I Married My Best Friend- Nov 30, 2011

Remember how I said I love spontaneity?! So today, Chip and I started looking for Christmas presents (I wanted to get ahead this year!)… Well out of the clear blue my spontaneous husband suggested we go to Daphne (about an hour away) because they had more shops and the shops were all close together and it would be a little roadtrip! Ahhhhh- I’m pretty sure I fall in love with this man over and over again! I am so thankful I married my BEST FRIEND!

Christmas Time- Nov 29, 2011

There is just something about waking up to a Christmas tree in the living room. I love the feeling. It has been cold for the past few days and every night so we have been opening windows and it feels amazing…  Tonight- as we had the windows open, we turned out all the lights except the Christmas tree lights and Christmas lights above our cabinets in our kitchen and made hot chocolate and watched our Netflix show– Prison Break! I love the feeling of Christmas… I love blaring Christmas music… I love the season of giving! I love it ALL!!! And more importantly- as for the Rose household, it is just a holiday season… Its CHRISTmas! The reason for the season is Christ! …period!!!

Days My Husband Has Off From Work- Nov 28, 2011

While Chip is in flight school, there are times (that I have shared with yall before) where all he does is study… Right now, he is in between stages in flight school and some days this week, he will be able to just call in to let them know he is alive and then… he gets to spend the day at home!! Today, he had to report in this morning and then he had the rest of the day off. I went with him to the base he will be working at from now until the end of his time in Pensacola! I had never been on this base, and it was so cool! He showed me the planes they train with (T-6) and the buildings they will be in… After that, we went back home and put up our Christmas decorations! I love days like these and even though, they don’t happen often- I am so thankful for them.

God’s Word- Nov 27, 2011

I don’t know why I haven’t said this before now, but this morning at church Brother Derek (from Springs of Grace) talked about the importance on God’s Word… I absolutely love worship music and songs, but he said something that is so true… He said (something along the lines) “Unless we dive into God’s Word, we can’t fully comprehend the meaning of worship songs, because the meaning behind worship songs should be Gods Word and what it means to us…” Like I said, that may not be word for word, but that struck me so deep, because we aren’t to just sing worship songs just to sing them… The meaning is to worship God, but how can we worship God if we don’t meet with God in His Word?! I have been praying for a deep desire to know God more through His Word and He is faithful! I am so thankful for the promises we have through His Word!

Naps- Nov 26, 2011

After Black Friday, I am so thankful for naps. I love them even more when it is raining outside… Naps are so refreshing to me, whether they are 30 minutes, or 3 hours… They are amazing!!!

Spontaneity- Nov 25, 2011

BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!! All the crazies were out, including Mom and me! Something I am so thankful for is that my Mom loves spontaneity… On Black Friday, neither one of us really needed anything, but we went out at midnight just to see all the crazy people waiting in lines, for things that were still probably going to be on sale for the next week… We walked through Target and went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and then went to Strawns and enjoyed their “Black Friday Buffet”…. After that, we just went home and crashed, but it was still fun! I am also so thankful that my husband loves spontaneity too! 

Family Gatherings- Nov 24, 2011

I love traditions… I love holidays… But most of all I love family gatherings. I love reminiscing on previous years and l am so thankful that we both have families that see the importance of it… Sometimes it makes things hard on Chip and I because we have conflicts where my side of the family and his side of the family has things at the same time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are both so blessed to have family!!!

Publix- Nov 23, 2011

Today, I went to Brookshires… and I am not trying to be some snooty Floridian or anything, but I must say that I am so thankful for Publix… AHHH!!! It is so clean… everything is always so neat…. the workers are so friendly… the “buy one, get one free” weekly deals are amazing… and most of all- I am so thankful we live walking distance to a Publix!

Shopping Days with My Mom and Sister- Nov 22, 2011

OMGosh!!! I have missed these days so bad! I am so thankful for days when I get to spend time with my sister and mom. We don’t even have to go shopping, just being with them makes my day!!! I am so thankful that God has given me these two best friends, that just happen to be my mom and sister

Hunting- Nov 21, 2011

There is just something about the men in my life and hunting… Sitting in a deer stand- it just puts them in a better mood… I don’t know what it is! They don’t have to kill anything, all they have to do is go out for an hour or so before dark and they come back refreshed! HAHA

We Don’t Have ESPN During Football Season- Nov 20, 2011

Yup… I said it!! I can’t stand watching football on TV! Saying that is pretty much all that plays in my parents living room when my Dad is there- I get pretty tired of it… Now come baseball season- I can have ESPN on all the time. I love Top 10 plays and I really miss watching my Rangers on ESPN, but being at home has made me realize I am glad I don’t have to watch football all the time (because I know my husband would do the same thing).

Louisiana Tech and Ruston- Nov 19, 2011

When I first went to Louisiana Tech, I didn’t like it… It was a last minute decision for me to transfer and I didn’t know many people and to be honest- it was miserable… I didn’t like Ruston… I didn’t like Tech! I didn’t like any part of it… But I have grown to LOVE it! Its weird how God can change your heart about a place. I find myself missing Ruston… Crazy to think, I know! I miss my friends… Ruston and Jonesboro friends- especially Meredith Sanders! I miss our lunch dates… I miss my old house! I miss the girls I coached and the coaches I worked with. I miss all my “pitching girls”… that in itself is something I am so grateful I got to be a part of… I’m thankful for the education department and the teachers I was able to work with… They taught me so much by example and I feel prepared me a lot for the teaching world in the short time of influence they had… When I think about Ruston about Louisiana Tech, my heart is full of thankfulness!!

We Live Driving Distance from Family- Nov 18, 2011

I know this year, I can be thankful for this… I know being a military wife- I may not always get to say that I am thankful to be living driving distance, but this year I am thankful for it and I want to take advantage of it the most I can.

Coffee- Nov 17, 2011

Yes… I am Laurie McGowan’s daughter and I am SOOO THANKFUL for coffee… It is best in the morning with my previous post… There is something about meeting with Jesus and sipping on my morning cup that just starts my day off right! :)

Quiet time in the morning- Nov 16, 2011

It is amazing what this does to me when I make sure to take time to do it.  On the mornings I don’t have my quiet time, it just seems like I don’t have patience for anyone of I just feel like I am going through my day rushed. Usually when I don’t have my quiet time, it because “I am in a hurry”… Well, I never get that time back! Its like when I make time for it, God multiplies my time and I am so much more productive.

Bachelors Degree- Nov 15, 2011

I am officially FINISHED WITH SCHOOL!!!!! And I am so very thankful! Now… onto my masters!!! Bring it on! :)

Transportation-Nov 14, 2011

I am so thankful that Chip and I both have vehicles that get us from Point A to Point B…  We have had little things come up with our vehicles lately, and we find ourselves getting frustrated, but really- we have it good and I don’t want to take that for granted. 

Health-Nov 13, 2011

I am so thankful for our health.  It is something everybody takes for granted unless something goes wrong, but I want to be thankful for my health right now and everyday. 

Nature- Nov 12, 2011

During our weekend of camping, we saw so many beautiful things.  I honestly feel closest to God when I am outside enjoying nature.  Whether it be in the daytime to see all of the pretty leaf colors or at night to see the stars, I am awed by God every time. I think of the song by Chris Tomin called Indescribable… where it talks about God is so big… He puts the stars in the sky and He knows them by name, but at the end of the song it says “Incomparable, unchangeable… You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same- YOU ARE AMAZING GOD!!” To think that this God that is so big that He put everything in existence, yet He still knows me just as I am and loves me?!?! That’s crazy to me, but I am so thankful!

Roof Over My Head- Nov 11, 2011

So on November 11, 2011 I woke up so thankful that I have a roof over my head that I get to sleep under every night. On November 10, Chip and I went to northern Alabama to Desoto State Park to camp with our friends Keith and Candace.  This was my very first camping experience and since Chip had to work, I was in charge of packing everything. Lets just say… I didn’t know what I was doing and I didn’t prepare enough. To sleep on top of, I just brought 2 thin blankets and a sleeping bag (since we only had one sleeping bag, we figured it would be better cushion). Then to cover up, we had 2 big blankets. Which that might sound nice and all, but when it is below freezing- it is not enough! I literally could not feel my toes and I was miserable. Chip finally ended me up zipping up the sleeping bag and warmed up 4 hand warmers for me. I felt like I went into hibernation. I usually HATE my head being under the covers where I cant breath fresh air, but I didn’t even care! It kept me warm. The second night- I was much more prepared with layers and layers of clothes on and ::cough:: (Chip bought a space heater for me) ::cough::….. But at least it was much more fun! Right?

SOOOO all this to say- I am so thankful that I have a roof over my head every night and have a comfy bed to crawl into every night. That is something I know I take for granted because it is something I have always had my whole life, but there are so many people that go without that every single night in even worse weather conditions.

United States Marine Corps- Nov 10, 2011

Okay…. So I am really late and catching up on a lot of things I am thankful for, but I have been keeping up with them each day. For November 9, 2011- I am so thankful for the United States Marine Corps. On this day, they celebrated their 236^th birthday.  Two weekends ago (2-5-11), Chip and I went to USMC Birthday Ball.  I went to my first ball last year and it is such an awesome experience, I honestly didn’t think that this year wasn’t going to top it, BUT it did.  The guest of honor/speaker was the commandant of the Marine Corps, General Amos.  It was so cool to see him stand up in front of all the Marines and pretty much just rave about all the accomplishments the Marines have done over the years.  They showed a video from when the Marine Corps started and how it has progressed over the years.  So as this video went on, it started showing footage of the Korean War. While the video was playing, a quote from Major General Frank E. Lowe came on and he said:

“The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight!”

That was my Peepaw… When I heard that, I felt so proud. Of course, when we look at our grandparents now, we see how life has taken a toll on their older bodies, but we so often forget all of the things they have done so we can have what we do.  For me, my Peepaw (just like so many other Marines) fought so that we can have the freedom we do and I am so appreciative for that. 

As I was at the Marine Corps ball, I looked around and you have all of these guys (and girls) that are motivated to do the job that is before them- serve their country.  I am proud to be not only a USMC granddaughter, but more importantly- USMC wife!

Happy Birthday USMC!! 

Things to be Thankful For- Nov 9, 2011

Nov 9, 2011

So today's blog might be a little different, but after mine and Chip's devotional time last night, I have to get this off my chest because it is something that was such a simple revelation for both of us. Today what I am thankful for is that I have SO much to be thankful for... Last night after our friends left for dinner, Chip and I were talking and we hadn't had devotional time together in a while and we both felt like we needed it... So we pulled out his devotional that I gave him as one of his birthday presents for his "Birthday Week" and we opened it up to Day One... It was about prayer. The devotional for each day has an actual devotional part, quotes about the topic from people, and then a whole page of scriptures. So as we were reading there was one quote that really struck home for me and Chip both... 

"Prayer shouldn't be casual or sporadic, dictated only by the needs of the moment. Prayer should be as much a part of our lives as breathing." -Billy Graham

I know Chip and I are not the only two people that feel that our prayers consists of these qualities sometimes! Right? We feel that our prayers so much of the time are "God, help me with this..", "God, heal this person...", "God, protect me from this..." SO WHATS MISSING? Philippians 4:6 says:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Yes, the Bible tells us to present our requests to God, but have we thanked Him for everything else leading up to this point? So often times we come to God and ask, ask, ask... but we never just say "Thanks!" How much would our perspective change if this was the mindset that we had? ...if we could honestly go before God and just say thank You without asking for anything back! And lets be honest- theres not many people who NEED anything else in their life- we don't! Yes, there are things that we might want, but nothing we need. If you have a place to sleep and food to eat, you don't NEED anything either! So what if we changed those prayers? What if they went from:

"God, I need financial breakthrough" to "God, thank You for being my Provider and never leaving me" 

"God, heal (person's name)" to "God, thank You for the life they have had up to this point and the people they have touched"

"God, I need direction in this area" to "God, thank You for all the times you have guided me, I completely trust You now."

Am I saying it is wrong to pray for direction or discernment in situations? Or asking for God to heal a person? NO, NOT AT ALL!!!!! But when we pray- thinking we know how the outcome should be... We aren't fully entrusting God with the situation, because we already have "the solution" planned out! And then what if "our solution" isn't the solution God intended at all? Do we blame him for not coming through? 

So I dare you to change your perspective... Instead of asking God, thank God! We all have so much to be thankful for... Lets not take it for granted another day!!!

Thank You, Jesus for giving us so much to be thankful for!

Freedom- Nov 8, 2011

Nov 8, 2011

Today, I am thankful for freedom! I am thankful most of all- for the freedom that I have through Jesus!! I am so thankful that there is no condemnation in Him and that my past is in the past and it is no longer held over my head... instead its my testimony! What amazes me (which I know I kind of talked about this already in Day One) is that Jesus voluntarily gave His life... He had the power to stop it, but didn't because he wants us to have FREEDOM in Him!

I also am so thankful for the freedom that I have in the country I live in... The freedom that people have died for so we can have... I am thankful for the people who serve now (knowing they are putting themselves in harms way, yet still want to serve)- People like that are my heros! Being married to a Marine has given me a whole new aspect of the freedom we have! Not only do I appreciate freedom so much more, but it has opened my eyes to those people who take it for granted. It is so easy to take it for granted when it is "just the way we have always lived", but what people don't realize is that the ground work has been laid for us, but we just think we can sit back and enjoy the ride! We have the freedom we have, because there were people who took a stand for what they believed. There were people who would fight for what they stood for. There is a video they show at the Fourth of July service at Shreveport Community Church, and the first time I saw it I was shocked.... Its a video of quotes from the men who established our freedom here in the United States such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, etc. and it just shows you how America's priorities have gotten so mixed up! They came to this land so they could have freedom to serve Jesus Christ... and they bluntly said just that! How sad is it that people cant say that anymore because they are afraid to step on somebody else's toes?! 

Heres the video... (Disregard that is says "Preview" on the video- I dont know why it has that...)

In Their Own Words

Our New Church Family- Nov 7, 2011

Nov 7, 2011

So I am very excited about this "Thankful Blog Post" because it is something we have been praying for for a while! We have really wanted to find a great "church home"- somewhere we can really get plugged in... somewhere that doesn't keep church in between 4 walls and actually goes out to *be the church*... somewhere that doesn't just have a guy in a suit getting behind a pulpit and giving an inspirational speech every Sunday... somewhere that lets the Holy Spirit lead the service... We wanted the Bible!! We wanted somewhere that would push us and honestly step on our toes, somewhere that would push us out of our comfort zones! When Chip and I started church hunting, we didn't know exactly how to put into words what we wanted, but we knew as soon as we left the service of the church that God wanted us at- we would know! And that is exactly how it was! We went to 4 different churches before we found "our church" and they were all different. Some big, some small, some very traditional, some very charismatic... And when we would leave- we didn't want to be critical of the churches, because everybody has a different worship style, and "whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:40)... and who are we to judge- ya know?! But when we would leave, we would both look at each other and just say "This isn't it..." Well, when we left Liberty Church North Campus one Sunday morning it was totally different... We just looked at each other and smiled... We both knew! 

It has been such a blessing because Liberty is all about "being the church"... Just since we have been there, they have something almost every weekend for either the homeless, the firemen and policemen of Pensacola, booths to help volunteer at different Christian organizations in Pensacola, etc. I have recently gotten plugged in on Thursdays (with some other wives of the church) to volunteer at the church doing different things they need. They constantly have ways of getting connected. Last night they had a huge connect group (for people who are new to the church or just want to meet people from the church)... They had wings, side dishes, and desserts and it was just a big "get together" for the people of the church to get aquatinted. It was perfect for Chip and me because when we first walked in, we knew a handful of people... but by the time we left, we had met several other people and couples. 

We are so incredibly blessed with our new church home! We love it and we are so THANKFUL!!!!

If yall want to check out our new church home, here is the link- We are at the North Campus!

Liberty Church Link

Nieces and Nephews- Nov 6, 2011

Nov 6, 2011

So as of right now, all we have are one niece and one nephew... and I know that there will be many more to come, but I am so thankful for the two I have!  Just talking to them makes my whole day.  People say you don't know love until you have kids of your own, and if thats the case... I can't even imagine!  I pray over those kids all the time and when I see them hurt- my heart literally breaks. I love Kynsie and Hudson like they are my own two children. Kynsie is the funniest little girl... She has a sense of humor like BOTH of her parents and it is so funny how a child can be so much like her mom, yet so much like her dad! Hudson is growing so much every single time I talk to him or see him over Skype. He probably gets so tired of me saying "Hudson, say this.. or Hudson say that..." but I cant get enough. When we came in town over Columbus Day weekend, seeing them was the highlight for me! But they change so much in such a short amount of time! I am so thankful for my niece and nephew for a lot of reasons... One, because I get to play and have fun with them, but at the end of the day, they go back to their parents... Two, because I feel like it somewhat prepares me for when I have children of my own (praying for them, seeing how they are and how they act, etc.)... and lastly, because they bring that childlike joy and there is nothing like it! So... I will end on this- Mike, Molly, Natalie, and Chris... I am ready for another one anytime now! Thanks! :)))) HAHA

Friends- Nov 5, 2011

Nov 5, 2011


"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." -C.S. Lewis

I so thankful for the friends we have... Not only the friends we had before we got married, but the people God is placing in our lives now. Chip and I know we are so blessed because if we ever needed anything, we know that we have friends that would drop whatever they had to help us and we would do the same for them too! Our closest friends are definitely our bridal party, but God has been so faithful... When we first moved to Pensacola, we prayed for "couple friends" who we would have things in common with and God hasn't ceased to amaze us! Thank You, Jesus for friendships that we have had for a long time, friendships that we have just made, and friendships that we will have in the future! May they be friendships that will last a lifetime! 

Parents- Nov 3, 2011

Nov 3, 2011

"Train up a child in the way it should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

This verse is perfect for Chip and me.  We are not/nor have we been perfect, yet there is one thing that stays strong... We were trained up by parents that raised their children in the fear of God and even through there have been times where we have veered, we have been drawn back every time! Of course, back to Day One of Thankfulness- it all starts with God's grace... But who taught us about Gods grace? Who taught us about everything we know? Both of our mom's serve their husband just like the Word says. Both of our Dad's are amazing leaders of their households. What better example can we follow than that of our parents?

One day when me and Chip decide to start our own little family, it is so reassuring knowing that I have two sets of parents that would literally do anything for us, but really- they have already done so much! They have laid a foundation of how we want to raise our kids. They have taught us things that we want to do and things we don't want to do... But we have learned SO MUCH from them! We are so thankful for yall!!

Thank You, Jesus for amazing parents!

A picture worth a thousand words!

Siblings- Nov 4,2011

Nov 4, 2011

I am so thankful for the siblings we have. I'm gonna first start with mine... Emily and Matt have been my best friends through whatever stage of life I was in... I am 10 years younger than Emily and 8 years younger than Matt and even when I was the little annoying sister, I never felt like I bothered them. They would let me "hang around" (aka- pester) them and their friends, but they never acted annoyed by it. Emily is Emily... I have always looked up to her because she is who she is! You see what you get... She has such a level head on her shoulders and doesn't do anything for others approval... She is confident in who she is and I admire that! As I have gotten older, I am so thankful our sisterhood has turned more into best friends! Matt is one of the strongest people I know... Literally and mentally! When me and Chip wrestle, he talks about how feisty I am... (But all thanks to Matt for teaching me all the wrestling moves growing up HAHA)! Matt has been through so much, but he has also overcame so much! God has amazing plans for him and I can't help but think of him as my my hero! Bart is my brother in law, but since he has been around since I was 5, he is just like a brother! He is the best husband to my sister and the best daddy to my precious niece and nephew! :)

For Chip's siblings, I have always wanted little brothers and sisters.... Little did I know I was going to get married and have A LOT of younger and older sisters and another brother. I love it!!! Of course I thank God all the time for the husband I have... But I also thank God for the family I married into!! All of them are amazing and I feel like its a family I have been a part of my whole life! I am so thankful for Natalie and Molly... They not only have become sisters to me, but I consider them really great friends! I wish we lived closer because I would love to hang out with them a lot more! I am also thankful for their husbands... They are so fun, and sweet, and treat their wives like queens (which makes things a lot easier since I'm married to the protective brother)!! No.. but really- we have so much fun with M&M and Nat&Chris and we really do wish we could see them all more! I am so thankful for Lana and Colleen... I have enjoyed watching and playing volleyball with them! I first met them when Chip and I first started hanging out and we went to one of their games to watch them and Lilia! I was so intimidated to meet all of these "protective sisters" all at once, but they are the sweetest girls I know! They are also some of the boldest girls I know... Whichever college Lana and Colleen decide- they will make a huge impact and I cant wait to hear about it! I am so thankful for Lilia and Dakota! The Rose family just wouldn't be complete without them... and definitely family volleyball games wouldn't be complete! :) They are such athletes!!! Lilia comes off to be shy and quiet, but I have come to find she is one of the funniest girls... and talk about feisty! This girl definitely is and I love it! :) Dakota has so much energy and I am so proud of the man he is growing into be... I know God has an awesome plan for him! His testimony is going to touch many lives- I know it! :)

Thank You, Lord for brothers and sisters! People who we can always count as best friends and family all in one!!! I am so thankful for every single one of you!! I LOVE YALL!!

My Husband- Nov 2, 2011

Nov 2, 2011

My husband... Wow! Where do I even start? We have been married for almost 3 months and I can't believe all the things we have learned together in that short amount of time... As most of you know, we went from having a long distance relationship since the week after he asked me to be his girlfriend until we got married! HA! So being engaged after 3 1/2 months of being his girlfriend and then being his wife 6 1/2 months after that was an all God thing! Now we are married and live away from family and to be honest... I wouldn't have changed anything! Any of you who know me know I'm so close with my family and it's been hard to be away from them, but when I'm with Chip- I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!! God has shown me a whole new aspect of love through Chip.... A completely selfless, unconditional, growing love! He is one of the most humble, selfless, sweetest human beings I have ever met... But he is also so confident, strong, and so manly!!! I mean I know in biased... But God blessed me with the real deal as my husband!! Just like I talked about in my "Day One of Thankfulness"- Chip and I look at our relationship as a product of God's grace! I don't feel like I deserve him whatsoever and he says the same about me! God has completely blessed us with so much and I never want to take any of it for granted! I cannot wait to grow old with Chip Rose! I can't wait to go on this adventure of life with him!! I am so blessed! THANK YOU GOD for my amazing husband!!

The day he asked me to be his girlfriend....

The day he asked me to be his wife...

The day I became Mrs. Rose.... :))

God's Grace- Nov 1, 2011

So I know that some people recap one thing they are thankful each day in the month of November since it is Thanksgiving month and I am going to do just that on the blog... 

November 1, 2011

Today, as I was trying to think about all the things I am thankful for and trying to figure out what I was going to post on the blog for the very first day- the ONLY thing that kept coming to my mind was God's Grace! Wow... How those two words, that one act has changed me! As I look at my life and what I have been blessed with, each thing has one common denominator- each situation has one common link that is the foundation for them all.... They wouldn't be possible without the grace that God has poured out over my life. As I look back on my life and I see all the times I have failed God... how I have let Him down time after time again, yet He still wants me- I don't get it! John Bevere says it best- 

"Mercy is when we don't get what we deserve... Grace is when we get what we don't deserve..." 

Go ahead, read over it again... Do it a couple of times!!! How humbling is that?? Being married and even though we were raised along the same lines, Chip has also showed me a whole other aspect of God! I have seen true humility through my husband... We were talking one night about all the things and situations God has saved us from and as we were talking, he got choked up because of how thankful he was that God has saved him from all of it... It wasn't that I wasn't thankful for what God did, but I had taken it for granted. For so long I looked at my relationship with God as "I was the one who asked God to come into my heart", or "I'm the one who deciding to live my life for Him"... Do you see the common word? "I, I, I..." Which with my mindset like that- it caused mine and God's relationship to be focused on "me, me, me..." Whats wrong with that picture? EVERYTHING! When I thought like that, I was belittling what my God did!! Not only what He did, but what He did knowing I was going to fail Him over and over again...

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8

So think about the worst thing in your life.... Yeah- it's hard to think about, BUT do it! As a human when I think about the worst things in my life that I have done- a sick feeling comes to my stomach! Not God though... When He was being beat to death- He knew exactly what we were going to do and exactly how we would fail Him... Instead of a feeling of disgust coming over Him, a feeling of unconditional love came over Him! That love is what took Him to the cross! He was Jesus... He had power to do anything! He could have easily broken out of the chains he could have easily gotten out of the situation of dying, but He didn't! He was thinking about YOU! He was thinking about ME! He wanted us to be whole... He wanted us to be healed!

"He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole, He was whipped so we could be healed." -Isaiah 53:5

When you think about the things you have done that you regret, if you let condemnation creep in- you are belittling what God did for you! He did what He did so you would feel LOVED! I am putting a video up and I am going to forewarn... It is graphic! Its from the movie The Passion... As you watch it, think about the things you have done, but think that while Jesus went through what He did- He was thinking of His Love for YOU!!!!!

So Long Overdue... Our Weekend Back Home!

Wow... I feel like such a slacker! To give you all a summarized view of what has been going on in the last month- Here is goes:

Chip finished the academic part of API (Thank You, Lord!!!!)... All of his studying (and everybody's prayers) paid off... He did well on all of his tests and is now finishing up API... Right now, we are kind of in a little break of studying...  So we are getting in a lot more days of playing outside, watching movies, and sitting down enjoying meals together without having to be rushed.  I am not going to lie and say that the "hardcore time of studying" for him was easy on me because it wasn't sometimes, but it has definitely made me appreciate the times we have right now so much more! And I have been completely blessed with a husband that knows it's not the easiest situation and makes it the very best for me while still staying focused to do what he does everyday!

Also, Chip was a birthday boy this past Friday (10/28) and we celebrated his birthday a whole week (a blog post about it coming soon)!

Christopher Columbus let us have a 4 day weekend where we were able to go in a see our families. It was so great being able to see everybody. We were able to surprise Dakota (Chip's brother) at his volleyball game and Kysnie (my niece) at her soccer game, but everybody else knew we were coming! We had so much fun and of course the weekend FLEW by, but here's a few pictures to recap! :)