and then there was proof...

In the background... sometimes that's where the great things happen. Where they aren't noticed. Where they aren't readily praised. Where they aren't unnecessarily examined. Where they can be properly thought through. The background is where this story started, but not where it's going to stay.

This one guy had been in the background, behind the scenes, in my life. He was a friend, he was a smiling face, but that was all. He just sat and watched me while I paraded around trying to figure my life out. I put myself in the spotlight while he waited in the shadows. He waited for the timing to be right. Timing that wasn't in his terms. Timing that was in His terms, whether this guy knew it or not. I was busy trying to teach and coach and figure my life out while he watched me teach and coach and tried to figure out if he wanted a part of my busy life.

I was busy collecting friends and living the high life, or whatever you call teaching at a Christian school whilst running around like a chicken with its head cut off, and he was working. Becoming. Learning. Collecting skills and character qualities to be a godly man.

Then there was an accident, yet a moment in time that God knew we needed.

After that, the background wasn't really an option. He was on my radar, and I was... uhh... more than just on his radar.

Occasional texting turned into tennis.

Tennis turned into unintentional dates.

Unintentional dates turned into intentional dates.

Intentional dates turned into sporting events.

Sporting events turned into trips to the lake.

Trips to the lake turned into trips to my house.

Trips to my house turned into a family that was readily accepting and thrilled that this guy was so... me.
He smooths out my rough spots.

He eats and likes my food.

He laughs at my jokes. 

He buys me the most thoughtful things (like an automatic car starter).

He treats me with respect and dignity and he treats my family the same way.

 He puts my needs above his.

And he proves his trustworthiness and patience. 

I needed time to prioritize and clear my head while Christ used that time to redeem my past. I wanted pure motives and I needed time to make sure that's exactly what I had. I needed someone willing to wait for me. And that is EXACTLY who I spent time waiting for. :)

Isaiah and I spent time gaining wisdom from the friends who know us both. Praying and talking through our thoughts, dreams, and concerns. We spent time with each others' families and got to know them as well. After a few months of limbo, we made it "official" without making it "facebook official" (which is actually still okay in 2013). And 135 days later, we're still enjoying each other. :)

As someone without an M-R-S, I've gotten the question for years, "When are you going to get married?" I still don't know the answer, but I get to spend my days patiently waiting for an ever-faithful God. He's blessed me quite a bit up 'til now, and I'm excited to see His blessings down the road. For now, I'm gonna enjoy the blessings of a boyfriend who reminds me to love and trust my Jesus.

Amanda Joy Photography

 

You've been RACKed.

So, my thankful November bombed. I didn't realize how busy life would get, but between coaching varsity girls basketball, taking two vacations totaling a week and a half, and teaching school, my free time was sparse. I love having an outlet for what creativity I do have, but I'm not ready to be completely tied to my blog. We'll see how things change in that department!

I found the idea of "RACKed" on pinterest, and I feel bad not citing it, but I have no idea where it is or where to start looking... So, I'll share a little of my project for December.

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

Starting December first, I'm trying to make a difference by stepping out of my comfort zone and doing a random act of kindness. :) Days one and two are below. Some are small things, some will hopefully be bigger, but I'm trying to focus on others this Christmas season since selfishness sinks in way too often.

December First: I spent some time with some dear family friends baking and playing games with the kids. After I got home that evening, I packed up some goodies and waltzed over to my new neighbors apartment. Emily and I introduced ourselves to two new girls who just moved in. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a bridge building time for us!

December Second: I made up a couple extra Christmas Party invitations for my roommate's and my Christmas "Extravaganza" this weekend. I dropped one off at my new neighbor's apartment, and one at my older-neighbor-whom-I-haven't-seen-in-forever's apartment. :) Lord willing, they'll at least stop by this weekend! :)

I'll keep you updated on my future RACKed activities!

 

Chutes and Ladders.

Maybe it's because I'm a teacher. Maybe it's because I'm still a kid at heart... Either way, I feel like my life is a board game, and I feel like that an awful lot!

Today, the game happens to be Chutes and Ladders. Life is a day by day occurrence. And often, I find that there are ladders along the way. God's grace is made known in unexpected ways and takes us to unanticipated places. Then there are days that are the "chutes" in life. The days when God sends you "backwards" in a sense. To relive a trial. To relearn a lesson. To sit and watch others "prosper" while we just sit back and wonder why we have this "setback." Life is hard.

I'm finding it hard to fully realize the weight of glory. I know that once I realize even part of that, Struggles will fade, hardships will fade, trivial things won't matter like they used to. I have so many things to learn. And I often wonder when I'm gonna learn them! But that might just be why God rearranges my life. To teach me to prioritize. He rearranges my heart to make sure He is truly on the throne. He rearranges my plans to make sure I acknowledge His presence.

In the words of Audrey Assad, I'll just be restless until I rest in Him. And sometimes, ashamedly, that's the last place I run...

So there's this box...

For my overzealous friends, yes, I DID mean to type box, not boy. So quit it.

A few years back, a good "friend" presented me with a box. I was comforted with promises of being safe if this box. I could grow and not be crazy and everything would be wonderful! I shrugged my shoulders and hopped in. During those months I spent in that box, I was blinded, and trapped, but I convinced myself I was happy. Soon after, I wasn't myself at all. Then my box got dumped over, and I had to learn to stand again. I realized what had happened and decided that I couldn't bear to live my life in a proverbial box.

Down the road, I was shown another box. This one was bigger. More wiggle room. Instead of opaque walls, they were translucent. So, I hopped in! This time, I still didn't realize it. It took longer. It took a good friend to point it out.

I've been confined to boxes. I've limited myself based on what others think of me. I've tried to fit into the mold that others deem "perfect" or "acceptable." I try to be the one who always has it all together. I try to say the perfect things, do the perfect things, wear the perfect things, have the right friends...

I have the joy of enjoying freedom in Christ. He gave me desires and interests and personality and quirks. Within the boundaries of obeying what He wants, I can be myself. What an amazing thing!!!