An Encouraging Adventure in the Snow

Living in Duluth and being a FOCUS missionary has provided me with opportunities for many firsts - and many amazing friends. Last night was a prime example.

Instead of our usual one hour bible study, four ladies from my athletes bible study and I decided to brave Duluth's April snow storm and go to the movie "God's Not Dead." It was so worth it! The movie is inspired by college students who have fought for the right to practice and profess their faith on campus - and tells the story of a college freshman who refuses to sign his name to the statement "God is dead" in an introductory philosophy course taught by an atheist professor. What ensues is a challenge to convince the rest of his class to also believe that "God is Not Dead". I'm pretty sure all five of us walked away encouraged to boldly live our faith in Jesus too.
(for more watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z7f5-jZlzs)

After the movie, we proceeded back up to campus, with Monica driving. For those of you who know Duluth, you probably know that even the littlest snow can make 21st Ave pretty icy. Well, about 2 blocks up, Monica's car decided that it couldn't make it any further on its own. Rather than go back down and find an alternative route, Maddie, Jenna, Allison, and I pile out of the car and push uphill. It was so encouraging to just experience the joy of working together and achieving a goal. No one complained, no one was discouraged. We all just knew that a little teamwork would get the car rolling. Sure enough, we pushed the car up with ease, piled back in, and drove to campus.

These adventures, and the friends I get to have them with, are definitely a huge part of what I love about being a missionary here at UMD!!

Have a great Triduum everyone!

What Comes First.... Waiting is Worth it

For the past week and a half, my life has felt slightly like a dream. I'm still not entirely convinced I'm not dreaming. But then I look at my left hand.... and I know it's true.... I'm going to marry my best friend.

On April 5, Devin asked me to be his wife - and I said yes! I would have been crazy not to. Here is an amazing, virtuous, loving man who makes me a better person each and every day. This incredible man has stood by me through the ups and downs of the craziness of this year, learning how to be team director, going on mission to Guyana, and continuing to learn how to be a missionary. And now, there's actually a count on how many days are left before we become one in the sacrament of marriage. There is no doubt in my mind that marrying Devin will allow me to be a saint, help him to become one too, and raise kids to be disciples of Jesus. 

What I have learned most in these 10 days of being engaged though is how worth it waiting is and how trusting God and His timing has been so good. Let me explain some priorities:

Love Jesus First, then Devin  I used to wish and wish for my future spouse, but now I see how important it was that I learned to love and be loved by Jesus first. As amazing as Devin is, he can't always be here and there are still times I must rely on Jesus. Jesus also has taught me how to let myself be loved, which I know has helped me to open my heart to Devin in ways I never could have before. Plus, Jesus teaches me how to love Devin... and I want to love him the best that I can. 

Friendship First, then Dating  Devin and I met 3 1/2 years ago, but didn't start dating until last May. Waiting for God's perfect timing was so good - because we built an amazing friendship before God finally knocked some sense into us that we should probably date. This friendship has been the foundation of all the romance, and has made it that much better. I love being able to say that I'm going to marry my best friend. 

Ring First, then Pinterest  That's right. Despite my love of Pinterest, I haven't ever had a wedding board. And I'm so glad! Because now, Devin and I can plan OUR dream wedding rather than mine. I'm not saying it's bad to have a wedding board before your ring, but for me, it has made the excitement of wedding planning so much more because everything is new and can be planned for US. Although... I'm starting a board right after I publish this post, because let's be real... now I do have a wedding to plan!

Wedding First, then Marriage  This one might take a little more explanation. My uncle, Fr. Austin, said at my cousin's wedding that if you aren't married, don't live like you are. Well, that's what Devin and I are doing. Although we know that soon we will be married, we are waiting until that day to act like we are. Put bluntly, we aren't living together or sleeping together til we say "I do". Not only do the facts show that 9 out of 10 couples who move in together don't make it in the long run, but we also know that it would be a lie to live in a way that isn't actually an accurate portrayal of the reality. We aren't married yet, so we aren't acting like it yet. 

Finally, I just want to encourage anyone reading this post that God really does want you to be happy. I used to wonder... like if God really wanted me to be happy, where was this amazing man he supposedly has for me? Well the truth was, for a couple years of college he was right in the apartment above me.... but it wasn't time yet. God knew my true happiness could only take place if I would wait... and Devin would wait... and then when we were both ready, He could show us how to love Him through one another. God doesn't ask us to wait because He wants us to suffer, He wants us to wait so we can have fullness of joy, not just fleeting. 

Please pray for Devin and I as we prepare for marriage!

the night we got engaged