Nawleans!

 

This Thursday, the hubby and I took a road trip to New Orleans to see my some great friends, Amber Grace and Joshua Heath. This was the first trip Zach and I have taken as just the two of us since our honeymoon. It was lots of fun just to travel with my man. Let me tell you, the alphabet game can get intense!

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We started out at a disgusting 5:30 in the a.m. I was so excited about the trip that I couldn’t sleep. Ha My eyes told me that there was NO way contacts were getting in there! We got there in time to attend a chapel service in which David Platt was speaking. Let’s just say that we were left with a big challenge.

This was a very fun trip. We were able to do many things that are specific to New Orleans. We went to the Farmer’s Market. It’s only a little different from our little Mississippi markets. Ha They sell alligator and things of that nature. I had to try some.

It was quite tasty. We spent a large amount of time on the French Quarter. People watching is rather fun there. We saw two street shows, walked through the shops, browsed the street art, ate Cajun food, and OF COURSE had some Cafe du Monde twice.

We ate at a place called City Diner right before we left, and it was the BEST food I think I have ever tasted! It was absolutely and incredibly delightful. If you ever go to New Orleans, City Diner is a must! It’s actually in Metairie, but that’s really close to New Orleans.

That’s not a plate. That is a pizza pan! They have pancakes so big that they take up a whole pizza pan. Not only are they huge, they are DELICIOUS! I might go back just to eat at this restaurant.

 

This was a wonderful trip. We went with the agenda of seeing friends, but in that trip God showed me some things in my life that need to change. I was challenged greatly, but that will have to come in another post. I hope that you had a great weekend, reader friends.

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Just Give It a Couple More Years…

It’s Wednesday! It’s Wednesday! It’s Wednesday! This means I get to tell you all about what I’m lovin’, and we get to link up with Jamie!

First of all, I am lovin’ that it is SPRING BREAK!!! I have gotten in some good naps, and the house is almost immaculate! I feel the need to invite everyone over to see it, because this doesn’t happen very often. I feel like the real reason behind Spring Break is to make sure teachers keep their sanity.

I am also REALLY lovin’ that tomorrow the hubby and I are taking a road trip to see Amber Grace and Joshua Heath Warren. I keep telling them that God has spoken to me and told me to tell them that they’re supposed to go where Zach and I go. They aren’t listening. Ha They have moved to New Orleans for seminary, and we are going to visit for a couple of days. I am STOKED!

I am REALLY, REALLY lovin’ my man!

Isn’t he a HUNK?!? Ha That picture is a joke, but in all seriousness I have something to address in my “newlyweddedness”. Yes, I made that a word. Apparently Zach and I are in what people call the “honeymoon stage”. What I have heard is: “Just give it a couple years.” “This will wear off.” “Wait till you’ve been married as long as us.” “Enjoy it while it lasts. When it wears off, it’s awful.” “You won’t like each other in a couple years.”

Well, ya wanna know what? Poo on you! My marriage doesn’t have to be like that. I know I have a lot to learn about marriage; I haven’t been married all that long. There are some things I have learned though in my lifetime that are definitely applicable to mine and everyone else’s marriage.

 

If you don’t mind, I would like to share my findings.

1. God created marriage, and it is a covenant. God does not create covenants to be broken and has never broken a covenant. Genesis 2:24

2. Marriage is to be a reflection of Christ and the Church. This is a GLORIOUS parallel. Our marriages are supposed to point to the glory and goodness of God! When you enter into relationship with Christ, He does not say that the relationship will eventually wither and fade. He does not say that one day He will decide to be selfish, abandon you, or decide that He loves us no longer. No. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless. He tells us to exhibit that same love in our marriage. *Ephesians 5:22 ff *1 Corinthians 13:4-7

3. Husbands are to lovingly lead their wives and wash them with the Word. *Ephesians 5:22 ff

4. Wives are to respect and submit to their husbands. *Ephesians 5:22 ff

5. Nagging wives are annoying. Don’t get mad at me. The Bible says it! *Proverbs 27: 15-16 It likewise says that a good wife is more precious than jewels. *Proverbs 31:10 (The whole chapter is good, really.)

Now, I know that this is much easier said than lived out, but it is a choice. I know I get on Zach’s nerves sometimes, and he gets on mine as well. We are two imperfect people meshing opinions, habits, and lives. This isn’t the easiest thing to do. I get that. Again, it is a choice. I love my husband, and I sure do love the gift of marriage that God has given us.I love that God will give me the power to honor the covenant I have made with my handsome husband. On July 7, 2012 I said vows that I wish to honor for the rest of our lives. I vowed to honor, respect, encourage, and love him. I didn’t say that I would forget about these things after 15-20ish years.

I think I said it like so: “Till death do us part.” I want to have my “honeymoon stage” for our next 160 years. I tell him he’s not allowed to go until he’s 187 until then. How have you served your spouse today? Have you prayed for him/her? Have you prayed with him/her today? When is the last time you pointed out something that he/she does well? When is the last time you complimented or encouraged your spouse? Let’s get really real…when is the last time you went to the bedroom? Hey! The Lord said it is good! IN MARRIAGE!!! Read Song of Songs!

Love is a choice, and a good marriage is a choice. I desire for my marriage to thrive forever. That’s how the Lord intended for it to work. I look forward to the many years Zach and I have to serve the Lord alongside each other. I sure do love my man. He opens doors, tells me I’m beautiful, encourages me, surprises me, serves me, cuddles me, and he does an excellent job of washing me with the Word. What are you loving, reader friends?

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy