Peace.

I met up with my good friend Kristy Star last Sunday at Caribou before she went back to school in Columbia, SC. During the course of our conversation, she asked me to think of a word that I wanted to describe 2011. Now I'm not big on resolutions, in fact this year I had resolved to do less rather than more (so I will NOT be making a list of things I want to do in 2011). But I liked this idea, it gives my year a theme - and the first word that came to my mind was "peace." As I was meditating on this & CJ Mahaney's message on Jude 1:24-25 the Lord really met me. I hope you find my ramblings & thoughts on this as encouraging as I did....

Peace does not mean life will be perfect - but there is peace and rest that can be found in God's presence alone.

You keep me from falling - Peace that you hold me tightly; nothing can keep me from your love.

You make me stand in the presence of glory blameless - Peace that you have covered a multitude of sins & my greatest need has been provided for. Will you not provide for all things?

Great joy - Peace & assurance that you delight in me. In spite of my sin, doubt, anxiousness, & unfaithfulness, you present me to the father with great joy. What amazing grace!

Glory, majesty, dominion, authority before all time, now & forever more - Peace! You are in control; I am not. You have not lost sight of me. So I know what Philippians 4:6-7 means when it says "be anxious for nothing...and the peace that surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ." What do I have to be anxious about? You have extended grace up on grace and in Jesus have provided for my greatest need.

Happy 26th Birthday Jared!

Happy birthday to my baby brother, Jared. I love you so much. You are one of my best friends, make me laugh harder than anyone else, & have such a kind & caring heart. I know the Lord will bless you in this next year.

Decade Dance #1

#1. Marriage. On April 2, 2010 I married James Michael Jerrell. Can I get an Amen? (I'm pretty sure by the time I was 27 my parents were wondering if I would ever get married). When I look back on how the Lord brought Michael into my life I cannot help but be overwhelmed by His thoughtfulness & kindness toward me. I wasn't looking for a relationship, I certainly didn't think I would find my husband in a 23 year old recent college grad from Florida. But the Lord is good & His timing is perfect. Can I get another Amen? (you can read about our engagement story here) I cannot believe that we have been married for 9 months already; time flies. I have learned a lot already in our 9 months of marriage; it certainly is a sanctifying process. However, I could not be more blessed to have such a loving, caring, thoughtful, sacrificial & God fearing husband. (want to read about the wedding planing & wedding/honeymoon?)
(photo credit: elisabeth rose photography. You can see them all here)

Decade Dance #2

#2. Teaching & Coaching. Working with kids makes me happy. I have had various ups & downs with both jobs, but in the end it is so rewarding to work with my students & my swimmers. I have also had to opportunity to work with some very talented teachers & coaches, travel to new places, work with elite level athletes & share the gospel. It's all worth it!

ASHBROOK HIGH SCHOOL:

ATOM & CHYSC:

NC ZONE TEAM:

Decade Dance #3

#3. Concerts. I love live music. The End.

+Mute Math @ Amos'

+Shooter Jennings @ Visualite

+Dave Matthews Band (on my birthday) @ Verizon Wireless

+Justin Timberlake @ Atlanta. *Kendra and I were in her kitchen practicing our laugh at Justin's jokes if we were to meet him while at the concert. Please don't judge us*

+Pops in the Park @ Southpark

+Coldplay @ Verizon Wireless

+Also: I've seen Jack Johnson 2 times, but can't seem to find any of the pics. I guess I should include in this list all of the other shows I've seen too: Edwin McCain, Weekend Excursion, Lifehouse & 3 Doors Down (I know... don't judge), Rascall Flats, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney....I'm sure there is more, but that's all I got off the top of my head.