Contentment

I was reading Phillipians 4 this morning....Paul starts off by saying "Rejoice in the Lord always." I can speak from experience, as can most people, it's not that easy to rejoice ALL the time. should I be rejoicing that Danny has been out of work for 4 months, and that we have to sell our house and move into a small bedroom at my sister's house....but the verse doesn't say to rejoice only when you are in a great mood or if you've just won the lottery....it says ALWAYS. So i'm doing whatever I can to not let anything steal my joy. Paul goes on to say, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Now I can't say that I've mastered the "don't be anxious" part, but I'm trying with the help of God and some medication. But, in all honest, who of us can say that we don't worry about things. I do know that with every major decision Danny and I have had to make this summer, I have felt complete peace about it. And when those anxious thoughts do come up in my mind, I just have to go back to and do what Paul says in Phillipians 8-9..."Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." He goes on to say "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

SO no matter what is going on in my life, I am content because I know the strength of God will help me through this. SO how do I stay content? It's all in how you look at things. Sure, Danny has been out of work for 4 months, but I have gotten to enjoy having him home with me everyday. Sure, we have to sell our house, but now I get to live with my 2 best friends. Sure we have basic bills and medical bills coming out the yang, and only have 1 income now, but through God's faithfulness in taking care of us, not one bill has gone late. So I keep telling myself, my God is bigger than this....He has a plan.

Do I think it will be easy living in a small room in my sister's house? No, I'm sure it will be trying at times and we'll all get on each other's nerves eventually, but I thank God for her everyday....without her, where would we go? So, she gets a live-in cook and yard boy and we get a roof over our heads....not a bad deal!

So, though I haven't blogged in months, that's what has been going on with us. Now I'll share some recent pictures with you.

This first one is Danny and I at his best friend Josh's wedding to our good friend Kim Perry.



Here is a cool picture Danny took at the zoo of Rachel and I chatting on a bench in the Gardens.

Here is the most adorable, sleepy, grizzly bear I have ever seen!

And here is my adorable dog, Sabrina (we call her Brina). She's so spoiled because when she looks at me like that, she can get anything she wants!

I'll try not to stay away so long....

Our loss is Heaven's gain....

Ever since hearing of the tragic death of our Pastor's wife, Tania Burgbacher, this past Tuesday in an automobile accident, I have been trying to make sense of it in my mind. Not that it has to make any sense to me. God is in control. He has a purpose and it's not always for us to understand. But here is how my mind works....

When I think of angels, they are very tangible beings...I credit that to the wonderful way that angels are depicted in 2 of my favorite books by Frank Peretti, "This Present Darkness" and Peircing the Darkness." I think that prepartions in Heaven for Tania's homecoming were at their height on Tuesday morning. Angels were readying her mansion for her arrival, the crowning ceremony was scheduled, and her bejeweled crown was polished to a brilliant shine. It may have started out as an excited undertone, but as the day wore on and the hour got closer, all of the Heaven was buzzing with anticipation. "Tania is coming today!" the angels exclaimed to each other. I believe we all have our own personal guardian angels...and I'm sure Tania's angels were in awe as they were debriefed that morning of their duties for the day....what an honor, to be able to escort their faithful servant to the Throne Room of the Most High.

Yes, those of us that were left behind, to follow her at some other appointed time, are grieving our loss. I can't even begin to imagine how her family is hurting right now. But when I think of her reception as she entered the gates of Heaven, I can't help but smile and think how lucky she is.

Golf Week!

So this past week there was an LPGA Golf tournament at a local golf course, Rivertowne, in Mt. Pleasant. It was the Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam. The hospital that Rachel works for were sponsors of the event and they also provided the First Aid/Medical tent. (Rachel worked the tent on Saturday). When I heard that Rachel was gonna volunteer, I started getting excited about the possibility of getting free tickets! I'm not a huge LPGA fan, but I do really like Lorena Ochoa....and Danny is a big fan of Natalie Gulbis. Plus, I was really excited about doing something I've never done before....actually, with the exception of one Braves' baseball game, I've never been to any major sporting event.


Rachel was able to score us some weekly passes, so on Wednesday, Rachel and I went to the ProAm game. On that day, we were allowed to take a camera. We couldn't take one any other day of the tournament. I was very disappointed to find out that Lorena Ochoa had to back out of the tournament due to a death in the family....I was so looking forward to meeting her. Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity next year. Also, by the time we got there and figured out where things were, we had already missed seeing Natlie Gulbis or get any pics or autographs from her.

I did get my visor autographed by Paula Creamer.

I also got an autograph from Annika Sorenstam, the host of the tournament. This is her last year of competitive golf; she announced her retirement a few months ago.

We had a lot of fun that day! Due to work, we weren't able to go to the tournament on Thursday or Friday, but Danny and I went on Saturday. We got there in time to see Paula Creamer at the 10th Hole, then as we were headed to the info booth to get the free booklets they had with player bios, we walked right by Natalie Gulbis....I grabbed Danny so he would notice too! We turned around and followed her to get her autograph on our hats. Danny was completely awestruck....that totally made his day to be able to talk to her....He watched her practice putting and driving, then we followed her around her first 9 holes. The heat was pretty bad this weekend, and it was all I could do to make it around 9 holes. I cooled off in the medical tent with Rachel while he watched some more golf....but we left after being there around 4 hours.

We went back on Sunday, and despite getting a flat tire on the way there, we made it just in time to see Natalie tee off again. Danny followed her almost the entire round, just taking a break for lunch and cooling off for a bit. Rachel and I caught a few holes here and there, but mostly tried to keep cool in the shade. The heat index was about 95 degrees. As each player finished their rounds, they made a stop at the scoring tent, then would offer autographs. We got more autographs from Paula and Natalie in our bio books so Danny can frame his and I can put mine in my scrapbook.

It was such a fun weekend, but I do not like being in the heat at all and it completely wiped me out. We did stay well hydrated and had plenty of sunscreen on, and I think after getting a lot of sleep last night and resting today, I am finally feeling back to normal.

I do look forward to going back again next year (I hope Rachel can score some more free tickets!) I hope to meet Lorena then!

32

Well, the good news is that Danny is no longer working out of town!!! It only lasted a month, then he decided that he would rather find a job where he could stay home. I think it was harder on him that it was me....which I didn't expect...but he was away from his home and family, sharing a hotel room with a guy who snored loud enough to wake the dead! I still had the comfort of my own bed, the companionship of our wonderful dog, and all our friends around to help me whenever I needed them...or just to keep me from being lonely. Danny is now working at another local lumber....which is work that he knows and enjoys....except for the strain that it puts on his back :(

Well this has been a month of birthdays.....2 friends, my niece, my father-in-law, my grandmother, and my twin sister and I celebrated our 32nd birthday.....all within about 2 weeks. fun! fun! fun! So, with all the birthday fun we have enjoyed a AAA baseball game, putt-putt, bowling, cornhole tournaments....and a LOT of cake. Danny got me a sewing machine for my birthday! I'm really anxious to get started on a quilt and some other projects that I have in mind :-)


Here is Danny and I with our friends Josh and Kim on my birthday. We thought it was funny that Danny & Kim matched and Josh & I matched!

So, here is something I have observed lately...and it has really made me appreciate my husband even more than I already did. I know a couple who have recently separated....which I myself think is very sad. I think people should make every effort to save a marriage....and yes it will take HARD work and sacrifices, but that effort will be rewarded. Love can be restored. I believe God blesses marriage for those who take it seriously and value it the way He does. ....but anyways, my point....I have had the opportunity lately to observe this couple and I have seen more kindness and respect between them than I ever have. Now, maybe they are just being "nice" to each other for their kids' sake....not wanting them to see their parents fighting or something. But it just makes me sad for people who take things for granted until its too late. If we would just choose love and honor and respect for our spouses everyday....even though sometimes it gets easy to take them for granted or to be rude to them or just blow up at them because you can get away with it.....we would all have healthy, happy marriages. Now I know I'm just a newlywed, you say. I haven't been married long enough to experience the trials of marriage. But right now I make a choice to respect, honor, love, and support my husband, to not tear him down in front of others, and if he does something that upsets or offends me, I will wait until we are in the privacy of our own home to discuss it rather than air my feelings to anyone who will listen.....because he deserves better than that. Back to this couple I know....I don't think God has given up on them yet, and maybe their respect and consideration for each other lately is part of His healing for their marriage....I truly hope so.

missed me?

Well, I obviously haven't kept up with a monthly update, but the beginning of the year was pretty mundane for me....nothing much worth reporting. We had a pretty mild winter here in South Carolina. I love living just down the street from Rachel, I walk to her house or she comes up to mine all the time....and our dogs get along great with each other. I think if dogs could marry ours would. They are so cute together! Here is a picture of them - The Golden Retriever in the front is my Sabrina and Mackenzie is Rachel's 1/2 yellow lab 1/2 golden retriever mix.
The other picture is Rachel and I at our church Ladies Retreat in January.



On March 8th, which is also my neice Jaquelyn's birthday, my Mammaw Willa Deen passed away. I'm so happy that now she's in Heaven with Papaw and will not have to suffer anymore pain or sickness anymore. We will all miss her terribly....she was such an amazing spiritual cornerstone for our family....but I can't even imagine what a wonderful time she is having in Heaven right now. After having the funeral here in SC, we went to Ohio where she was to be buried to have a service there as well. We got to visit with a lot of old friends and family. We never miss an opportunity to spend quality time with our family....especially since we all live so far away and only get to see each other maybe once or twice a year....if that. We, as cousins, have always been close, but we have grown even closer over just the past couple of years. I value any time that I get to spend with them. We always seem to have a card game or 2 going on....this particular weekend, Poker was very popular. I'm looking forward to the 4th of July weekend when we have our 2nd annual Cousin's reunion!




Well, another major thing that has happened in our lives is the new job that Danny started this past week. He is now working for a fire protection company installing sprinkler systems in apartments and other buildings. I'm happy that this job will be easier on his back. He has had back problems for years and working in the construction/lumber industry has not helped that. He also will have opportunities for advancement in this company, so hopefully in the future that will help us financially. The only downside is he is working out of town 4 days a week for the first year and a half. He leaves early Monday morning and comes back Thursday night. Being apart for half the week is definitely not exciting to me, but I hope this allows us the opportunity to grow closer and stronger as a young married couple. Also, I think this will be an opportunity for us to grow closer to God and to lean on him for our comfort when we are lonely. Also, hopefully it will allow/force me to form relationships with others....I do not get out often and often rely on Danny and Rachel solely for my companionship, but I want to be able to reach out to others and find other friendships that I know God has for me. I have a wonderful life group family from church who meets at our home each week to learn more about God and to fellowship with each other. Each one of these people are very special to me and I'm sure that they have been put in my life "for such a time as this."

Well, it's about time to go to church, but just wanted to reminded you all to say a pray for Rachel and my mother-in-law Barbara and all the others from my church who are in Ecuador right now on a mission trip holding health clinics and building a church. They return this Friday.

Well it's 2 a.m. and I have been plagued with insomnia this week. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time sleeping! It's getting pretty annoying, but I guess I'll use this time to catch up on my blog!

Well another year has come and gone.....Farewell 2007! It's been a good year!

I'm looking forward to 2008! I hope to study for and pass my CMT exam this year...that will certify me as a Medical Transcriptionist! Danny and I have some things that we are planning for as well, so hopefully this year will get us started in the right direction to plan for our future! I'm looking forward to seeing my cousins again in the summer....I really cherish the time we had together last Easter and I'm so glad that we have vowed to keep in touch and see each other at least annually.

Here is a picture of our Christmas tree. I love to decorate in blue and silver....I don't know why I didn't get a picture of it at night!

Christmas here with our families is a several-day affair. On 12/21, Danny and I went bowling for his work Christmas party. He works with a bunch of fun people and he has 2 great bosses. I also discovered that I bowl pretty well when everyone else is drunk! hahah! moving on.....

On 12/22, Danny and I hosted a Chinese gift exchange at our home so our 2 families could gather together for some good fun and good food!

On Christmas Eve Eve, we usually go to my Aunt Jeri and Uncle Jim's house for our family Candlelight service. We read the Christmas story from the Bible (also from a Children's book for the kids) and we sing Christmas carols. We enjoy some snacks and share a few gifts as well.

Here's Danny and Sabrina sleeping in on Christmas Eve!

We go to mom and Dad's Christmas Eve night to have dinner then open stockings and gifts. Dad made dinner this year! I have never known my dad to cook - unless it was something on the grill - so this was truly something. He made homemade chili and brownies from scratch....All very yummy!

In order to ease the financial strain, we drew names for our family gift exchange. We also all contributed to the stockings so mom wouldn't be expected to fill them all. This worked out very well and is probably a new tradition that will be continued!

Here is Kristi with Michael, Jacquelyn, and Nicole on Christmas.

Like most jobs in the medical profession, mine is one that requires someone to be working at all times, so I had to work on Christmas morning, but I didn't mind. It allowed Danny to sleep in and allowed us to have a quiet morning at home together. Once I got off work, we went to his parents house to spend the afternoon being lazy and watching movies. We watched Oceans 13 and We Are Marshall. I had never seen either. I absolutely LOVED We are Marshall. I'm from southern Ohio, about an hour from Huntington, WV, where Marshall is, and some of my cousins have gone to school there, so it was cool to be able to recognize things from the movie. I'm a huge fan of sports movies, especially ones based on true stories, like Remember the Titans or The Rookie. This was a new favorite to add to my list!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all health, happiness, and love in the coming year!