happy first Scottiversary to us!

Today marks one year that we've lived in Scotland. Woah.

This time last year, we were arriving to Edinburgh, 4 suitcases + 4 carryons  + 2 deer-in-the-headlights looks alighting the train at Edinburgh Waverley, [unsuccessfully] trying to roll our bags across the bumpy stones, exiting onto Princes Street with all bags in tow, only to be told we needed to go back through the station and exit at the opposite side (Market Street) to find a taxi. If ever there were two people who stood out as newbs, WE were those people that day. 

Boy did we learn a lot in the 365 days following that one. 

Special shout-out to my adventure partner D$, who has made even the
tough times of our first year in Scotland some of our best times yet.
Love you my hubsby! 

Moving abroad changes you. Really, ANY move changes you. I think it shapes and develops your character, your endurance, and most certainly your patience! Both times I've moved I'm certain God used it as a way to show me that he always provides for our needs. So often I seem to forget how faithful he is. But he shows himself true to his promises every single time. 

Here are a few of my favorite, unexpected gifts from this past year in Edinburgh: 

- the amazing New College community that welcomed us with open arms

- BOOK CLUB!

- two adorable Hewitt children that stole my heart (and now a third!)

- being able to practice Spanish with students from Spain to whom I teach English. :)

- all of our amazing, fun, out-of-town guests

- ... and so much more. This list could go on and on.

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to live in Edinburgh. The first year flew by, so I know I'll need to cherish and enjoy every minute of our remaining time here. Don't forget to come visit... you know you'll have a place to stay! :)

Let's do Lent together! :)

For those of you who are new to the idea of "lent," it is the time before Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday, to spiritually prepare yourself for the death and resurrection of Jesus. According to Wikipedia, the most trusted source for information, "The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial." 

That's lent... and it begins tomorrow.

For the past few months I feel like I've been in somewhat of a spiritual shlump (I know that's not a word, but that's what it feels like). My heart isn't in the right place, and I'm allowing my circumstances to dictate my feelings and actions. Therefore, I've chose to use this Lenten season, not as a reason to give up sweets or donate more money to a good cause, but to ask God to change my heart. As Ann Voskamp states, "Lent isn't about forfeiting as much as it's about formation." Through this lenten season, I want to become more like Christ, who, "... humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

So here's my plan. I've invited others to share in this plan with me, so feel free to share it with your friends so we can participate together as we prepare ourselves for Easter and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

Spiritual challenge for the Lenten season of 2014 

Begins March 5th and goes through Easter. 

• Write a prayer down daily. It doesn't have to be long, it just has to be written. Can be in a journal, notebook, scrap paper, etc. 
• At the end of each prayer, make a list of 10 things you are thankful for that day. (10 blessings of the day)
• Choose an act of kindness and try to be intentional with implementing it. This should be simple and done with love. (i.e. Calling old friends you haven't seen, writing encouragement notes to coworkers, baking cookies for your neighbors, etc.) 
• With the group, memorize Romans 5:1-11 before Easter.

Let me know if you're participating so we can encourage one another. May your lenten season be blessed, as our hearts are rejuvenated by the Spirit. Looking forward to the upcoming spring. :)

grace & peace

it's been awhile...

Hello there, blogger world! I'm back again, this time as a year-and-three-month-official "Jackson." I'm going to try to avoid a total life recap, but here are some pics of the high points that have happened since the last time I posted, in picture version:

July 14, 2012 - Married my best friend, D-money (aka, Hubsby).

July 15-25, 2012 - Honeymooned in Guatemala (highly recommended!)

 August 5, 2012 - Moved our little family to Maryland.

December 2012 - Witnessed the weddings of two beautiful and sweet friends.

 February 12, 2013 - Spent my first ever Mardi Gras in school. (totally weird)

 March/April 2013 - Watched cherry blossom trees bloom right outside my window. :)

 May 16, 2013 - Supported my hubsby as he graduated from St. Mary's. YAY hubs!

 May 18, 2013 - Took my sweet sister Meghan and her cutie boyfriend Taylor to D.C. for a FULL day of pho-less fun! 

 June 14, 2013 - Finished my FIRST YEAR OF TEACHING! :) *Best day of 2013*

June 29, 2013 - Visited Mamita & Thai in Anguilla.

July 14, 2013 - Celebrated one year of marriage with this cutie pie! 

August 7, 2013 - Met our new niece, Magnolia Ruth, and played with our sweet Molly Marie!

August 10, 2013 - FINALLY MADE THIS HAPPEN! :) :) :)

Overall, 2012-2013 was an interesting, growing year. I learned a lot, and I know that this experience (new job, new marriage, new part of the country, etc.) has really been blessed by God. Looking back, I can see the many ways He provided for us during that transitional time, and I am so thankful. He's answered so many of our prayers. But I have to say, the most encouraging prayer answered that we really needed this year has been the blessing of friends. I like to consider myself a pretty social person, but making friends in a new place was really a challenge. However, after several months of prayer we've found some keepers that have so positively impacted our lives. 

Introducing our "Maryland" friends:

Meet Rebecca & Rachael. These two sweet sisters helped me make it through a rough spring, and celebrated with me throughout the summer and now into the fall. I work(ed) with both of them, but this year Rachael has moved to a nearby elementary school. I know I couldn't make it through without their love and support (and funny texts, and encouragements, etc.). THANK YOU BOTH!

Meet Jared & Jacob. These are our southern friends (from Georgia) who have shared many-a-meal with us throughout this year. They are so supportive and fun to be around, and their friendships came at just the right time. THANK YOU BOTH! 

Last but not least, meet the Parsley family. The pastor of the church we attend and his lovely family have been such a source of encouragement and southern-comfort since our first Sunday in Maryland. We love spending time talking, eating, and laughing with these folks! Also, we LOVE that Tim and Crissa share our anniversary. Thank you all for sharing your life and love with us. 

We are so thankful for these lovely people (and many others) that have helped us make a smooth transition from Louisiana to Maryland. :)

The school year for 2013-2014 has begun and is currently in full-swing. People were not kidding when they said the second year is easier (ptL!), but that doesn't stop me from counting down until EVERY SINGLE DAY OFF (only 33 more until Thanksgiving break)!  *not sharrie* 

Hope to be back on the blog again soon!

becbec

GiveThanks 6

On my last day of thankfulness blogging, there is one special person that God has graciously blessed me with that I am so grateful for: Mr. Walter Daniel Jackson. My words fail me when I begin to describe all the things I am thankful for in him. I am thankful that he loves me second... not above Christ. I am thankful that he is patient with me in my weaknesses. I am thankful that he corrects my papers for me. ;) I am thankful that he LOVES Wingstop and will gladly take me there any night of the week. I am thankful that he studies hard and works hard, doing all things for the glory of the Lord. But above all, I am thankful for his heart that yearns to know God and follow His will. That's a heart I can trust... that's a heart that will lead me well. 

Just FYI, I planned out my "GiveThanks" blog series before I started writing. I knew that my last day would be about D. For this reason, I've had a few days to think about which pictures I would use... hehe, sorry! I couldn't choose just one or two. (This is when Daniel would say, "see bec, we really take too many pictures.") He'll thank me later! ;) It took me FOREVER to figure out how to make this collage, so I hope it's viewable. Here are about 60 pictures of D and I since summer 2009 when we first met. I am thankful for each and every moment we are together... and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. (yes, blogger world... WE'RE ENGAGED!! -- more to come on this note in a future post). 

Daniel, if you're reading this, I want you to know that I am so thankful for you. You have been such a blessing in my life, and you encourage me SO MUCH in my walk with the Lord. Thank you for being such a great boyfriend, fiance, and future husband. I love you! :) 

Thank you, Lord, for WDJ.

#GiveThanks

GiveThanks 5

As I look back on the work that the Lord has done in my life and His sovereign grace over every moment I've been on this earth, I have nothing but gratitude. Even in reading the Old Testament, the picture of His divine redemption has been on the forefront of His plan since the beginning. It's awesome (yes, awesome) to see it unfold in the Bible through the stories of Abraham, the twelve sons of Jacob, the story of Moses, the story of Ruth, David and his kingdom, Soloman and his wisdom, down through the prophets and all the way to Christ. But it doesn't end there! Then God graciously uses US as part of this plan... and I am so thankful to look back and see the ways that God has used little ole me in this Big Picture. I am humbled. I am thankful.

In these past 3.5 years of college the Lord has used many experiences to shape and mold my spiritual life into what it is today. One of the main ways He's done that is through missions. He's given me so many opportunities to serve overseas in my college career, and I encourage anyone who is hearing the call to Go... ANSWER it! :) It's SO worth it and it will change your life forever. If you are seeking guidance concerning missions, check out this website: TheTask

Here are a few of the places the Lord has brought me over the past few years:

Attempted group picture, SB2009 -- San Antonio, Texas

Ministry of the Word, Summer 2009 -- Recuay, Peru

Displaying God's love through actions, Summer 2009 -- Passe Catabois, Haiti

Rebuilding Hope, SB2010 -- Nueva Rosita, Mexico

"Pure and undefiled religion... to care for the orphans and widows in their distress..."

HopeForTomorrow Children's Home

LOVE these children with all my heart

Summer 2010

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Capesino de Niños... complete sovereignty of God, Summer 2011 -- Quito, Ecuador

Thank You, Father, for the opportunities to serve You and further Your kingdom in the nations. Please continue to call workers into Your harvest fields. So thankful for your sovereignty over the nations... help us to love like You love.

#GiveThanks

GiveThanks 4

Happy Thanksgiving day! :) Or as some say, happy turkey day. Today has been blessed and FULL, much like my tummy. I am grateful to have spent this thanksgiving with my new Vietnamese family.

As you've seen, there are many things I am thankful for. But today I want to express my gratitude to the Lord for the greatest gift I've ever received... the gift that ETERNALLY changed my life.

The gift of salvation through Christ.

"The same breath that God breathed into us He graciously gave up to redeem us."

I praise God for salvation found in Christ. I praise God for His love... that He loves us so much He sent His Son into this world to pay for our sins. I praise God that He willingly became human to bear my sin on the cross. I praise God for raising His Son from the grave and defeating sin. And I praise God for showing me the Truth and sending His Spirit to guide me and help me to live in the light.

For those who do and don't know of this mysterious Gospel message, I suggest that you watch this video. God. Our. Sins. Paying. Everyone. Life. http://vimeo.com/20960385

#GiveThanks

GiveThanks 3

This week has been blessed, but it's also been EXTREMELY BUSY! I have wanted to blog every day this week as a testament to how God has been faithful in my life in all the things I am thankful for. Should time permit, I will continue to update with many thanksgivings.

Today I want to write about how thankful I am for my family: old and new, near and far, present and futuristic. :)

God has been so gracious to me from the very beginning. Clearly I had no choice in which family I would be born into before I entered this world. But even if I had, I couldn't have chosen a better family. God knew exactly what I needed when He brought me here, and I am so thankful for every single member of my family. I've heard this cute quote, and I think it applies perfectly to my family...

"My family: so many nuts we make a party mix!"

Here's a little glimpse of the beautiful people that make my heart overflow with love:

Conway cousins... there's just nothing like this crew. I love them so much!

My gorgeous sisters: Emily Michelle and Meghan Elizabeth pictured above, and Hannah Marie pictured below. Emily has recently been my wedding planner, and I am so glad to have her help! Meg is my co-college dominator, and Hannie calls me frequently to tell me how much she LOVES LSU! :) Now those are some girls after my own heart! hehe... love them!

My wonderful grandparents: thankful for the years I had with Grandma Connie (pictured above). Love Papa Frank dearly and how he took such good care of her. Also love my cousins Zack and Brett (Cuh Cuhh and Boat!)... we had such a great time visiting Grams. 

Below are my Grandma Mary and Papa Ted, with my 3 other Griggs cousins. :) I love to visit "the old man on the hill" and spend time with my sweet grandparents that love deeply. So thankful for them in my life all these years... for their love, care, and unending support.

And here are my Mema and Papa. I love these two so much!!! Thankful for Papa's tender care and teatime with Mema as she told me stories. I have truly been blessed with wonderful grandparents.

 Blog, meet mom and Thai. Mom and Thai, meet blog. I LOVE these two. I love them together so so much. I am so thankful that the Lord (recently) brought them together in marriage. I am thankful that God has graciously provided a sweet husband for my mom that cares for her better than anyone I could have hand-picked myself! :) And I am so thankful for a new stepdad that is so caring and willing to be involved in my life. Love you guys!!!

Along with a new stepdad came SEVERAL new cousins!!! I am especially blessed by this one: mi prima bonita Miss Erica Nguyen! I love her dearly and am so thankful to have her as a cousin, but also as a close friend. I pray that God would help us to encourage one another's faith and we grow in Him.

Above you see pictured one of the cutest baby girls that has ever walked this earth: Miss Molly Marie Jefcoat. Yes, she is a part of my *future* family. I am a proud *future* aunt Bec to this beautiful little girl. I love her and her mom and dad so so so much!!! :) I am also soon to inherit an outgoing and handsome nephew, Jackson... but we will have to take a picture next time we're together! :) Maybe he'll call me Aunt Bec too. :) I want to be the aunt that spoils... don't tell my *future* sisters. :)

And here is one good-looking wedding party. I love all the people in this photo.

This is honestly just a small glimpse of a large and full-o-love family. I am so thankful for my Dad and stepmom Jana. I am blessed to have them in my life for so many reasons. I wish I could see them more often... but it makes the times we are together that much more sweet. I am also thankful for my beautiful aunts and uncles (Phil, Paul, Deanna, Rita, Pat, Brenda, Renee, Dave, Julie, Rich, Donna, Jerry, Sarah, Craig, DeeDee, Wayne, Twin, Sharon, Butta, Truyen, Loan, Tony, Lin, Lee, and probably others I am forgetting). God has really blessed me with a large family. I pray that they will all know the Lord and live by His strength. I pray that God would unite our family and tie us together in love. That He would transform this family to do His will and work for His Kingdom. 

As for my future family... :) kee! I am so blessed to be a future part. Excited to be an "official" part of the Jackson clan, too!! 

Thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy shown through family. May we love as You've loved us.

#GiveThanks

praise God

He is good.

He is good.

He is always, always good.

His love never fails.

He never changes.

He is faithful to keep His word.

He is holy. He is just.

He is merciful. He is pure.

He is honest, loyal, true.

He is good.

He is good.

He is always, always good.

He is enough. Praise God. He is enough.