Finally . . . an update!

SO I GOT MARRIED! I'm sure that most of you already knew that from Gina's phenomonial blog, but for you that didn't - there ya go! I did it. It's done. I'm living it now. And let me tell you people . . . it's the greatest! People were right - IT'S WONDERFUL!" And, oh boy, is it hard! Amazingingly hard! I think that's how it should be. Constantly denying the flesh to raise and lead by the spirit is not natural, so naturally, it's going to be hard.

Gal. 5:17-18, "My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?"

My husband is great! He is even more incredible as a husband than he ever was a boyfriend/fiance. He is gentle, kind, and patient. He is encouraging and challenging. And he loves me! This may seem like a weird statement, but when you've been doubting that your "fairy tale" will ever come true, this truth is mind-boggling. He tenderly loves me the way that we should love and always through the filter of the Holy Spirit.

AND he's the best dad in the world! We recieved so much advice on parenting and how difficult of a transition is was going to be for all three of us, espcially Caleb. However, God's grace has once again proven that it's readily available in it's abundancy and there is no situation that it can not cover. Caleb is TRULY a "daddy's boy!" Praise God!

We've had our share of sickness, trials, tests, and paperwork (there is always SO much paper work when you get married) but God has proven to be the Healer, Forgiver, Guider, Lover, and Giver. We are always learning and always seeing God in new aspects and situations within each other. Chad gets to see our God through the eyes of "Daddy" and "Provider." Caleb gets to see our Father through the eyes of a child who has seen the "Hero" answer his every prayer for a daddy. And I get to watch creation unfold through their beautiful relationship. I can see that God has truly made a masterpiece from a lump of miry clay and that He is constantly molding and shapping more until this family looks exactly like the body of Christ. Hence the next post to maybe help someone learn something that we pursue daily in our home.

Well, I know that this is short, but I pray it was sweet. We have to put our creative monkey to bed now . . . I love you all!

The 16 "NEVERS" of Communication with Your Spouse

1. NEVER speak rashly.
2. NEVER confront your spouse publicly.
3. NEVER confront your spouse in your children's presence.
4. NEVER use your children in the conflict.
5. NEVER say "never" or "always."
6. NEVER resort to name-calling.
7. NEVER get historical.
8. NEVER stomp out of the room to leave.
9. NEVER raise your voice in anger.
10. NEVER bring anyone into the discussion unless they are a direct part of the problem being addressed.
11. NEVER win through reasoning or logic and never out-argue.
12. NEVER be condescending.
13. NEVER demean.
14. NEVER accuse your spouse with "YOU" statements.
15. NEVER allow an argument to begin if one/or both of you are overly tired, if one of you is under the influence of chemicals, or if one of you is physically ill.
16. NEVER touch your spouse in a harmful manner.