Bless this Blog!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

This poor blog hasn't been updated in forever! I am so sorry to all of you faithful readers out there (only joking as I think my mom is the only one who really ever reads this). As you can tell life has been busy busy for the Hills Family. We have had our summer trip to Texas (which was too short), New Wine, and now we are about to move house on Friday!!! So crazy! Just to say that I will write another post once we get moved in and fill you in on all that is going on in our lives. We love and miss our family in America and can't belive we have already booked our tickets for Christmas... we cannot wait!

Lots of love, Jon and Jancie

P.S. I promise I will post soon once we move... it will be a LONG one and it will include lots and lots of pictures!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOMMA!

Saturday, July 05, 2008


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!  

This post is a little late but Jon and I have decided when we come to Texas we will be celebrating Mother's Day, Father's Day, Jilly's b-day, Mom's b-day and Dad's b-day!  We have missed so many special occasions but we cannot wait to be there to celebrate them all! We are counting down the days... not long now!


1 Chronicles 16:7-36

Thursday, June 26, 2008

David’s Song of Praise
7 On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the Lord:

8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
10 Exult in his holy name;
rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
11 Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him.
12 Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given,
13 you children of his servant Israel,
you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14 He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.
15 Remember his covenant forever—
the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
16 This is the covenant he made with Abraham
and the oath he swore to Isaac.
17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:
18 “I will give you the land of Canaan
as your special possession.”

19 He said this when you were few in number,
a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
20 They wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
21 Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.
He warned kings on their behalf:
22 “Do not touch my chosen people,
and do not hurt my prophets.”

23 Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
25 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
26 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the Lord made the heavens!
27 Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and joy fill his dwelling.

28 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord,
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
29 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his presence.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
30 Let all the earth tremble before him.
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
33 Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise,
for the Lord is coming to judge the earth.

34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation!
Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you.”

36 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who lives from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

Wednesday, 11th June 2008

Friday, June 13, 2008

God is GOOD! He is good ALL the time! I truly believe that with all of my heart. I love Him so much and I want to thank Him every day for all that He has done in my life and continues to do. I don't want to make this post a sermon but I do want to share a bit of what has happened in my life recently.

As many of you might know I came over to England to visit my family (Jill, Heath, Harrison and baby Isabelle was on the way at that time). I never knew that God would change my life like He did. I have grown up in a Christian family and my parents love me probably a lot more than I deserve. They are so good to me and I am so thankful for them.

I was baptized by my father and my pastor at the time, Jeff Collins in the river in Mason. It was such a special memory. It was something that I wanted to do and no one was going to change my mind about it! I was five a the time. My mom has photos of mine and my brother baptism up at home and they are sweet pictures, and sweet memories. I was there in my bright red bathing suit with my white blond hair and my belly sticking out! It is funny when you are little and you just don't have a care in the world... sometimes I wish I still had that instinct about me! That time in my life was very special and I made a commitment to the Lord. I was His child, and I have never doubted that.

But three years ago on 11th June 2005 I went on an alpha weekend away and my life changed forever and has never been the same since. Only a few days after coming to England I was invited on this weekend away and when I went I met and fell in love with the Lord like never before. I know that three years ago I made a decision to turn from my old ways, ways that I am not proud of but I now know that His grace is sufficient for me, even when I spent years of not walking with the Lord.

That day, 11th June 2005, was so significant. It has been marked out in my mind and I will never forget it. My whole life changed. Not only did I fall in love with the Lord, but I also met and fell in love with my husband (hence now why we are in England!). I know that when I came back home after having this experience that it was so hard for me to explain what happened in my life because I was a different person; I am a different person. I love the Lord with all of my heart and I want to follow Him all the days of my life. It isn't easy though. I had to leave behind family and friends and a life that I was very comfortable in. But I can honestly say that I would never go back to my old life. I would never trade my life now for anything any the world.

A few weeks ago I was laying in bed talking Jon's ear off as usual while he was just trying to go to bed and I asked him, "Babe, do you think I need to be baptized again?" His answer was "No." Because I had been before as I child he didn't think I needed to worry about doing it again. I understand where he was coming from theologically but I just knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to mark out what happened to me three years ago. So I didn't think of it much more until Sunday night when we had a baptism service at our church after the recent alpha weekend away. It is an amazing celebration! Many gave their life to the Lord and it is such a joy to see... a champagne moment that is for sure! As Mark was about to start baptizing everyone he just said "I feel there is someone here who has shorts and flip flops on that would like to be baptized... come on up if that is you!" No one came up so he just carried on.

Tuesday evening we had a night of celebration and worship at church again and this guy in our church stood up in front of everyone and apologized for not getting up there to be baptized because he was the one that Mark was talking about with shorts and flip flops on ready to go. But doubt came in and he just didn't do it. He asked for forgiveness and then Mark said well lets just baptize you tonight. He opened the hole (not sure what it is called) where you dunk people but there was no water so he said we will have to fill it up and do it tomorrow night because we were having the same kind of meeting. Then he just simply said, is there anyone else who would like to be baptized or would like to celebrate the child baptism (almost like renew their baptismal vows). And something in me stood up and I kept jumping up and down! So there I had done it... committed myself to being baptized the next day.

When I went home that evening I was trying to explain to Jon why I wanted to be baptized (again late at night while he was trying to sleep) and I just couldn't put it into words why I wanted to be. So Jon just said lets go to bed and hopefully the Lord will help you explain why in the morning. When I woke I just looked at Jon and said, I know why... I know that I want to mark out the change that took place in my life three years ago. I don't doubt that I am God's child but I want to publicly declare what He has done in my life and celebrate my baptism!

So Wednesday, 11th June 2008 I was baptized. The most special part was that Jon was able to help Mark baptize me! What a joyous celebration it was! Here are photos of before and after the dunk...

To top if off, my mom called me at work the next morning and she told me how she had been reading my bible that she gave me when I came to visit England and then I ended up leaving it when I moved here. But off to the side of one of the passages in Matthew that I had been reading I highlighted the verse and wrote the date out to the side along with Alpha Weekend Away. The date was 11th June 2005... exactly 3 years ago from when I was baptized 11th June 2008! So cool!

I know this post is going on for an eternity but I just want to say thank you to those who pray for me and for Jon. Thank you for your love and encouragement and thank you to my parents and brother for loving me so much. I also want to highlight the fact that yes, my life did change, but I will always be a work in progress... I am not perfect by any stretch of means... in fact, I am far from perfect! The Lord is continuing to do a work in my life and I pray that it never stops. I have to trust Him daily - I have to daily lay down my own selfish desires and plans and keep hold of the promises that He has given me for today and for the future.

I will leave you with a few passages that the Lord has marked out for me... love to everyone who reads this... I pray that the Lord will speak to you through what He has done in my life. I pray that you will know His goodness and His plan for your life.

Love, Jancie x

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28: 18 - 20

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5 & 6

We're Comin To TEXAS!!!

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

That's right... in July we will be flying high headed to the Lone Star State! (very cheesy, sorry) But we are SO excited... can't wait to see family. Thank you Mom and Dad... we love you!

Here are a few things we are looking forward to:

  • being with ALL of our family & meeting baby Si & hopefully baby Bosley
  • seeing friends
  • attending the Doran Family Reunion!!!
  • seeing/staying at the new Cabin in Millersview
  • eating some yummy Texas steaks
  • eating good Mexican food
  • having a Storms burger
  • getting a good tan
  • seeing my dogs

I am sure there is much much more but most importantly we can't wait to be with family that we miss so much! We love you all and can't wait to be there... it won't be long now!

Happy Birthday Bella!

Saturday, May 24, 2008


This is a day late and we are so sorry for this but HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISABELLE! We love you SO much! We hope you had a fun b-day and we so wish we could have been there to celebrate. It wasn't that long ago that I remember you entering this world - what a joy you are! I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of it! And what a vital part of our relationship both you and Harrison were!!! We love you both so much...
Happy Happy Birthday Belle!

Love,
Non & Nance x

Photos...

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Here are just a few photos that have been on my camera for awhile... love to all!

Jon's new blog!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Just wanted everyone to know that Jon has his own blog now...
check it out!

http://deificcircumstances.blogspot.com

Lots of love,
Jancie x

My Inheritance

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

This past Sunday (11th May) was a very special day... Mother's Day! I wasn't able to be with my mother and I am sorry to say that I couldn't post this then... but I didn't have my thoughts together so hopefully what I want to express will be poured out in my writings now... so here it goes...

I have inherited something that no money could buy; which nothing could take away. I have inherited the gift of motherhood. This gift of motherhood, along with a deep love for the Lord, has been passed down for many generations in my family and I hope to one day pass it on to my children and my prayer is that they then do the same. This inheritance is something that I keep close to my heart - something that I treasure.

I couldn't sleep last night thinking of this inheritance of mine. I was overwhelmed with emotion and still don't know if I will be able to express all that is in my heart. This gift of motherhood has been passed down in my family and I want to honor some of those that I love.

Margy Jones: just typing her name fills me with joy and strength. She is such a legend. MeeMaw's legacy and gift of motherhood has been passed down to my mother and therefore been given to me - I am honored to have been given this special inheritance and my prayer is that I pass it down to my kids and grandkids (my grandkids... wow, that is scary!). I sometimes think "Oh how I wish MeeMaw was here" but we will one day be together again and I look forward to that day! MeeMaw love for the Lord and her heart for her children and grandkids was incredible!

Bobbie Moore: i was not able to meet my Nana but I have always known that she was a special lady. The greatest compliment that was ever given to me was by my PawPaw when he going through heavy treatment for his cancer and he mistakenly called me Bobby - I have always been told that I look like her and resemble her - this I will treasure forever in my heart.

Julie Moore: not only my mom, but also my best friend. I love you so much. I can't even begin to tell you how good you are, how wonderful you are, how much I love you. I want to imitate all of the ways that you have shown me love.

Thank you Mom for just being you! I treasure our times that we get to spend together and I pray for them to be more often. I pray for you always and I am thankful to the Lord for the rich inheritance that He has given me!

Happy Mother's Day (even if it is a little late)... I love you!

Jancie x

Baby Si

Friday, May 02, 2008

What a joy it is to have a new addition to the family. We are thrilled to share some photos with you of Baby Si. He is absolutely GORGEOUS and we love him so much. We cannot wait to meet him! Love you Thomas Fam and we are SO happy for you all. Si is so blessed to have such amazing parents and such a wonderful big brother and big sister! We love you all SO much!


He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4

Simon Henry Thomas

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

We are celebrating the birth of the newest addition to the family... Simon Henry Thomas was born yesterday (Monday, 28th April) weighing 8lb 9oz. Congrats Jilly and Heath and Harrison and Isabelle. We are SO excited and can't wait to meet this new little man. We so wish we were there but we are praying and sending our love from England! Can't wait to get pics and as soon as I do I will post them!

Love you all and we love you baby Simon!

Kisses from Jon and Jancie xxxxx

Deer Sausage and Cupcakes!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

(Please read the full post for a bit more explanation of the title!)

We LOVE our deer sausage and Hill Country Grain t-shirts that my mom and dad sent us in the mail! Jon was staying up late working on an essay and we got a bit distracted so we decided to snap a few shots! Thank you and we love getting a little taste of Texas! Here are a few photos of us being silly :)



I passed around some of the deer sausage in the office and here is one comment from someone who tried it: "This is like proper cowboy food isn't it?!?!?!" So funny! Everyone loved it actually and couldn't believe that my dad shot and killed the deer that we were eating!

Moving along to something sweeter - we had a baby shower for a close friend of ours the other night. Emilie and I stayed up late the night before making cupcakes and I just had to share our little creation that we made! We had so much fun but I don't know if we will ever do it again because they took forever!!! But Caroline (and baby to be) are so worth it!!! Here are a couple of photos of our Lion and Lamb cupcakes... and you can get the recipe from Martha Stewart


One final update for now... my friends Emilie, Michelle and I are about to launch our jewelry business so stay tuned to this blog or keep checking the link Adorned for some photos of the jewelry we have made so far. We will soon have a website up and running for anyone who would like to purchase some of our jewelry.

Love you all and we miss our families back in Texas, North Carolina, and Wyoming. We cannot wait for the arrival of baby Thomas and we cannot wait to meet and love on baby Bosley! Also, love love love you Mom, Dad and Rode (even though I know you don't subscribe to blogs, Rode!)

Keep in touch and thanks for all of you who think and pray for us. We are trusting God for a visit to Texas soon to see family and friends... love you all!

Just leaving you with a passage that so speaks to my heart...

Proverbs 3

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.

April Snow Showers!

Sunday, April 06, 2008

English weather is CRAZY!!! Last night I woke up at about 3am to the sound of snow beating against the window. I felt like I child again because I was so excited about the snow that I couldn't seem to get back to sleep! I eventually did and when we woke up this morning this is what we saw out our window...

So after we had our morning coffee and pancakes we went to pick up Grace and Nellie and we headed for Cleeve Hill to go sledging, but with bin bags! It was SO much fun, even Nellie went down with us! Here are a few pics of our day...






We had such a wonderful time! I even got a little sunburned! Here is one final picture of Grace and I... we were SO muddy!!!

P.S. We even got photographs taken of us and they are going to be in the Western Daily Press!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRISON!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Dear Harrison,

We cannot believe that you are 5 today! Non and I SO wish that we were there to give you a birthday hug!

We want you to know that we LOVE YOU so much. In fact, no words could describe how much WE LOVE YOU! We are so privileged to get to be a part of your life and we treasure all of the memories that we have had and look forward to those ahead.

We hope that you love your gifts that we sent to you... have a WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY! We just cannot believe how big you are!

Love,
Jance & Jon x

P.S. Someone else wanted to say Happy Birthday...

Photos of Jon's 24th B-day Party

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Updates...

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Hello to Whoever reads this blog! I am never sure if anyone does (besides my parents!) but we would love to hear from you if you are keeping up with us so please do leave comments or just say hi every once in awhile! We miss all of our family and friends in the States and hope to see you soon. Please remember you are ALWAYS welcome to come and visit us in England.

I just wanted to post an update on all that has been going on so far. As you can see by the photos and video diaries, we have been very busy (but good busy... just having lots of fun!).

On February 24th Jon and I celebrated our 1st Wedding anniversary in Edinburgh, Scotland. We flew out early Saturday morning (thank you to Paul and Laura for letting us stay with you guys, and also thanks Paul for getting up SO early in the morning to take us to the airport). Once we arrived we were feel very jet lagged!!! Not really, but because we had to wake up at 5am to catch our 7am flight, we felt exhausted! But, we pushed through and immediately checked into our Hotel (which was amazing) and walked into town to jump on one of the Big Red Tour Buses. We saw all of the beautiful sights, and I have to admit that I do love riding on the tour buses and seeing the sights, but after that, I feel as if I have done my duty of touristy things! I would just rather shop, eat yummy food, and relax in the hotel. Jon worked with me on this and we tried to come to a happy conclusion for the both of us (since he is very into seeing all the sights)! You will be able to tell how not so good of a traveler I am by all of my titles of the photos that we took... my mom sweetly pointed this out to me!

So to sum up our anniversary weekend, we had an amazing time just being together and Edinburgh was beautiful! The first year of marriage has been the most amazing year of my life. I am married to the love of my life and I look forward to all of the many years ahead. I love you, Jon!

After we got back from Edinburgh, we started planning for Jon's 24th Birthday. We first thought we wouldn't do anything big but as soon as I mentioned to Jon about having a party at our flat, his eyes lit up! I have learned that Jon's love language is gifts (well actually we both need all of the love languages but his are for sure words of affirmation and gifts).

Jon was away on Friday (the day before his birthday) which was good in a way because I could prepare for Saturday. I went shopping and due to me not driving in this country (yet!) I bought too much food for the party and had to have it delivered to our house the next morning! Oh well... and actually it was pretty nice not having to carry huge bags full of food. So when I got home that evening I wrapped up his gifts and started planning for the party. When Jon got home that night he loved seeing his gifts all wrapped up and couldn't resist opening a couple of them... so I let him!

He ended up getting a pair of cool shoes (which Mudiwa helped me pick out, thanks Mudz for your cool and trendy influence!). I also got him the Bourne Trilogy, a coffee mug, and a bath robe, which he picked out and desperately wanted :)

Now to the big day... we woke up VERY early, and went into town to get the right size pair of shoes since I picked the wrong size. After doing that we had a birthday breakfast and then hurried home to be in time for the delivery of food that I couldn't carry home! Once the food arrived I started frantically cooking. I decided to make a huge pot of chili in the crock pot, and then have chips and dip and vegetables and of course, birthday cake that Jon's parents brought.

We set up our lounge to accommodate everyone, but most importantly to have a big space for the Wii!!! Everyone arrived at 7pm and the party began! Please see the post of photos and we will soon post a few video diaries of the party.

It was a great night and Jon had a wonderful birthday. Thank you to all of our friends and family who came and those who couldn't, thank you for sending emails and birthday wishes.

The weekend was not over yet. We had a very special day to celebrate... Mothering Sunday (in the UK). We spent the afternoon with the Dearman family (thank you for inviting us for lunch... we had a fantastic time... thank you Michelle for all that you do and for loving us) and then I cooked in the evening for Jon's mom. We had a wonderful time with my in-laws and thank you Wendy for what an amazing mother you are to Jon.

I believe that is all for the update... for now at least! Again we will post more video diaries of Jon's birthday and there is also one last one of Edinburgh. Sorry they are all out of order and some are turned the wrong way, but at least you can sort of have a feel of the party and of our trip. Again please say hi if you are reading this - we love hearing from everyone and miss you all terribly! Love love LOVE to all and hope to hear from you soon!!!

Edinburgh Part 2

Monday, March 03, 2008



Here is the second video diary of our time in Edinburgh.
One more to follow!

Edinburgh Part 1

Sunday, March 02, 2008



Here is the first video diary of our time in Edinburgh. Enjoy!

Jon's Bday Dance



Sorry I can't get this turned the right way but it just doesn't seem to work! Anyway, you get the idea and see how hilarious he is! Can I just say that Jon woke up at 6:55AM on the morning of his birthday!!! He was SO excited! Enjoy the dance!

P.S. I am telling the truth when I say that he did this all on his own! I walked in the room and hurried to grab the camera to catch his two steppin moves in action. I love it!

Photos of Edinburgh

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Here are the photos of our 1 year Anniversary trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. We had such an amazing time together and we will write more about it in another post so check back again soon.

For now, here are the photos... enjoy!


Titus 1 - Qualification

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Qualification - A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task

When I think of qualification, I think of running a race, exams or training. To put it another way it requires hard work and a lot of effort. Just like an Olympian who wants to compete, one must put their body, mind and soul through a gruelling process to achieve ‘qualification’ let only competing. This is something that I have experienced in my life. When I played football, we had to be at a certain level of fitness, play at a certain standard to 'qualify' for the team and if we made mistakes, we were substituted. The good news is that God doesn't work like that. He never substitutes us. He is proud of us even when we have messed up. However, it is good to be reminded and to be kept sharp by scripture and other people.

In Titus 1, Paul lays down the gauntlet to us, the reader, with various disciplines and requirements to enable a qualification for holiness. Here Paul is interested in our internal make-up as a human being and that we are aspiring and pursuing holiness. One challenge comes in verse 8:

be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled’ (v.8)
(NRSV)

In this context, Paul is saying what a bishop and elders should be like but I think that we can stretch that a little further to every Christian. Would you not want to have all these qualities?

Hospitality has been of these areas where the Lord has been challenging me recently. How can improve being hospitable? How does one qualify for hospitality? Answer: Everyone. Seriously, I think the answer lies at the heart of serving and intimacy with God. These may seem like alien concepts to many but in everyday language, our attitude needs to be loving towards others and welcoming, feeding and caring for people with JOY! Joy not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Not to be shaken by external circumstances but to know the Lord is in control.

Qualification comes when we pursue towards integrity and are disciplined in it.

Meet Moowabi...

Thursday, January 31, 2008

 


This is our good friend and Jance's co-worker, Mudiwa (not Moowabi, but we like to call her that!)who got drenched walking to work one day.
We love you Mudz!
Posted by Picasa

January Reflections

January - the month full of hope and excitement for the new year, where resolutions come and go, and people are already looking forward to their next break from work.

With coming back from America, where we had such an amazing time, it made us question as to where we wanted to be and process our time together ahead.

America stirred up so many emotions that we had been suppressing for a while. We felt re-energized from being there, mainly due to the people and the experience we had there. It's nice to be in a place where people enjoy communicating and try their best to be hospitable and genuine, even if they don't want to be. Bottom line...

We love America!

So as you can imagine, January was a funny month for us, as we adapted back into British life and we eventually realised that we weren't on vacation but actually back to reality into the hustle and bustle of life. You'll be pleased to know that we have recovered and are very much enjoying being here.

A sad, but at the same time, joyful occasion this month was the funeral of Jon's Grandfather. He was 87. He died on Christmas Eve peacefully. We met many family members who we have not seen in a long time, and are looking forward to seeing many of them again in due course.

However, we do have a lot to look forward to...

The pending trip to Edinburgh for our 1st wedding anniversary, is a source for excitement in the Hills household. Currently, we have been looking at things to do whilst we are there. One suggestion was we hire a tricycle and have someone show us the sights and sounds of Edinburgh, however, not sure about the weather.

Another exciting development is the prospect of us, (along with David & Emilie Gate) being involved in a jewelry business. We are still trying to come up with a name, but watch out fashion world, there's some new girls on the block...!

This just gives you a glimpse of what we've been doing and are planning to do...

More reflections soon...