And so it begins...

This past weekend could not have been better to end my summer. I got to spend the weekend with my parents, Stuart, Mary Lou, and my sweet hubby. I am beginning to realize just how blessed I am. Love them so much.

AND I got to have lunch with Kailee and Maddie. I miss my friends! It was so nice to get to catch up with them. I am a lucky girl!

And let it go...

I had the pleasure of going to a youth rally this weekend where Daniel was playing music and my Uncle Mark was speaking. Insert husband and uncle photo here:

Anyway, Uncle Mark opened up with a prayer challenging us to let go of whatever we were holding on to and let God take control of our lives. I can't tell you how many times I have heard this but for some reason I HEARD it this time. I instantly started thinking about how I have been holding on to what I expected my life to look like right now. I am going to be honest I am slightly embarrassed and more than slightly frustrated with how long it will take me to graduate college. It is an insecurity of mine. The devil is telling me I am stupid and I am hearing him loud and clear. But yesterday I heard God a little louder as He whispered words of affirmation to me. Yes, it is going to take me a year and a half more to get my diploma, but who am I to say this plan the Lord has set for my life is not perfect in every way. I don't have an awesome internship. I didn't graduate on time. I don't have it all together but I DO have a God who has a perfect story set up for me. And in comes the scripture and Truth to back it up... Proverbs 3:5&6 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight'. Amen

But it is time for some letters...

Dear Daniel, I know I complain a lot about wishing we had more time together. It hasn't been easy for me. But I am so grateful you put aside your desires and do everything you can to provide for us. You are one of the most loving men I know. I treasure the time we do have together. Dear Jesus, I admit I haven't been spending the amount of time with you that you deserve. I also admit that I need you. Calm my fears and help me not waste my time worrying about things to come. Help me learn to feel loved in new ways and help me express my love more. Dear Caitlin, I am SO proud of you. You are putting your fears aside and jumping  in to this new world. You are going to be such an incredible teacher (and coach). Can't wait to cheer you on next week! Dear Self, 1 John 4:18

And marriage is...

I read something online today called The Art of Marriage:

"A good marriage must be created... In marriage, the little things are the big things... It is never being too old to hold hands...It is remembering to say 'I Love You' at the end of each day... It is never going to bed angry... It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways... It is having the capacity to forgive and forget... It is giving each other a safe place to grow... It is not only marrying the right person, It is being the right partner. "

As this marriage continues on, I see more and more of my selfishness and more and more of his selflessness. I am so thankful for Daniel and his willingness to be patient with me as I become the partner he deserves.

And you are making me new..

Overall, I had a really good weekend. Friday, after work, Daniel and I went and ate with the Vitek's and Chris. It was just a relaxed time of celebrating Andy's job. Saturday I worked 8 to 5. As soon as I got off Daniel and I got dressed and went out to the Kornegay's where we helped surprise Christine Hoover for her 20th Anniversary vow renewing ceremony. Chris had planned it all out so she had no idea but it was a fun time of dancing and celebrating a beautiful marriage. I felt so honored and blessed being there  and sharing in that special time with them. I hope Daniel and I are that happy in 20 years! Sunday we woke up and went to church and then I had lunch with Caitlin, Randi, and Ryan. I loved getting to catch up with them. Later that evening Daniel and I went to dinner with Alex and Andy before they left to go back to Houston.

I know all of that sounds boring and my point isn't to put you to sleep but to point out the fact that my weekend was filled with so much community.

It has been a little shocking for me (I think Daniel too) to see how fast our community dissolved after marriage. On one end we gained each other (thank the dear Lord) and so its constant community together, but on the other hand the people that we were closest to pretty much all moved off or are busy with their lives. It has been a big adjustment for me to go from being surrounded with sweet (girl) friends almost every evening of the week to seeing them once a month (if that).

Don't get me wrong I absolutely LOVE being married. Daniel is my very best friend and I love having him around. It is an adjustment though. Were looking for community together, but it is difficult during the summer time in this town. Who am I kidding? It is going to be difficult even while school will be in session. It is just something I am praying for because it is something I value so deeply. I guess I just felt like I needed to be honest.