Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Three years ago today...



Brian and I got married!

Incredible how time flies.

The past 36 months have held four moves, new friends, new jobs, heartbreaking disappointments and overwhelming joys. Through it all, God has been so faithful. I am thankful every day for a husband who loves the Lord even more than he loves me. Brian has a true servant's heart and teaches me by example of what it looks like to put others before myself.

This next year will see even more changes and adjustments, but there is no one I would rather have holding my hand through this adventure. Love you B!





Monday, December 22, 2008

God with us

One of my favorite things to think about at Christmastime is the concept of Emmanuel, God with us. No matter what we are going through, whether it be extreme joy or severe heartache, our Lord empathizes. He empathizes because out of His unfathomable love for us, He chose to take on flesh and live as one of us for 33 years.

Wow.

Steven Curtis Chapman says it so well:

And in one glorious moment
All eternity was shaken
As God broke through the darkness that had kept us apart
With love that conquers loneliness
And hope that fills all emptiness
He came to earth to show our worth

Our God is with us, Emmanuel
And He's come to save us, Emmanuel
And we will never face life alone
Now that God has made Himself known
As Father and Friend, with us through the end
Emmanuel

We are inconceivably blessed. His children have truly received the greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

99 Balloons

I have been meaning to post this video ever since I saw it several months ago. What an amazing testament to be able to truly say, in life or death, may the name of the Lord be praised.


Thursday, December 4, 2008

Full of thanks

It may be a week past Thanksgiving, but we are absolutely overflowing with gratitude.

The Lord saw fit to allow Brian one of six spots in the orthodontic program in Indianapolis. It is the oldest ortho program in the country and has an excellent reputation. We were not at all expecting admittance there... a few weeks ago we had heard some unfavorable reports toward Brian's chances of getting in. But our God is mighty! And so faithful. 

We received the news yesterday morning and are still walking around with our heads in the clouds. Since beginning dental school six years ago, ortho acceptance has been a dark cloud hanging over Brian's head. Orthodontics is now ranked as the second most difficult medical specialty to be admitted into. It is an unbelievable feeling to know that he never has to apply again - that there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. We have learned so much about the Lord's sovereignty and are beyond thankful for His grace and lovingkindness shown in allowing Brian to work toward his dream.

The program starts on July 1 and lasts only 24 months, in which time Brian will also achieve his Masters of Science, something he didn't even dare to hope for. We don't know much about Indianapolis yet, but are excited to start familiarizing ourselves with a new part of the country.

Speaking of new homes, on Monday we moved into a duplex where we will stay until we leave for Indiana. The apartment we had booked fell through at the last minute, and God immediately dropped the duplex into our laps. Our heads know that He is always with us and always working His perfect will, but during the past two weeks we have FELT Him with us so closely.

We are also very grateful that God safely returned my dad and brother to us. They had an absolutely incredible journey and we're looking forward to hearing their stories for years to come. In light of the recent terrorist attacks on the hotel in Mumbai, India (the guys were there photographing the Taj Mahal about 4 weeks before it happened) and at the New Delhi airport (which the guys flew through twice), we are very relieved that they are back on US soil, safe and sound.

My mom and I decided to repaint the master bedroom and bathroom four days before Dad's return. With Brian's help, somehow we finished in time and are super pleased with the outcome. Dad loves it and it was a great surprise to welcome him home.



Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragement throughout this roller coaster ride. We could not be more amazed at the community that God has placed us in, and truly we thank Him every time we remember each of you (Phil. 1:3).