MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Due to the inclement weather...we were snowed in this Christmas. All of our travel plans happened to fall right in the midst of the storm so instead of risking the chance of being stranded somewhere we decided to enjoy a quiet Christmas at home. Now I am not ruling out the chance of possibly attempting the drive tomorrow but for today (Christmas) we will be home! :) Not having the hustle and bustle of packing up, cleaning the house and finalizing the baking I have had a wonderful time just relaxing, enjoying the presence of Christmas, spending time with Tim and enjoying a Christmas Eve service at our church. These last couple of days have allowed me to stop and hear God speaking to me. I know God speaks to me more than I realize but I get so caught up in my to-do lists and agendas that I don't give myself time to listen and sit in his presence. These last couple of days God has just revealed the abundant amount of blessings he has given to me over the past couple of years. So many blessings that I am not worthy of. A husband that I so many times take for granted, a man that compliments me in so many ways. I always knew that God had a husband in mind for me but never knew how perfectly he was going to be for me and how unbelievably blessed I would feel knowing that God is at the center of our marriage and no matter how difficult times get we are both committed to obeying God and will remain grounded in our faith which will forever keep our marriage complete. I am so thankful that we have had these years together to grow in our marriage. Also that we have had time to experience difficulties that have not only strengthened our marriage but also our faith and walks with Christ.

The first couple of years of our marriage weren't by any means perfect and in no way the fairytale the world portrays marriage to be. However the first couple of years had many wonderful moments and the blessings were very clear to both of us. The last year and a half have definitely been more trying and at times we have given Satan's lies more of a hold in our marriage than we should have. We both knew going into our marriage that difficult times would arise and we felt we were ready to handle those as I am sure everyone feels until situations happen especially situations that you thought would never happen to you. Experiencing a miscarriage and then not getting pregnant right away has taken a tole on both of us in many different ways. We have definitely been given a chance to see how truly different men and women are and how our reactions to difficult situations can be very different, neither one of them right or wrong just different. For me it has taken a lot longer to grieve and deal with this trying time and I know that has been very difficult for Tim to watch. As a man I know that he wants nothing more than to come in and fix everything and make everything "perfect" for me again. Unfortunately these situations are out of his hands and I know that has been hard for him. Looking back on it now I can see how much of a blessing this time has been for both of us and our marriage. As we are still without a child I am more at peace with things than I ever was or ever thought I would be. God has used this very difficult time to bring us to our knees and reveal his truth to us and plan for us. No I don't know God's overall plan and I never will know his plan. However, I do know that God is forever with me, he sent his one and only son to die for my sins so that I could have an everlasting relationship with him and my short time on earth is to be spent obeying and serving him. This plan I am certain of and I am filled with joy, peace and comfort knowing this.

It is so easy to get caught up in my plan for my life and forget that it is not my plan at all (Praise the Lord!) it is God's plan and everything will be perfect in His time. I am truly so thankful this year for everything that God has been revealing to me and I am so excited and filled again with passion to serve the Lord and excited to see what God has planned for me. I doubt I am the only person who goes through times where you feel empty and wonder why it feels you can't hear God or wonder why your life is not going the way you thought it would. Remember God is always there, he never leaves you, he will always love you more than anyone can, and there are many times you have to stop, really stop and listen. God is speaking to you, but you have to be willing to listen to truly hear him. Life is never going to be the way you assumed it would be there are going to be times that are more challenging and difficult than you could have ever imagined but praise the Lord you are never alone! Rejoice in the amazing gift of Jesus and the fact that this is not the end, there is a life beyond words that is still to come. Don't let the to-do lists and agendas become all to consuming. Slow down, listen, obey, and serve the Lord right where you are in your life. Share the greatest gift you have been given to people that so desperately need it. No matter how challenging life gets it is so comforting to know that I will forever have a personal relationship with Christ and because of that I am never alone and no obstacle is too difficult for God to overcome. It is through the most difficult trials we can become weak and not allow God to have complete control. Don't allow yourself to give into grief, pain or emotions. God is far greater than that and is there when you are ready to listen and trust in His plan. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and take time to REJOICE in Christ's birth, the most AMAZING gift of all!

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

"And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10-11

Calling all college recruits!

Doesn't he look adora... I mean tough!

We are so proud of you!

Waiting for his turn on defense. Still needing to grow into the uniform a bit!

What better way to enjoy a beautiful fall Saturday morning, then to cheer on one of my favorite nephews as he dominates the opposing team at his football game. I was thrilled to be able to make it to one of Ethan's games and still amazed he is old enough to play with full football gear! He is growing up to be such a handsome and kindhearted boy. I am so proud to be his Aunt and so thankful God brought him into our lives. He has been an amazing blessing to all of us. I am excited to watch Ethan grow with Christ and to see what plans God has for his life. He is a true joy and blessing in my life and I pray that he always keeps Christ at the center of his life. Great job at your game Ethan, you did awesome! Love you!

Prioritizing

It has been quite some time since my last post. I have had a few posts in between but nothing really worth posting. I have gotten away from my journaling and feel that it is important for me to get back into it again. Since I was in grade school I have always kept a diary/journal. In grade school my journaling was superficial and really didn't amount to much except for family outings, arguments with my sister and what was happening at school. During my freshman year of college I started to journal on a more regular basis and my journal entries developed into me revealing my heart to the Lord and my daily struggles in walking with Christ. It was always a very intimate and personal time for me. Reading back through some of my entries I find myself battling with different issues and can see how Christ walked with me and guided me through those times.

My last true journal entries were written shortly before I met Tim. I clearly remember journaling about my desire to have a husband and the characteristics I thought I needed in a man. Shortly after that journal entry, I found myself at Applebee's eating dinner with Tim and feeling as though I had known him my entire life. I felt as though he must have found my journal and read every detail of it because each time he spoke he was revealing a characteristic that I had written down and been praying for. God not only revealed how perfectly he answers our prayers but also how they are answered in His perfect time and plan.

Since Tim and I have been married I have fallen away from journaling. Your daily life definitely changes when you are a full time wife and full time teacher. I have found myself journaling at sporadic times but not obediently and consistently as I did in college. I need this time back and I know that Lord has been calling me back to him. It is not enough for me to just have quiet time with him when I find time, I need to make Him my priority and pursue my personal relationship with him more than I pursue anything else. I am not sure why I chose to write about this but this is what is on my mind today. I tend to be a more reserved person with my thoughts and keep a lot of my thinking private. However I am going to try and break out of my shell a bit and be more honest and open with who I am, the struggles I deal with and the blessings the Lord reveals to me. I plan on doing some of my journaling on my blog but also plan on returning to my daily written journal and engage in my quiet time with the Lord once again. Thank you Jesus for your grace, unfailing love, willingness to walk with me in every circumstance and always beckoning me to draw closer to you.

Easter!

We were fortunate enough to spend the entire Easter weekend with my family this year. All of us (my brother, sister and their families) were able to make it back to my parents house. It was great to spend extra time with everyone and be able to share and celebrate in such an amazing day together.

Spring Break - Arizona

I am long overdue on my blogging...here is a little recap on some of the events that have happened in our lives the last couple of months. We had a fabulous time in Arizona over Spring Break! I miss the amazing weather, wonderful food, catching up with family and friends, hiking Camelback mountain, morning walks with my hubby, and lounging around by the pool. It was a perfect place to celebrate our 3 year Anniversary! I am so blessed to be married to such an amazing man. Here are some pictures of our wonderful vacation. Unfortunately we had a camera malfunction on the trip so most of our favorite pictures are no longer existant...these should give you a pretty good idea of our trip!