Two Years.

On Monday, Scott & I will be celebrating two awesome years of marriage. I seriously cannot believe it has been that long. I am truly blessed & so very thankful to the Lord for bringing us together and being a constant presence throughout our journey. Marriage is something that is constantly growing & changing me and as I reminiscence on our second year Christ has revealed these things to me:

• Never base decisions on the potential stress it could cause your marriage, but only in obedience to God's leading. There have been two callings on our lives specifically, when I remember thinking: I hope this does not cause stress on our relationship. One of those times was when after six months of marriage, God brought three kids ages 9,12 & 14 to live with us. The other was when we surrendered to Christ's leading to Chicago. These decisions could have indeed caused a lot of stress on a newlywed couple, or any couple for that matter, but when Christ calls a couple to something it actually unifies and strengthens the bond between them. 
• One of my favorite things about marriage is that it is a team effort. I believe Scott & I both have individual ministries & callings as well as a unified calling. Right now I am pursuing getting my teaching certificate & working full time to allow for Scott to have more time & energy for the church plant. We have had some what of a role reversal in our home and I love how we can work together as one to allow for each other to pursue what God wants us to individually & as a couple.
• Marriage is a beautiful thing. I was reminded of this while watching Meet Joe Black the other night:

Joe Black: ......But Allison loves you?

Quince: Quince nods yes.

Joe Black: How do you know?

Quince: Because she knows the worst things about me and it's ok.

Through Scott God has shown me a piece of his tangible love. Scott knows the worst things about      me, all of my failures & imperfections and yet it is ok, he still loves me. I praise God for that! Thank you Lord for two wonderful years and for a partner to walk through this life with serving you! 

Friday's Favorite

Knockout.

Last night I was reminded of the greatness of the game of knock-out. Knock-out & wall ball were two staple games of my childhood. I must admit it felt good to win even though I was playing middle schoolers. 

A People Called to Serve

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5: 13-14


When we moved here last September, one of the first things Scott did was meet with the principal at our neighborhood school. He asked what her vision and dreams were for the school and how a church could help her accomplish those goals. Since then we have been praying for the school (staff, teachers, students) and encouraging the teachers by sending notes and baked goods. Scott has also spent every afternoon on playground patrol- making sure that kids get home safely and that no unauthorized people come onto the campus. He also opens the "Paw Bucks" store a few days a week. (a positive reward system for the students) Needless to say, the principal, students & staff love him and are astounded of why he spends so much of his free time volunteering at the school.

He has had the opportunity to explain to them that he serves a loving God who calls us to serve others. He gets to give them a glimpse of the vision of our church to engage the community reconciling all things back to the Lord. We want to impact our community by serving them with the love of Christ.

Throughout Scott's time at the school, he has become friends with one of the coaches. He has supported the teams by driving kids to their games and cheering them on. He has even coached the soccer team when the coach couldn't make it. He has met and gained respect from many of the middle school boys & girls. And through serving, God opened an opportunity that we never envisioned or expected.

Last night we rented out the Wicker Park field house for a Friday night youth event. We were blessed to have seven youth students & five children come for pizza, wii games, and basketball. We are going to continue this every Friday night and pray that students will come and be changed by the life and words of Jesus. Please pray with us as we reach out to the kids in our neighborhood.

Last night Scott and I were talking about how we never imagined this opportunity coming our way. Yet, when we obey Christ and serve His people, I believe He will open doors and move in ways we never dreamed of. As believers, we are people that are called to serve & love others. When we do this in prayer  I believe God will move in our lives and others.

Lord, help us serve others wholeheartedly and with the power of your Spirit. Please use our lives to point to yours.

Scott at the Paw Bucks Store

Friday's Favorite

The feeling of accomplishment.

Yesterday I turned in my final reflection paper completing my first semester of grad school! Depending on if I find a teaching job this Fall, I will have three more semesters to go. I love the feeling of completion! Now time to enjoy a little break before summer school!

Friday's Favorite

Chicago Tulips in the Springtime

They are gorgeous and give me a little pep in my step on my way to work.

I am tempted to steal them and make a Spring bouquet for the apt, but I have refrained myself unlike these two tulip thieves. 

The Early Bird gets the Worm

I LOVE mornings. You know, I say why snooze when there is a world waiting outside my doorstep to sniff?  My parents always want to sleep in on Saturday mornings; so boring. Don't they know it is my favorite day of the week because the whole fam is home. Who can blame a pooch for wanting some good ole quality time? So in order to get the two bums to rise and shine, I just lay my head on the side of their bed and sing softly to them. Take it from me, persistency is key, I don't stop until they both get out of bed and personally greet me. They may not want to admit it, but I'm the boss of the hot sauce.

See you on the Sidewalk,
Selah