Supporting the Morrow's

          Over the past six months, Daniel and I have started a new chapter of our lives in Ft. Worth, Tx. I have officially passed all of my certification exams and finished my student teaching semester. Once I walk the stage in two weeks, I will be certified to teach 4-8 grade Language Arts or Social Studies. I will also be certified for ESL. The job search has just begun but has already found itself to be difficult. Since it is in the middle of the school year, most schools do not have any openings for full time staff. My plan is to substitute until I can find a job, but even finding a school district to substitute in has proven to be been a difficult task. As for Daniel, he has started seminary. He enjoys having the opportunity to study things he is interested in, specifically his classes on youth ministry. Daniel is on staff part time at a local church, Travis Ave. Baptist Church. He is responsible for Wednesday night activities and the youth praise band. It has been a wonderful learning experience so far, as he trains to eventually head his own ministry.

          Many of you have asked how you could support us as we started this new journey in our lives. The first way we could use your support is through prayer. Specifically, we would appreciate your intercession regarding job opportunities for me. Our prayer is that the Lord would open up an opportunity for me and that I would be aware of His desire for my immediate future. You can also ask that God will continue to give Daniel the energy to keep up with school, work, and family. The second way to support us would be financially. Living on one income has been hard. Therefore, we are attempting to raise money to pay for Daniel's seminary fees. If you feel led to help financially you can either click the "donate" button below or send a check directly to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The check will need to have Daniel's name and Id number (0466386) on the memo line. The seminary's address is:
             Southwestern Seminary Business Office
                                P.O. Box 22480
                         Ft. Worth, TX 76122-0480

          Thank you for praying for us and loving us during this time. We are grateful to have such wonderful friends and family supporting us.


 Want to help the Morrow's pay for seminary?

But lets be adventurous....

I was on Pinterest a few weeks ago (surprise surprise) and I came across this quote. It said something along the lines of 'don't be too busy making a living to live' (or something like that). My first thought was that it was just another cheesy quote, but something about it has really just stuck with me. I know it is important to make a living. I know it is important to provide for yourself and your family. But I don't want to look back and wonder why I wasted this opportunity I have. I want to be adventurous right now (while we still can). Daniel and I would like to start expanding our family IN A FEW YEARS. Once that happens we will not have the ability to go on as many explorations. With that being said the time is NOW. Who's with me?! (the crowd goes wild)

And life brings blessings...

I turn 23 in a little less than a week and I really just wanted to take a little time to focus on some of the blessings in my life.

I am blessed:
-to have a husband who is so patient, loving, and who works hard to provide for me.
-to have a family who will go out of their way for me.
-to have a couple who is willing to counsel Daniel and I.
-to have a friend who wants to share their life with me.
-to have a savior who has saved me, redeemed me, and made me new.

With another year of life, it is easy for me to see all of the ways I am blessed. I pray that the Lord will use me to bless others. And I pray that I do not lose sight of these blessings as change heads my way.

But there is a better way....

“To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well-being brings to the soul a veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to him.” 

-A. W. Tozer

But love is not selfish...

2011 was filled with highs and lows. I found out I will be in school a little longer than I was hoping. I got married. I said things out of emotion and reap the consequences of that. I accomplished things I was afraid to try.

We are only 3 days into 2012 but it has started out pretty good. Daniel and I made a few resolutions individually and as a couple. One of mine was I want to ignore my many fears and give myself more of an opportunity to succeed at things. A couple of the ones we vowed together include saving more, being less aware of we want individually and more aware of what our spouse needs.
We started reading this book together called The Love Dare. Every day it has a short passage about an aspect of love and then a dare for the day. For example the first day talked about LOVE BEING PATIENT. The dare was to say nothing negative about your spouse for the day. (Harder than it sounds) The second day was LOVE IS KIND. It divided kindness up into 4 parts: Gentleness, Helpfulness, Willingness, and Initiative. The dare for the day was to do something kind for your spouse without being provoked. Todays passage is LOVE IS NOT SELFISH. We are supposed to buy something for our spouse that they need.
Each passage is really small and the dares are not difficult or time consuming but they are meaningful. It feels so good to stop focusing on myself and take time out to specifically show love to the Mr. He deserves it.

It is so weird to think abut where I am now and where I was a year ago.  I am being completely honest when I say I love being married. I love sharing life with Daniel. We are growing together and learning more about ourselves, as individuals and as a couple, than I could have ever imagined. I am also being honest when I say I didn't expect other aspects of my life to be how they are. Other than my relationship with Daniel my life feels a little chaotic and off. I am missing a lot of the friendships I had and I think it has left me a little empty. But I am confident the Lord has me here for a reason.

I look forward to coming back to this post in a year and hopefully seeing growth. My goal is that I find myself less afraid of failing, more in love with Jesus than ever, and making huge strides towards being the woman the Lord calls me to be.

But my mission...

Something I have been thinking about a little lately is the question, "What am I bringing to others that shows them Jesus?"

Lecrae tweeted the other day, "When you compromise your Christian distinction, you compromise your mission." This hit home for me. It is easy for me to think this life is about being happy, living to the fullest, having fun, enjoying every moment. Those things are nice and great but that is not my mission here. We aren't called to "Go, be unique, and enjoy your life" (read in Jesus voice). We are called to "Go and make disciples". When I interact with people in my classes, or at work, or in a grocery store, if I am not giving them a glimmer of Jesus what am I doing here?!

But what stems from that is knowing that what allows us to give people a little piece of Jesus is all dependent on if we have a relationship with Him. Note: I did not say if we are saved, I said if we have a relationship with God. I heard a friend speak the other day and she said, "Discipline does not create a relationship, but the relationship will create discipline." I love that. It is not about me checking off a list of things that draws me to God but it is cultivating a relationship with Christ to a point where the things that I should be doing are natural.


Lord, may I be so wrapped up in our relationship that everything that comes out of me glorifies you.

And here is an update...

Updates-

School: I've been at Anderson elementary for 4 weeks now and I think the jury is still out. They have the classes set up on a rotation system and so the classes rotate between 3 teachers throughout the day. I am there for full rotation and a half. I love being in the classroom and I love working with the students. 4th grade is the difficult part for me. They are still so hyper and a lot of times immature. I just can't help but wishing I was in a 7th grade classroom. I am grateful for the experience though. I am learning so much. As for my education classes... I am a little over group projects.

Church: During the summer Daniel and I struggled a lot with not feeling plugged in with the church. Luckily, things have changed, We joined the young&married small group and I joined an all women's sunday school. The sunday school class is really fun for me. I love that its me, bridget, and all of these women who are married to leaders and ministers in the church. I am trying to drain out every ounce of wisdom from them I can.

Marriage: I don't think I can say enough about how much I love being married. I could go on and on about how great Daniel has been. Yesterday Daniel had the day off and so we got to spend all day together cleaning and running errands. It was probably the best day I have had in a month or so. I am so blessed by him.

And here we go...

I got my field placement for this semester. I was initially told I would be working in a 7th grade english class in Navasota. At which point I began to sing hallelujah. 7th grade english is what I want! And then I received another email saying they had to change me to 4th grade english. I know I don't know everything but this has to be one of those moments when I have to question what is it that God sees in me that makes him think I can do this? Children frighten me. I need them to be indepent. I need them to be able to come up with their own ideas. I know I know God equips the called but man right now I feel like he has a lot of equipping to do. I guess it is a waiting game now. All I can say is prayers are welcome and I guess I will update you soon.

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.

And let the crafting begin...

I found a lot of inspiration to craft from pinterest. (If you don't know what it is google it) And if you want to join facebook me your email and Ill send you an invite. Anyways, I decided it was time to get the craft supplies out again. So this is my newest craft (thats finished at least)...

It is a picture frame with a cork-board in it. Except on this particular one I covered it with burlap (because I really like it right now). Then I used the burlap to create little rolled roses and hot glued them to an 'M' which I covered with scrapbooking paper and hot glued that baby to the board. I like it. I am proud of it. Just thought I would share what I have been up to.

And it is not finished...

I have known Daniel for four years now. We have been dating for 2.5 years and we've been married 3 weeks. You would think I know all there is to know about him but I still keep learning more. Things I've learned about Daniel recently:
-He can't simply put something in the trash can, he has to throw it.
-If he makes the shot it will be followed by a fist pump. (even if he thinks no one is looking)
-He would never admit it but I am positive he likes my girlie shows, especially The Bachelorette.
-He prefers to watch t.v. laying down. (The problem with this is he cant lay down for longer than 20 minutes without falling asleep)
I love learning more and more about him. I like knowing how he ticks. The more I know about him the more I like. 1billion points to me for snatching this guy up.

Isn't he the cutest?!