Wind in the Willows

Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself. -1 Samuel 20: 17
Jonathan and David had a love for one another than ran deeper than just friendship, it was a bond of brothers. Two men that sought after the Lord, bound together by their love for their Lord, their country and their people.



Wind in the Willows is a childrens book about friendship, one that Id like to read. Reading the synopsis of the book makes me want to read it more and more. Josh and I have begun reading "Devotions for people of purpose" by Charles Colson.. we wanted to do a devotion together, but decided to stray from the popular couples devotional books for this year.. and Josh bought this book knowing that I like Chuck Colson. So, we have started having a devotion together.. and already, one day two, the topic hit home for me.

"..And we ourselves must remember that we have an obligation to our own friends to call them to accountability when we see them falling into sin- and to be open to the loving rebukes of friends who are concerned about our moral character." -"Confronting our Friends" Devotion for January 2nd


"Friendships sound the call to a higher and transcendent communion with God." -Guroian

Taste and see that the Lord is good..

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. Psalm 34:7-9

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

December 7, 2001

8 years ago today..

I miss my Granny so much. She had such spark. She was witty and bright, so full of life and love for her family. Granny had a funny wheezing laugh, that made others join in. I always gave her a run for her money.. I sassed her and she took it in stride, loving our similar spunky personalities. She treasured my sister and I above all possessions, that we were certain of. Kelly and my constant bickering and sarcasm made her laugh and join.

I have so many funny memories of her..
..Granny asked me to shovel the snow on the porch while we were visiting their home in Minnesota and I responded,"If you give me a little dollar" and she did!
..She wouldn't let me roller blade without my mom being home, but I could ride my bike!
..She always wore a terrycloth sunbathing onesie at our house when she'd visit, so she could sunbathe..
..I would run to Granny when Grumpa would make me so mad I cried, and then I'd laugh the whole time she fussed at him for it..
..Kelly and I would take her reading glasses and pretend we were Granny..
..During one argument of sorts, I told Granny, "Leave me alone, you old lady!" haha! She thought it was so funny.. and I was serious! But I always had her laughing at me.. no matter how sassy or disrespectful I was, she found me hilarious!
..Granny gave Kelly and I money every time we shopped with her, she spoiled us... but, I think I was the only rotten one!



I have found ways of carrying her with me. This picture is from my wedding day. I wore my Granny's emerald and diamond pendant on a chain my Aunt Carrie bought for me. And I am currently wearing the ring that matches. Granny's memory is cherished and sacred. Kelly and I were truly blessed to have gotten to know her and be spoiled by her. I wish that our younger cousins, Andrew and Elizabeth had gotten the time with her that Kelly and I did. Granny was a special lady. And I miss her today.

None but Jesus

None but Jesus:

In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call i won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

We sang this in service this morning. Its one of those songs that I have had on repeat so many times.. one that I truly am unhinged, unyielding, undignified, and unable to hold back from. This song screams the cry of my heart in so many moments of my life. "In the chaos in confusion, I know You're sovereign still." A phrase so similar to this has been my breath of prayer. The simple truth that the Lord is sovereign, holds me together. "There is no one else for me, none but Jesus.." I long for this to be true for me, for all my days. Is it true for you?

He is jealous for me..

What a mind blowing sentiment.. the Lord is jealous of our love, our attention, our worship, our time...


..just think about it.

wrapped in love..

Today, Josh and I received a package. When he told me over the phone of the package waiting with my name on it, I was instantly curious. After asking about the package, who from, etc. I still had no clue what the package could be. So, I called my mom. I figured if a family member was sending a package, they'd called her for the address. Turns out, my Grandma had give my mom the tracking number to the package she had just put in the mail for my Tuesday! After learning this tid-bit of info, I knew exactly what it was! MY QUILT! My Grandma makes a quilt for each grandchild when they get married. Grandma started mine sometime in 2007, during the time of m engagement, after I'd picked out colors for our home. So, a little over a year after I'm married.. here it is!! Better late than never, and I'd rather have this quilt than most things anyone could give me! My Grandma is my hero, and this quilt is just a small token of her love, a little reminder that I am wrapped in her love on a daily basis. What a reminder that is of how Christ has wrapped us in HIS love! The quilt has an "enscription" on the bottom:

Jackie + Josh ~(^)~ March 29 2008

..the funky symbol is my attempt at the flower between our names and our wedding date. Wow, what a gift!

bittersweet..

A week ago a wonderful, God-fearing woman went home to be with the Lord. Though my heart is sad, I rejoice in knowing that I will see her again one day. DeAnna was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, and had been in remission twice since then. The fall of 2008, she was diagnosed with cancer again. She had a tumor removed, and was sent to Indiana for an aggressive treatment. Upon her return, her doctors informed her that her body was not responding to treatment and that this cancer was going to be terminal. She took this news with grace, and Praised the Lord that she would have some more time with her family and friends. I have never experienced such unwavering faith. DeAnna was a true inspiration. I am proud to call her friend, and mostly, my sister in Christ.