Wednesday, September 10, 2008

It is well with my soul!

Casey and I celebrated eight years of marriage yesterday. Well, I wouldn't call it celebrated. Jadyn was sick so we really just took care of her. We layed in bed playing "remember when." Casey asked me what was my favorite married memories...I have so many. It was neat he asked me that because I had spent that day looking at old journal entries where I had written about him over the past several years.

Some wonderful memories that came to my mind were our vacations together. We took one every year before Jadyn was born. Casey and I were both raised in homes where that was important so we both still value "get aways." We had six years together before we had Jadyn which wasn't our plan, but it did give us time to make good memories and enjoy each other and learn each other....... there were fights too!

Other memories: first year of marriage and living on a 400 acre farm! I could write a book on that! So funny! Moving to a city we had never seen......so, of course some of my favorite memories are in Hammond, La. It is where our family began, starting a ministry from ground-up, being a mom, decorating a home......
So, why is it well with my soul? Well, we have made a decision to leave SLU and all of our staff are moving to Baton Rouge. The thoughts of this town,the favorite eating spots, parks, the faces of students,all the beginnings of the ministry, cookouts, lives that have changed and those whose haven't.....it brings so much emotion.

I was reading through my journal of prayers that I had asked God to change the heart of girls who I have now been discipling for three-five years. What a joy and privilege! It's so easy to forget where God has brought us! I love that the Old Testament would always build an alter/monument to remind them of God's faithfulness.

In the entries I saw my heart and how I had so much passion. Where has it gone? Has it gone? I read some of the entries and it sounds like I want to "save" the world. Maybe my passion has matured some...I always refer to myself as Peter..... the one who was quick to speak, passionate, young --immature but through sanctification He will continue to strip away the sin that prevents me from serving Him out of a pure heart!

It wasn't well my soul last year at this time.....it wasn't HIS timing but it is now. He has gone before us! I can't wait to see what he has in store at LSU. Wow....we are going back to square one on a huge campus at age 30!! Whose parents are hanging out in the dorms! ha...

So, these next few months we are trusting God that He will provide a home for us, close to campus. I want a home with a big den so I can have lots of people in it!

This move will be bitter-sweet. I have loved this campus and the "small beginnings." The Bible says don't despise the small beginnings......oh, so true! God, thank you for the lives that you have brought from death to life! May you continue to change hearts, marriages, families, our nation, world through us all...as ambassadors of the Gospel!

*know this was long....this was for me.... :)

14 comments:

annieck said...

Happy Anniversary, Jill!!! Sounds like you guys have had 8 wonderful and blessed years. :)

I am excited for you guys and your move. I'll be praying that you make a smooth transition and that you will find all that God has in store for you in Baton Rouge.
Keep us updated!

Bragans said...

Jill, I can't believe it has been 8 years. I so remember your wedding and traveling to it with Brandy Edmundson and Kelly. I remember some of your vows, it had to do with your hands and Casey's and how your hands would be the one to labor along each other and help each other.

Anyway, I am excited for you guys to being moving Baton Rouge. I know the Lord will continue to go before you as He has. I know how hard it is to leave everything else behind.Praying for strength & grace.

Love

Joy

Jo said...

Jill,
What can I say... I wept when I 'heard' your heart. God has truly done some great things in and through your family at SLU. I thank God that he has used you in my life!
I love you! My life will never be the same becuase of what he did through you in my life. May He give you many more Jo Jo's.

Jo said...

Ok- so I decided to add some memories of my time at SLU. Check out my Blog!!!

White House said...

My Dear Jill-
Reading your blog brings back a lot of memories for me, too. I remember going to the farm when I had a conference in Greenville. Do you remember you, Casey and me in the bed watching your wedding video for the first time?
It does not seem possible that you have been married 8 years! You have been true to your wedding theme---the harvest. Southeastern
will never be the same because of the pioneer labor of you, Casey and your team
Love and hugs-mom

Lindsey Williamson said...

happy anniversary! sorry jj is sick...no fun. i love your long post - and im excited about yalls move and this next part of your lives. part of me wishes we were in baton rouge with yall and caleb!

i have some "mom questions" for you. my brother and his girlfriend are in town this weekend. so i'll try and call you early next week.

hope jj is feeling better and that yall are doing well.

The Hudgins said...

jill,
this was awesome. we will miss you guys so much. (trying not to think about it)...but i'm so glad you all will be close. we are already praying for your ministry in BR. ya'll have been such a blessing to us.
cant wait for mondays small group!

Emily said...

happy anniversary, jill! and beautiful post. i know those kids at LSU are gonna LOVE you and casey. yall are both so warm, kindhearted and open. I just know God has so much in store for you there. I will miss you..even though we dont see each other often enough. I still like having you so close...i guess b.r. isnt THAT far..

It's me, shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
It's me, shannon said...

jill, i wish i could see you right now so i could give you a big hug. jaden is beautiful! I'll be praying for y'all at LSU.
i can't believe it has been eight years. I clearly remember when we were in Gatlinburg and Casey told me how much he loved you and couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with you. please tell him i said hello.
shannon

Donna said...

Happy Anniversary sweet couple! I remember your wedding like it was yesterday- it was so gorgeous! And I remember the farm house and you fixing up your first married house. You've been such a helpmate to Casey- you are a wonderful wife, daughter, friend and mother! I know the next few years at LSU are going to be amazing!!

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

Happy Anniversary (belated), Jill-O!!
I ditto everything everyone else has said. I wish you many more anniversaries (without sick little ones) and only the best for God's ministry at LSU. That is really exciting.
And I love that you will be the mom in the dorms- that's too funny. Like Amanda! ha!!

Amy said...

Awwww..I remember your wedding. What a beautiful, Christ centered ceremony! I'm soooo excited for you guys with this next big step. I am not the least bit surprised to see God using you in such wonderful ways. You had a huge impact on my life at TSU. The girls who you will meet at LSU just don't know the blessing that is coming their way. I just love you, Jill, and that passion that you have for the Lord is so contagious.

Kristin said...

Happy Anniversary!! We love y'all.