Finding Thankfulness in Suffering (a post by Leah)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have begun to reflect on thankfulness.  I know that there God has given me more blessings than I can count.  A beautiful house. A loving family. A caring husband. A goofy, fun dog. A job that I love. Wonderful students. But this fall, I have begun to struggle with suffering. Nothing big.  No more depression.  No new loss.  The kind of suffering you hate to talk about to others.  Because, let's face it, it's not that big of a deal.  A nagging stomachache.  A headache.  Days of nausea.  But, when the mysterious illness saps your energy daily and forces you to break commitments, it starts to feel like suffering.

In James, we are commanded to consider it "pure joy" to suffer.  Not because it is fun, but because we know the outcome.  I'll be honest, I'm not there yet.  But, I have found thankfulness for my suffering.  Because, in my suffering, I know that I will see my Savior's face.  Feel His presence.  Lean on Him.  For that, I am very thankful.

Thank you, Jesus, for my suffering, that I might know you more and that your glory will be revealed.

On the road again...(a post by Leah)

2500 miles.  11 states.  8 days.  3 families. 1 trip.  Countless memories. Over fall break, we took the week to road trip across the South/Midwest.  Below is a visual diary of our trip.

On the road, again!  

The capital building in Jackson, Mississippi.

Under construction! WHAT?!?

Two artworks in the Museum of Fine Art, Houston.

Playing cards in Texas.  Great times (even if Rob won!)

Nature hikes with friends.  Such fun (and adorable) company.

Road trip music.

Oklahoma City skyline at sunset.

Sculptures in OKC.  A surprisingly fun art scene.

Our hotel.  Beautiful and historic. Another 

wonderful surprise in OKC.

Kansas.  Beautiful in its simplicity.

A twisted knee and car rental.  Unrelated, but not the best start to our day.

Photo shoot!

Playing around at KU.

Sister time.

Playing around in Metropolis, IL

 Beautiful Midwest sunset.  I miss seeing this every night.

I had no idea...(a post by Leah)

I had no idea...

More than two years ago, my life was totally uprooted when Rob accepted a promotion to move to Atlanta.  A city that I only knew as hot and far, far away from all my friends and family.  With a deep desire to honor Rob, I followed.  I knew that God had something important planned in this chapter of our lives.  But, I really had no idea what was coming.

I had no idea that there were roaches down here.  Truly.  The weeks in our apartment, with no exterminator, were a little eye-opening.

I had no idea that I would suffer several minor bouts of depression that would cause me to want to stay in bed all day.  Me, a woman who is known for being entirely too cheerful at 6am every morning.

I had no idea that we would still suffer from infertility after three years.  That after multiple diagnosis, tests and medications we would make the difficult decision to stop trying to grow our family.

I had no idea the harm that infertility would cause on our seemingly wonderful "happy-ever-after" marriage.

I had no idea I would bury my father, a man whose importance in my life cannot be expressed in words.  And, after more than a year, thinking of his death still takes my breath away.

I had no idea how God would use these trials to reveal to my own brokenness.  It is a lesson that I continue to need to learn.

I had no idea that God would use these trials to reveal Himself to me.  I had no idea how much God loved me.  That, despite my depression, anger and selfishness He still loves me.  No matter what I do.  Not because of who I am, but because of who He is.  He is a God that is constantly and continually coming alongside me.  To give me strength.  To give me love.  He is my joy and my hope.

31 Days of Valentines... (a post by Leah)

I have always enjoyed Valentine's Day, even though 25 of them I have spent single.  Growing up, my parents invited us with them to dinner on Valentine's.  And my Dad frequently bought me gifts that said things like "be my Valentine".  I always knew I was loved.  That is truly a gift.  Of course, it doesn't hurt that Sweetheart candies are some of my absolute favorites.  I mean, who doesn't love pure sugar with goofy phrases like "BFF", "U R MINE" and my personal favorite "FAX ME" (I mean really-- in what scenario is THAT romantic?).

This year for Valentine's Day, Rob has been giving me one small (and sometimes silly) gift every day for 31 days.  So far I have gotten a dozen boxes of Sweetheart candies, a Hershey's bar, a chocolate rose, M&M's, a dog-shaped pen, two necklaces, earrings, lip gloss, heart-printed Kleenexes, Band-Aids, crayon-shaped erasers, two pairs of Valentine's socks and Hershey's Kiss lip balm.

I don't say this to make other men look bad.  Or to make those without a Valentine feel lonely.  I say this because I think we all should be more committed to show appreciation for those that we love.  And to remember Him who loved us first.  "God demonstrated His love for us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  and "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." That is love.  True love.  As you enjoy (or avoid) this upcoming holiday, reflect on God's love.  It is a wonderful gift that He has given us.  And it doesn't last for just 31 days.  It is eternal.  It is unconditional.