Young Guns

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

Dear Mr. Jared Blake Johnson

I am in awe. I have an amazing husband. 

Love ya lots, Mr. Johnson! You're the best. You shock me day after day of how much 

you love and care for me.

Gap Kids

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...

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.

Reagan's 24th Birthday

 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)

Jared's 26th Birthday

For Jared's birthday, one the presents I bought him was Jon Foreman's Vinyl of all his EP's. He was sooo thrilled! I did good. 

Love you, Jared!

Home Sweet Home

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.