Get Hype

Welp, we haven't blogged since Thanksgiving...proving us slackers in the world of blogging...don't judge.

Sometimes I find I like particular customers at Starbucks more because they remind me of something/someone else. There's a man who comes in every day and orders a grande latte, light foam. Well, he reminds me of my dog growing up, Bootsie, who was the best cocker spaniel in the whole wide world! It must be the droopy brown eyes and light eyebrows. But because he reminds me of my childhood pup, I remember his drink and think "Bootsie" every. single. time.  Speaking of Starbucks, if you haven't watched the SNL video you should. Right now. It's hilarious and unfortunately true. Alright, on that note, allow me to catch you up on the last few months of 2012.

We enjoyed our first Christmas as a married couple. Jazz hands!

This is our Christmas tree. I would simply laugh every time I tried to enjoy our lights and decorations. Kind of endearing though, right?

We are still filling our new shoes as husband and wife and continue to grow in understanding. I (with Austin's help) have to fight darts of lies the enemy throws in my direction. I constantly have to keep my thoughts in check and rely heavily on God's truth. Such is life. That's why one of our new year's goals is to remind each other of Truth. It's amazing how quickly your soul settles after allowing God's truth to sink in.

A few more of our new year goals are:

-Seek out the Word of God.

-Exercise 2-3 times per week. I know, this seems so cliche, but I hardly have energy after work to exercise  So, my loving husband will work out with me so I will stay motivated. 

- Have an attitude of cheerfulness.

- Gift someone generously at least once a month for no apparent reason at all.

- Embrace a heart of peacefulness in the midst of unsteadiness. We are depending on Him to steady our prone to unsteady hearts.

Aside by Austin-

It is now almost February and I have to admit that  I have taken a liking to what we used to call techno and then called dance/electronica and now call dubstep (kind of the same genre with a different name right?). Katie and I have enjoyed a few dance parties in the living room to such music. It almost makes me want to dance as much as the banjo. Katie forgot to mention that we took a motorcycle trip to Pennsylvania when it was in the 40 degree range... a bit of fog, rain, night and not to mention 70 miles an hour of generous wind seizing your soul and trying to rip it out of your back (too graphic?). We retained our souls and our phalanges, but barely. Katie has admitted that it is funny now but it was, agreeably, altogether not at the time. Oh and did I mention that we were on the motorcycle for 9 hours in less than 24 hours? Give her a pat on the back next time you see her.

A few notes on work for those of us who put our hands to anything:
Proverbs 14:23 - In all toil there is profit...
I am seeking earnestly that profit (not financial). There is so much that God provides for others through our work whether one stays at home, raises kids, makes deals, signs contracts, builds buildings, cleans port-a-johns, makes sandwiches (sorry if I forgot your profession)...
Sure there are politics but I am finding a lot of satisfaction in the fact that I am not just playing with concrete and dealing in slabs and beams and columns and curbs; I create places for people to live and get their groceries and work. And I get to work outside (and yes it has been in the single digits on my job this week but I still kind of enjoy being outside all day in some sick sort of way... if nothing else it allows me to make war cries to stay warm and no one looks at me strange).
So my point is that all work has value and provides not for society but for actual people like you and me. So when we do our jobs well then our kids are less likely to need social workers (nothing against Katie's desired profession), we can learn from teachers, our cars work efficiently, our buildings don't fall down, our computers run at insanely high speeds, we can go to the bathroom in a clean public restroom, eat sanitary and well-prepared food, our pens work and don't just explode in our pockets, our pockets hold pens, our pants have pockets, our pants fit... yeah we need you to do your job well, whatever it is.

So I'll promise to not let my buildings fall down on you and Katie will supply the most hot and delicious and sugary concoction you can invent at Starbucks (if you're into that sort of thing).

There is no work so small that it is not cherished by God.

Get hype: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o54GvGL7sv8

Exeunt Omnes.

Tid-bits of thankfulness

This week I earnestly sought after things I'm thankful for. I wanted the very things I take for granted to be revealed to me as precious gifts.

That's my favorite part about Thanksgiving. It provokes thought and a reflective posture. It enables me to step back and give praise for all things given by our good Father above. And it makes me want to step back more often throughout the year and remember the beauty and goodness of the life He's given us.

Tid-bits of Thankfulness:

- Alright, I have to gush. My husband tickles my heart! He cares for me so well and is learning and growing in love each and every day. We entered marriage not fully knowing how to care for each other in a way that speaks love and pulls on one another's heart strings (we're still learning and I'm convinced we'll never stop). The past couple months I've experienced Austin tuning into my needs and blasting me with heart darts! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this man. 

My hair is gradually getting darker as the winter months continue to lock me indoors due to unruly cold weather. The other day I asked Austin if my hair looked "mousy." He laughed, shook his head and said "No, your hair doesn't look mousy. You look beautiful." And that was that. A few days later we were driving in the car and Austin, out of the blue, said "Katie, I want to treat you to a trip to the hair salon to color your hair." I looked at him with disbelief and thankfulness. You see, he heard me when I asked if my hair looked mousy.  He wants me to feel beautiful and see myself as he sees me. But, the funny thing is, now that he's offered I don't even want my hair colored anymore. He made me feel all the more beautiful by caring and loving me so well. I am thankful for my husband. 

- Austin and I traveled to my parent's house for Thanksgiving this year. My mom assures me every time we visit that we don't need to bring much (or anything!). So, I take that literally and pack the basic toothbrush and foundation and rely on their bath supplies, hair brush, blankets, pillows, food...you name it and rest assure I don't bring it. Last night I went upstairs to gather shampoo and bath essentials to make it through the weekend. I was standing in my parent's bathroom watching them as they opened their cabinets simultaneously and looked for the perfect combination of supplies for me to carry back downstairs. I giggled at the given situation. Yes, it may seem like small act, but to watch them pilfer through their cabinets on hands and knees exemplifies how they are in various areas of life. I am thankful for my parents. 

 - I devoured gluten AND dairy-free pizza. I literally jump up and down at the grocery store when encountering such a treat. I am thankful for non-glutenous and darious foods. 

- Working at Starbucks has enabled me to help pay for my school loans AND I get an endless supply of coffee. Blissful. I am thankful for a job.

- Some friends stopped by Starbucks and surprised me while I was working on Thanksgiving (on other days too). I was so excited! I am thankful for new and growing friendships in Reston.

-  "He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him..." Colossians 1:22 This verse spoke to my heart when I first understood God's undying love for me. I am thankful for a God who died for me so that I may be holy and blameless before him.


And I am thankful for a heart of thankfulness.

Just a couple of sheep

Austin and I began our adventurous weekend on Thursday night! We drove down to the notorious Blacksburg and enjoyed Mrs. McGill's hospitality. Their home is extremely peaceful and cozy. Needless to say we slept well after staying up well past our bed time.

Early Friday morning Austin and I buckled up and continued our drive to North Carolina. The further south we drove the more beautiful the trees were. Brilliant shades of yellow and orange assaulted my eyes and the sun shone as we carved our way through the mountainous terrain. It was stunning! We arrived in Mooresville, NC around 10am. Juuust enough time to order a coffee before Austin's interview (YES! Interview).

There is a potential possibility that the tree house living Murrays will nestle up in Fayetteville NC this upcoming January. We aren't positive yet, but we are seriously considering this as we seek the Lord for His guidance.

Fayetteville, North Carolina is a town about this big. It's quaint. Slow pace. And different. Austin would have the opportunity to manage projects and people (two things he's stellar in) in an atmosphere more conducive to his personality and our desires. We aren't sure what the Lord is providing but we are open to change! At this time we are taking great comfort in the fact that we, His sheep, hear His voice.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 

So all day Saturday (after leaving Chris and Christine's lovely home in Charlotte--SO good to see their smiling faces) we explored the town of Fayetteville and near-by colleges (potential Graduate programs for me), walked down old main street, soaked up the warm sunshine on our skin, sat in the window of a coffee shop and ate lunch, and talked to locals about the lifestyle of the town in which they live. It was great. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to explore and visit.

So, that's where we are in this journey called life.

We continue to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the move, but even more so we continue to trust in our Shepherd who calls us by name and leads us into all that is good.

Wiggles of discontentment

I am terribly wiggly and discontent. My mind is in constant forward motion, thinking the next season will be  better and more exciting than this one. My next job. Our next little nest. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. A part of my heart tells me that God has something else in store for us. Something different. But not now.

That's the trick. To desire what He has for us...in His timing.

My new and improved innate time clock.

The Lord is gently teaching me what it looks like to be content where He's placed me. No matter how long (or short) it may be, He has strategically placed us where He wants us. That's a big pill to swallow, some days more than others, but I'm holding fast to the unbreakable truth that


He has a plan. 

Clumsy and Nonsensical Acts

Austin knew about my clumsiness and sometimes-nonsensical acts. However, since we got married he's had a front row seat in my life's little mishaps.

Since June:

- I left the passenger side window down overnight (on accident) and a BIG thunderous storm rolled through. The next morning (mind you it's about 5 am) Austin opened the car door only to find rainwater sloshing out of the passenger car door. The seat was soaked. He arrived to work with a soggy bottom...

- I let a candle's wick burn too high and the smoke left a black shadow on our slanted, tee pee ceiling.

- I planned a date to the movies and assured Austin of a gift certificate I had so we wouldn't have to pay. It would be a cheap date night! Well, one thing led to another and I was late picking him up from the metro. I rushed there to get him, we rushed to the movie theater, then rushed to the ticket counter."Your total is $20." Smiling, I handed her my gift certificate. "Okay, that will be $19." Umm whoops. Austin smiled, shook his head and said "we are so different." We were late to the movie...


Austin's right. We are so different. He plans ahead, organizes, and pays attention to detail. I am somewhat unorganized, forgetful, and without fail over-pack my schedule. But hey, what's marriage without laughing at each other's differences? And what I love most is that no matter how ridiculous and forgetful I can be Austin still accepts me for the wild forgetful woman I am.

What a man!

Harper's Ferry adventure

Last  weekend Austin and I ventured to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia to breathe in the countryside air and bask in the glory of fall. The trees hadn't turned their vibrant colors yet...but that didn't rain on our fall leaves parade. It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend! We stayed at a bed and breakfast called The Angler's Inn. It is a cozy, quaint place just walking distance from the cobble stone streets of downtown Harper's Ferry.

 

Here we are! Married. In Harper's Ferry. Exploring the town and soaking up God's beautiful creation. Pure bliss.

It was exactly what our hearts needed. I love how timely our Lord is. We haven't spent much time together these past three weeks so this past weekend was looked upon with great anticipation. I'm learning more each day about the friend I have in Austin. 

"You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride." Song of Solomon 4:9

This verse beautifully articulates the closeness Solomon experienced with his beloved- his sister, his friend, his bride. God has entrusted me with Austin, who is not only my husband but my dearest friend! I'm swimming in thankfulness for this wonderful gift and so grateful to God for His life blessings.


Well, that's all folks. More adventures to come...

Just Some Thoughts

I would like to preface this with a note on my hesitations to write a blog. As you may or may not know I did write while I was in Scotland a few years ago. Things were totally new and I supposed that people might enjoy exploring with me as I spent weekends watching my beard grow and hanging out with sheep (as well as meeting fabulous people and profusely enjoying myself). What may be apparent is that I didn't continue to write upon my return due to one reason or another.

So my hesitation is this (and has been vocalised with Katie): I am not sure what I have to write about that is truly worth writing. So my preface includes an apology for this if you find it to be boorish and perhaps unnecessary (I also find Katie's introduction to marital blogging to be somewhat intimidating.)

James 1:2 - Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We are learning the "count it all joy" part. There's no question that "various kinds" become our state regularly. But how do you greet a day that seems utterly exhausting before you get out of bed? What do you think of yourself as a man when you come home to see your wife's dinner plate alone in the sink and the remainder has well cooled before you got home? How do you best spend your evenings after work so that she can remain esteemed and valued?

There are infinite questions to ask concerning the practicals of life particularly in an area that makes it a mission to take as much as it can from you through its nearly fatal commutes (I would like to say this is a bit theatrical and exaggerative but sadly it is reality for millions of people). Perhaps you have experienced this?

So I suppose that good advice as this point would be that tomorrow has enough worries of its own. But how does one get there? And I don't presume to have an elaborate answer but I have experienced the beginnings or the workings of insight. Katie calls me a glutton for punishment. And I would have to agree. When it comes to pushing the limits I will admit that I am not what some call... normal. (You know you're sick when you think that riding a bike for half a day is perfectly normal and culturally commonplace.) Aside from all of that my direction leads to the second portion of the verse... which in my opinion is a bit understated because of the premier difficulty and practicality of the first portion (joy and trials). What goes missing and I have found very culturally difficult is a value of steadfast perseverance.

Whether you see statistics in divorce or drop-outs, suicides or abortions, absent fathers or yard work or dishes. In the end the topic is irrelevant. The truth is: we are not inherent finishers. So how does one fully expend at work and then fight their way home and still finish the day, fully enamored with their wife and fully helpful in household responsibilities? There is no way. Just no way. But I have found that each day when I walk in the door there is a moment in time where that question is posed. And in many circumstances of life it is evident that one chooses or must make a choice but one rarely comprehends the moment in time that such a decision was initially or finally settled upon. To say it another way: one can seldom remember when they made a particular conscious choice or what definitive thoughts led up to the choice. But I get into psychology here and that is neither my predilection nor my expertise.

We can then transition to math for a complete digression: Mathematically there is a definitive moment when you solve 542/12.5. You sit on the question and then at last you find the answer seems to pop like a kernel of delicious popcorn made by Katie on the stove. Life doesn't usually work that way for me. I discover that a choice has already been made and I am already living it out. While this concerns me in other areas and how inputs effect me and my subconscious decision-making process, it is not the case in this instance. In the instance of stepping foot in my home and being greeted by an insanely welcoming wife the choice lingers in the air for at least 3 seconds.

The moral of the story (not fearing sounding tiresomely prosaic): I have never found an evening where I actively chose Christ and actively loved Katie where I have found an instant surge of energy or rush of the Holy Spirit like Samson ripping down pillars. But neither have I found myself disappointed even though I could probably cry out of exhaustion sometimes as I push through cleaning up after dinner.

Now for funny stories (you may find it necessary to stop reading here if you are too dignified for my strange sense of humour):

1. One time I ate a maggot off of a tree whilst hiking.
2. I forgot a utensil for lunch three days in a row when I had chicken noodle soup (which was the bomb- the soup not my ignorance) - Day 1: Dirty construction fingers, Day 2: Dirtier construction fingers, Day 3: Ingenious idea to use a fruit snack wrapper wrapped around a piece of wood to avoid using my fingers (although I can't say it was a whole lot more sanitary)
3. Katie gets totally crazy when I take her on car rides that are too long. We call it car crazy. But if you want to see the real Katie you should take her on a long car ride. It is one of the funniest things to see a tiny ball of insanity bouncing around in the inside of the car when you are trying to drive. She's just a blur of blonde hair and craziness.
4. Katie decided that a motorcycle was cool. I calculated that in a matter of 5 months of commuting on a motorcycle I would have paid for it. Outcome: Kawasaki Vulcan 800.
5. For some reason people got their hopes up yet again for Virginia Tech Hokie football which proved to be entirely consistent with the last decade worth of seasons. I believe the words I would choose are: disheartening, predictable and scant. But we'll get our hopes up again next season and still enjoy the Hokies. Count on it.
6. And perhaps the funniest of them all is Katie's sheer delight when she sees that I have written on our blog.

-Austin
(Apologies for spelling or grammatical errors. I'm not proof-reading as I should. But I do not apologise for British spellings which I simply find more appealing to the eye. Consider them necessary translations for exploring my world)