wow.... it's been one of those weeks so far.

you know, the ones that are fulfilling even though your body feels like it a whole day behind schedule?!

I spent Monday shopping with my little brother. let's just say it felt like we were gone for 12 days.... it was such fun.

anyway. my heart is pondering. i'm trying to figure out where exactly we're supposed to be. here's what I'm thinking:

1. God gave me one of the greatest desires of my heart on May 28th. I married the only man i ever dated, loved, and cherished. I have so desired to be a wife for SO long and now I am. I find it ironic, though, that everything I want to do as a wife has been put mostly on hold. God gave me my deepest desire, but is teaching me how to be a wife in a way OTHER than cooking and cleaning and taking care of our own place. it's interesting. I'm trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be learning (other than patience). For some reason, I believe there is another reason for this as well.

2. if I am to give everything to God, what DOES that really include? We often talk about surrendering our whole life to God. The past few weeks, I've told Him to take everything to use for His glory. I believe that we sometimes say we're surrendered, but it becomes cliche. If we really really really understand the giving everything means everything. like... money, time, thoughts, habits... everything. ou entire lives. I am in deep thought about it all the time lately. i love thinking about just giving everything to God... for His purpose, not mine... which may be another reason God hasn't given us our little house yet. maybe there's another plan that we're missing. or maybe He's just waiting til we're ready.

3. children are blessings in life. Next week i'm going to pick up Carly for an afternoon. we are going to have fun. laugh. giggle. run. jump. eat ice cream. and get dirty. i just need to see them... it's funny how one becomes so close with children and aches to see them. I think it's an exampe of the love that God has for us. It's deep, enduring (even over years and miles), real, and unlike anything else.

well, those are my thoughts and ponderings...

perhaps you need to give a little more to Jesus today?!