A page is turned in this life...

...He's made her his wife.

      I've been working on a post this past week about the incredible adventures I've had serving the Lord this summer- I may want to warm you now, that post is going to be pretty long! However, I wanted to take a break from that today to thank someone who has truly been a joy to me these past 3 years and especially this last year. One year ago today, I married the most wonderful man, Dawson. Dawson is like the coolest person I know...I really mean that. You can see one reason why here.  Plus, he lets me each sour patch kids in the bed, he adores our puppy Bailey (she's pretty adorable though), he would cover our walls in pictures if I let him, and he even lets me match us from time to time (here's one of those times). Throw in the fact that he is the most gentle, friendly, loving and Christ-like man that I know. Sounds like love to me! I cherish all the time we spend together, especially serving the Lord together.

Uganda 2011

     I have learned SO much this year, really. I learn or relearn something new about loving someone and dying to my own selfish desires literally every day. I've learned that life is messy, but so utterly wonderful. I've learned that marriage is hard, but incredibly satisfying. Most importantly, I've learned that God is faithful and He is ready to equip us with everything we need to love one another. Sometimes it is hard to love, so I ask God to love through me. Sometimes it is hard to be patient, so I ask God to give patience through me. Sometimes it is hard to be joyful, so I ask God to show joy through me.  I know God's faithfulness, because I know what it is like to really mess up; but thankfully, our God is a God of forgiveness and restoration. And thankfully, Dawson chooses to forgive too. Through the highs and lows, I cannot wait to see where God leads us.

Happy Anniversary, Dawson. Thank you for a wonderful year!

Happy Daddy Day!

"A wise child brings joy to their father,
but a foolish child brings grief to their mother"

Proverbs 10:1

    

    I have been so blessed with the wonderful gift of a great father! This year I was so thankful to also be given a great father-in-law and stepfather-in-law. I woke up this morning thinking about memories my dad and I have shared, recalling our first father-daughter dance when I was in girl scouts (mostly a disaster!), our trips to the cottage in Canada ( where we visited most summers, and where Dawson asked him his permission to marry me), countless camping trips, and Dawson and I's wedding. I haven't always been a "wise" child; but when he says he's proud of me, I can tell that I've brought him joy. He lives in Russia now (here) and I totally miss seeing him. Now, I cherish every time I get to talk to him or skype with him- it's crazy how we take for granted just being able to talk with our parents and family!

    I just really wanted to thank all dads out there: especially the ones God has blessed me with. Thanks for being strong, caring, and a joy to me. And I can't help but give a shout out to God: the ultimate Father.

Something worth Catching

"Some things are taught, other things are
caught."
–Beth Moore

Working at an urgent care clinic for a couple years, I know what it happens when we hear the word contagious.

        "How contagious?"

        "Can I catch it just being near them?"

        "How long it must I stay away?"

        "Where's the Lysol?"

However, I wonder if we have ever considered there being something worth catching? I want, and what I'm trying to say is, I want something that others can't help but catch after they've been with me. I want to live a life so complete in the love of Christ…that I don't have to use words to explain.

A contagious joy is what I want.

Jesus says:

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

-John 15:11

 

So, if you want: Join me. For ramblings on what a person with contagious joy looks like, what the bible has to say about joy, the things that give me joy, and on my journey of letting the truths of Christ make my joy complete…and contagious.