Day 2 of our Paint-by-Numbers

This painting is going to take so much longer than I thought. I can hardly believe all of the tiny sections. While we painted we listened to a few sermons by Mark Driscoll and John Piper. At present I cannot remember what they were about but I do remember that both Mark and John confessed their sin to the church in the areas they struggle. It was Piper's first Sunday back after his sabbatical. It was encouraging to hear that his marriage is having the same struggles ours is. Hopefully that means we aren't crazy! Ha! Well I don't have much time right now so here is the picture of mine at day 2. (I didn't get one of Derek's but will next time.)

Paint-by-Number

I watched Mona Lisa Smile the other day and it gave me the idea to do a paint-by-number with Derek for date night. Well... at least I thought it was a great idea. I don't think Derek was too thrilled though. Ha!

This is the one I got for Derek. (He picked it out over the phone with me but doesn't like it now because he said it has too much grass.)

This is the one I picked out because it's so colorful.

Here mine is at day one. : )

I have a really long way to go and am NOT artistic at all. This may be a challenge.

"Say Your Name" by: Bethany Dillon

I’m trying to find a moment with You
These days are speeding by
This ring gives me a new point of view
I’m a dealer in my time
And if I can make a confession
My time is torn between
The man who has won my affection
And the God who made me

Oh, it all looks different
But that doesn’t mean anything has changed

Still I reach for You....
When I am afraid....

And this breath that comes from You....
Helps me say Your name....

I look at the life of Anna
Your presence was her home
I look at the life of my mother
Praying on her back porch

One day very soon....
Face to face....
I’ll give an account of my time to You

"Who is This God" by: Alli Rogers

All the way down, all the way down to where I fell
I stare at the ground, blood that I have spilled
But just to feed me you bend all the way down
All the way down to where I fell

Who is this God that loves me still?
This love that keeps me safe when I run
Safe when I’m young and foolish

Out of the dark, out of the dark that hides my face

I’m coming apart when you say my name
With ties of love you lead me out of the dark
Out of the dark that hides my face

Who is this God that loves me still?

This love that heals me when I am bound
When I am found and humble

With love you lead me
You bend to feed me
Taught me to walk
It was you all along

Who is this God that loves me still?
This love that finds me when I am lost
Although it cost you everything

"Fireflies and Songs" by: Sarah Groves

Thirty years ago I was a little girl
Riding in the back seat of the car.
A woman sang 'You don't bring me flowers anymore.'
I felt the sadness in my little heart.

We're looking for the music
In the music box,
Tearing it to pieces,
Trying to find a song.

I was drawn to you in ways I can't explain.
I fought like crazy but I couldn't stay away.
Piled on expectations and lots of blame,
like we couldn't do it any other way.

We're looking for a firefly
Moving through the night,
Staring at that one place
Swear it never lights.

We're looking for the music
In the music box,
Tearing it to pieces,
Trying to find a song.

Were you surprised our hearts were not like ticking clocks?
The faces and hands easy to read.
We both wished 'if only in the land of Oz.'
And longed for things we'd never really need.

Now we're standing in the kitchen,
All pretense is gone.
You kiss me on the shoulder.
Fireflies and songs.

And it begins...

Well... I'm married now. It's weird... but cool. Absolutely everything about my life has changed from living with a man to having to buy toothpaste twice as often. It's an adjustment, to say the least. I thought I was prepared going into marriage... now I just laugh at myself. I think God gives us marriage to reveal the Gospel to us in a deeper way we would ordinarily miss. Also to give us a better understanding of how hopeless we are and that ONLY JESUS can heal us in our brokenness. Don't worry, I'm not going to go into deep life lessons of a married woman because it's only been a little over 3 months and I'm sure I know nothing compared to what I will in a year. (The thought almost frightens me, but not entirely.) However, here are a few things I have learned...


1) No matter how hard it is, resist the urge to run to your dad every time you are sad. That's your husband's place now.


2) Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT expect him to understand why you suddenly burst into tears out of the blue... It will end in more tears and learning that men don't read minds.


3) DO NOT NAG. Even if you think you aren't nagging... You probably are.


4) Strongly encourage him to have some time just to himself, it will payoff in the end. Promise.


5) When he farts, don't breathe through your mouth... VERY bad idea.