Blissful Marriage

On Saturday, Aug. 16th, Brent and I celebrated 5 years of marriage! 5! It is hard to believe that I am old enough to say that I have been married for 5 years, but I am! We decided early last week that we would drive down to San Antonio for a long weekend! We had such a good time shopping, eating, relaxing, etc.
Without going into great detail about the weekend and all of its events...I would like to share with you how wonderful my husband, marriage, and the friendship that we share is. First, Brent and I have always been able to laugh with and at each other (although let's face it...he is typically the one laughing at me!) Either way, we have a very special relationship that I thank God for each day! It is nice to say that I married my best friend and actually mean it! For those of you who don't know Brent....he is honest (with others and himself), extremely smart, easy going (he doesn't let much bother him, which in return sometimes drives me crazy!), loves his family and friends, and often puts others before himself.
Brent has always been good at the little things in our relationship (flowers, "love you" notes, and sincerity), but he is really great at the big things (surprises, anniversaries, birthdays, etc) I love that Brent and I have always and are always taking the time to do for one another! I think that that is important in a relationship...to do for the other and strive to make them happy and feel loved and important!
I surprised Brent with Jerry Seinfeld tickets in July (which was a blast!) And, although I told Brent that his present could count for both of our anniversary gifts, he surprised me this weekend and bought me a really nice camera. Recently, I was bit by the photography bug! I know, I know, the little bug must have jumped right off of Mom and hoped onto me! I am loving this camera! I am really excited about getting to spend some time playing and experimenting with it!
All of this too say....there isn't a day that I don't thank God for Brent and our marriage! We were both blessed with parents and grandparents that were true examples of what marriage and true love and commitment are! We were so pleased to be able to honor these couples and the years of their marriages at our wedding 5 years ago! We pray that God will continue to bless our marriage, just as he did for these couples!
So, this post is dedicated to Brent! Sweetie, thanks for 5 years of a blissful marriage! I know that I am better with you than without you! You always make me smile and you truly are my favorite! I look forward to the future that God has planned for us! Happy Anniversary!

Not Ours, but God's Will Be Done!

I am a planner! I am not sure if I instinctively inherited this from my parents or if it comes to me naturally, but all of my life, I have been a planner. As a child and even now as an adult, it isn't out of the ordinary to see my mother with her list. Typically, it is a list of things to do around the house or a grocery list, but she works off of a list. My Dad is a planner, too. His just works in a financial way, most call it a budget. Laugh if you must, but now that I am an adult with financial responsibilities, I appreciate my father's ability to financially plan. So, as you can see, it is in my blood to be a planner!

However, the older I get, the more I realize that sometimes, you can't plan for certain events that may in occur in one's life. I am learning this more now in my life than ever before. Today, in our sermon at church, we continued discussing the series "The Barbarian Way." (Refer to previous post for the series description.) Our pastor, Shane, discussed that far too often we as Christians, because of our human nature, get in the way of God's plan. Not to say that God is the reason for all of life's circumstances, but that we as humans often get consumed by our own plans, that we fall in the way of God's.

I can only speak for myself, but when my plans fail, I am often frustrated, disappointed, and quickly trying to recover myself by planning yet another plan. As I grow as a Christian, I am trying to learn to stop planning so much, and to let God take control and plan my life.

Without going into detail because I don't think that it is my story to tell, my family has encountered unexpected turn of events that is affecting all of our lives plans. While we each are feeling our own disappointments and hurt, we are all rallying together and trying to fall back into God's plan.

As I get older it is more and more apparent to me that I often turn to God in moment's of despair. And, in these moments, I cry out to him to save me and to help me through these moments. And, here I am again, crying out that God help my family and me. But, because I am a growing Christian, I am also learning to cry out to God more throughout all moments of my life and ask that he take full control of my life and to bless the path that I am to follow.

So, this is dedicated to those of you, finding yourself traveling down an unexpected path, crying out to God to save you and to help you through these moments. I, too pray that God continue blessing you, giving you the strength and patience that you will need to endure those trying times, the comfort and peace to help you along your way, and His everlasting love and devotion that will allow you to grow and remain on the path in which He has planned for you!

I leave you with this...one of my favorite scriptures:
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."~ Romans 15:13

Humbling Beginnings!

This past week and a half has been mind blowing, exhausting, exciting, fantastic, a wonderful learning experience, and most of all....humbling! To recap...I recently started working for a well known pediatric hospital in Dallas! I LOVE IT! The first two days were your basic boring orientation and computer based training. The rest of the time I have been getting acquainted with departmental policies, paperwork, and the ins and outs of things! It has been exhausting trying to get myself back on a schedule! But, all in all, I love it and it is awesome!

I feel blessed that God has given me this opportunity! I feel blessed that God has allowed me to go to school, get both of my degrees (without putting myself too far into debt), all the while being happy and healthy! I am blessed, and I realize that I don't deserve these blessings! I'll explain....

Our church is starting a new series called "The Barbarian Way!" We are following a book written by Erwin Raphael McManus. (If you haven't read it...DO!) Without doing a complete song and dance about the book/series...I will summarize it for you! Basically, the gist is this...we as Christians are called to follow God 100%...not 95%...not 90%...BUT 100%. And, when I say follow, I don't mean get in line with what people are telling you what God wants you to do or believing the cultural-istic view points of the Christian world. This means...you give of yourself (and your life) completely! You do what he calls you to do regardless of how it affects you! Secondly, (and I think this is deep, honest, and true!) just because you follow God, does not mean that you are entitled to a blessed life! He promises you a future with Him, but not a life filled with blessings and answered prayers! This book/series is honest, blunt, and in someways brutual!

Since I started reading the book, I can't put it down! For those of you that hate reading, don't worry it is only approximatley 150 pages! I think that all Christains should read it, if for nothing else than to remind yourself of what we as Christians are expected and called to do and be for God, not what he is to be for us!

With all of that said....I mentioned in the first paragraph that I have felt very humbled in my new job and I have! While begining this book, God has reminded me that the blessings that I have been given were not earned or deserved. Simply, He blessed me! In the past week, I have worked with children who had gun shot wounds, physical impairments, mental impairments, etc. And, while I could sit and easily find the blessings in their lives as well...I realize that I never have a right to complain or be disappointed if God doesn't bless me with the things that I pray for or the things that I believe I deserve because I have plenty!

Today, I encourage you to do three things:
1. Go buy and start reading "The Barbarian Way" By: Erwin Raphael McManus.
2. Remind yourself everyday of the blessings God has already given you.
3. And, finally, remember what God has called you to be as a Christian. Someone who is willing to give of themselves completely and (if need be) make an ultimate sacrifice, just as He did! Remember, we were never promised a blessed life here on earth, but an eternal life with Christ!

God bless each of you and all my love!

Living by Patpat's Example!

I thought of my Patpat today! Typically, you can sum up who a person is in a few words or sentences, but with Patpat, it just isn't that simple! So, here's for trying! My Patpat was my mom's Dad. He passed away two years ago this August. All of my life, I have been told that I look like my grandfather (without makeup, of course)! Infact, we had several things in common....we both have a huge sweet tooth (often sharing donuts for breakfast and anything chocolate for dessert!)...we enjoy working with and for children...and...we loved spending time with our family!

Patpat was the most giving, sweetest, and kind hearted person! He very rarely met a stranger, and if by chance he did, he treated them as if they had been friends for years! He would offer you his shirt, shoes, pants, and anything else you might need! You never left his home hungry! In fact, you typically left overstuffed! He had a cheerful smile and a loving and playful spirit! I really miss him! I think of him daily, but today this was especially true!

Today was an exciting day! I started my new job! I am an occupational therapist for one of the state's leading pediatric hospitals! I am thrilled about it! Today, of course, was Day 1 of orientation, but I am excited about being able to jump in and start working with all of the kiddos!

Today's orientation was a typical orientation with discussions and lectures on mission statements, benefits, security, services, etc. And, although it wasn't a thrilling fun filled day, I found myself very excited about being apart of this growing family! A common theme in most of the lectures was that of the desired attitudes and mentality of the employees..."to be hospitable to all, help facilitate the best possible outcome for each patient and their family, to provide a friendly atmosphere, and to do for others!" It wasn't until the fourth or fifth time that I heard this that I caught myself instinctly saying to myself..."just act like Patpat!" I'll admit as soon as it registered, I started tearing up! "Just act like Patpat!" That was perfect!

Patpat was always catering to the needs of others! He would go above and beyond the call of duty and always met you with a smile! "Just act like Patpat!" So, as the day continued, I kept telling myself, "Just act like Patpat!" And, that is what I intend to do, and I know that with this in mind, I will be successful in carring out the facility's mission and moto!

So, today, I encourage you to do the same! "Just act like Patpat!" Be willing to do for others! (Yes, even when you don't feel like it!) And, smile more often! (You will find that smiling will help improve your attitude as well as others!) I'm sorry if you never knew my Patpat! Not to brag, but you really missed out! However, it doesn't mean that you can't learn from his example!

Putting a Habit to End!

I once read that it takes two full weeks to quit or start a habit!

I will admit that I have several bad habits! Shocking, I know....but true! Some of the habits are new, some not so new, but mostly the habits I have are old! And, while I have tried to quit these habits, I have always found my way back to them!

Two of my most embarrassing habits are twirling my hair and biting my fingernails. I hate....absolutely hate....that I do both of these! Both of these habits started at a young age. Infact, there are several childhood stories of my hair twirling. For instance, as a toddler, I insisted on twirling the hair of which ever parent was putting me to bed. As the story goes, my Dad eventually had to switch the side in which he would lay next to me because he was developing a bald spot! Sorry, Dad! (What a good, Dad, right?!) Now that I am older and a little wiser, I have discovered that the hair twirling is actually a sensory seeking habit (there's some occupational therapy lingo for you!)

But, the nail biting! I really really don't like the nail biting! It is sometimes painful, unsanitary, and the hands never look all that pretty. I have bit my fingernails since I was a child, a young child, so young in fact, that I can't remember how old I was when I started. As a child, my parents, grandparents, and other family members took it upon themselves to try and help me stop with different tactics. There was the bad tasting fingernail polish, the threat of putting some sort of hot sauce on them, and of course the almighty bribery! However, I always seemed to fall right back into the habit.

The other day I was looking at my nails. Disgusted with myself that after 25 years, I am still biting my nails! I decided I had to quit. I decided to do a little analyzing of the previous tactics and attempts and determined that I would have to take it slowly! So, after much thought and consideration, I am taking it one fingernail at a time! Now, before you starting laughing (like Brent did! Although, I should note he is very supportive and encouraging through this process!), I am resisting the temptation and making a concious effort to avoid biting a designated fingernail for 3 days. If I am successful, I am moving on to another fingernail, and so on and so forth. So far, I am successful! I started with my ringer finger on my right hand (for all of you medical personnel out there= 4th digit on R UE). After three days, I had growth and felt comfortable to move on to the ringer finger of the left hand. (The reason to my method is a result of my OCD with symmetry! Thanks, Mom!)

Growing up, whenever I felt overwhelmed by the occurrences and situations in my life, my Mom would always say, "Just take it one day at a time!" So, I am! Even though it has only been 5 days, I feel pretty successful! And, therefore, inspired and intrigued to continue on! I have told myself that if I make it to all ten fingernails, I will treat myself to a mani/pedi! It will be my first official manicure!

Bad habits are the worse! And, when I think of my habits, I find myself dwelling on the bad rather than the good! Of course, when we have a good habit, we find ourselves calling this a routine, don't we? I believe that I do have some good habits, as well! But, as I sit here thinking about them, I can't seem to recall what they are! I think that stems from the fact that we are often finding the negative in ourselves rather than the good, so I will have to get back to you on that!....Wow! There's another bad habit! God created me! And, while I am human and naturally imperfect, shouldn't I be able to find the positives in myself just as easily as I do the negative! (There's another blog entry for another day!) So, whatever the habit may be, I believe that it is better for us to focus on finding the solution rather than dwelling in the habit.

Today, I encourage you to pick a habit that you would either like to stop or start! And, taking it one day at a time, dedicate your energy and time into completing the process! I will be praying for you and hope that you find much success!

Kicking and Screaming All the Way to a Close and Loving Friendship!

Today's post is dedicated to my cousin, Alycia! (I was blessed with really wonderful cousins!) Alycia is 5 years older than me and was the person I idolized as a child! As a kid, I would count down the days until she would come and stay with us during the Summers.

Alycia and her husband, Kirk have been married for 8 years and have two beautiful and (on most occasions) adorable kids. Kade is 7 and Kynzie is 3 going on 25! I called Alycia for one of our daily chats this morning and could hear the kids in the background. They were headed to town to run some errands and the kids were having a fussing and fighting match in the back seat! I didn't get all the details, but from the stressful tone in Alycia's voice, I could tell it wasn't pretty! From what I could tell, Kynzie was crying because she and Kade had been picking at one another and when she realized that Kade just might have won this match, she started crying!


All of this got me to thinking about me and my brother, Taylor! I have many memories from my childhood! Some good, some not so good, but mostly great! However, on occasion I can remember a few that would be thrown into the "could have done without that" pile! The occasions that I speak of would be those "rare" (sense the sarcasm) times that Taylor and I would fuss and fight!

Here's the history (for those of you who may not know!):
Taylor is my younger brother by almost 5 years! When he was born, I was in heaven. How many 5 year old girls have a real life baby to play with? It was really exciting when he started walking and talking because then I could teach him to do new and fun things! This was also the time that he gave me my name "Sissy!" But, once we got into the developmental stages of him realizing that he didn't have to obey my every command and could use the things that I taught him against me, well things slowly started to collapse!

During the Summer following the 5th grade, my Mom took 1 day/week job at our church. On those days, I was in charge of watching Taylor and making sure that we completed the list of chores. I think that I should mention that it was early into the Summer that Taylor realized that he could get out of doing chores (thus leaving them for me) if he ran next door and spent the day with our Nanny! As you can imagine, this started a long chain of fussing and fighting with one another. I can remember yelling and screaming at him, chasing him around and around and around the living room, pinning him down to painfully tickle or pinch or whatever seemed appropriate (or torturous) at the time!

On into my junior high/ high school years, Taylor took every possible moment to embarrass or tattle on me! He was your typical younger brother who did what he felt he needed to do to blackmail or agitate me! I don't want to paint the wrong picture because I have always loved Taylor, but I (as his older sister) and ONLY I reserved the right to punish him as I saw fit. (I think the fact that my parents also reserved the right goes with out saying!)

As Taylor and I have grown, we have become closer and closer through the years! While we occasionally butt heads, we mostly enjoy being around each other. And, in trying to find the bright side to all of the fussing and fighting from our younger years, I see now that it was developmentally necessary for our relationship to grow. It took each arguement, tickle fight, arm slappying, and occasionally kicking and biting to understand who Taylor was then, and thus leading to who he is now!

So, I say this to Alycia and all of the other Moms and Dads out there who struggle with children who occasionally fuss and fight! It is normal for siblings to not always get along! It is normal for siblings to scream, yell, hit, tickle, irritate, and annoy one another! And while correcting them and disciplining them is the right parental choice, please know that the way they act towards one another today is not an indicator of the type of relationship they will share or how they will treat one another in the future!

Alycia, you are a wonderful mother who strives to do right and good by her children and family! You always put their needs and desires first never once thinking of yourself! On the rare moments that your children are arguing, remind yourself that they do love one another, these moments of them being "little" are precious and they won't always argue like this, but mostly, remember that they do love each other because of the example they have in you! You have taught them to be loving towards one another by being the wonderful loving mother that you are!

As a side note...Kade and Kynzie typically get along just fine! Infact, one of the sweetest things to hear and see is when Kynzie announces to others that she loves her Bubba! We love your Bubba too, Kynzie, and we love you!

The Begininng!

All of my life, I have been the type that has found comfort and stress relief in writing! Whether it be a source of creativity, my thoughts, or documenting my life's events in a journal, I found it to be enjoyable! So, I decided to start a blog of encouragement! I believe myself to be a positive person who strives to encourage myself and others! This is where I will discuss my life events and through my words, I will try to be encouraging!

Recently, I have felt a need for a change! Which is odd because my life is in full "change mode!" Brent, my husband, and I are house hunting, and I start a new job in two weeks! And, from my experience those are two huge changing factors in one's life! But, I've been in need of something different! Whether it be a new hobby or a temporary change in scenery! So, I decided that blogging would be a great new hobby! I will find some relief in my itch for change through my blogging experiences!

I also find it some what comical that I would be desiring any more change because I typically find comfort in routine! Not that I don't like change, but in some ways change can be very stressful! There are several important individual's in my life that are experiencing change in almost every possible way! Take for example, my cousin, Benay! (http://benaydennis.blogspot.com/)

Benay has recently made the decision to pick up and move to Tennessee to start a new career! WOW! Right?!?! But, how exciting! While it is nerve racking to take in the idea of a new city, new home, new people, etc....I think of it like this....a new experience, new friends, a new Christian family, and definitely a new blessing! Benay is really excited, but naturally nervous! So this is to you, Benay!

Here is the history, for those of you who may not know.... Benay is my cousin, who is younger by 3 years! Throughout childhood, our parents did an excellent job of making sure that we were able to spend a great deal of time together! It was not unlikely that each Summer, Benay and I would spend a week or so together! We spent many hours in pink sponge rollers, making jewelry, dressing up, dancing, singing, cheerleading for the annual Thanksgiving football game between the boy cousins and jumping on the trampoline! Needless to say, we have many many memories together! And, as we have grown, we have continued being there for one another! I sewed beads onto her Sr. prom dress and she was my maid of honor!

The Benay that I know is fun, vivacious, sweet, sincere, funny (no...scratch that...she's hilarious!), goregous, talented, faithful, intelligent, hard working, and so much more! But, most importantly, she is a blessing to all who know her and with God on her side, she can do anything! Benay, I know that you are going to soar through this new experience and blossom into the woman that God created! Remember that those of us back in the great state of Texas, love you, belive in you, and will be praying for you always! We hope that you will continue to call us and share your experiences with us, or that at the very least, you will continue blogging about your experiences! I love you always and wish you all the BEST!

And, to the rest of you! Let Benay be an example of being eager to experience the plans God has for you and to not let the unknown stop you from experiencing His blessings!