24 Days Until Thanksgiving!!!! There is always something magical about the time of year ranging from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Its just this feeling of happy, even if things aren't going well.
Most know that the holidays for me are always bittersweet affairs. Being away from my family at this time is hard for me, but being with my family is equally as hard. This year especially is going to be difficult, what with the beginning of the whole "leaving and cleaving" process nearing.
I am amazed constantly by the love and grace of God. I spent a lot of quiet time yesterday, and I just realized that when I'm overwhelmed, or feeling these negative feelings, I'm just going to have to stop and pray. Which is probably going to lead to a lot of praying. I mean a lot, a lot.
The month of thanks: Today, I am thankful for my mother. She gave birth to me, and teaches me patience and kindness.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Power of Prayer!
Its been a while since I've blogged, and that's just kinda sad.
God has been doing some crazy awesome things in my life. He has been challenging me, pushing me, guiding me, and revealing things to me that I never though possible.
Last night at Countdown, our mentor couple (newlyweds who tell us how their perspective has changed in the few months they have been married!) said something that really touched me, and had I not been so tired last night (they took a lot of blood yesterday, ok!), I really would have liked to talk to Jason about it. She talked about praying together, and how she humbled herself toward him by asking him to pray for her. I think its so simple to believe that if we don't tell anyone our faults, its easier to hide them, especially from our spouse. But God knows. He knows where we struggle, and where we need help.
I hope that prayer will continue to be as important to Jason and I's lives as it has become this week. Praying with him and for him has changed things. And I will continue to make it a point to ask him to help pray for me in areas where I am weak, and need change.
God has been doing some crazy awesome things in my life. He has been challenging me, pushing me, guiding me, and revealing things to me that I never though possible.
Last night at Countdown, our mentor couple (newlyweds who tell us how their perspective has changed in the few months they have been married!) said something that really touched me, and had I not been so tired last night (they took a lot of blood yesterday, ok!), I really would have liked to talk to Jason about it. She talked about praying together, and how she humbled herself toward him by asking him to pray for her. I think its so simple to believe that if we don't tell anyone our faults, its easier to hide them, especially from our spouse. But God knows. He knows where we struggle, and where we need help.
I hope that prayer will continue to be as important to Jason and I's lives as it has become this week. Praying with him and for him has changed things. And I will continue to make it a point to ask him to help pray for me in areas where I am weak, and need change.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
God is great!
Its funny how once you start listening to God, things just start falling into place. He is so good! The past few weeks of Countdown have been really amazing. When we first got engaged, I was so wrapped up in wedding planning; what kind of cake will we have? what kind of flowers? how will my dress look? It was all so exciting, and I didn't even realize that it was the main focus.
Countdown has really helped me refocus. Our wedding is one day, our marriage is forever. Instead of worrying about the perfect day, why don't we worry about how we will face problems when they come up? Instead of focusing on looking like a princess that day, why don't we worry about learning how to turn all of our issues and disagreements to God?
So, in short, I'm over traditional wedding planning. Our wedding is not going to be about us, instead it is going to be about our relationship and love for Christ. I'm ready to be Mrs. Ross, and seeing where God is going to take us. I keep saying this over and over, but I know God has some really amazing plans for us.
Countdown has really helped me refocus. Our wedding is one day, our marriage is forever. Instead of worrying about the perfect day, why don't we worry about how we will face problems when they come up? Instead of focusing on looking like a princess that day, why don't we worry about learning how to turn all of our issues and disagreements to God?
So, in short, I'm over traditional wedding planning. Our wedding is not going to be about us, instead it is going to be about our relationship and love for Christ. I'm ready to be Mrs. Ross, and seeing where God is going to take us. I keep saying this over and over, but I know God has some really amazing plans for us.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The roads diverging....
The roads begin diverging when my lab tests come back either Friday/Monday. Then there is one more fork before *hopefully* finding out exactly what is going on. Its kinda scary, but I feel that at least its coming to some form of an end.
Happier news...I have the best fiance evar. For my birthday/anniversary he bought me something I have wanted for a very, very, very long time...a Wii!! My arms hurt from playing so much yesterday, but it was totally worth it. I hope he enjoys his gift half as much! :)
I am researching some new food so that I can surprise Jason with a wonderful meal on our anniversary. Its definitely the biggest food project that I have ever taken on, but hopefully it will turn out wonderful.
Can't wait to curl up on the couch tonight and cuddle with Snickers. Its been a long day!
Happier news...I have the best fiance evar. For my birthday/anniversary he bought me something I have wanted for a very, very, very long time...a Wii!! My arms hurt from playing so much yesterday, but it was totally worth it. I hope he enjoys his gift half as much! :)
I am researching some new food so that I can surprise Jason with a wonderful meal on our anniversary. Its definitely the biggest food project that I have ever taken on, but hopefully it will turn out wonderful.
Can't wait to curl up on the couch tonight and cuddle with Snickers. Its been a long day!
Friday, September 25, 2009
The wife I'd like to be...
Several things kind of came together this past week that have led me to some thinking. We started our "pre-marriage course" last week, and starting looking in depth not about the wedding, but about our marriage. This week I also started my study on the book of Ecclesiastes in my Bible. As I opened to the beginning of Ecclesiastes, a passage on the opposite page caught my eye. It was Proverbs 31, "The Wife of a Noble Character"
It begins with, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Then, it goes on to describe what a good wife does for her husband and family. Its amazing how so many of the things listed are things I've always envisioned in my home: she provides for her family before thinking about herself, she spends her money investing in things to help her family prosper, she works 24/7 for her children and husband, she helps others, she is never idle but works tirelessly for her family, and because of it she is loved by her family.
I am going to strive for this to be my model for the kind of wife I need to be. I know its not always going to be easy, or fun, but God won't give me anything I can't handle, and our lives will be so blessed. I can already tell.
It begins with, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Then, it goes on to describe what a good wife does for her husband and family. Its amazing how so many of the things listed are things I've always envisioned in my home: she provides for her family before thinking about herself, she spends her money investing in things to help her family prosper, she works 24/7 for her children and husband, she helps others, she is never idle but works tirelessly for her family, and because of it she is loved by her family.
I am going to strive for this to be my model for the kind of wife I need to be. I know its not always going to be easy, or fun, but God won't give me anything I can't handle, and our lives will be so blessed. I can already tell.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Long pause...
Life is busy, busy, busy. But it feels great, everything is falling into place and working out. God is so great!
I really believe that all of life is better when you have a dog. For some reason, seeing the world as they do makes everything seem so joyous. Our old lady is so unique and wonderful, Snickers is an angel baby!
I've decided I'm going to start a cookbook. I need a place where I have all of my favorite things in one place, instead of searching for notecards here, word documents there, remembering recipes in my head. Maybe some day I can sell my cookbook for millions and millions and millions and Jason and I can retire to an island somewhere....right. While doing this, I am also going to work on my breakfast and baking skills. I don't really do either enough to have them up to a level I am happy with, so add that to my list of things for self improvement!
I really believe that all of life is better when you have a dog. For some reason, seeing the world as they do makes everything seem so joyous. Our old lady is so unique and wonderful, Snickers is an angel baby!
I've decided I'm going to start a cookbook. I need a place where I have all of my favorite things in one place, instead of searching for notecards here, word documents there, remembering recipes in my head. Maybe some day I can sell my cookbook for millions and millions and millions and Jason and I can retire to an island somewhere....right. While doing this, I am also going to work on my breakfast and baking skills. I don't really do either enough to have them up to a level I am happy with, so add that to my list of things for self improvement!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Another Puppy Store Induced Rant....
Jason and I stopped by the Puppy Store in the mall again this weekend. As usual, we found an adorable brindle blue and white pitty that made us have to remind ourselves that for the first year of that puppy's life we'll both be in an apartment, which would be unfair to a dog that size. Otherwise, he would have been going home with us. As we were standing there holding him, this mother and daughter came in and were cooing over this adorable little baby. And he was cute. When the woman said something about someone she knew just loving Boxers, Jason responded with "This one isn't a Boxer, he's a little pit bull". The woman answered with, "Oh, gosh" grabbed her daughters hand, and pulled her to the other side of the store. Seriously? You just removed your 16 year old daughter from the presence of an 8 week old pit bull. Big danger! Or, how about the father and son. Who grabbed his 4 year old son and said, "No! Don't stand too close to that one!" Ok, if that dog can get through the metal cage he's in, then through the glass wall that protects them, we have bigger problems.
I understand that not everyone likes all breeds of dogs. I get that. I have several I myself don't like (mainly all small dogs. They can get lost or stepped on so easily!). That doesn't mean I think they should all be eradicated from the planet. The thing that gets me is people who sterotype. "Pit bulls are SO aggressive. They'll kill you if you look at them wrong". O-M-G. Pit bulls (well, the bully breeds), pass the American Temperment Test at 88.6%. Golden Retreivers pass with 84%. Border Collies have a rating of 80%. Chihuahuas 71.1%.
And really, if they were "born to fight" or "born to kill", do you think that those disgusting people who put these dogs in fighting rings are going to keep a dog that is human agressive? That's the reason they picked those breeds in the first place, they are loyal and loving to their masters, even those who don't deserve it. Oh, also, lets talk about therapy dogs. You know, the dogs that go into children's homes and nursing homes because of the benfits that people gain from being around an animal? They are open to any breed of dog. Their most common, though? American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Pit Bulls.
You don't like them. That's fine. But don't try and get responsible, intelligent owners banned from owning their pets. Or, if you do, be prepared for me to start a crusade against your beloved tiny dog. Their hair ribbons can be used as lethal weapons, you know.
I understand that not everyone likes all breeds of dogs. I get that. I have several I myself don't like (mainly all small dogs. They can get lost or stepped on so easily!). That doesn't mean I think they should all be eradicated from the planet. The thing that gets me is people who sterotype. "Pit bulls are SO aggressive. They'll kill you if you look at them wrong". O-M-G. Pit bulls (well, the bully breeds), pass the American Temperment Test at 88.6%. Golden Retreivers pass with 84%. Border Collies have a rating of 80%. Chihuahuas 71.1%.
And really, if they were "born to fight" or "born to kill", do you think that those disgusting people who put these dogs in fighting rings are going to keep a dog that is human agressive? That's the reason they picked those breeds in the first place, they are loyal and loving to their masters, even those who don't deserve it. Oh, also, lets talk about therapy dogs. You know, the dogs that go into children's homes and nursing homes because of the benfits that people gain from being around an animal? They are open to any breed of dog. Their most common, though? American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Pit Bulls.
You don't like them. That's fine. But don't try and get responsible, intelligent owners banned from owning their pets. Or, if you do, be prepared for me to start a crusade against your beloved tiny dog. Their hair ribbons can be used as lethal weapons, you know.
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