God Gave Me You

Today marks one full year of marriage to my handsome man and too-good-to-me husband. This year has been full of ups and downs, triumphs, lessons, changes, blessings, and memories. There is plenty I learned the hard way and moments I will never, ever forget. I am blessed to call Eric, my husband. My apartment, my home. And my dog, my baby. This is what I've learned.

-It's okay to have differences in personality and opinions. We're a great team and learn from each others perspective. I'm often overly optimistic and he can be pretty realistic. I'm messy and he's a neat freak. I'm a take it as it comes girl and he's a planner. I've learned to make lists and have a plan when I need one, and he's learned to relax and smile when things get stressful.

-I will always have a number one fan. I know that Eric will support me in anything I do and will push me to do my best. I'm a great cheerleader for Eric when he has dreams and aspirations. It's a powerful thing to have someone you love on your side.

-Husbands are not mind readers. As much as I might want to deny this, I often catch myself dropping hints or thinking that Eric must know exactly what I'm feeling or thinking. Not true. And not fair, either. I've learned to realize that I can tell him anything and that I need to take advantage of that, and not assume he has other worldly mind reading powers.

-I married a sinner. And so did he. Grace is a huge part of our marriage and we both encourage, pray, and support each other when it comes to each others faults.

-Always, always tell each other the truth. I've learned the value of the truth in the little things. Leaving out the not so great details of a situation or forgetting to mention something unpleasant causes nothing but problems. We're a team. And as a team we can work through just about anything, even the bad stuff.

-Men and women are so, so different. This has been one of the hardest but simplest lessons to learn. Eric and I are wired very, very differently. He doesen't think that same way I do and operates on an entirely different kind of system than I do. And I need to continually remind myself of this.

-Gods grace is much bigger than mine. My husband is not my savior and I am not his. I've learned not to rely on him for every single one of my emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical needs. One person can only handle so much. God's shoulders can handle anything I throw at them. My husband is a human. (Another mention to those ever so absent mind reading abilities).

I am blessed beyond measure by a man who puts up with me, laughs with me, listens to me, encourages me, forgives me, and loves me. Here's to the years to come. I love you, Eric.

Love Wins // My Thoughts

Here are a few of my thoughts on Rob Bells new book: Love Wins. I finished the book over the weekend. I'd first like to point out that I really have no place diving into the theological aspects of the book - I want to re-read the book and do my homework. I also think the book is about more than that.

Also, Regardless of the topic, we should never judge a book by it’s cover, or by any preconceived notions. It grieves me that so many people are not only calling this man a heretic, but making these accusations without reading the book or really hearing what Rob Bell has to say.

Simply, I give the book five stars. I really enjoyed it.

I think he accomplishes his main goal in writing this book - he wants people to ask questions.

I like Bells writing. Its simply beautiful. He keeps things simple and straight forward.

I think it's an important read.

Do I think he is a universalist? No.

Do I think he loves Jesus & yearns for others to do the same? Yes.

Do I think he wants others to understand the relentless love that Jesus has for them? Yes.

Do I think he outrightly speaks against the existence of hell? No.*

Do I think he makes some great points in the book? Yes.

Did the book have me asking questions? Yes.

*“Do I believe in a literal hell?” he asks. “Of course.” (p.72)

That's it. The rest is for you to read and come to a conclusion on your own. From reading the book yourself - not from reading reviews or listening to the hype.

an unfaithful bride

"I will punish her for all the times she deserted me, when she burned incense to her imaged of Baal, put on her ear rings and jewels, and went out looking for her lovers," says the Lord. 

"But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her out into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. 

"In that coming day" says the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband' instead of 'my master'. O Israel, I will cause you to forget your images of Baal; ever their names will no longer be spoken... I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as Lord. 

Hosea 2:13-17, 19-20

To few and far between

So I'm sucking at keeping up this blog I spent forever making look exactly how I wanted it to. But I'm not gonna be upset about it. It's my blog and I do what I want.

I'm finally about to start working for real again and couldn't be happier. *enormous round of applause and cheering* and the weather is slowly but surely warming up. Enough to even get Eric and I outta the house to go geocaching yesterday AND two long walks with Big B. Here's to hoping it stays that way.

I leave you with a few fun finds from this week. Happy Sunday!

true. lets live it.

Love, love.

I've never been a huge fan of valentines day. I've also never hated it either. But I have to say I'm loving being married to my valentine. And I love him!

Yes, I'm done with the mush, I promise.


I got to spend time with my momma this morning before sunrise, spent the afternoon with my siblings and the dogs, got to talk to my daddy, and have had the whole evening spending time with my husband. Spaghetti Warehouse take out and Arrested Development. Perfect describes today.

Oh, and did I mention that I got the TIFFANY RING I wanted?! Yes. I die. And Eric set the bar for valentines days to come. :)

eek! who doesn't love a pretty little ring box?

um, I like.

thanks, darlin!

I hope that everyone spent some time with someone they love today!

Weekend Reboot

This weekend I'm finally getting around to reading a book I received from a dear friend right before my wedding - Love and Respect by Emerson Eggeriches. I've only worked my way through two chapters and I'm already being convicted and motivated. He teaches in the beginning on understanding how literally God is in Ephesians 5:33 - 

"And the husband must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Women - respect your husbands. I cannot stress this enough even as I am still learning the importance of this. We desire a fairytale love from our husbands and expect it without respecting them. NEWSFLASH: They desperately need our respect, just as much as we long for affection and love.  

My Dads advice to Eric and I on our wedding day was this: "Eric, remember, your bride has a short memory. When you tell her you love her, repeat it. Often. Every five minutes should do. And Trish, remember that Eric can't read minds. If you want him to know something, tell him. Out loud. Use simple words."

He said it best. I'll leave the rest for the review, as I'm still reading and definitely still learning! 

Has anyone else read this book? What did you think? Positive or negative, I would love to hear what you thought!