Showing posts with label josh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label josh. Show all posts

Monday, July 30, 2012

Absent

Yes, I've been absent from my blog.

I've been absent in more than just that.

Lately, I've been feeling...

frustration.
disappointment.
depression.
anger.
anxiety.
loneliness.
sadness.

and really just wishing for better days ahead.

In all of this, we've been examining our lives. We have so much to be thankful for. We have each other. We have Wenda. We have a home, a working car, a job, food on the table....
and that list can go on.

In the midst of {_____________} (fill in the blank with a word from above), we have forgotten one very important thing in our lives--prayer.

I guess the word forgotten doesn't really describe it--it's more like we've ignored talking with God because of all the emotions going on. I think it sometimes is very easy to have the mindset of blame as reason not to pray, I'm mad with God and I just don't want to talk to Him ( Especially since it's been years!).

J and I really looked at our prayer time which has been off and on in our 4.5 years of marriage. In the beginning of our infertility journey, we were strong in our prayer life. Then, it kind of went downhill from there, just like our heartbreaking journey.  As we talked about our relationship with each other and with God, we realized that this has to be part of our marriage. Every night now, we are committed to praying together. In the last few days, I've seen how much of a positive thing this has been for our marriage. We are happier. We are more in love with each other. We are more appreciative of the things we have. Yes, there are still sorrows, and some of the emotions from the list above, but giving them to God is what we are doing. It's been very tough lately with many people in our lives having kids, and getting teaching jobs (yes, another thing that has been very difficult!) that I am just overwhelmed.

We're here standing still with our hopes and dreams. It feels as if it's pushed in our (mostly mine) faces constantly--and I take it personally. The comments. The remarks. The looks. Everything. The hardest thing to admit is that Satan has used our hopes and dreams to get in between God and us.

It really gets... discouraging after 4 years to say the least.

So, I cannot handle it anymore--we're handing it over to Christ, in prayer.

J and I are not just praying about the small things--we're going to be praying for the impossible too.


We're praying for:
{gratitude in all circumstances}
{wisdom in making financial choices}
{discernment with our infertility journey-- for a miracle(s) [we're good with multiples. ;)], finances (it's more than our mortgage payment monthly to 'try'!), when/if to start, bodies reactions to medications/vitamins/etc}
{contentment}
{excitement for others who are expecting & to find joy in those little miracles}
{a teaching position with an amazing staff & community- a place where I can make a difference and be a light for Christ}

He is listening. I'm counting on Him to make our path straight--obvious about where He wants us to be. We're giving it to You, Lord!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Then and Now

Late 2009 - Probably close to my heaviest [around 158 lbs]
Late Summer 2010
Late August 2011 - This was a happy picture as we knew we were expecting.
Feb. 4, 2012

I'm pretty sure something is working--diet + exercise = a happier, healthier me (& hubby!)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Life Update

Oh how it's hard to be away from the one you love. (Hi honey! Miss you!)

We've been seeking direction, asking for patience, and looking for answers to lifes hardships and questions a lot lately. Sometimes I look at our life and ask "why"... why is life so hard? Why can't God just give us the answers to our prayers, our hearts cries, and our desire to have things go the way we planned. Then I read this...

God's 3 Answers to Your Prayers:
1. Yes.
2.  Not Yet.
3. I have something better in mind.
What a reminder! Sometimes we are in constant need of this reminder, that He knows what is best and He has a better plan in mind!

So, here I am... in Florida looking for a teaching position. I felt as if I needed to at least give it a try before closing the door--and I'm so glad for my husband's support! Teaching in Florida is a little different than in Michigan. Today, in an interview, I was told about one of Florida's laws regarding how many students can be in a classroom. In a k-3rd grade classroom, the maximum number of students is 18. In grades 4th and 5th it is 22. In Michigan, there are classrooms up to 27 kids! Wow!

I guess I just don't want to be afraid to do something different... I don't want to be afraid of change. We are in a state where we do not have kids, not fully established, and have our whole lives ahead of us--taking a risk now would mean change but it would also be an adventure.

We just need to keep this in mind:
To not forget to "listen for God's voice in everything we do & everywhere we go; He's the one that will keep us on track." Proverbs 3:6

One day I want to be able to look back and to think Wow! Trusting God, and following where He led us was the BEST plan ever; far better than we ever imagined!

So, God, please lead us where You want us!

And please make it obvious! ;)

Monday, May 17, 2010

2 years today!!

So, today is our two year anniversary! :)

Wow, time flies.

Our First anniversary was fantastic!

This year we are just hanging out around here. Josh told me surprised me with reservations at The Melting Pot for later tonight! Yippee! So excited. Now it's off to go buy a nice outfit for tonight! :)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Yesterday

Doesn't it feel like yesterday?

It feels like yesterday was the first day meeting you and your lovely smile.


Yesterday it feels like you, Tyler, Jen and I all went on our first date to Craig's Cruisers, Captain Sundae and the beach. It feels like we just went to your prom, all dressed up with big smiles.


How about the day you surprised me with a bear with a special ring on it. A gorgeous ring that fit exactly, was that yesterday?


Just yesterday, I saw you in a handsome tux while I was in a white sparkly gown. I was your bride, and you were my groom--just yesterday.

joshua, i love you.
you are my best friend.
today i give myself to you as i become your wife.
i promise to encourage you and inspire you,
to laugh with you and to comfort you
in times of sorrow and struggle.
i promise to love you all the days of my life,
when life seems easy and when it seems hard,
when our love is simple and when it is an effort.
these things i give you this very moment.
with this ring may it be a constant reminder of my promises to you.
i love you with all my heart and i am excited to begin our lives today
as husband and wife.

Yesterday seems so near but it's been 1 full year since we said "I do". I just cannot believe it--time sure does change in a blink of an eye.

My dear husband, you just make me who I am today. I love that you have been so patient, so understanding, caring, and just so sweet. You make my heart melt day after day. I'm so glad to have found such a wonderful guy. A guy who is willing to lose in Mario Kart just so his wife can win once in a while. A guy who puts hard work into everything he does... from gardening and taking care of his wife and her needs. A guy who doesn't really want to stay up late watching a tv show or a movie, but stays by his wife's side until she's ready to go to bed. A guy who has watched countless "chick flicks" for his wife's sake. A guy who has done laundry, dishes, cleaning, and other chores willingly while his wife has been busy with school. You are encouraging, playful, and silly. The spot that I have come to love is in your arms--a place to find comfort, giggles, and happiness.

It seems like yesterday we were just married--a year has gone by before our eyes. It's been a FABULOUS year! I love that we have worked out so many things and that we have not had many arguments... we've learned from others that life is just too short to bicker. Making the most out of every moment is what I want to continue into this next year. I love you so much. Thanks for being one of the best things in my life. I am excited for the future, and where God will take us.

Happy 1 year anniversary Joshua, I am so GRATEFUL for such a wonderful husband. I'm eager to have many, MANY more anniversarys with you!
xoxo
your wife :)
It was really fun being a tourist with you in Chicago this weekend! :) Next year, we will definitely do something more... relaxing. :)