6 Months and a little more...

On the twentieth of this month, Nathan and I celebrated our 6 month-iversary. Like I always say, I can't believe it's already been this long and I can't believe it's only been this long. 

It definitely wasn't my ideal way to celebrate, because Nathan was off and I was working... But! I am glad that he had the day to rest and relax, and he did so much stuff around the house for me =) 

In honor of our 6 months, I'd thought I would share some of my marriage thoughts with all of you.

1. Marriage: it brings out the best in us and the worst, but the best part I could think of is that I have someone who knows me better than I even know myself, has promised to love me forever no matter what, and daily shows me what that means. I am not perfect (shocker! =P) and I let my sinful, fleshly self, control my actions and moods way more than I want to admit. But, Nathan loves me selflessly and forgives me even when I'm a huge stinker. And by God's grace I do the same with him. 

2. Forgiveness and dealing with anger/conflicts quickly is vital. When God says not to let the sun go down on our anger, (Ephesians 4:26), He is telling us to resolve it as quickly as possible with the one we are angry with. In marriage, anger and conflict happen, because we are humans with an old sin nature. Maybe my anger is well merited, most of the time it's not, but either way I am called to initiate healing. Sadly, there are times I wait until Nathan initiates it, but I am so glad he does. We can only do that because of our new nature in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit! When you can deal with issues and then forgive each other quickly, life is so much sweeter and your selfless love grows.

3. Nathan IS the most perfect soul mate, provider, protector, husband for me! The longer we are married, the more in awe we are at how perfect we are for each other and the more thankful we are that God brought us together in His marvelous way. Seriously guys, I cannot think of any other person that would be silly with me, talk with me, live with me, and much more, the same way Nathan does. I know some people may argue with me that there isn't THE one, it's just whoever I choose to love, etc... But I don't know, I feel like Nathan is an argument against that! Don't get me wrong though, I also know that even as we grow older and change, he will still be THE one for me, and I will love him and choose him forever and ever. 

4. Marriage is sanctifying. It is definitely smoothing away our rough edges slowly but surely. =)

5. Marriage has to be intentional. We have to be intentional about spending time with each other, we have to be intentional about putting each other first, we have to be intentional with putting Christ first, we have to be intentional with loving each other better every day. And I think that's part of what makes it so sweet.

6. A Covenant marriage is AWESOME! Nathan brings me so much joy, fun, and love... He is with me through all the wonderful ups and the hard downs, he is my best friend, his arms are my favorite place, and getting to go to sleep with him each night and wake up with him every morning is beyond incredible (even when I'm grumpy ;) - I couldn't imagine my life without him. 

I love you Nathan Brian, and I always will!

Until next time...
Jessica

Three years - 7.9.14

Dearest Nathan,

Today marks three years that we have been officially courting - may I just say? These three years have been the best of my life. They haven’t been perfect, but every up and every down has only brought us closer to each other, so they have been amazing!

Doesn’t God write the best love stories? I never could have dreamed one up that was better! He truly wove our lives and hearts together in a beautiful way and I am so excited to get to serve and glorify Him by your side. 

I love the way you love me and take care of me. You are always doing your best to understand me and what I need. You are always looking out for my happiness and well being even above your own. You are always seeking my best, even when I might fight against it. You point me toward our Savior and you aren’t afraid to tell me when I’m wrong.

I love your desire to provide for me and our future. I love the way you support my desire to be a stay-at-home wife and one day mother. And I know whatever we end up doing, that you will always be supportive of that goal. Thank you for working so hard at work, and at the moment school, so you can be the provider God has called you to be. Thank you for striving to provide for me spiritually and emotionally.

I love the way you love your family and mine. How you care for them and want to be with them. How important they are to you, shows me how important ours will be to you. And watching you with Benjamin and little Graham makes my heart so full! I know you will be the best Daddy when (Prayerfully) God blesses us with children.

I love your servant’s heart, your sense of humor, your silliness, and yes, your teasing ;) 

I love your voice and the way my heart leaps when it hears it. I love your smile and your laugh. I love your nerdiness about comics and coins and (though I don’t always act like it) guns. I love when you wear your hat backwards and look so cute. It reminds me of our camp days when I would swoon over you doing that ;) I still might ;) 

I love your beard and your glasses and your freshly cut hair. I love that I get to hold your hand and be your one and only. I love when you wear polos, jeans and converses. I love how you can make pretty much anything. I love how you support me and go along with my crazy ideas, even when it’s not really your thing. I love how you encourage me when I make things and tell me how impressed you are with my talent. I love when you tell me you’re proud of me. I love how you’re willing to lead us. 

I love how well you know and understand me. Sometimes even more than I understand myself. I love how you notice things about me that I wouldn’t even think of. I love how you know how I feel about things and that even when my feelings are silly, you try to understand. I love how you understand my heart and how I think about life. I love how you love God and serve Him through ministry and life. I love how you teach the word and enjoy teaching children.

I am so thankful that you are mine and that I am yours. And I can’t wait for when we say  “I do” in 73 (Woohoo!!) days. 

Happy 3 years, my darling - Here’s to 100 more!

Forever yours, Jessica

Love is in the air... 7-9-13

Nine days ago, Nathan and I celebrated two years of courtship. Looking back, I can remember thinking how far away this milestone seemed; but time has flown! 

It has been such a joy, we have grown closer to each other, and every day, I fall more in love with him. I know for a fact that God brought us together and there is no one else I would rather be with. He pushes me to walk closer with the Lord, he loves me no matter what, and he is always there when I need him! I don't have time to go into all the details of how we met, (I'll have to someday though!), but it's been a wonderful journey that I wouldn't trade for the world!

We had a terrific time spending the day together! It was filled with flowers, laughter, and love. We were able to go out to Chili's for dinner (I love their chicken Quesadillas!) and then took photos at the beach. =)

And of course, anniversaries aren't complete without presents, right?? ;) I made Nathan a scrapbook with all our important milestones, (like the Chick-Fil-A parking lot where he first told me he loved me, six months after he told me he cared for me. Be still my beating heart!) and also got him a new promise ring. He's been wanting one for a while and I thought this was the perfect opportunity. Nathan gave me the loveliest print and also a beautiful key bracelet. =D I love you darling!

Until next time...