Learning that this is our life

 We pass by each other at the entrance to the hospital. He's leaving. I'm coming.
His eyes light up and we embrace. "Perfect timing!" A sweet little surprise for the day.  
___

He calls to say he's on his way home but won't make it in time before I leave for work. I say, 'let's meet in the middle for dinner at Chipotle!' Quickest dinner we ever did have, but the best company and a kiss to remember until we see each other again. 

Learning to appreciate the little things over here in the busy MS3 world. Learning that this is our life. Learning to make the most of it. Just thankful he's home, he's happy, and summer is behind us.
Med School- year 3, keep it coming....

Sunday Adventure | Gorge Hiking

Though Sunday started with thunder and rain, we didn't let it stop our outdoor Sunday adventure. With packed lunches and rain-gear, we enjoyed a starbucks sugar kick along the way, and headed out I-84. We stopped for a waterfall-filled hike just past the well-known Multnomah Falls. I much preferred this "Horse Trail Falls" hike compared to the packed Multnomah falls paths. The views of the gorge were beautiful, the paths quiet and private. We hiked around numerous waterfalls and creeks- they seemed to be around every corner. Most of all, I was with my sweetheart, and that's all that mattered. 

I want to remember our sweet conversations about our silly high school dating days and what we see ourselves doing 10 years from now. Sweet conversations indeed. And, no better place to have them than hand in hand in the Oregon beauty. It certainly felt like Fall and made me anxious for cool, fall days that always seem to make me more productive.

Hope you had a great weekend!

 

this summer was an appetizer

He walked in the door late last night and we embraced. I knew my time with him was short as he had a "shelf" exam (test at the end of each rotation) in the morning and needed a major cramming session. Furthermore, I was on-call at work (those darn mandatory over time shifts) and could get called away at any time. A solid ten minute hug turned into big crocodile tears of relief. Andrew is home, home. For reals, home. "Summer" is over. It certainly has not been an easy summer. Besides recovering from our miscarriage and grieving that loss, the mister and I were apart for 2 and a half months. He was first living in Stayton for his rural rotation and then in Salem for his OB/GYN rotation. Ten weeks of little visits here and there; 10 weeks of short phone convos or little texts just to semi keep in touch. Our opposite schedules didn't help either. He mostly worked 7am-7pm while I work the opposite. Thankfully, he was relatively close to Portland and we made little visits as much as possible, but time is precious and certainly limited.

This summer has been a strength-building time. Strength in getting through each day, strength in not being an emotional basket-case (at least about him being gone), strength in sometimes not letting him know just how hard it was to have him gone. Just how much the quiet house made me sad. Because, he's thriving. He's learning. He's doing the work he was called to do. As am I. I'm learning to support him in this career of his. This life of ours. I'm learning to be the best wife I can be.

In the shortest way to possibly describe it, this summer was an appetizer. A small tasting for what our future will continue to look like for many years to come. I can chose to enjoy this appetizer and make the most of it, or have it ruin the rest of the meal. Here I am, peeking through a crack in the wall at what a future deployment(s) or TDY (temporary duty assignment) time will look like. At what busy residency may look like. I know that on the other side of that wall is a vast field of beauty. Hills of knee-high grass, wild flowers, shady trees, a beautiful home of our very own and a family of youngsters. And, we will thrive together as one. We will continue serving, continue living with the same passion and love for each other. These hard times will make us stronger. The hard times will keep coming. The beautiful times too. 

I think the Lord gave me a little extra dose of strength to get through this time apart. He gave me those little bouts of energy to make it for short visits, a little extra emotional-self-control, a little extra braveness. He certainly knows what his children need. His grace is sufficient.

Welcome home babe. Let's have a great weekend together sans work/school! 

Here's to 2 years!

Today marks two years of marriage to my dearest Andrew. 

A blessed, joy-filled 2 years it has been.

We look forward to reading our 2 year Anniversary cards from our wedding reception. Plus, we'll not only be celebrating 2 years of marriage this coming weekend, but Andrew's Birthday as well! I'm so very thankful that Andrew's "rural" rotation is close enough for weekend visits.

I'll leave the rest of my mushy-gushy talk for him, but Happy Anniversary to us!  

---Here are a few fun photos from our happy wedding day--

(Taken by Chris Hunt) 

A month of prayer

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

Proverbs 31:12

Marriage to God's chosen husband is quite possibly one of the greatest gifts. I am called to be a loving wife, an affirming partner, a best friend, a prayer warrior. For this month, I am committing to focused prayer for my husband. Each day- a different prayer. Each day, intentional time set apart in prayer only for him. 

I found this example of a month full of prayers for your husband. I might use this as a starting point. Join along if you like! I challenge you to pray for your husband, your fiance, significant other, a certain friend... Prayer is powerful. 

(( 31 days found at http://www.truewoman.com/?id=366))

Day 1
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15
Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Quality time

Days like these don't often come around in rainy Portland, Oregon. The sun was shining, the air was brisk, the water shimmered. It was a perfect Saturday for a walk with the one you love. Perfect beginning to February. We are blessed to live along a walking path that leads directly to... wait for it... Starbucks! Bonus points there folks! Even Andrew, with his disapproving attitude of my love for starbucks, wanted to walk to get a cup of jo. Super bonus points to that!

We find that it often takes getting out of the house to have quality time together. It takes getting away from the computers, textbooks, tvs, iPhones, lists of chores, etc. Such a distraction electronics can be. ...Though, I must admit that even so, I'm very guilty of instagramming nearly everything. Really though, our best conversations are had on walks or out to a meal, or on car rides, or right before sleep. I'm so grateful for these times to pursue one another. I'm thankful for the time to dig deeper into the heart of my lover. To discover what pains him, worries him, delights him. After 8 and a half years together, I'm still learning new things about him. I'm still caught in true amazement at his kind soul and steadfast loyalty. He's a keeper and I'm thankful that God chose and entrusted me to be Andrew's wife. What a blessing.

Getaway

 If I were being honest, I'd tell you that it's been a rough month... or two. While I love to blog about happy times and projects, I also think that it is important to be real and share that things aren't always happy-go-lucky. In the midst of darkness or down times, I am comforted by He who is always with me. I'm encouraged by God's living word. Though I have the most supportive, loving husband, family and friends, nothing and no one can compare to my heavenly father's abiding love. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.  But, the good part is that things are on the upswing! Even better news is that as of this coming morning, I'm officially on vacation for 2 whole weeks!!!!! I could not be more excited about this. In fact, I'm ecstatic. In a sense, my "christmas break" is just now starting...  and somewhere tropic is calling my name! I'm also very excited to see my entire extended family and to have Andrew spend lots of time with them for the first time.

I'd say that the true start of this break was the quick 24 hour getaway we took last week. We both know how important it is for us to get away from the daily routines of our lives and do something enjoyable together. We don't have many "hobbies" that we enjoy together like some couples do (wouldn't that be great if Andrew liked crafting with me! Imagine the possibilities!!) but we both enjoy getting away together. 

We returned to the Resort at the Mountain near Mount Hood for a package deal mini vacay to include a night's stay, 2 fancy dinners, 2 breakfasts, and a couple's massage. Throw some hot tub time in the beautiful snow in there too! It was perfect and oh so needed. Here is last year's trip to the same place.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas! I encourage you to plan a little "getaway" with your lover. Do something special, something new. Go away together on an adventure. Big or small, grand or simple, do something and invest in making some sweet memories.