I would like to introduce....

My wedding party. Now I now some of you are rolling your eyes and saying, "Really Jessika, I don't really care" but please bare with me. And I'm doing this because my dear cousin, Robin, was wondering and interested to see who is apart of this great day! I just want to take some time and introduce these very special people.

Let me start off with my fiance. Jordan Scot McKaskle. We met 5 years ago on a mission trip. Now at the time I was 15 and he was 18 and as you all know 15 year old girls love any boys! ha! well Jordy and I lost touch over the years and then about a year and half ago, he called me up. To my surprise, he wanted to come to Norman. So after dating for about 8 months of dating, Jordy proposed!!! Now we are getting married July 25!!! whoo! This is Jordy and I 5 years ago. And here we are now.
Next would be my beautiful sister, Kari. She and I have have done it all and what a woman she is. She has been through many ups and downs, but she never fails to put her faith in the Lord. She has grown to be a wonderful mother and wife. I don't know anyone better to be my Matron of Honor than her. I love you sister!
Next we have my dear friend Jessi. She and I have been BFF since 1st grade. Looking back at my elementary years, Jessi is there. From the land run, to talent shows, to slumber parties up to senior prom; Jessi was there. She introduced to Phi Lamb, that changed my life, she even became my roomie who should Mr. Clean's wife. Thank you Jessi for making so many great memories!!
Next we have Tracer, but you all will know her as Traci. Traci and I met when I transferred to OU and I joined Phi Lamb. Traci and I didn't know each other very well until this last semester/summer when Traci became Chaplain and I became President of Phi Lamb. What a wonderful woman she is. Traci has taught me so much about the Lord and is the BEST ballroom dancer I know. She and I have become best friends and I never knew that I would make a such an awesome friend as Traci. Eventhough she is from Texas, I wouldn't love her any less. Traci is graduating this May and will be a journeyman, sometime this summer. Love you!!!
Then I have a junior bridesmaid. My niece, MaKenzie. Kenzie and I go way back to when I was in the 6th grade. She has grown into a very smart gal. She loves to cheer and i enjoy helping her with her cheers. She is more than just my niece; she like my sister. Kenzie holds a very special place in my heart.
Now to our flower girl Marlo. Marlo is my cousin's child. Marlo is mucho fun, just like her momma, Robin. I remember when Marlo was born and Robin and Brad brought her around the Stowe Fam. What a beautiful child she is becoming!!! I can't believe how big she is! Marlo and I do share one common thing and that is Disney Princesses. Although Marlo doesn't love Belle as much as I do she does love my second favorite princess, Ariel.
Last but not least, Zane, my nephew. He is the going to be the ring bearer. Zane's been in lots of weddings and I'm so glad that he is going to be in our wedding in July. Zane is 6 and he love being outside and playing with trucks and such. Oh I how I love him.

well folks, there ya have it. The wonderful people that are very near and dear to my heart. Thank you all for being apart of this special day!!! Jordy and I have our first shower this weekend. I will post about that later......

in awe...

The past two weeks have been awesome.
The weekend before last I went to Norman. I've missed that place SO much. The people, the atmosphere, the big city feel, the late nights with my best friend and the officers. Before I left OU the HARDEST thing was leaving those girls. Especially the Officers. How I still miss you all. It was so good to feel their presence, fun spirits and love. Life isn't the same without them. I love and miss each and everyone of you very much :)
This last weekend was Easter. Every year I'm used to the same ol' thing. Getting to see my wonderful family, hunting Easter Eggs, going to church and cooking a spectacular lunch. But this year was different. Our church this year did a Thursday night service and a Friday night service. On Thursday, we experienced the Last Supper as the disciples did before Jesus was crucified. This service was called the Tenebrae meaning Maundy Thursday; Holy Thursday. The entire sanctuary was completely dark except for lots of candles at the alter. After we read and viewed the story through the eyes of the 12, the deacons were then waiting at the end of each aisle to serve us the Lord's Supper. As as church, we took of the cup and bread. Then on Good Friday, we came together again and when we entered the church, it was completely dark except 7 candles in the front and one single candle lite setting up on the baptistery. The 7 candles at the front represented the 7 stages or representations of Jesus' crucifixion. How to imagine Jesus and the his relationship with His Father during this particular time, to see and feel His love. This was an awesome time that I got to get life straight with my Savior and King. So on Palm Sunday I could REJOICE, shout and Praise His name! What a beautiful picture.
The Lord has been moving in my life in ways that are so humbling. I am starting to connect with the students from Jordy's church. They are calling/texting me with questions, concerns, thoughts and it's so comforting to know they are beginning to build trust and a relationship with me, not just with Jordy. Secondly, one of my very near and dear friends was elected President of Phi Lamb at the University of Arkansas. It was such a blessing to talk, encourage and pray for her during this time that I myself have lived through not that long ago. It was so great to hear her enthusiasm for Phi Lamb and the love for those girls, but also hear her comfort and confidence she received from the Lord. The Lord is so good and is continuing to do great things in and through the lives around me. Praise Him(as my dear friend Kate would say :) )
Psalm 119:33-40
" Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness."

Check this out this video,