offended

This morning I was doing my Bible study, and I read the passage Matthew 11:1-19. This is where John the Baptist sends some of his disciples (he's in prison) to ask Jesus if he really is the Son of God, the one who was prophesied about. Verse six specifically caught my attention during this study. I was reading NIV, but ESV has a good version of this verse, too. It says, "And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." My Bible study talked about the various meanings of the Greek word for offended. The one that applies to this verse is "to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey."

Okay, that first paragraph was really wordy, but now I'm just going to explain why that's so cool to me. I'm going to go through hard and difficult times--times that challenge my faith. This verse says blessed is the one that goes through those faith-challenging times and still continues to believe. That was pretty awesome for me to read today. God's not always going to answer my prayers the way that I want him to. Sometimes he says yes, and sometimes he says no. But through it all, I can continue to have faith in the one who sees the big picture, the one who sees my life-mission.

cry

I am constantly crying. I just started this Bible study about two to three weeks ago, and every time I pray I cry. Every time I read scripture I cry. Every time I read something sentimental I cry.

God knows my tears. Psalm 126:5 says, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." I can't help but think my song of joy is coming. I think God is softening my heart so I can be used by Him. I'm so thankful that I see a change in myself. I'm so thankful that I'm seeing less of myself and more of my Jesus.

hair

I think I want a haircut. I always say that, but I never actually follow through and get it cut short. But I really think I want to cut it off this time. Except I didn't put it in the budget this month. So it might have to wait until the first of August. I'm pretty sure it's coming off though.

pb

So, I should no longer buy peanut butter. I LOVE peanut butter. I can eat spoonful after spoonful and not think twice, except an hour later when I'm thinking, "Why did I eat that?" It's just good stuff. And no, I did not eat a whole jar. I just ate about 2 tablespoons. And also half a pb and j. And also three pb crackers. But that's all of the peanut butter that I ate-yesterday.

On another note, I had someone remind me-quite selflessly, I might add-that had it not been for a certain friend, then I never would have met my husband who has brought me so much joy (see previous blog). So, Kelli Burks, thanks for introducing me to Kyle Walker. I don't know how you knew (she told me-honestly-"If you meet him, you'll marry him."), but you obviously saw something that could be, and is, wonderful. Thank you, friend. You changed my life with your friendship but also with your "meddling". =) I love you!

yesterday

Yesterday was my fifth anniversary of being married to a wonderful man. God has truly blessed me with a husband that is compassionate, faithful, humble, kind, loving, intelligent, and good looking. (I'm sure Kyle would be disappointed if I didn't also mention that he is very strong and very fast.) Kyle is incredible. He truly cares about others and wants people to feel important and special. You can so easily see Christ in him. It's obvious that he is seeking God's heart for his life and his ministry. He makes me want to be more like Jesus. I am so proud to be his wife. Kyle is an amazing husband and man. I loved him immensely on our wedding day, but my love for him has deepened so much since then.

So, Kyle Walker, I love you. You are the man that God knew I needed to be with. You bring joy to my life. I am so glad that God has let me participate in ministry with you. I am so thankful that God has let me do life with you. Though life around us has seemed to crumble at times, my relationship with you has been steady. You have been my best friend. You have loved me at times when I'm sure I've been hard to love. I love you so much, Kyle. I can't wait to see what the future holds, known and unknown. I am so blessed to be married to you.

one more thing

My family is going to the beach this week (woo hoo!), and we always play family games. Anyone have any suggestions?

confession

I actually really like Jessica Simpson's new country single "Come On Over." I know, I know, it must be a guilty pleasure. Don't hate me because of my music choices, please. I promise I have more sophisticated taste, too. We'll just say I have rather diverse preferences in music.

That's all.