17 and 48

16 October 2018

Morgan and I snuck out for an afternoon date to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary.
These days, a date at any time of day feels like a luxury. We don't feel comfortable yet leaving the kids alone at night and at the same time, we're too cheap to pay for a babysitter. 😂

No, seriously though, a babysitter doesn't seem necessary when you have two "almost" teenagers who are quite capable with their little brother.

So, for now, day dates seem to work for us and that's perfectly OK by me!

We headed to our favorite resort for sushi, uninterrupted conversation, and an opportunity to sit really close to each other and hold hands. 😂 

 In doing the math, I realized that this year, I've now known Morgan for half of my life. When I was in my 20's (and early 30's), I had this picture in my mind of how I wanted my life to be. You know, the normal things a girl wishes for... a handsome husband, two kids, a nice house, etc., etc...

God always amazes me with better plans than I can dream up of on my own. It's a reminder that
maybe we settle for our little dreams when in fact, His desire for us is much bigger than we can even imagine. I couldn't have imagined the 3 kids He's given me to mother or how they came about. I couldn't have imagined the opportunity I have to encourage others towards adoption. I couldn't have imagined that this would be my story and the privilege I have to steward it well.

 And I couldn't have imagined a better partner in life to share it all with.

After 17 years, we've had some ups and downs and I'm not gonna lie, sometimes, life is hard. Sometimes, marriage is hard and it takes deliberate effort to connect and communicate.
That's why I'm so grateful that Morgan pursues God on his own. In pursuing God, I know that he'll always pursue me. We don't have a perfect marriage by any sense of the word but we do have a Perfect God who seeks to sanctify us through our marriage.

No matter what life throws at us, I know we are both committed-- to God and to each other.
Here's to the next 17 years and Lord willing, beyond, babe!
I don't tell you enough but I hope you know I love you beyond words. 💘💘💘


 The next day was my birthday so we celebrated by letting me have the night off of cooking and taking the whole family out to the Cheesecake Factory.

Wow, I'm 48. 😱
I don't care who you are, 48 is not young anymore. 😂 
In some ways, I feel like I should be 38??
However, I know that age is just a number and I'm determined to live fully, right where I am.
I'm so grateful to the Lord for my health every. single. day. He gives me the energy to keep up with my kids and do things, like exercise and hike.
I trust that He will give me exactly what I need in order to fulfill the purpose He has for me.

The 40's (especially the later half) has been a wake up call.
No longer can I eat or drink whatever I want.
The stewardship of my health and body is also an act of responsibility.

After all, I hope to be around 48 more years!
Lord willing, let it be so.

2019 © BRAVE SOUL - THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -