Dedication and India

You know how I said we made ornaments with cousins last Thanksgiving? Well, Zach and I made ornaments along with them. Zach got stuck with probably the most difficult and tedious ornament of all. It involved probably 1,000,006 a lot of tiny beads and lots of focus. He spent at least a couple of hours on this ornament, and voila! It now hangs upon our Christmas tree!

This ornament reminds me of my husband’s dedication in all areas. I am constantly in awe of his work ethic and persistence. He works full time, part time, and is getting his master’s degree. He does this all without a single complaint. He inspires me so much. In his dedication and never giving up, he does not care at ALL what people think of him, and I am constantly learning from him. Have I mentioned that he’s my favorite? My prayer is that some of that dedication and care-free nature will continue to rub off on me. Btw, there’s still time to link up with Amber Marie for 25DOCO.

Most of you that know me know that India has a special place in my heart. I spent the summer of 2010 in Varanasi and had my world rocked. I fell in love with the place and tell Zach all the time that I would go back to live forever. I fell in love with the people, the hospitality, the vibrant color, the chai eventually, and all of their yummy bread. I also saw a desperate need for the gospel. It hit me so much more because their idols are so evident and open. In America, ours are a little harder to see. There though it was so blatant, and it was heartbreaking.





It is a passion of mine to let women know their value and worth in Christ. We live in a culture that says to find worth in so many different things that will never define worth! They will always fail, and women/girls search relentlessly to no avail. In India, it’s even worse. Most parents do not desire girls. Many girls are aborted. If they are not aborted, some are dumped after birth. In India, many girls will never hear of their worth in Christ.They are treated as less valuable. This video will explain some of the reasons why and also tell you how you can help to change that.



 

Nicole @ Bloom has family that lives in India. They desire to give these girls a chance and to give them hope. If you can give, even the smallest amount, give. If you cannot, share it! Share the above video. Share Nicole's blog. Nicole's goal is to reach $2000 this Christmas season in support of Shiloh Shelter. You should definitely click on the link above to read the post that tells more about Shiloh Shelter. After you're done doing that, you should follow her blog. You might ask why. Well, because she is an amazing woman of God, and her blog does a whole lot of glorifying Jesus. Did you watch that video? Watch that video!

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Alma Mater

As I continue on the 25DOCO journey, I am brought to an ornament that brings back 4 years worth of a large variety of emotions and memories. This ornament is representative of my alma mater and the time I spent in the education department.



I actually have the same ornament in three different colors. It was a gift from a professor that imparted much wisdom, Dr. Thompson. The most memorable quote was, “Go ahead and forgive yourself for all of the mistakes that you’ll make your first year of teaching.” Oh my, did I have those! I’m sure I will continue to have them throughout my teaching career. Teaching, like many other professions, requires MUCH self reflection. Pride and self justification are not good places for a teacher to be. It allows no room for growth.

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This ornament was given at a Christmas party for the club/organization I was involved with. It was MECA, which stands for Mississippi Early Childhood Education. We learned a lot and got to be involved with the elementary schools in our delta community.

Oh, how I miss college! I had grand memories: meeting lifelong friends, growing spiritually, getting the blessing of being involved with FBC Cleveland for 3 years, meeting my husband, learning to stomp him at ping pong, landing my first teaching job, SO many quotable memories, and much picture documentation. There were also many challenging times throughout those 4 years. I learned what healing really meant, and my friends showed me what it meant to bear a burden with you. I had LOTS of car trouble and even said goodbye to my first car. Ha I always had people taking care of me though! Zach broke up with me, and we went 2 1/2 years with no communication. No worries, you guys know how that worked out. Below are just a few pictures of some college memories.
 





























I could keep going. I shall refrain. I think my favorite memories are the ones in which everyone piled into our little duplex for late night studying/projecting. We were all working away into the wee hours of the morning. People would stay until 2-4ish in the morning. The ladies would sometimes just stay and pile into my king size bed. We would be making pots of coffee all through the night/early morning. We might have been more productive had we holed ourselves up to finish our projects, but it was much more fun to be in it together! Don’t wish away your college years, friends. It could very well be some of the sweetest memories of your life!

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Tardy Hardy

 

This is the real name I took on when marrying my husband. It has become a reality in my blogging. I am yet again doing WILW…not on Wednesday. I’m also behind on 25DOCO. This week has been a crazy one. Today though we had a much desired SNOW DAY!!! I am LOVING it!

I am loving that I did not have to set an alarm this morning. I am loving that I was able to make the Hardy's a hearty breakfast. Pun intended. I am loving that I have had extra snuggle time with my handsome man. I am loving that I got to hang out with these two sweeties, plus Zach, this morning. It has just been an all around good day!

I couldn’t get the boys to look at the same time.

I am loving these boys! Their parents are also wonderful.

Like always, I am loving my wonderful husband. The future scares me simply because I am a planner, and I have no idea what the future holds. As I see his dependence on God and all the areas in which he is gifted, I am put more at ease. He is a wonderful leader and always speaks the gospel over my anxiety. This is a good lead in for my ornament of choice today for 25DOCO.

I LOVE this ornament. It was a gift from Jennifer at a wedding shower. I love the Walker family and all that they did for me during my time in Cleveland. I miss them a whole bunch. If you want to read a blog packed full of wisdom, then click on the hyperlink above.

It’s not too late to join in 25DOCO with Amber Marie! Stay safe amidst the ice, reader friends.

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Teaching

I’m continuing in my link-up of #25DOCO with Amber Marie. Today’s ornament was a gift from a fellow teacher.

It is the teacher holding up the “report card” given to her. I love this ornament. Teachers have got to stick together and encourage one another. Teaching isn’t easy. There are so many days in which I go home and think of all the things I could have done differently, or I feel as if all I did was correct behavior all day long. There are days when I quite simply question why in the world I chose this profession. Teaching has been one of the most sanctifying things that has ever been a part of my life. It shows me my idols and definitely brings to the surface where I am not living in the Spirit. It has also been one of the most rewarding things in my life.

I am thankful for fellow teachers that understand the crazy stories. Since they understand the stories, they can also be great encouragement. I’m thankful for my fellow teachers that talk sense into me when I need it. Thanks for my ornament, Morgan! I love it, and I love you.

There’s still time to link up and share about your favorite ornaments!

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy