7 Quick Takes (Volume 150)--The Glorious 25th Anniversary Extravaganza Edition

As I'm sure you've gathered by now, Kevin and I had a WONDERFUL time on our anniversary cruise. SO AWESOME! We'll be "feeling the love" from this trip for a long time.

1) Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before and weren't sure what to expect. We were pleased with our room.










The best suggestion anyone gave us was to spring for the balcony room (Perfect call, Mark and Rachelle--THANKS!) and we loved it.










2) Our first port was Key West, where we enjoyed a bicycle tour of the island.



We saw Ernest Hemingway's house, Truman's Little White House and got a picture at the southernmost point of the United States.



We ended our time there with a slice of key lime pie, of course, and a little shopping.

3) Tuesday was our first full day at sea and we took advantage of having nothing to do by laying out on the deck, snoozing in the sun. We were only out there maybe an hour and a half tops, but as the day wore on, Kevin got redder and redder and redder. The poor guy got fried, as evidenced by this picture taken that night, our first formal dinner evening.



Come Saturday he started to peel and we're talking MAJOR peel. It started on his back, moved to his shoulders, his arms, his chest, his stomach. Think lizard shedding his skin and you've got a better idea. He's STILL at it and it's been over a week! Needless to say, he smothered himself in sunscreen and wore a shirt whenever we were out in the sun for the rest of the week!

4) Grand Cayman on Wednesday brought our parasailing adventure.



Grand Cayman is also known for its clear blue water and white sand at Seven Mile Beach.



The weather was picture perfect while we were there. Doesn't it make you want to sigh?



5) In Jamaica we climbed Dunn's River Falls which was a complete blast. Here's a clip of what it looks like. I don't know what happened to the sound on this clip, but this gives you an idea. If you look closely through the trees at the bottom of the falls, you'll see where people are entering.




We would stop along the way for photo opps. This was my favorite.




I couldn't end the clip where I wanted to. I love this shot. Too bad it's blurry.



After conquering the Falls, we boarded the Sky Explorer for a trek above and through the rain forest.






Talk about spectacular views!



Here's our ship--Carnival Freedom.



6) Friday was another at sea day. We slept in, watched movies, ordered room service and ate lunch on our balcony. After lunch we tried a disco dance class. Think John Travolta and Saturday night fever. I'm pretty sure Kevin did this just to humor me which made it so funny when the instructor called him to the front of the stage to help the rest of us when she decided we were ready to do the dance on our own. People were filing into the theater for the next event and there he was leading the pack. The next day when we got to the airport, a guy in front of us turned around and said, "Hey, it's Mr. Disco!"

It was amazing to us that on a ship of 3000 passengers and another thousand workers, we were still able to find private areas outside of our room. On our last night at sea we found a peaceful spot on the front deck of the ship and watched the sun go down.



7) It was a SUPERB getaway. One we will always treasure. But the best part? I come home and LIVE with this guy.



Love you babe! So much. Thanks for a fantastic time.



And there you have it, the Glorious 25th Anniversary Extravaganza in a nutshell. Hope you enjoyed it. See what happened in other people's lives by checking out more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

25 YEARS

I lay awake, listening to him sleep. Turning to my side to face him, I can't help but smile. This man makes me laugh. This man believes in me. This man provides and comforts, protects and inspires. He makes me proud, happy. He holds me, melts me, takes my breath away.

And for twenty-five years I've had the privilege of ending every day like this, in the sanctuary of this bed, next to this man who loves me like no other.

I am a blessed woman.

He's been there for everything--good, bad, exhilarating, crushing--yet right now, in the quiet of night, listening to him sleep, this ordinary moment seems just as sacred, as definitive of us as any other. This daily ritual defines us as man and wife. Twenty-five years are built one day at a time, moment by intimate moment, some tough, some thrilling, some completely mundane, ALL contributing to a lifetime together.

Simple actions, like the way he slides his hand down my hip when walking past, stack a brick onto the wall of us. Hugs in the kitchen, me nuzzling his neck to catch a glorious whiff of him or the way he smiles when I walk into church, add another. We're made stronger with nights stretching into the wee hours of the morning, laying in bed, our limbs tangled together, talking about life and God and dreams. I rest secure in the comfort of his strong hand enveloping mine and his satisfying belly laughs at my silly comments. We are solidified by kisses coming mid sentence and knowing glances and whispers in my ear without regard for who is watching.

It has taken time to get here, time and experience and patience and prayer. Our early years were good, but now is better. Much better. Now is experienced and seasoned and learned. Now is passionate and comfortable and secure. Now is home.

"What God has joined together, let no man separate." I recognize His touch in our marriage, the joining of two imperfect, selfish people in a way that can only be explained by God's intervention. I see it. I welcome it. I am in awe.

God has loved me very well through my husband. And as I lay here, watching him sleep, tears slide into my pillow out of overwhelming gratitude for a man who models unconditional love and faithfulness.

And for a God who gives very good gifts.


Happy 25th Anniversary, my dear sweet Kevin. You make me happy. You make me better. You show me God. I love you so very much. Thank you for 25 fantastic years.



Related Links:

The Crazy Way We Met
On The Way to Us
Our Wedding
Our Honeymoon: Enough Memories to Last a Lifetime
Happy Anniversary
Still
Two As One
Twenty-Four Years

A Bloggiversary!

Five years ago today, FIVE YEARS AGO!, The Next Step was born. For five years people have been reading my mind here, discovering my flaws, hearing way more information than they ever wanted to know about my family.

WHY?!

I started this blog in response to God's nudging. You can read that story by clicking here. I had no idea what I was doing. I only knew I was supposed to do it. I could never have predicted my first post would set the tone for years to come, articulating my goal in this blogging adventure. I want to point people to God. Though I've tried not to make it all about me, I know the nature of the medium brings attention to the writer. I pray you are able to look past me and see God working in an ordinary woman. I hope by reading my thoughts you see how He fits into everyday, ugly, real life.

Over 800 posts later, I still have no idea what I'm doing, but I've discovered we humans are alike in many ways. As I admit to my struggles, others chime in to say I'm not alone, that they struggle too. When I open up about my fears and weaknesses and anxieties, I find others battle the same way. Being transparent and vulnerable gives others permission to do the same and suddenly there is relief among us all. I love that. If the time I spend here helps us relate to each other better and enables us to be who we really are, it is time very well spent.

I know it sounds weird, but sometimes I think I can sense the people who read this blog, even if they've never said anything. They carry a knowing smile. They look at me differently. They react softer to me, like they have a better idea of who I am. It's like they know my demons and how I fight them and have some kind of respect for me, though they have little contact with me in person. Because I put it all out there, they have better understanding. I wish everybody could know that feeling, to be given that benefit of the doubt.

Hmmm, want to start a blog and share your guts? I'd read it!

I would be remiss if I didn't thank you, the person reading these words right now. It baffles me why you come back day after day to read my babbling, but I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with you. I often feel sad I don't get to know you the way you know me. Be assured your thoughtful comments are treasured. They matter. They spur me on. They affirm God's nudging. If this blog has any effect on any lives, you have a huge part in it. Thank you for giving me permission to be who I am and somehow accepting me for it.

I could never have predicted five years ago I would have so much to say, especially since I spend many days staring at a blank screen wondering what in the world I'll talk about. But as I faithfully approach my computer, God faithfully brings the words and the courage to put them out there. So I must thank Him, for not giving me an out, for stretching me and teaching me about trust and discipline, for showing me vulnerability not only opens me up for hurt, but also for authentic, satisfying interaction.

He has been good to me. If you read this blog consistently, I hope you see that. And I hope you see that He is good to you too. Thanks for joining me on this journey.

Soli deo Gloria.

To God be the glory.

25 Years Ago Today

Twenty-five years ago today, I dropped, face first, into the couch, exhausted, wishing the day could be over. For some reason, Kevin decided we needed to stop at his parents' house before driving back to campus, but his parents left to get gas and run to the post office (who runs errands on Sunday nights?). We were stuck there waiting for them. I was annoyed. And crabby. And tired.

Kevin kneeled on the floor next to my head, trying to brush the hair away from my face. I let him know my annoyance and didn't respond.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yeah," I answered, my face still firmly planted into the couch. I wasn't making it easy on him.

Undaunted, he drew close to my ear and spoke softly.

"Will you marry me?"

I thought he was dreaming. We'd talked about getting married, but being poor college students, it seemed a far off proposition. Why toy with my heart now, when all I wanted to do was get home and go to bed? Why bring it up again and rub salt in the wound? I didn't even look at him as I said, "I am really NOT in the mood for this tonight."

"No, really," he said, backing away, "I have a ring and everything!"

I turned my head to see him on one knee holding an engagement ring.

Guess who perked up pretty fast?

Thus began our adventure of being yoked. The poor guy should have known what he was getting into, right? Yet somehow he is able to look beyond my faults and love me completely. What a tremendous blessing he's been.


To my dear, sweet, wonderful husband--how I love you! I appreciate the selfless love you consistently give, even when I act as ugly as the day you asked me to marry you. Thanks for asking. Thanks for putting up with my moods. Thank you for joining me in life's journey and making the ride pure joy. I can't, and don't want to, imagine life without you. I love you!

For My Other Mom and Dad

His fingers are so thick, he would have trouble hitting one key at a time on the piano. Hers are petite, requiring a size 3 ring for her pinkie and perfectly manicured. Their hands are evidence of the striking contrasts between them and yet they've been entwined for 50 years today.

50 years. A lifetime.

My husband's parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary today. Fifty years of knowing who would greet them at the end of a long day. Fifty years of gritting their teeth and pushing through. Fifty years of having someone in their corner. Fifty years of putting someone else's needs ahead of their own. Fifty years of tense moments in hospital waiting rooms and pinching pennies and waiting on each other. Fifty years of a constant, comforting presence in bed each night.

It is a milestone and a blessing, not only for them, but for those who know and love them. We are the better for their example, for making it look easy even when it wasn't. They are a lamp post saying, "Yes, it can be done. Things can get better. There is reward for a life lived right." So we celebrate with them. We raise our glasses high and say "Cheers!" And we bow low in humble gratitude for the God who made it all happen.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. Thank you for your tremendous example. You impact the lives of many, many people and have enriched mine in countless ways. You are truly special people. I am proud and honored to call you my family. May God bless us all with many more years of your union. I love you.


Visit Sting My Heart to read other Thankful Thursday posts.

Still

He still holds my hand.

He still laughs at the stupid things I say.

His clothes still can't find the hamper.

He still asks for my opinion.

I still can't listen to him eat cereal.

He still smiles when I enter a room.

Having our conversations interrupted by the kids still annoys him.

He still tells me I think too much.

He still listens as I think out loud.

Laundry is still a mystery to him.

Each day still brings "I love you"s.

He still won't eat seafood or Chinese.

We still go to Red Lobster for my birthday.

His tender kisses still send shivers through me, making me catch my breath.

I am still in love.

Happy Anniversary, honey. I still love being married to you.




For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Sting My Heart.

Thank you, Kara, for the picture!

A Bloggy Anniversary

It was one year ago today I published my first post. I was a real novice when I started this blog. I knew very little about the blogging world, but came to it with one of the clearest instructions from God I have ever heard. He hit me over the head with the proverbial hammer and put a megaphone to my ear! So I read Blogging for Dummies (Seriously, I really did. This book does exist!), took a deep breath and dove in.

Unfortunately for you guys, this past year has been a particularly difficult one for me emotionally and spiritually. You have watched me grieve the loss of my dad and probably saw more downs than is usual for me. Last September I nearly gave up blogging when I realized the scrutiny and misunderstanding that can go along with people reading your words without hearing your tone or seeing your body language. I wanted to quit, but there was that pesky problem of God reminding me how clear His direction was. You can't tell God no, not if you love Him like I do and God, true to His form, taught me so much when I sucked it up and pressed on.

He taught me He does answer prayers, like mine to make me humble (although this one has hurt a lot!). He has taught me about perseverance and discipline. He has brought home the point that He is God and it is irrelevant whether I comprehend what He is doing. He says I have a distinct voice (so do you, by the way) and I need to be me, the person He uniquely created (again, are you hearing this for yourself?), no matter who understands. He has sent people, some I have never met, who absolutely "get" me and spur me along. He has shown me I can't keep silent about Him and His ways. Even if I try, my insides can't hold it all in as I see God do His thing. I will never be done learning and that is exciting.

So, my blogging public (?!), I guess I should thank you for coming along on this ride with me. I try not to be self-indulgent here, but I'm afraid I am sometimes. Forgive me. I figure if I am thinking and feeling the things I do, there may be someone else who is too and needs to know they are not alone. (I felt better about this when I read a ranting by Beth Moore yesterday, confirming to me that everyone has bad days and sharing them helps us all.) I want people to see how God works in the dark times as well as the happy ones. My heart's desire is that those who read this blog are pointed to God, with their joy, their sorrow, in the good AND the bad.

I'm not sure why God has called me to this blogging adventure, but I WILL heed His voice. I pray that His purposes are fulfilled. I pray He takes my words and makes them something that will encourage, inspire, make people think and bring them a chuckle now and then. I will uphold my end of the bargain, coming to the computer, and trust Him to do the rest.