yourself as a paint color. Give a name and tell why it fits you.
"Bask in the Sun" - a nice shade of soft yellow. Warmth. I like that shade of paint first of all, and I love the sun. And yellow.
3. What were you most scared of when you were a child?
Bad guys of any sort. Kidnapped, fires, murders. Eek!
4. What is your favorite quote right now?
A friend's mom recently passed away...their family always loved Jimmy Buffett. This week I've remembered the quote I associated with their family: "wrinkles only go where smiles have been."
5. If your mom called you right now and said she's cooking dinner and wants you to plan the menu what would you choose?
Dirt Cake for dessert. Maybe this crispy chicken dish she made when I was growing up, we were talking about how we haven't had that in forever. Yes, that would be a fun dish to have again.
6. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
By the sea.
7. Describe your favorite hobby. . . why is it your favorite?
Zumba has become pretty a highlight of my week! Love it - I've never had so much fun working out.
8. (Borrowed from Sarah, she had fun questions) What elements are must-haves in your dream home?
Windows are also something I'm realizing I appreciate more and more. It's funny how you all the sudden become a "grown up" and care about features of a house. Windows, a great master bedroom and bath.
9. This dinner that your mom is fixing...who would you invite?
My family, duh! And of course Matt would be by my side. (free food? he's there! ;)
10. If you had a day off with absolutely no obligations or limits, how would you spend it?
Sleep in, stay in my pj's for a while, and go be in the sunshine, either by a body of water, or just in the park. Clean up and have a nice dinner date - this girl always loves a reason to dress up a bit!
11. Who do you look up to the most, and why?
I look up to my parents the most. I look up to each of them for different reasons. My dad because of the Godly, genuine man he is. My mom for the ways she raised us, continues to care about us and adapts as a pastor's wife, I think as I grow up I realize the sacrifices they both made for us a kid's. I look up to them both very much and am thankful for their example of marriage.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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!
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!
Friday, January 13, 2012
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!
-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!
Friday, December 23, 2011
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!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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!
Monday, December 5, 2011
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!
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!
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