True Love

Six years ago I was in a very controlling relationship. I didn't have friends outside of his. I barely talked to my family. I couldn't go out, even if I wanted to unless I was with him and/or his brother. I went to work, and then I came home and watched TV. I was completely and utterly alone. I thought I would have no choice but to settle for him, because I had nothing outside of our relationship. Six years ago, on valentines day, he was angry about a test he had taken at school. He threw a remote at me..hitting my leg and leaving a bruise. I was devastated. I knew he had anger issues, but I never thought I would physically be at the other side of that.

Six years later, I have fallen so deeply in love with my God. I have surrendered my life, and my will to be in line with His. And my amazing husband has done the same. Jim and I have found a wonderful church to be a part of. Together we are building the foundational years of our marriage in Christ. Learning so much about God, and each other.

God really picked me up from the bottom of the cliff, and helped me rebuild my life, stone by stone. Though the last six years have not been without pain, suffering, heartaches and tears..I am thankful for it all! I have been blessed more than I deserve.

Thank you God for all you have given me. For loving me even though I walked away when times got tough. Thank you for strengthening me, and bringing me to this place where I can love, serve and lead others to your arms. The way Amanda led me back home, five years wonderful years ago.

New Layout

I love Christmas, I decided it was time for a new layout. So I went in search of a good Christmas layout. but UGH! There are no good CHRISTIAN blog lay outs. I want something that shows my love for God in the holiday season. Not something that says I'm looking for the 'perfect' gift.

Which, by the way I'm not.

Im not going to fall into the commercialization of Christmas this year. So far I have completely avoided it. Whats the point in searching high and low for the 'perfect gift' for someone. Something that will end up in the closet or thrown in the corner by the end of January. I decided this year, I don't want to fall into that. I want christmas to be about the birth of my lord. Besides, I have everything I want. I have incredible friends, and Jim. I have a wedding in a mere 164 days (but who's counting!?!). I couldn't ask for more.

So, instead, this year my friends and I have made a commitment to write each other letters about what our friendship means to us. Its a MUCH more meaningful gift, one that won't get thrown into the back of a closet, one that will not soon be forgotten. Isn't that what Christmas is REALLY about anyways? spending time with the people you love, worshiping our lord, and not falling prey to the perfect gift that is advertised on every commercial during the holiday season.

I can't wait to give my letters to my friends. And to read what they wrote.

It means more this way.

Bible Study

John 2:25 He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

Jim and I have been discussing Who IS Jesus? In our weekly bible study with our pastor, as part of becoming members of Anchor Christian Church.

Last night we talked about how Jesus can see behind our last mask, and he still likes what he sees. How could he not, he sent his only son to die for us. Jesus loves what he see's in all of us, otherwise he wouldn't have died on the cross for our sins.

What an incredible idea! Our savior sees everything about us. All of our wants, our fears, our worries, our joys, our hopes. And he loves us anyways. Enough to send his perfect son to die for us.

Its just incredible to wrap my head around all of this. I've always known it, but to hear it in this way. Its just amazing. I love our church!