Interrupted...

I just finished reading Interrupted: An Adventure in Relearning the Essentials of Faith by Jen Hatmaker. I highly recommend it, especially if you are seeking God's plan for your life/future. Here are some of the highlights that stood out to me:

• Change is a fact of life. ...whether it comes from a revolution, a movement or a ripple. Change is a reality, and we're living right in the middle of it.
• God does not change, but he uses change - to change us.
• Jesus didn't just host and serve the meal; He became the meal.
• Brokenness hurts.
• In order for God's Kingdom to come, my kingdom has to go.
• He is the new I was craving when I realized my heart was dry.
• This vision is not for here. There's already a vision here. I'm giving you a new one.
• I discovered the journey was not only about something new but also about being willing to go even before we knew where we were going.
• Part of our task was going without knowing. As much as we wanted clear marching orders, the command was: Tell first, find clarity later.
• Never have we stood with such open hands, clinging to nothing, ready for anything.
• There is a freedom in not being in control, when something utterly imagined by God is coming for you. It's exciting, sort of awful. 
• It is not your responsibility to explain what God is doing with your life. Turn loose and let God be God.
• This is not just about doing church; it's about being the church.
• Church is not a place you go, it's a people you belong with.
• Living on mission where you've been sent will transform your faith journey.

This sums up what's going on with us right now. Something else Jen said she learned through her own journey was that He will tell us what we need to know when we need to know it. I find great peace in that truth. 

Reflections on our time in Texas

Some observations I made over the past week:

1. It really is Big Sky Country. (If you've never been to TX, this will not make sense.)
2. People drive MUCH faster on the highways in TX (regardless of the speed limit).
3. Motorcyclists still do not wear helmets.
4. Southern Hospitality is unique to this place. (Didn't realize how much I miss it.)
5. Sweet tea is better in TX.
6. Deb R. still has the best salsa!
7. We picked up where we left off with our dearest friends. (Such a blessing.)
8. Fish City did not disappoint.
9. My son is at home in TX and surrounded by people who love him.
10. I miss the beautiful sound of the spanish language.
11. We are loved in TX.

God is God and i am not

It's been over 3 years and I figured it's about time I start blogging again. In recent days, God has been doing a work in the life of my husband and I. He has directed us to make a big change. We are stepping out in faith to follow what we believe to be his call on our lives. It may sound crazy to some, at times it sounds crazy to me. But I am confident of this - He is faithful and has promised to never leave us. He reminds me not to be anxious. Luke 12:22-34.

For Women Only

I met with a group of ladies from my church tonight. We are doing an 8 week study of the book "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn. It was great to hear all their different perspectives, to see how they've grown as wives and to hear how they want to do things better if this is their second time around. I look forward to each of us learning how to understand our husbands better and seeing how that brings about change in our own lives. Should be a fun ride!

Not the Final Word

…maybe just on this subject for now. Talking about the intimate relationship between husbands and wives has been a challenge for me but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing I’ve learned is what may seem so simple to some is so difficult for others. There are so many hurting people searching for answers. Many times I felt at a loss because I want to help so badly but don’t have all the answers. I can say I’ve been praying for those who have read my blog this week.

This isn’t it for me in the blogging world though. I’m hooked! I do think to say I’ll continue every single day is a bit ambitious. But I’d love it if you’d keep checking in with me. There are lots of areas that I’d like to comment on and hopefully lend a helping hand along the way.

Disclaimer

He says it best.

What to Wear

Do I really have to wear that skimpy little itchy thing?

Well sure…if you want to bring delight to your husband’s heart it might be a good idea. I grew up in a very conservative home where sex was never really discussed, other than for my parents to say, “Don’t do it!” So clearly, preparing for a night of intimacy with my husband by setting the scene and wearing lingerie was never a conversation I had with my mother in the days as my wedding drew near. You can bet though, that I’ll be having those conversations with my daughters when the time is right.

I’ll admit, spending money on a very small article of clothing that you won’t wear for very long at all can be challenging to some. Some women might think there’s no point. But the allure and mystery that it adds can be very exhilarating to your husband. And even more than the delight he experiences when seeing you in lingerie is the joy it brings to his heart knowing that you took the time to think about it and choose something he would enjoy. When we put thought and effort into setting the stage for our intimate time with our husband, it does not go unnoticed.

If this is a new idea to you and you just don’t know where to start, begin by listening to him. What does he like? What are the things he has mentioned he would enjoy seeing you in? Maybe it’s not just lingerie. Maybe it’s one of his shirts. Maybe it’s the music and candles you’ve filled the room with. So step out of your comfort zone, take your husband by the hand to the lingerie department in the nearest mall (or one in the next town if that makes it easier) and let him choose something he would love to see you in.