6 years.

This is the official first class. Kevin has already had more reading to do, in one week, than I usually get to in a month or more. He is proving his ability to walk the line of diligence in study and faithfulness to his family. This weekend provided quite the training ground because...

Our 6th anniversary was on Sunday! 6 years! Wow...

My husband blessed me in numerous ways, but my favorite was the note he wrote and gave to me (along with the one dozen GORGEOUS white roses - seriously, I've never seen more beautiful, perfect roses). He has a way with words.

He lavished me with other gifts including an amazing Le Creuset enameled cast-iron skillet. I picked it up today (he ordered it from their outlet) and can't wait to put it to use tonight for my Beloved's dinner...pork chops...yum! He also took me on a shopping spree meant to bless me because I enjoy shopping; I must say, though, it is less fun with children. Kevin took the full brunt of the complaining and arguing so that I could enjoy myself. What sacrificial love!

He took me to dinner at my favorite restaurant: Tower Oaks Lodge. I L.O.V.E. eating there! My favorite part of the evening was watching Kevin dive into his dinner! I've never seen him get so lost in a meal before! Usually we discuss flavors and textures and delight over each bite. Last night, he was speechless. He just zoned out of reality for about 5 minutes. I was delighted to see him enjoying it that thoroughly!

All of this to say, my Beloved blessed me a great deal this weekend. He was thoughtful and generous and lavish in his affection. He joyfully gave me his time, though he certainly had much to do. His desire was to have his reading completed by today, but sacrificed that desire to bless me. I cannot help praising God for giving me to this man. God brought us together and held us together through a season that seemed too dark to ever end. Ours was the marriage that nearly wasn't. But, by God's abundant grace he saw us through and united us on August 30, 2003. We have only grown closer and more in love since that day. This has been coursing through my mind over the past few days: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" It is the cry of my heart as I reflect back on the past 6, grace-filled years.

3 Days In

We are just three days into the PC year. Already it has proven to be life-changing. We have 14 new couples and their families to get to know. New friends. It is an unusual situation to go into; knowing these people, previously unknown, will soon become dear friends. It makes for quick bonding and eager interaction. We anticipate a difficult parting come June.

I'm already feelings the pangs of missing old friends who haven't gone anywhere but who must be missed for the season we are in. We will see them as often as we can, but it will seem little by comparison to our desires.

I am realizing the constraints on time with my husband, my dearest friend. I will learn this year to release him to study and to prepare. The training will serve us well as he becomes a pastor and must again be release to serve God's people. I am grateful for the training!

I see change in Kevin already. He is diligent and focused in a way I've not seen, in a way he has not previously needed. I pray that this will not only continue, but increase as the year presses on and the demands on his time seem more than he can bear. He will have more to do than 24 hours will allow.

We are aware of our need of God. We are in a season of marked dependence, not that we are ever able to get through one day apart from His help; it's just that we are especially aware of our need right now. I feel my weakness. Pregnancy saps my strength mentally, physically, and emotionally. I believe the Lord has me (and 6 other PC wives) pregnant during PC to increase my dependance on him! He is "turning up the heat", so to speak. I hope that as sin is revealed in me, I am able to humbly receive help from these new friends and the pastors and their wives who are caring for us.

I eagerly anticipate growth in Him this year. Would that I always anticipated His work in my life and family as I do now. He is always at work. What a kind and faithful God we serve!

Tears

I heard her crying in her bedroom and stopped to listen. She called for me, sobbing that her pink balloon was broken. She wept as though she had lost her best friend. Sometimes her tears, even over such small things, make my heart ache with tender affection for my little one.

First Day...

Today is Kevin's first day of classes. This morning I was explaining this to Chloe:

Me: Chloe, today is Daddy's first day of school!

Chloe (with much excitement): Do we all get to go!

Me: No, sweetie, this is just for Daddy.

Chloe (fighting back tears): But, why can't I go?

Me: Oh honey, this is school just for big people like Daddy.

Chloe (voice shaking): But I want to go too!

It was a precious moment! She eventually understood and I promised that we would do school here once Daddy left. I enjoyed her company this morning as we got Kevin ready to go. She helped make his favorite breakfast smoothie and to pack his lunch. What a big helper!

Pastors College

It has come quickly. Pastors College (often referred to simply as PC). Tomorrow is Kevin's last day of work at Covenant Life. Thursday there will be a luncheon for all of the PC wives. Saturday is orientation.

It is hard to believe.

I am filled with excitement and anticipation as I consider all that will take place over the next 10 months. 10 months to study and learn and prepare for ministering to God's people. What a tremendous privilege. It is my prayer (and I would love for you to pray it too) that June 2010 finds us more like our Savior. More in love with Him. More in love with each other. Better parents. Better stewards of the gifts given to us by our great God and King. It is our deep desire to honor the Lord with this unique season of preparation.

For me, I want to learn to serve my husband sacrificially, willingly, eagerly even when it costs me much. I want to build with the 15 other wives and to learn as much as I can from them! I want to serve these ladies and their families and know them well. I am so excited to get started! What a great God we serve! His love is lavish and his grace abundant! I know I will need much strength and patience for this year. I will need to be constantly reminded of the gospel. I will need to depend on God and not my own strength, which will fail me. These are things I always need; how aware of my need I find myself these days! This very familiar passage has ministered to me greatly for the past couple of weeks: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Prov. 3:5-8

Father, thank you for your Word! It is precious to me. Thank you for using this passage to remind me to trust you. Thank you for illuminating your Word and for helping us to understand it by the work of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for working in my heart and for revealing my tendency to lean on my own understanding. Oh God! Help me to stop and to recognize my great need for help! I praise your excellent name for your goodness, your kindness, your mercy, and your grace. May your kingdom come!