Checking in...

Hello, blog friends!!

My apologies for having a quiet Blog. Quiet blogs are no fun. :) So, I thought I owed you a quick update. I don't have much to say or much time to say it, but I'll just try to summarize. The summer has absolutlely flown by! However, everything is coming together and the Lord has been gracious. There has been NO routine, which I am craving, but I can't complain. We've had 6 pre-marital counseling sessions with Pastor Steve, each lasting about 3 hours. This has probably been, in my opinion, the highlight of the summer. After all, if all we do is register and order flowers, then we aren't really ready for marriage. This weekly visit has proven to be extremely beneficial, provoking conversation, healthy view of the weightiness of marriage, perspective, highlighting our personal strengths and weaknesses as a couple and individually, and our desperate need for grace as we endeavor to enter such a sacred and sanctifying union. I have a whole new respect for those who seem to have a joyful, satisfying marriage, for I now know this didn't come by chance, but grace... and diligent prayer, hard work, loving patience, communication, effort, etc.

Furthermore, we've been assigned some reading material. The list includes: The Excellent Wife (Martha Peace) and The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) along with Strengthening Your Marriage (Wayne Mack), The Act of Marriage (LaHayes') and Intended for Pleasure (Wheat) and more books (on money and child-raising that we may not get to until after we wed!). I guess the idea is that you read and study up for jobs, medical issues, you prepare for vacations, purchasing a home, etc. Why not study for something that is extremely important... marriage!
To be honest though, with our time crunch, study has been difficult! We are not only marrying, but moving, so trying to juggle time with family, friends, working out some, involvement at church, wedding planning (eek), packing, reading, SLEEPING?, and just getting to know each other has been tricky. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement!
It's been good though. 2 showers last weekend reminded me of the Lord's kindness to provide such neat friends and family! Fun to get gifts for our new little home in KY too!
The reality is sinking in... just 12 more days to go! We can't wait to see you there and if you can't make it, to see you again one day!

Today's agenda - thank-you cards, READING, Boba tea (we're slightly obssessed) and we may be going on a REAL date soon and very soon! Six Flags is also in the works. After all, we do live right down the road, we do have season passes and we've only been twice. We love roller coasters. Yea!

We love you all! Sorry to have so many me-focused Blog entries, but I've had requests for updates. I'll try to post something more thoughtful one of these days...

Keep us in your prayers (and Laura and Slade as they prepare)

Thanks....