Daniel and I were apart for 3 weeks before I was able to visit him for 9 days last week. We had such a great time together! I am now back in California and Daniel is still in Iowa. 3 weeks really isn't too bad. I think of wives whose husbands are in the military and am convicted in my own complaints about having to be apart from Daniel. We are truly blessed in the fact that he is getting to do what he loves, he's in no true endangerment (besides the 95 mph fastballs pitched towards his head) and we are able to talk on the phone on a daily basis. So when I start to feel down or am missing him; I really just need to keep things in perspective and be thankful and happy he's getting to do what he loves.
Being apart truly makes me appreciate the time we have together though. I am so proud of my husband and how the Lord has used the trials we've gone through the past 2 baseball seasons to grow us stronger in our relationship with Him and with each other. God has been showing me more and more the true meaning of being His disciple. If we claim to be a disciple of Christ, then that means we need to be ready and willing to follow Him wherever He may lead us. Following Jesus doesn't mean that we're following Him to the big leagues or to move up in the minor league organization- we are following Him to be with Him and to be wherever He places us. As easy as it is to get caught up in the thrill of baseball and the idea of Daniel being in the big leagues someday.... that is not what matters in the end. In the end, it matters what we did to make an impact for our God. It's been a fresh reminder to be content in where the Lord has us. I know Daniel is in Clinton, Iowa for a reason outside of baseball and that excites me! As much as we both would have loved the convenience of Daniel playing in California we know God is working this out for a greater purpose and everything is in His perfect timing. (Ecc.3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in His timing"). Key words:His Timing. Not ours.
For those of you who may have been following him and wondering why he hasn't played the past few games...it is because Daniel actually strained his hamstring this past Sunday after running out a basehit. It is only a strain (not a pull) which we are thankful for and will take this over a broken bone any day. He should be back playing by tomorrow or Saturday :)
Thanks again to all our prayers warriors out there, keep them coming please!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Long time No Blog
Hey Hey Hey!
We meet once again after a long break between my last posting. I think I may have officially broken my record for the longest gap between blogs. I apologize yet once again.
Anyways, It's been so long that I'm not even sure how to begin to sum up the last 2 months for us...
I'll start off by saying spring training is now over. Daniel had a great spring training. He hit .321 with 3 Doubles, 5 RBIs, and 5 Stolen Bases. He even got called up to 4 big leagues- Praise God! :)
One of the biggest highlights of spring was that Daniel got to be apart of Ken Griffey Jrs. WALK OFF GRAND SLAM!
We meet once again after a long break between my last posting. I think I may have officially broken my record for the longest gap between blogs. I apologize yet once again.
Anyways, It's been so long that I'm not even sure how to begin to sum up the last 2 months for us...
I'll start off by saying spring training is now over. Daniel had a great spring training. He hit .321 with 3 Doubles, 5 RBIs, and 5 Stolen Bases. He even got called up to 4 big leagues- Praise God! :)
One of the biggest highlights of spring was that Daniel got to be apart of Ken Griffey Jrs. WALK OFF GRAND SLAM!
(Here's some links of some articles if you want to check it out: http://lumberkings.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/03/carroll_paves_way_for_griffeys.html
That was truly a moment I know we will both have etched into our memories for years to come. Although that was high, we also experienced some lows during our stint in Peoria, Arizona. When camp broke; despite Daniel's great spring training; he was reassigned back to Clinton Iowa to start this 2010 baseball season. We did feel disappointed in not being able to reach the goal of starting in the California League, but we know God has His hands on everything and is allowing Daniel to return back to Clinton for a reason. Because Daniel has a chance of being called up to California at any time, we decided it would be best for me to 'wait it out' at home in Cali in hopes for a call up. So I am home now in California and Daniel is in Clinton, Iowa. We've been apart for 1 week now; which has had it's moments of being hard; but overall we both are really feeling the Lord's strength and trusting in His plan. If Daniel hasn't been moved up within the month, I will most likely head out to Iowa to be with him.
Here's a link to a really great article posted in the Clinton Herald that pretty much sums everything up: http://clintonherald.com/sports/x1612527229/Carroll-hoping-for-better-luck-in-third-trip-to-Midwest-League
Back to some exciting news, Daniel really feels in his 'groove' again and has already hit 2 HOMERUNS in his first the two games he's played in so far. So we're so excited about that! All Glory,Honor,& Praise be to God! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1T0jjZ1TXE
Thank you all again for your continual support and prayers! Keep em' coming please! Love you guys!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Trusting God in The Dark
We have been enjoying this gorgeous Arizona weather for 9 days now. Like Daniel wrote, we arrived to Peoria last Wednesday and what an awesome and exciting drive that was!
Daniel has been practicing at the field everyday and has truly been enjoying being apart of mini-camp. He has so much excitement for baseball. He honestly never complains, every morning he wakes up as if a child excited for his first day of school; Daniel wakes up anxious and refreshed for another day to play baseball. God is so great for giving Daniel the desire of his heart to play baseball and to do what He loves. We are so grateful. In the midst of the hard times that come along with this career/lifestyle, we couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity.
Daniel left for the field around 7 am this morning. It's been working out perfect because we are living exactly 2 miles from the complex. We only have the 1 car, so Daniel's been driving to the field and I get to sleep in a little longer after he leaves. I've been taking advantage of the short distance we live and have been able to get my morning jog in everyday, going to the field and picking up the car from there until Daniel is ready to be picked up in the afternoon.
It's been really nice to be out here on our own again. Don't get me wrong, we loved every minute of being home spending time with friends and family. But being on our own again, in a different state, in a different environment and having that independency again really enables us and forces us to truly rely on each other and depend more on the Lord then ever. To fully depend on the Lord is something I want so much. And to be honest, it definitely doesn't always come easy to me. Especially with the uncertainties baseball brings; the"not knowings", Not knowing where we'll end up next baseball season, not knowing if we'll face another injury this year, not knowing what the Mariner's are thinking. There is so much unknown that this career brings, but how much more as Christians should that make us rely on Him? Incredibly more!
I am currently reading this devotional book by Joni Eareckson Tada called Pearls of Great Price. The devotional this morning was really awesome and related specifically to the questions of the 'unknowns' I have been feeling. I felt like God was speaking to me directly through my time with Him. Isn't it so cool that we serve a God who gives us those special moments and makes us feel as if it was meant just for us? The title of the devotional is called. "What's Up Ahead" followed by
Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD;trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
To sum it up Joni (the author) was left hospitalized and paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967 and has been confined to a wheelchair since. Well in this particular devotion she starts off by talking about a drive she did with a friend of hers from Chicago to Urbana. Because of being in her wheelchair, her head reached higher then the windows and she was unable to see anything during the entire stint of the drive. Her friend would try to describe to her the cornfields and barns they were passing, but it only frustrated Joni more because she wanted to see. She's describes herself as the sort of person who likes to know what lies ahead.If she can't see the whole road;then she'd like to see "a few feet at least", she says.
She goes on to relate that to our spiritual lives. How often do we say to God, "If you don't mind, please show me where I am going. I don't need the whole road, but at least a little bit." I know I'm guilty of that charge! Especially in baseball, I am constantly trying weigh out possibilities of places we may end up during the season. I ask God to give me 'hints' or try on my own to search for hints. Jodi continues on to say "We think our faith has to be supported by a bit of evidence. A hint, a signpost, a whisper...something to give us a clue to what God is doing. We wrongly assume that faith is the ability to take a couple of puzzle pieces and be able to envision the entire picture. Not so. Faith that must be supported by the five senses is not genuine. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "You have believed me because you have seen me, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." our insistence upon discerning what's up ahead is natural, but is a hindrance to real faith. It's why God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark (Isaiah 10:10)
I love that, TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARK. We all face that, having the choice to trust God with our lives or deciding to put on our detective badge, scoop up clues and try to figure it out ourself what our future may hold. In baseball especially, Daniel and I have realized that we can't make plans of our own because anything can change. Going into this spring training brings alot of uncertainties of what (the big question for me has been 'Where') the next baseball season holds. We are not sure where we will end up (It will either be back to Low A Clinton, Iowa or High A with the High Desert Mavericks). I honestly have tried to figure it out. The Lord knows our hearts desire is to be in California close to home. But more then that, we want our hearts desire to be Gods desire and His will to be ours. Reading that devotional today was a big reminder to me to stop trying to 'figure it out' and to fully trust God in the dark.
I need to stop trying to point my flashlight ahead to see what's in the distance and hand my flashlight over to Jesus and let Him take charge and be my guide!
Daniel has been practicing at the field everyday and has truly been enjoying being apart of mini-camp. He has so much excitement for baseball. He honestly never complains, every morning he wakes up as if a child excited for his first day of school; Daniel wakes up anxious and refreshed for another day to play baseball. God is so great for giving Daniel the desire of his heart to play baseball and to do what He loves. We are so grateful. In the midst of the hard times that come along with this career/lifestyle, we couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity.
Daniel left for the field around 7 am this morning. It's been working out perfect because we are living exactly 2 miles from the complex. We only have the 1 car, so Daniel's been driving to the field and I get to sleep in a little longer after he leaves. I've been taking advantage of the short distance we live and have been able to get my morning jog in everyday, going to the field and picking up the car from there until Daniel is ready to be picked up in the afternoon.
It's been really nice to be out here on our own again. Don't get me wrong, we loved every minute of being home spending time with friends and family. But being on our own again, in a different state, in a different environment and having that independency again really enables us and forces us to truly rely on each other and depend more on the Lord then ever. To fully depend on the Lord is something I want so much. And to be honest, it definitely doesn't always come easy to me. Especially with the uncertainties baseball brings; the"not knowings", Not knowing where we'll end up next baseball season, not knowing if we'll face another injury this year, not knowing what the Mariner's are thinking. There is so much unknown that this career brings, but how much more as Christians should that make us rely on Him? Incredibly more!
I am currently reading this devotional book by Joni Eareckson Tada called Pearls of Great Price. The devotional this morning was really awesome and related specifically to the questions of the 'unknowns' I have been feeling. I felt like God was speaking to me directly through my time with Him. Isn't it so cool that we serve a God who gives us those special moments and makes us feel as if it was meant just for us? The title of the devotional is called. "What's Up Ahead" followed by
Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD;trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
To sum it up Joni (the author) was left hospitalized and paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967 and has been confined to a wheelchair since. Well in this particular devotion she starts off by talking about a drive she did with a friend of hers from Chicago to Urbana. Because of being in her wheelchair, her head reached higher then the windows and she was unable to see anything during the entire stint of the drive. Her friend would try to describe to her the cornfields and barns they were passing, but it only frustrated Joni more because she wanted to see. She's describes herself as the sort of person who likes to know what lies ahead.If she can't see the whole road;then she'd like to see "a few feet at least", she says.
She goes on to relate that to our spiritual lives. How often do we say to God, "If you don't mind, please show me where I am going. I don't need the whole road, but at least a little bit." I know I'm guilty of that charge! Especially in baseball, I am constantly trying weigh out possibilities of places we may end up during the season. I ask God to give me 'hints' or try on my own to search for hints. Jodi continues on to say "We think our faith has to be supported by a bit of evidence. A hint, a signpost, a whisper...something to give us a clue to what God is doing. We wrongly assume that faith is the ability to take a couple of puzzle pieces and be able to envision the entire picture. Not so. Faith that must be supported by the five senses is not genuine. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "You have believed me because you have seen me, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." our insistence upon discerning what's up ahead is natural, but is a hindrance to real faith. It's why God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark (Isaiah 10:10)
I love that, TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARK. We all face that, having the choice to trust God with our lives or deciding to put on our detective badge, scoop up clues and try to figure it out ourself what our future may hold. In baseball especially, Daniel and I have realized that we can't make plans of our own because anything can change. Going into this spring training brings alot of uncertainties of what (the big question for me has been 'Where') the next baseball season holds. We are not sure where we will end up (It will either be back to Low A Clinton, Iowa or High A with the High Desert Mavericks). I honestly have tried to figure it out. The Lord knows our hearts desire is to be in California close to home. But more then that, we want our hearts desire to be Gods desire and His will to be ours. Reading that devotional today was a big reminder to me to stop trying to 'figure it out' and to fully trust God in the dark.
I need to stop trying to point my flashlight ahead to see what's in the distance and hand my flashlight over to Jesus and let Him take charge and be my guide!
Are you willing to hand your flashlight over to Jesus today and let Him take control?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Plan Bigger Then Our Own
Hey Everyone. Daniel here.
So we are officially in Arizona now getting ready for the season. We also have some great news to share with all of you. On our way out here mid way into the drive I got a call from the Mariners Minor League Director. He made some small talk at first and just about the time I was wondering what he was calling for...he told me he wanted me to jump into mini camp starting the following morning. For those of you who don't know what mini camp is. It is a one month work out prior to spring training for top prospects in the organization.
That is why this is such a big praise report. I hadn't been invited initially, there is only about 30 position players and 20 of them are this last years top picks from the draft, which didn't leave much room for invitation. A few guys I know who were on my team last year got invited, so I was feeling a little like I was falling through the cracks. But Chelsea and I stayed positive and knew God was in control and really have been whole-heartendly trusting in Him. As I'm sure most of you know, these last two baseball seasons have been tough for us. Mostly due to the injuries I have faced. Because of them, I know both of us at times have had thoughts of doubts about my career in baseball. Which was stupid cause #1 We should be trusting that God has a plan for my life and that everything that happens is for a reason, "For those who are called according to His purpose".
So when we got that call we were both so excited, but right after that something even more amazing happened. Within ten seconds of hanging up we both saw an amazing rainbow in the middle of the desert. It seemed as though it just appeared right in front of us. It was so beautiful and majestic. We both immediately started praising God for such an amazing gift. We knew that rainbow was just for us. Rainbows are an emblem of God's promise in the Bible and we both knew what He was saying to us loud and clear.
He was saying I have a plan for your life and don't forget it or ever doubt it. WOW!!!! We were both amazed. I mean to have gotten that call with such good news that I never expected and have that rainbow all of a sudden appear right after was supernatural. That is just so amazing to think that we serve such an amazing God, that would give us such intimate moments like that with Him. Its crazy to think that the same God that put the stars in the sky and planets in place is watching over our lives. And to know that the same power which created all things and put our solar system into motion is at work within our lives orchestrating all things is incredible beyond words. Whether they be triumphs, failures, hardships, or victories to ultimately and inevitably bring us closer to Him in love.
So we are officially in Arizona now getting ready for the season. We also have some great news to share with all of you. On our way out here mid way into the drive I got a call from the Mariners Minor League Director. He made some small talk at first and just about the time I was wondering what he was calling for...he told me he wanted me to jump into mini camp starting the following morning. For those of you who don't know what mini camp is. It is a one month work out prior to spring training for top prospects in the organization.
That is why this is such a big praise report. I hadn't been invited initially, there is only about 30 position players and 20 of them are this last years top picks from the draft, which didn't leave much room for invitation. A few guys I know who were on my team last year got invited, so I was feeling a little like I was falling through the cracks. But Chelsea and I stayed positive and knew God was in control and really have been whole-heartendly trusting in Him. As I'm sure most of you know, these last two baseball seasons have been tough for us. Mostly due to the injuries I have faced. Because of them, I know both of us at times have had thoughts of doubts about my career in baseball. Which was stupid cause #1 We should be trusting that God has a plan for my life and that everything that happens is for a reason, "For those who are called according to His purpose".
So when we got that call we were both so excited, but right after that something even more amazing happened. Within ten seconds of hanging up we both saw an amazing rainbow in the middle of the desert. It seemed as though it just appeared right in front of us. It was so beautiful and majestic. We both immediately started praising God for such an amazing gift. We knew that rainbow was just for us. Rainbows are an emblem of God's promise in the Bible and we both knew what He was saying to us loud and clear.
He was saying I have a plan for your life and don't forget it or ever doubt it. WOW!!!! We were both amazed. I mean to have gotten that call with such good news that I never expected and have that rainbow all of a sudden appear right after was supernatural. That is just so amazing to think that we serve such an amazing God, that would give us such intimate moments like that with Him. Its crazy to think that the same God that put the stars in the sky and planets in place is watching over our lives. And to know that the same power which created all things and put our solar system into motion is at work within our lives orchestrating all things is incredible beyond words. Whether they be triumphs, failures, hardships, or victories to ultimately and inevitably bring us closer to Him in love.
Friday, February 5, 2010
How I Met My Hubby
For those of who never heard the story of how Daniel and I met-I'd thought it'd be fun to share. In light of our recent anniversary celebration, seems like the perfect occasion...
I was 15 years old. Daniel was 14 years old. (I know, we were young) I was just entering my sophomore year of high school, while Daniel was entering his freshman year. My friend and I decided to attend our church's high school youth group on a Tuesday night. It was a really neat night of worship and fellowship. They decided to make it an open night mic that night, in which anyone who felt led to talk could speak. Well Daniel got up there and was sharing his beautiful heart for the Lord. I thought he was the cutest thing. He had this bowlcut type haircut (not as bad as it sounds haha), full set of braces, and a cast on his right arm. But I remember thinking he was so handsome. But it wasn't so much that I was drawn to his appearance; I was honestly drawn to his heart. Even at the young age of 15, I was enticed by his love for the Lord. I leaned over and told my friend Elise that night (in which she would vouch for) that I; in my exact words; "was going to marry that guy one day". I mean, at 15, I honestly wasn't thinking marriage, but I saw a quality in Daniel that I absolutely loved and was completely drawn to. It was the fact that he was so on fire for Jesus! I remember thinking how rare and beautiful it was to see that kind of passion in such a young guy.
As time passed, we would see each other at church and slowly began to build a friendship. I still remember the day he came to church after he got his braces off, I couldn't stop staring at his gorgeous smile! To be honest, I don't think I paid too much attention to the study that night because I couldn't keep my eyes off him. We later exchanged phone numbers and really began to start 'liking' each other. We both had never had a boyfriend or girlfriend before and decided we really just wanted to be good friends before 'titling' ourselves as anything other. We truly began to become best friends; constantly encouraging eachother in our walks with Christ. Even though we both began to develop stronger feelings for eachother, we decided instead of telling them to each other that we would write down the things we felt on paper, put it in an envelope and give it to each other at the time we felt it was right to do so. Looking back, even at such a young age, I see so much maturity that we had in our friendship and then later into our relationship. The Lord was truly at work in our hearts and was preparing our hearts for each other. During this time we decided to put all feelings aside, we made up this rule for ourselves called the 'No Touch Rule'. Which was a basic promise to each other and to the Lord that we would not get distracted by our feelings for each other and solely focus on Jesus. We decided we would not hold hands, hug, or kiss at all and really just be encouragers to each other. It honestly was one of the neatest times in our friendship/relationship. During this time is when we both actually discovered that we were truly in love each other. We both felt that strongly revealed to each other at distinct different moments.
During this time we were both 16 years old... I know it sounds young and sounds crazy to think two 16 year olds can really know what love was, but we really did. I still remember the night that Daniel told me he loved me. It was March of 2005, I was dropping him off at home (yes, I got my license before him, so sadly I was doing all the driving-but he made up for it)..Well like I was saying, I was dropping him off at home. And before he got out of the car he told me that there was something he wanted to tell me. (Reminder:this also was during the time of our 'No Touch Rule' so we hadn't been really having any physical contact). He then grabbed my hand and began to tell me that he was in love with me and that he knew that this was true pure love because our relationship was built on the Lord and that God is true love and the creator of love. It was soooo sweet! He then leaned in and kissed me and it was amazing!! I remember after he got out of the car, that I screamed with excitement and began to call my girl friends up to share in my excitement!
We officially became boyfriend and girlfriend June 23,2005 and the rest is history! Ha ha. I think that pretty much sums it up. I feel so blessed. Looking back, I really just see how the Lord was apart of it all and orchestrated everything perfectly into place in His timing. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be in love and married at 19, but I can only praise and give God all the glory for that!
I was 15 years old. Daniel was 14 years old. (I know, we were young) I was just entering my sophomore year of high school, while Daniel was entering his freshman year. My friend and I decided to attend our church's high school youth group on a Tuesday night. It was a really neat night of worship and fellowship. They decided to make it an open night mic that night, in which anyone who felt led to talk could speak. Well Daniel got up there and was sharing his beautiful heart for the Lord. I thought he was the cutest thing. He had this bowlcut type haircut (not as bad as it sounds haha), full set of braces, and a cast on his right arm. But I remember thinking he was so handsome. But it wasn't so much that I was drawn to his appearance; I was honestly drawn to his heart. Even at the young age of 15, I was enticed by his love for the Lord. I leaned over and told my friend Elise that night (in which she would vouch for) that I; in my exact words; "was going to marry that guy one day". I mean, at 15, I honestly wasn't thinking marriage, but I saw a quality in Daniel that I absolutely loved and was completely drawn to. It was the fact that he was so on fire for Jesus! I remember thinking how rare and beautiful it was to see that kind of passion in such a young guy.
As time passed, we would see each other at church and slowly began to build a friendship. I still remember the day he came to church after he got his braces off, I couldn't stop staring at his gorgeous smile! To be honest, I don't think I paid too much attention to the study that night because I couldn't keep my eyes off him. We later exchanged phone numbers and really began to start 'liking' each other. We both had never had a boyfriend or girlfriend before and decided we really just wanted to be good friends before 'titling' ourselves as anything other. We truly began to become best friends; constantly encouraging eachother in our walks with Christ. Even though we both began to develop stronger feelings for eachother, we decided instead of telling them to each other that we would write down the things we felt on paper, put it in an envelope and give it to each other at the time we felt it was right to do so. Looking back, even at such a young age, I see so much maturity that we had in our friendship and then later into our relationship. The Lord was truly at work in our hearts and was preparing our hearts for each other. During this time we decided to put all feelings aside, we made up this rule for ourselves called the 'No Touch Rule'. Which was a basic promise to each other and to the Lord that we would not get distracted by our feelings for each other and solely focus on Jesus. We decided we would not hold hands, hug, or kiss at all and really just be encouragers to each other. It honestly was one of the neatest times in our friendship/relationship. During this time is when we both actually discovered that we were truly in love each other. We both felt that strongly revealed to each other at distinct different moments.
During this time we were both 16 years old... I know it sounds young and sounds crazy to think two 16 year olds can really know what love was, but we really did. I still remember the night that Daniel told me he loved me. It was March of 2005, I was dropping him off at home (yes, I got my license before him, so sadly I was doing all the driving-but he made up for it)..Well like I was saying, I was dropping him off at home. And before he got out of the car he told me that there was something he wanted to tell me. (Reminder:this also was during the time of our 'No Touch Rule' so we hadn't been really having any physical contact). He then grabbed my hand and began to tell me that he was in love with me and that he knew that this was true pure love because our relationship was built on the Lord and that God is true love and the creator of love. It was soooo sweet! He then leaned in and kissed me and it was amazing!! I remember after he got out of the car, that I screamed with excitement and began to call my girl friends up to share in my excitement!
We officially became boyfriend and girlfriend June 23,2005 and the rest is history! Ha ha. I think that pretty much sums it up. I feel so blessed. Looking back, I really just see how the Lord was apart of it all and orchestrated everything perfectly into place in His timing. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be in love and married at 19, but I can only praise and give God all the glory for that!
Two Years
It's hard to believe 2 years has come and gone since Daniel and I recited our own written vows on that sunny yet cold Saturday afternoon. We were blessed to celebrate our anniversary this past Tuesday (Feb 2nd) in Big Bear at Daniel's aunt & uncle's gorgeous cabin! It was so nice and such a blessing!.. But wow; 2 years...I still remember getting ready and having those butterflies before walking down the aisle like it was yesterday.
What a whirlwind. I feel like time has just flown by. It has most definitely been a learning experience for Daniel and I. But one well worth the lesson. And I know one not yet fully conquered.But it has been so exciting to be on this journey with my best friend. I can honestly 100% say that I am more in love with Daniel now then I've ever been before. Marriage has definitely had it's challenges, we truly do have to die to self and be a 'selfless spouse', yet our flesh constantly continues to get in the way. But it is so rewarding when you're in the state of being that selfless spouse. God pours out His blessings more then imaginable. I know it will always be a constant battle between flesh and spirit, but it is so worth the fight! I once heard a quote by author Gary Thomas and he said that he believed that "God didn't design marriage to make us happier;He designed it to make us holier." Let that sink in. What a neat quote! I mean with marriage, of course comes the happy times. But like I said before; we must die to self and love like Christ loves- which is something I need to be reminded of daily.
What a whirlwind. I feel like time has just flown by. It has most definitely been a learning experience for Daniel and I. But one well worth the lesson. And I know one not yet fully conquered.But it has been so exciting to be on this journey with my best friend. I can honestly 100% say that I am more in love with Daniel now then I've ever been before. Marriage has definitely had it's challenges, we truly do have to die to self and be a 'selfless spouse', yet our flesh constantly continues to get in the way. But it is so rewarding when you're in the state of being that selfless spouse. God pours out His blessings more then imaginable. I know it will always be a constant battle between flesh and spirit, but it is so worth the fight! I once heard a quote by author Gary Thomas and he said that he believed that "God didn't design marriage to make us happier;He designed it to make us holier." Let that sink in. What a neat quote! I mean with marriage, of course comes the happy times. But like I said before; we must die to self and love like Christ loves- which is something I need to be reminded of daily.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Welts and Warfare
Hello faithful followers. Daniel here. A lot has happened since our last blog. Hmm... where to start, well lets start with my birthday. That's right as of this last January 6th, I officially am 21. Wooo Hooo!
Chels is such a sweet heart and took the initiative to plan a paintballing day with all the guys for me. We went to SC Village in Chino Hills bright and early. We were there from 7a.m. till 4p.m. LONG DAY, I know, but it was so awesome. I had so much fun and I know all the guys did too. I was running around in an awesome hunting Gillie suit Chel bought for me for a birthday present. For those of you who don't know what that is, its a camouflaged outfit that is supposed to really blend you in with nature. If you ask a few random people that were there that day, they'll probably say they saw a big bush running around the entire day. Ha ha. I was so grateful to all my friends that went, they are such an awesome group of guys. So after an eventful day we ended up tired, full of welts and our God given manly desire to fight was satisfied.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)