1st Anniversary

One year ago from this past Friday...yes...Friday the 13th (I said we should've done something scary haha), my husband and I as young hoodlums decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The world may never understand the "jump ship" attitude that resulted in our sudden hitching, I'm sure many were surprised to find out that it wasn't a matter of immorality, but more so a matter of survival of the fittest. It was not how we would have planned it, but in this way we are able to grow together and learn from each other. This has been one of the most eventful and rewarding years of my life. We've laughed, we've cried, but above all, we are learning how to love God and love each other. I'm so happy to be with the guy I set myself apart for. I love him very much, and here's to another year in the next chapter of my adventure with Derrick O'Gara! :)

Well, most of the day he had to work, so I decided to go volunteer at an assisted living home through my school. He had something planned for the evening but wouldn't tell me what it was.

Now, let me preface this a bit. I'm a northerner. I'm northern in blood, heart, and soul and I've been feeling really homesick lately! One of my most favorite things to enjoy in life are the seasons. I love the change and anticipation for new life and beauty. The beautiful colors of the fall and the shimmering snowflakes in the winter. I get so homesick for it. Especially fall, that is my favorite season. One of my favorite things about fall is enjoying a nice campy bon fire while it's chilly out. So when we both got home from the day, guess what I was surprised with? Dinner via bonfire!! We made smoked trout, asparagus, and later enjoyed some delicious s'mores. It made me feel like I was back in the north again.

In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast at this cute little place called "The Breakfast House." It has the look and feel of a B&B, minus the lodging. And their food is amazing! The staff is always wonderful there.

After that, we went to go see the movie Joyful Noise, which neither one of us particularly liked. As a matter of fact, it was pretty terrible. Well, the music was phenomenal, but the message it was sending? This is what I learned from that movie:

1. Christians are uptight and old-school and should conform to the people around them.

2. To keep the guy's attention and keep him from hitting on other girls, you need to wear scandalous clothing and lots of makeup.

3. You can lead worship without meaning what you're singing. Just look like you're praising God. You don't need to live it.

4. The point of a Gospel music competition is not to bring God glory, but ourselves.

5. Life is about me, me, and me. Being self-absorbed and conceited is what's in style!

6. Everyone should listen to the "bad boy" because he apparently knows what's best.

.....what??? No wonder the world has this stereotypical, hostile misconception of what Christians are these days. I'm glad we saw it for the sake of knowing what message is being presented about Christians in today's world, but I wouldn't recommend this movie to a friend. You might as well just buy the soundtrack and enjoy the music.


After the movie we had dinner in the Sea Porch at the Don Cesar. 

It was really beautiful, and the food was good, but I think Derrick makes a waaay better Ceviche. ;) The chefs in the back made us a special anniversary seafood appetizer. 

It was really delicious, and as our non-dairy dessert they made this very elaborate fruit platter for us! 

Afterwards we walked around the Don a little bit, it was a gorgeous night out. And that concluded our evening!


We had a great celebration, I can't believe how quickly time flies! :)

Listen closely...you don't want to miss this.

Sometimes forgiveness is difficult. One hurt piles on top of another, then another, then another...and for months, even years you may carry that weight on your shoulders. Perhaps you want to forgive, but you're afraid that forgiving will make you vulnerable, or it will make you open game for that person to harm you again. I know. I've been there. I AM there.

Where can we start? I was reading through some verses I highlighted with every bright utensil I could find (apparently I wanted to draw my future self's attention to these verses again) and right after, discovered some quotes on the same matter. It's there that the answer found me: start with yourself, and also start with praying for that person.

"Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another."

Colossians 3:12-13

"Praying about a person we need to forgive is the means by which we tip the pitcher heavenward and slowly begin to pour our negative feelings and frustrations out to God."

Beth Moore "Praying God's Word"

Now listen closely...this part is especially important. How do I know? Because it is cross-referenced from the Old Testament to the New Testament...apparently someone thought it was important enough to reinstate:

"Don't sin by letting anger control you.

Think about it overnight and remain silent."

Psalm 4:4

"Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he had identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:25-32

Perhaps you feel that you have already failed. You allowed anger to control you. You constantly felt the bitterness in your heart. But now you can change that. Ask for God's forgiveness, forgive yourself, and forgive the person you feel wronged you. Pray for them. Pray for yourself to have the ability to forgive in compassion. It's not always easy. But that's why we need God to intervene. 

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help."

Psalm 20:1