Lazy Sunday Afternoons

I started this blog, this new blog, to record my experiences as a wife. Original, eh? Well, I'll worry about the 'about me' part of the blog in a bit and I will dive right in with my proposed intention of this blog.

The name "Out of the Dust" is taken from a lyric from the Gungor song, "Beautiful Things." I am not going to sit here and tell you my life is worse than anyone could imagine. I've had my moments of sadness, not only behind closed doors, but also behind glass eyes (I have also had moments of incredible joy!). Sometimes I go through what seems an entire day, just choking back tears. Sometimes my emotions creep up on me and I lose the battle of control. Actually, I seem to do that a LOT. It gives me chills because I really am such a wreck on my own. It's heart breaking. The twist, though, is that I have hope. I am never alone, I am never giving up, and I am never backing down. I've got God on my side. And that is a magnificent feeling.

For years, probably close to a decade, I felt like no one understood me (typical teenage thoughts, I guess). My parents were out to make my life miserable. Guys always liked the prettier, skinnier girls. I wasn't good enough to make it into the advanced mixed choir senior year of high school. Every dream I had was crushed, or so I thought. Guys ran away, my parents were constantly disappointed, but more than anything: I was disappointed in myself. I resented myself. I would never be good enough, thin enough, talented enough, pretty enough. It was never enough. In some people's eyes, maybe it never will be. But I have GRACE! And THAT will always be sufficient.

We were married on May 19, 2012. It was a rainy day, but it was beautiful. We were surrounded by love, laughter, support, and most importantly: each other. We vowed our lives to each other, and we vowed to keep our Savior in the very center of our marriage, each and every day. Regardless of the fights, the slammed doors, the 'leave me alones', and the broken hearts, at the end of the day, we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus has us in His powerful hands. We are so blessed to be breathing! I wish I could know this when I lose sight of how GOOD we really have it. Life is not about things, or money, or how talented we are, or how much we have. In fact, it's not about US at all. It is about living the life God has intended for us. It is about how much we serve and give of that talent. There are no words to describe the reward we receive in our very own hearts and souls from singing and playing for Jesus. It is powerful!

I invite you to jump on this wagon and discuss life, and everything that comes with it, with me on this blog, in person, over Facebook, text messaging, etc. I encourage you, my friends and family, to realize your full purpose, today and in eternity. I love all of you and I hope we can keep in touch, even though I am far from many of you.

Now to wake up my sweet husband (of 3 weeks and 1 day!) so we can enjoy the rest of our lazy Sunday afternoon. :) Be blessed, sweet friends.

The happy couple! 5/19/12