Thoughts on the List of 23 Things....

Yesterday, this blog post showed up on my Facebook newsfeed several times, as multiple of my friends had posted it and commented how much they enjoyed it. Just the title, "23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You're 23" got me a little fired up... mostly because I was 22 when I was both engaged and married to my best friend and now husband. As I read through the blog, I became even more irritated! I almost felt personally attacked and began feeling defensive for "getting married young" and let's face it, I owe no one an explanation.

Then, today, I read this blog. And I just about 100% agree with every word. This girl, who is my age, articulated almost exactly what I was thinking reading the list of 23 things yesterday. At the end, this author suggests doing what's right for you...and I'd take it a step further and say to do what God has for you! Our loving Creator has a unique plan for each person. I wholeheartedly believe I am in God's plan for me. If you're single and 23, 35, or 65, I hope you can stand firmly in knowing you are exactly where God wants you--because that is what matters.

A friend shared with me this post, which I believe is a better guide of "what to do before marriage" than the 23 things listed in the first blog post....in my humble opinion.

Oh, and happy new year.

"...rejoice in the wife of your youth." 
- Proverbs 5:18

Full Days

I cannot believe we are in the homestretch of December, let alone 2013. This month has been packed full of fun, visitors, dates, ministry, and just daily life.

The first weekend of December, my father-in-law visited us! It was a great time-- especially for he and my husband... they talked, watched, and digested football all weekend. And loved. every. minute. It brought my heart much joy to see them spend quality time together! And of course I loved having him here, too! But I did learn that although I am a sports gal and enjoy football, I cannot keep up with the two of them, haha!

After a day to ourselves, Tyler and I then hosted some of our best friends as they visited from Florida! The four of us kept saying "we couldn't have hoped for a better time" -- like everything was perfect, weather, timing, events, schedule...everything. In their few days stay, we packed it all in... a Rutgers tour, Hoboken, NYC, Princeton, nights full of board games, and playing in the snow! We loved spending quality, God-centered time with them and look forward to connecting with them again soon in Florida over Christmas.

In the midst of all of that, AIA at Rutgers closed out the semester with a Christmas party, Tyler & I got our Christmas cards (finally) sent out, we hosted an Ultimate Training Camp little reunion dinner for some athletes, we had our small group Christmas cookie exchange Christmas celebration, celebrated our third wedding anniversary, and even began packing for our trip to Florida. 

To say December has been a whirlwind already, would be an understatement. But I count myself very blessed as the end of this year has been much more joy-filled than the end of last year. Each of the above events have been God's whispers of "I love you. I Am Good. You are cared for." And for that alone, I praise Him.

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." - John 15:11

Anticipating His Coming

Advent, defined by Merriam-Webster, is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting.

This December, how are you celebrating and observing Advent? I thought I'd share a few wonderful resources that I am familiar with to help you prepare your heart for Christmas! This list is not extensive, as there are MANY great Advent season resources. But I hope you enjoy these and jump in... it's not too late ;-)

• 25 Days of Christ by Redeemed Girls Ministries -- this is what I am primarily using this month as my daily time with the Lord and I am absolutely loving it!
• The free YouVersion app has topical reading plans to take you through the Christmas story in Scripture-- an excellent resource.
• Transformative Vision a fabulous and practical resource that Jacob's Well, our church here in New Jersey, has put together.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” - Luke 1:30-33