I wrote before about my nephew Shepherd working at Gap. I think he should also be a model. My sister (one amazing photographer) just took these pictures of him last week and sent this one to me as a sneak peek. He's the coolest kid EVER. I created these mock ads just for fun. I get so much joy out of being this kid's Aunt Rae Rae. I can't wait to see what his little bro has in store for us.
Yesterday, while Jared was at work, I was picking up things around the house and washing the dishes when my door bell rang. I answered to a blonde haired, soft spoken boy about the age of 8 with a red dolly behind him.
"Would you like me to take your trash out?" He gently asked.
The reason behind this is that our area of duplexes share a trash dumpster that certain occupants such has ourselves have to hike up a hill and walk half a mile to get to. The kid was nervous and from my deducing had probably been told by his parents to go around the neighborhood and has ask each resident if they were in need of some help.
"Wow" I thought. "This kid's parents know what they're doing."
"Thank you so much," I answered, "But I think my husband just took it out."
"Okay." He replied as he turned around to grab the dolly.
Jared arrived home about an hour later, and as we sat down to eat our lunch, I told him what happened. We both thought about the times our parents had told us to do something, and we had thought, "Why in the world are they making us do this!!!" Unbeknown to us, they were teaching us life lessons.
We knew the kid was feeling the same way, but could see in is future a day when he will see someone in need and actually do something about it.
"His dad is going to be a great pastor." I said. We both laughed and continued to eat when the door bell rang once more.
Jared answered this time to two other boys slightly old and bigger than the one an hour before. One of the boys, carrying a frog in a plastic aquarium immediately belted, "We can take your trash out for 50 cents!"
Jared paused and said, "Uh, thank you, but we're good."
"Okay." The kid and his friend took off; Jared shut the door and looked at me with his quizzical look. We couldn't hold our laughs in anymore.
Little did we know we were going to have Danny Akin and then Benny Hinn knock on our door in the very same day.
Nope. Not the great film starring future Mighty Duck, Emilio Estevez and Jack Bauer. I'm talking about my hopes and dreams when I was in my teens and early twenties.
See, I was always intrigued by young guns. Guys who wrote great books or music, led great ministries or started companies that impacted the world in some great way. I always wanted to be that. To be young and to be known for something great that impacted the world.
This has changed significantly in the past year. Marriage changed it all.
People aren't generally impressed by couples who wed early. Two of my best friends got married early in college and I remember them talking about the sideways looks they got when people found out they were twenty and married. It's a sad commentary, but they've been married now for seven years and that impresses people. It will be even more impressive in thirty, forty, and fifty years.
The same goes for Reagan and me. The newlywed time has been great. We got married relatively young but I don't care about that. What I care about is if God gives us sixty more years I want those to be spent with her.
I'm far less impressed with young guns. I'm impressed by Billy Graham. I'm impressed by John Piper. I'm impressed by Floyd Johnson. These men love Jesus. And they've loved Jesus for decades.
Don't give me fame now. Give me a heart and passion for my Jesus in sixty years. Give me wisdom to recognize the pitfalls that have already captured some of the young guns I've known.
These were some of the last words from Paul, and I plead with God that someday, a long time from now I can say the same.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4.7-8
Okay, so Jared and I have a unique sense of humor. I'm here to share it with you all today.
We were walking by Baby Gap and Gap Kids at the mall the other day. Jared said to me that he thought that kids should be the workers in there instead of adults. Now, don't take him seriously, Ladies and Gentlemen. I believe he was imagining some kind of fairytale land in his head like the elves being the workers at the north pole and so on and so forth.
Immediately, I was struck with the vision of my one-year-old nephew Shepherd dressed in the preppy outfits, walking around the Baby Gap store and helping customers. I would buy from that kid. Anyone would. All he would have to do is point to something and shake his head "yes," and I would buy it. SOLD.
Oh yeah, he's cute. But then watch this:
I was now imagining Shepherd being the cashier, and has he would hand them their change, he would jerk his hand back and laugh at them. "You want the money? No! You can't have it! - Do you want the money now? Nice try! - Okay, okay. I'll give it to you this time. Oh! Too slow!"
Then I thought of this face when customers would ask a dumb question: Seriously?
Or this face when another baby got a good review and he didn't.
Or this face if a customer asked him where the 2T sizes were.
Today is my brother's birthday. I'm so excited for him - he turned 30! Just 6 more years until I'll be in the same position. Eek!
Yesterday, he and his wife threw a huge party for him at her parents home in Arkansas. Pretty much my whole family was there for the celebration except me. Moving to North Carolina hasn't gone without the few bumps in the road, and this one was a big one for me. I did fine all day long. I was busy with work until 9:30 that evening and came home to Jared where we snacked on humus and pita chips while watching Mad Men. Dad sent me a few photos of the party with my family all dressed in there cowboy attire and smiles as big as Texas.
On my way home from work yesterday, I also learned that one of my best friends from college, Jessie McKennell won ECU homecoming queen 2010. I was so proud of her! This is a woman whose sole purpose in life is to make the name of Christ not only known, but loved. She has been one of the greatest things that ever happened to me . A few weeks ago, I spoke with her, and the school had just announced her as one of the top five candidates. Each nominee now had to give an interview to the Ada Evening News, where she was able to proclaim her faith, and later be printed for all to read. She had no idea she was going to even make it into the top five or even win, but this girl can do anything she sets her mind to do. I wish I could have been there to see her. This excitement and anticipation is so odd for me to feel, because I could normally care less about homecoming queen or any of the sort. But this difference was not only because it's Jessie, but why she was even pursuing it in the first place. She wants all the glory to go to God and no one else. She had won the hearts of college students who didn't even believe in God. She never once denied His name, but had proclaimed it and STILL people who don't even have a religion fell in love with her.
Again, my best friend is experiencing a life change. A fire is in her like I've never seen before - a caution and a cause. She is slow to speak and act, but quick with her passion of Christ. I just got off the phone with her today. The woman is on FIRE! She encourages me in faith, hope and love. At a time in her life when she should be rock bottom, she is standing on top of THE ROCK with her hands lifted high and proclaiming His name and majesty. She excites me every single time I talk to her. She stirs my soul. I hate that I'm not there to personally see this happening. To witness the glory of God at work in someones life. Someone so close and meaningful to me. I love Mechel my bell, with all my heart.
And last but not least, my sister. What a woman of God. I've missed out, my love. But I'm here now - however, the hardest part is I'm not "here" in physical form. My heart aches to be with her - when she's sad, when she's happy. She has always been a source of energy to me that God knew I needed. Like Mechel, she has been a crutch to lean on in so many ways. A day gone by without hearing her voice, is a day to be counted with a pinch of sadness. She's suffered a lot of pain lately, and I can't be there for her. I'm just a sound over the telephone, wishing her peace, love and prayer.
These are very important times in my family and friends' lives, and I'm missing out. But here's the catch - I get to go home to my husband who also loves Jesus more than words can say. And THAT my friends, makes a world of difference. God is sufficient; Jared is sufficient. Jared comforts my heart, when no other man can. I have to say, last night before bed, I so badly wished I could see everyone. However, I know I'm here for a bigger reason. And the love for God is bigger. And the love I have for Taylor, Jessie, Mechel, and Lindsay is bigger. I just want them to know.
Homesickness is tough, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I know more people are suffering worse things out there in the world than just homesickness. But I'm here to say that knowing where God has placed you is exactly where you're supposed to be, makes all the pain disappear, and allows peace to inhabit. He is greater. He is higher than any other.
For my birthday, Jared spoiled me all day. He made me french toast for breakfast (one of my faves). Then he let me open my presents as soon as we finished. I had asked for a sewing machine for all the art projects and craft projects I have been dying to do! I'm so excited and can't wait to get started!
He also bought me a card with Tina Fey (MY HERO!) on the front with her saying, "I want to go to there..." when you open it! I say that quote all the time, and no one ever knows what I'm talking about. I love my husband! He knows me so well! I'm going to keep this card FOREVER! Check it out!
For lunch he made me the most amazing steaks EVER! He is so talented when it comes to grilling steaks. I love it!
For my birthday cake, he bought Cake Batter Ice Cream Cupcakes from Coldstone! They were fantastic! Just typing about it makes me want to go into the kitchen and have another.
After lunch we went to the movies and saw The Social Network. Amazing film! You should definitely go see it!
Then for desert (again! But hey! It's my birthday! I can have desert twice in a day!), he took me to The Melting Pot for chocolate fondue. The Melting Pot holds a special place in our hearts because it was the first restaurant we ate at as husband and wife. I am blessed beyond measure to have the greatest husband in the world.
And it has to be said, that as I type at this very moment he thinks he's being funny by torturing me with slobbery kisses. ;o)
Here's our home! I can't believe I have my own place with my own husband. The bedroom is a little girly, but I wanted to decorate with a color that Jared wouldn't be turned away by. Blue is his favorite color and gray is mine. I thought it could be the perfect combination when paired with the right colors. He loves our room. One thing I have to say about my whole house, is how everything seemed to come together. Pictures and painting I knew I had but didn't know that they would actually match my color scheme throughout the house. Melody and Laura, Jared's mother and sister, made it such a joy to fix the place up. They are such hard workers and together we created the perfect place for Jared and me. We had a blast hanging pictures and placing pillows.
For the living room, I wanted it to be fun filled and retro with warm colors that we be inviting to anyone who entered. I've since moved things around to make more room for guests, but this is my favorite setup.
On our chalkboard we want to write scriptures of encouragement, hope, and peace. Right now we have Numbers 6:24-26.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.
And on to the kitchen. Jared and I love to cook, so again, it was super important to me to make this an inviting safe place. I love that it flows right into the living room. When Jared or I cooking we can still enjoy the company of our guests in the other room. But that also might be because it's such a small place. We like to call it "cozy." But it doesn't matter to us, we love it. It's the perfect size.
I have the new Fiestaware. The plates and bowls are squares. I love that each one of them are a different color! Jared and I have this thing where we pick which color plate, bowl or mug we want to use for the day. The little things in life make days so much fun that way.
Welcome to Wake Forest, North Carolina. This is home of Southeastern where Jared is studying. It's one of the most beautiful towns I have ever lived in. I've been telling friends and family that it's like an M&M - the warm chocolatie, small-town center with a colorful, big-city candy coating. Raleigh and Durham are 15-30 minutes away.
We are so blessed that God settled us in such a place that shouts his amazing workmanship in the trees, in the weather, and in the company. We have met and grown to love several people in such a short time of being here. God is amazing. We feel at home.
I love to take walks through the campus. It's so peaceful.
There's also a bed and breakfast on Main. I think if anyone wants to come see us they should check this place out.
Wake Forest is FULL of history. When walking down Main Street, Jared and I took a few pictures of some of the historic homes that line the street. Some of the are absolutely breathtaking. One of the oldest homes in Wake Forest was built in 1840. It was originally a log cabin and then later was added a second story. Today it stands for sale with pink siding and purple shutters. It absolutely needs a makeover.
There are sidewalks everywhere! I love it! If I could complain about anything in Oklahoma it would be that very few towns have sidewalks. We can walk all over this town. Jared even rides his bike to work.
The downtown area is so fun! We have antique shops and delis and Wake Forest Coffee Company. It's the local coffee shop and local hangout.
There is only one thing that I hate about Wake Forest, and it's "Yum, Yum." She is the bronze statue to the right. I have nightmares.
Las Mararitas! We found a Mexican Restaurant that is amazing! Well, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but Jared is and he loves it. They have cheese sauce comparable to La Fiesta's. Everyone in Ada knows what I mean!
And then there's Shorty's! It's a hot dog restaurant! Jared and I went there for his birthday. They have slaw dogs which are a southern specialty. And we are fans!
So that sums up our tour of Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA, the World. It's beautiful and intriguing. Friends and family are welcome to come visit anytime - and SHOULD!
Hi. My name is Jared and I married an incredible woman three months ago. Her name is Reagan. If you're reading this blog, you most likely know us quite well (I honestly imagine that the people most interested in this will be our moms and dads) so we will skip the long intros and just get to the point.
Two months ago we made the twenty hour trek from Holdenville, Oklahoma, our base of operation for the first few weeks of wedlock, to Wake Forest, North Carolina. We moved out here so that I could go to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and to start our lives together with a great adventure. The adventure has begun and it has been a great ride so far.
Reagan got a great job at Francesca's Collections as an assistant manager and loves her job. We found a church that we really like and have had a great time getting plugged into the Young Professionals class. We've met some good friends already and have some unbelievably godly people pouring into us, just a couple months in.
God has truly blessed us and while we're here we hope to keep this blog going so that we will have memories in writing and so that the folks in the midwest can share in our great adventure.
