A bit of everything

Last week was fantastic. Gregg was here all week, and it was so good to spend time with him. I can't wait for him to move out here in a few years! It is such a wonderful thing to grow up with someone, then be away for a time and realize at your reuniting that you have both become adults without realizing it. It's scary, but it's great.

I've really enjoyed my scripture reading for the past week. I decided to make just reading the New Testament my goal for now, then move on to the rest. I would typically start with Matthew and proceed book by book to Revelation, but I've found that I analyze and understand things better when I don't read all 4 gospels in a row. In light of that, I decided to read the first 8 books in this order: Matthew, Acts, Mark, Romans, Luke, 1 Corinthians, John, 2 Corinthians. I've read Matthew and Acts, and am halfway through Mark at the moment. I'm so glad I decided to do it this way, because the break between gospels helps hold my attention.

I remember not liking Acts when I was young. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't my favorite. Having read it again, though, I absolutely love it. I would give so much to spend even a few moments listening to Paul speak in person. Re-reading the book was a fantastic reminder of what an amazing man Paul was, and how much he gave for the sake of the gospel. His devotion makes me feel like I'm doing nothing to further the kingdom, but then I remember that we each have our calling, and traveling all over Europe spreading the gospel isn't mine right now. Mine is to minister to my husband, my family, and my community, and let the gospel shine through the way I treat them.

I'm looking for a good Couples bible study to do with Bran and haven't come across any I'm in love with yet... if you have any ideas, let me know!

Bran and I were talking the other day, and neither of us can figure out where the time has gone since we got married. We can't believe that we will have been married a year in 2 months! The craziness of moving, renovating the house, living with siblings, working full time, etc., has made time fly. Something I really wanted to do in our first year was start lots of traditions, but the fast pace made that difficult. We did establish a few, though, like having Shrimp Bisque on Christmas Eve, having house dinner once a week, etc.

I decided that I want to make some traditions of my own, that are just for me. I started today, and decided that on March 1st of every year I'm going to buy potted plants for the house. I love plants, and haven't successfully kept one alive yet, but I'm determined. So on March 1st of every year I'm either going to add to my beautiful, flourishing collection of plants, or start over.