The Elliots

I feel as though this post is a compilation of many thoughts, hopefully not too random. My thinking about Jim and Elisabeth Elliot became more frequent when our dear Roses had the opportunity to meet Elisabeth and her husband Lars. Then the thinking was accelerated when I got to hear the 'live' story from their lips about what it was like to meet such an amazing woman - and what that was like for Katy personally. And then I stumbled upon this article, written a few weeks ago - and it has brought their lives to my mind even more frequently. Goodness, I am far too easily satasfied; I am often content with mudpies. I am so thankful for their lives.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

http://www.scriptoriumdaily.com/2009/01/08/today-jim-elliot-was-killed-1956/

Date Night

Donald's parents were fantastic and came over last night so that donald and I could go out and be crazy in dallas. That equated to dinner, a movie and Wild about Harry's. Ohhh, but it was so nice. With the joyful chaos of the holidays and with moving, it had been such a long time since we could just be the two of us. Dinner - just perfect, sitting and talking with my best friend. The movie - oh so sad - but so good. Somehow, donald came out of it still not wanting a dog. So much for that plan of mine. And Wild about Harry's - I was too cold to get out of the car (haha, so embarassing for someone who grew up where it actually does get cold!) But in my defense - we had heated seats and personal temperature control! Now, our car does not have those delightful features - but the 2009 saab that sewell is currently loaning us while our little saab-y is getting fixed does! Quite the sales tactic - bring your older car in - and then get romanced by this flashy newer version of your trusted friend. Sadly it worked on me - but reality's pull is harder! Sidenote - our warranty expires on Valentine's Day! Talk about good timing!

Update

Happy 2009! It's been a busy couple of months in Dallas - marked by saying farewell to our first home together, moving into the house (and not having internet for about 6 weeks), a trip to Michigan, running the White Rock half marathon, celebrating Abi's first Christmas, and lots of time with friends and family. Through pictures:

Goodbye dear apartment...

Hello, New Home!!

My parents' backyard - beautiful in the winter!

On Thanksgiving morning

Spending time with my dear friend, Lindsay (who got engaged the next day, WOOHOO!)

Abi loving time with her Grandma and Grandpa Zo

Celebrating Thanksgiving back in Dallas, the way the Pilgrims and Indians did

Happy Birthday, best hubby! Here we come, White Rock Lake!

Celebrating our wonderful nephew's first Birthday! We love you, Josh!

On our trip to meet Santa, oh she is so pretty.

Spending time with our good buddies, Kristian and Katy. Abi was so excited to meet them.
Merry Christmas!
Spending time at the arboretum - Dallas has been blessed with some truly awesome weather for December.

Celebrating Christmas and New Years with wonderful family in Little Elm
Our fantastic nephews, Ben & Brett

We are thrilled (me especially - donald had access at work!) to be back into the internet/blogging world! We are looking forward to the blessings of 2009 with eagerness and are thankful for the joys that we've been given in 2008.

Voting

Well, I woke up this morning at 5:30 - so I could shower and pack a few things before Abi woke up (she didn't get the memo on daylight savings, so is still waking up at"7ish" - aka 6-too early-o'clock). I'm finding that packing is the easiest when Abi is sleeping - so the morning is work time now. BUT, I got out the door at 7:30 - abi goes to donald's parents' house on tuesday mornings so I can go to bible study, and donald drives her up there on his way to work. I went down to the school around the corner to vote - and then proceeded to wait for 1 1/2 hours! It would have been longer had I not been saved by my last name. I probably had another 20-30 minutes of waiting when this wonderful man came around the corner shouting "S-Z??" HOORAY! So I voted (even cast a few libertarian votes) - and couldn't believe how many people were still in line. Never have I had to wait that long - how great! I'm a big believer in voting, no matter what my wonderful husband says. Go Vote!

Lessons in Contentment

This has been a crazy time of life.  Donald and I comment frequently on how we don't ever think that we've been this busy.  Through the house (8 days away from move-in!), preparing to move in general, donald's job/school decisions, and learning how to be parents to our sweet gift - life at times seems out of control.  I become so easily frustrated with house issues, which leads to me feeling guilty that I'm not being calm and content enough for our little lady, and that then leads me to needing to be still before the Lord.  It is amazing how all things in life are so interconnected.  To be content and aware always that His grace is present and abouding - and enough for my every need.  And in that to be content with my wonderful life.  For it truly is.  There will always be something.  Some sort of a distraction, something for me to be jealous of, an area where pride will creep in.  I so hope that in those moments I will be able to pause and then reflect on how temporary things are, my constant need to set aside myself, and then to enjoy this life!

I'm sure I'll need to post on this in another month or so :)

Because she's just so darn cute:

House, House, and more House (and a visitor from the North)

To say that Donald and I are anxious to get into our house would be the understatement of the century. I cannot wait. However, that energy has been recently channeled into priming, cleaning, painting, cleaning, making decisions that are both exciting and scary, and cleaning. Preparing a house that hasn't been lived in for ten years to be inhabited again is quite the project. We can't wait for all of you to come to the city of Dallas and stay at our abode - we would be so excited!

What used to be on either side of the wall:

We knocked down the wall and opened up the space - the back area will be where the kitchen is! Kind of an older picture...the doors are now all in, all ceilings are painted, all walls are primed and some are painted with actual color! Move in begins 2 weeks from tomorrow!

My Uncle Bob was in town for business, so we were able to have him as our next to last guest at the apartment (my Dad comes tomorrow). His visit allowed for some good times with my brother and his family, which is always great! Unfor. Uncle Bob had to leave the beautiful 75 degree weather and return to Michigan where it is getting into the 30s at night. In this case, point for Texas.

3 years of love

Donald and I recently celebrated our three year anniversary. It was really different than what we would have imagined 3 years ago! But, it was insanely wonderful. I am so thankful that I am married to a man with whom I celebrate our marriage daily, but I am also grateful that anniversaries are remembered. Having a day to cherish, laugh, cry and be joyful over memories is fantastic. Being married has proven to be the most difficult and amazing gift I have ever been given. (Difficult in a self-refining way, not a bad way!) My husband is a wonderful man who loves the Lord, earnestly loves me, desires to serve people, wants us to love the world better, a phenomenal father, and my bestest friend EVER! I am so thankful for the past three years, am grateful that we are part of the honeymooners-for-life club, and can't wait for the rest of our adventure together.