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

I think I threw my arm out!

 

So, I’ve never done this whole Throwback Thursday deal, but I think I wanna try it. I also think this is an instagram thing, but I don’t mind stealing it for a blog. I am throwing waaaaaay back. I love looking at pictures. Pictures are the best way to relive our memories. I am going to share some pictures that really make my heart smile. Are you ready for this ride?

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For those of you who do not know, I have a twin brother. I denied our physical likeness for the longest time, but I’ve had to come to terms with it. As soon as my hair is up and my make-up is off I look just like Jimmy Neal! No, he does not have curly hair for those of you wondering. He has moved to Arkansas, and I miss that knucklehead very much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was once a time in our baby years in which I was chubbier, but this indeed is not that time. Ha

PWUH HA HA HA! That’s all I can say.

I LOVED dresses, pantyhose, and clip-on earrings. I was such a diva. Now, I just like my sweats.

This one has me in tears! Oh, sweet goodness.

Pssshh, why would you think I was snooping through my stocking?

Look how sweet Jimmy was! I hadn’t grown into my teeth yet. Ha

I love my precious Pappaw! I was getting me some Pappaw kisses. We called it Hollywood. He still gets Hollywood sugars on his bald head! I’m so thankful for the male influence he was in my life. He taught me all about shooting guns, riding four-wheelers, baiting hooks, catching and cleaning fish, root beer floats, and most of all love. His most famous statement: “Get out of my chair!” Ha ha He’s in his 80’s, but he’d still fight someone over me, I know it! I love you, Pappaw!

It wasn’t loaded. Calm down! I have girly shoes on with flooding Hee Haw overalls and a striped shirt that definitely does not mesh well. Let’s not forget I’m holding a gun. Ha

This picture is only about 5 years old. This was the night that I realized Zach was paying special attention to me. Amber Marie and I went back and jumped on the hotel beds. We could use the excuse that we were freshmen in college, but I think we would still probably do the same thing. I’m not sure how I got so high. Maybe it’s because I was twitterpated. Don’t know the definition of twitterpated? Click here.

 

I have lots of baby pictures of Zach as well. Maybe that’s what I should share next Thursday! I’ve enjoyed my stroll down memory lane, reader friends.

 

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Happy Wednesday!

 

Yeah, yeah, I know it’s not really Wednesday. My Wednesdays are so busy though that I usually miss out on my WILW post, so ya know what? I’m pretending that it’s Wednesday!

 

I’m loving how well my handsome man is doing in DFT’s “The Scarlet Pimpernel”! I’m so proud. I can only imagine what I’ll be like when I have kids! I have been to four shows, and it gets better every time. If you haven’t seen it, GO! It will have laughing hysterically, crying, and picking up your jaw from the floor with the amazing plot and vocals.

 

I’m not really sure why I’m tugging on his shirt. Ha 

As much as I have loved the play, I will also be loving when it is over. I will get to see my man again!

 

I’m very much loving that pretty soon I will have a “For Sale” sign on good ole Tova! Don’t act like you don’t name your cars! Zach’s car will soon be paid off, and I’m excited to get an upgrade. My Tova has been dependable though if you know anyone interested. I don’t have a picture, but she is a ‘94 Ford Taurus that has a little less than 80,000 miles on it. She was owned by elderly people before myself. It has been kept up well. I would REALLY love a huge truck, simply because they make me feel big. Let’s be real though, those aren’t very practical for our future kiddos.

But they sure are fun!

 

I’m also loving that being in the classroom gives me so much to laugh at. I swear I’m going to write a book one day! I’m also loving that my class is doing Move to Learn everyday. This is a program that encourages physical activity in the classroom tied in with academic activities or simply for a brain break. It is proven that physical activity increases academic performance. My kids LOVE it, and I love watching them and doing it with them. The website is movetolearnms.org. They have great fitness videos and lesson plans to download. It’s FREE! When I was logging in the other day I loved the mention of Delta State HPER program looking over all of the activities to make sure that they were developmentally appropriate. Way to represent, Delta State University and encourage Mississippi to get moving.

What are you loving this Wednesday Friday, reader friends?

 

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes- Pt. 2-Engaged Edition!

Yay yay yay yay yay YAY! The cat is out of the bag, so now I can write about what I really wanted to write about the hiking trip, the climax of the trip, the main reason the trip rocked, the pivotal moment, what all the excitement is about…Okay, I’ll get to it.

THESE TWO…

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ARE ENGAGED!!!

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The moment I met them I knew they were the real deal. I soon began asking Zach if he knew when David was going to propose. Te he So, I’ve been waiting on this ever since I met the two of them. :) They’re the most perfect couple ever…next to Zach and I, of course! David, you’ve gotten the “far more precious than jewels” they speak of in Proverbs 31. Abbey is so sweet, and she is beautiful.  Abbey, I guess David is okay. Ha I’m just kidding. You’ve got a man that I know will serve and love you well. I am EXTREMELY excited for you guys! Oh, don’t you just love love, reader friends?

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Motherhood

The thought of one day being a mother has always made my heart smile. Now that I’m married, I actually have had to think about that being a soon reality. That puts a twist of fear into the mix. That has forced me to think about all of the realities that motherhood will bring, and then there are all of those things that you won’t know or know how to do until you actually are a mother. It’s just frightening.

Weeks pregnant shirt...neat idea. :)

On top of that, it feels like every time I turn around a mother is telling me about all  of the things that happen to your body during and after pregnancy. Now that…that is some scary stuff! The actual birthing part sounds about as desirable as jumping in a shark tank. Then, I hear gross stories about what the children do. Best of all, there are the testimonies from mothers of teenagers… I just  keep telling them that if they ever want me to have children, they need to save the stories and leave me ignorant.

I'm not listening!

Every time a child throws up at school (it happens frequently), I think about how my own children are going to do that. I feel like there’s just going to be a lot of poop and vomit in motherhood. That’s not exciting. When I do laundry I am aware of how much it will increase when children come on the scene. There are also the thoughts like, “What if I am an awful mother?” There has sadly been a lot of negativity surrounding the idea of children.

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Tonight though I saw parenting in a different light. I saw something that overshadowed all the negativity I have been hearing, seeing, and thinking. I was invited to see one of my second graders lead worship…yes, a second grader leading worship. Her father is involved with the worship ministry at Heartland, and she said she wanted to take voice lessons so that she can lead worship like her daddy. Tonight she did just that. Her father and uncle played for her while she sang the songs she had been working on in voice lessons. It blessed my heart so much to see her have that desire at such a young age.

I couldn’t get a good picture of her because of the lighting and where I was sitting.

Tonight was very refreshing and encouraging for me. The whole point of parenting is to grow them in the Lord…teaching them what it means to know and love Him. I saw that tonight as parents did not suppress a young child’s desire, but they have encouraged it and set a model for her. It was also neat to see that the church had supported her in her young adventures by allowing her to do this. May we not discourage the little ones, but instead give them an outlet to grow.

She sang one of my favorite songs.

Tonight reignited that desire for motherhood. All of the poop, laundry, stretch marks, and sleepless nights will be worth it when my children know that their purpose is to know the Lord and make Him known. I have been praying for years that this is deeply instilled in my children and that they live it out. Thank you, Ashley and Michael for the Godly example you have set for your children.

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I have no doubt that my children will have a wonderful daddy! It warms my heart to think about how great of a father he will be and how I KNOW they will see Jesus through him. Fathers, you have no idea just how great of an impact and influence you have on your children! I have no worries when it comes to my children’s fatherly influence.

Ha!

Let me clarify though that I am not pregnant, and my plan is still to try to wait a little while before I get that way. My mother-in-law started praying curly-headed twins over me since the moment we got engaged, and my most commonly heard question is, “When are y’all gonna have a baby?”.  We need to at least get him done with seminary first. I need a minute. Ha I’ve just had a renewal of perspective.

Happy Saturday, reader friends!

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

Lovin’ Memory Lane

 

It’s Wednesday, and 2013 has just begun. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep, there’s no better time to do a What I’m Loving Wednesday post!

 

I want to start by saying that 2012 brought the most change that any one year in my life has ever brought. It is all change worthy of loving! Let me share all of the 2012 love quickly.

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I got to share the classroom with this lovely lady! To know her is to love her.They’re inseparable. I learned many, many wonderful things from her. She’s a fabulous teacher! 

It was actually in her classroom that Zach Hardy proposed to me on February 10, 2012. You can see the video that she taped of it here. I was CLUELESS that that was what was going on or that it would happen any time close to what it did. It was perfect. I was amazingly shocked.

I accepted my first teaching position at Hope Sullivan Elementary, which is by the way the best school in the world! I can’t imagine a more supportive and encouraging staff and administration to start me off.

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I graduated from Delta State University. Fighting Okra! Doesn’t that sound sophisticated?

I changed my last name!

I got to be a part of some other great friends’ weddings.

 

 

I began teaching in my very own classroom, and I was entrusted with 24  precious, little ones.

I made a 21.2 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail!

 

Those are a few of the highlights of my wonderful year. I can only look forward to how God will grow what He’s already put into place.

There are also a few other things I’m loving on this Wednesday. I’m loving that I’ve rearranged my classroom a bit so that I could clear my desk completely.

See, that’s much more inviting for the little ones to join me for a guided reading group or small group math time. I used to have to push all my pens, papers, and sticky notes to the side when I met with them. The only time my bottom ever hits that chair anyway is when I’m doing a small group. I like this look much better!

I’m also loving that I feel like I accomplished a lot today in the classroom in preparing for them to storm through the doors with all of their holiday hyperactivity and excited story-telling tomorrow. There’s never a dull moment with those little ones.

I’m also loving that I have the best friends in the entire world! It has been a tough 2012 being scattered all over the States. There have been many, many times that I have greatly missed my friends, but they’re all just a phone call away. This was almost a 2012 memory. It was 2011, but I think it should be included in this post. To get just a tiny picture of how awesome my friends are watch this video. My computer broke, and they all got together to get me another one. They threw a sneaky Dirty Santa/Tacky Christmas Sweater party to give it to me.

I am extremely blessed. What are you loving this Wednesday, reader friends?

 

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy