I just want you to know.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. These are things I never gave thought to before I became the wife of a pastor. Being a pastor's wife is a unique thing. I adore it because I feel so incredibly blessed to have been given such a huge responsibility by God. It also scares me for that same reason.
Here are some things I think you should know about Pastor's wives:

1. We aren't perfect and either are our husbands. Please show us grace in this area, as people tend to think this and thus when we sin, like everyone else, they are all surprised. It puts a lot of pressure on us because we know we are not perfect which in turn is setting us up for failure. 

2. We have our own friends. A while back a friend sent me an email from Proverbs 31 Ministry that Lysa TerKeurst wrote. This was a quote from a pastor's wife that sums up how I am sure most pastor's wives feel, "I think the thing that discourages me the most is people commenting on my friendships. Using the word clique to describe my friendships, rather than just being happy I have a community, is hurtful." Please recognize that we need close friendships. We need people who pray for us and who can comfort and encourage us through our joys and struggles. Woman who we can confide in and also who can confide in us. It's OK that we don't hit it off with every woman that comes in the Church, God made us all different and that's a good thing!

Fab Friday!

Hi Friends, it's that time of week again! 

- We have a High School sleepover event tonight for our youth girls! Tons of baking, bonfires, and cider. I'm getting old though.. we'll see how long I can stay awake ;-)

-I started the 'She Reads Truth' Colossians series with a friend of mine and I am so excited. I love the prayers they included for your "partner in the Gospel." 

-My talented husband made me my very own Logo and I LOVE it. He is also teaching me some stuff in photo shop and it's been really fun!

-My new Scentsy  bars came in the mail and my house smells like Christmas! LOVE it!

-It's been a great week in the blogger world. I really love that others take the time to do link ups and blog hops. It is a great way to get to know other awesome bloggers! 

- And I will leave you with this adorable picture! Bella is still doing great, her levels are up and she was able to start dance again this week. Isn't she the cutest?!

Happy Friday Friends! I hope your weeks have been great!

Thanksgiving is on a Thursday

 I LOVE the holidays. As soon as October rolls around, that's it, I don't care if it's still 95 degrees out, my boots are getting worn! It's also the only time you'll see me purchase a hot beverage from Starbucks. I love their White Chocolate Mochas, (with or without peppermint) and Caramel Apple Cider but only during the holiday season. 

I grew up in a small town where it got colder much quicker and snows a bunch. I miss that because there is nothing that compares to waking up Christmas morning to snow. Getting suited up in our ridiculous snow suits and huge boots to go make snow angels. And finally when it was time to come inside we'd run to the back room where the pellet stove was and throw all our dirty suits and boots there to dry leaving us in our long johns to open gifts. *Side note... I was just praying yesterday that the Lord would remind me of all the good things about my childhood. Things that would remind me He was there and I was taken care of. This particular story I just kinda forgot about. But it brings such joy to my heart remembering it. :) *

If you want to win a pie contest...

I may be a little competitive. And by a little, I mean I am very competitive. Sometimes it's ok, and other times I annoy myself. I have been raving about the pie contest we were having at our ladies night out for weeks now. I was so excited. I found the most amazing pie recipe and I couldn't wait for everyone to try it. My husband, while doing announcements one week, says "I know you're all excited about this ladies night out coming up soon and my wife wanted me to tell you all she's going to win." I was mortified. But I believed it. Bad Jess.

So Friday afternoon, I went to the store and grabbed all my ingredients. Luckily I have made this pie before so I knew what to expect and how to make it more "presentable." (which is why you'll see that I chose to make my own crust this time)

There were a lot of great pies there and we all had so much fun trying them and hanging out with each other. When it came time to announce the winner, I was mid conversation, but you better believe I heard it. :)

Because I won. 

Honestly, this was a delicious pie. My personal all time favorite! But of course, I can't take full credit for it, I mean I did find this recipe online!  

Fab Friday- Best week EVER!

Here's how fab my week is.

Tonight is the pie contest for our ladies night out and I have got the BEST pie. I am sure of it :)

I am reading through Daniel, and I am loving it. I started it Wednesday and I just can't get enough. Such an awesome book.

My hubby finished his last class Wednesday night and will soon have his degree is Theology. This is so great for so many reasons. It frees up so much time and he has worked so hard to make this happen!

He also got a promotion and a raise at the job we work for from home. He's such a hard worker, I am so proud of him!

We have a dodge-ball tournament tomorrow for our jr. highers and it's going to be awesome!

I could hardly stand to wait to write this last one because it tops everything. Bella, my niece who was diagnosed with Luekemia in June, is finally in REMISSION! I am so filled with joy and thankfullness towards God. Lord, you are good. so so good. You hear us when we are undeserving. You are faithful and love us more than we could ever understand. Thank you so much for this AMAZING news. I pray YOU get all the glory!!

Princess Bella and my sister :)

 You can see Bella's journey here