Learning to make time for what matters most

One of my favorite wedding gifts I received was my husband's journal, one which he had been writing in for about 6 years, and in which he wrote all he was learning about in life, his relationship with the Lord, his relationships with girls and other friends, his up and down moments for the past 6 years. I have had the privilege to read through it and am always so encouraged by all he wrote, whether he realizes it or not. He gave it to me the day before our wedding, and said, "Here is all of me-the good, the bad, and the ugly-from the last 6 years. I want to keep nothing from you, and want you to know everything, so here ya go. Enjoy." I so appreciated his transparentness with me, and I have loved that about him from day one, always being completely open and honest about everything. In reading his words today, I was very encouraged and also hit hard by something I've been dealing with recently.

2 Peter 1:3-15--"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by the way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things."

Now I know that's a long passage, but it has some great stuff in it. I am definitely guilty of not always reading a passage of scripture all the way through. I guess I skim it to read what I want to read and get what I want to get out of it, but that isn't how I should be perceiving it. Scripture is meant to be taken as a whole, not just the "good" parts that make us feel good about ourselves...but I digress.

Recently I've been dealing with a lot of changes in my life, getting married, finding a job, trying to find a house, moving cities, learning how to be a wife, keeping up with old friends and yearning for a community...and I keep thinking life will slow down, but in all actuality, life won't slow down, so I should stop waiting for it to do so. I have found that I have become complacent in my faith, which I feel like I experience more often than I should. The fact of the matter is, I have to make time for the things which matter most--the Lord, my husband, my family, my friends, and then all other things-in that order. I've found myself finding other ways to consume my time, none of them necessarily being bad, but I've found that I have wanted to do them more than spend time with the Lord. And I hate that! I mean, really, a TV show, or a book, or social media, or, dare I say it, Candy Crush, is not more important than time with the Savior. It should be one of those "well, duh!" moments, and it is. I feel kind of silly admitting all of this as well, but I know its something I should do. I am going to work towards ensuring that I am spiritually filled so that I can help to fill other people up, and be an encouragement to those around me rather than missing an opportunity to bless someone because I am distracted.

Christianity is not just a religion, its a relationship. I'm glad to be reminded of this and realize that the Lord is working in and through me. He is faithful even when I am not, and I know His plan for me is bigger and better than I can imagine. I hope you know that His plan for you is incredible as well. He takes care of those who love Him, and I hope you can experience His joy and His love today.

Cheers,
Amber

Pouring rain in mid July

Praise the Lord that it has rained in Duncan, Oklahoma the past few days. Such a nice change from the 100+ degree weather, and a chance for me to blog! Happy day! 

As all of you know I'm sure, I said I do to the love of my life on May 25, 2013. It has been a little less than 2 months of us being married and it has been so fun! Such a joy of a journey learning more about my selfishness and how to grow my selflessness for the sake of my husband and my relationship with the King. I would be lying if I said there haven't been times I've just wanted to be selfish and do my own thing, but that's not what marriage is about, and I knew that going into it. If there is something that I've learned more in these 2 months thus far, it's that I have to die to myself daily so that I may better serve my Lord and my husband. 

Marriage is such a blessing and I have been able to have some time to myself to reflect on the past but press forward into the future. Nick and I are currently looking for houses in Oklahoma City. He is leaving his community that he has been a part of for almost 3 years, starting a new journey with me in a city that neither of us is very familiar with. Another thing I have been learning is patience. God's timing is never late and He knows exactly when and how things are supposed to happen, even if we disagree. But He is faithful...(I'm sorry if a lot of these seem like cliches, but sometimes those cliches are necessary to be reminded of, however simple they may be. 

I have realized more and more that my community keeps changing as I get older...and that is how it's supposed to be, but I just didn't expect it to go so fast. Don't get me wrong, I still keep up with my close friends from different phases of life, but it's not like college where everyone is in the same spot and you can just go get an HBCB from Whataburger at 1 in the morning. It's now come to the time where you have to schedule seeing people when you are in town, or setting aside time for a Skype/phone date. Maybe sending letters, but most likely just keeping on via facebook or Twitter (gotta love social media) Of course, this is just how our society is, but since my primary love language is quality time, it's always been a stretch for me, not being able to see in person the people I would like to...But maybe the Lord is challenging me with coming more and more out of my shell and learning that friendships and relationships take work and that He is shaping me to find a community in which my strengths are realized. I'm not sure, but I am excited for the future with Nick and with my life personally. I know the Lord is going to reveal what He wants me to do with my life soon and I am excited!

Cheers,

~Amber