30 Years and Going Strong!

Last week my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary!

The lovebirds in 1983:

She had just turned 19, he was 21 (almost 22).
Doesn't my mom look like a Native American princess?? :) And that veil is the one I wore in our wedding! Minus the lovely headband, haha.
And now in 2013:

I know - they are extremely good looking. :) 

The best part is that they are still completely IN LOOOOVE. 

I'm so grateful for their commitment to each other and how they keep their relationship fresh after 30 years. Even through changes and struggles they have continued to show each other love and respect and stay centered on Christ. What an amazing example to me!

Some things I really appreciate about their marriage:

• They are constantly laughing together and teasing each other.
• They can disagree without raising their voices or losing their tempers.
• They have a weekly date night to Moe's.
• They share in each other's interests - my mom watches baseball with Dad and he joins her in antique stores.
• They have kept their relationship strong regardless of whether there are kids living at home or not.
• I've watched them go through some REALLY tough stuff and stay united through God's strength.
• They are so good to me and Jordan - always ready to help but not too overbearing.
• Mom is extremely attentive to Dad's needs/wants, especially after a long day of work.
• Dad treats Mom lovingly even when he's tired or stressed out.
• They are still affectionate and lovey-dovey.
• They take time to hang out with their friends but put each other first.
• They love the Lord and are prayer warriors!

I could go on and on and not express my thankfulness for my parents' marriage enough. I have been amazingly blessed by them and their example. Jordan and I both have incredible examples of Christ-like love when we look at our parents' marriages. Praise the Lord for that! 

2 Years!

We had our 2 year anniversary last week! 
These two amazing years have flown by, but at the same time it seems like we've been married longer than that. I know that is not logical...but it's just how it feels. Maybe some of you can relate.
I'll share more about our anniversary & this crazy month of March later, but for now I'll show you some of our 2nd anniversary pictures. Which I LOVE.
I want to have pictures taken every year so we can look back on them. How special would it be after many, many years?
They were taken by the talented Renee Green.  If you're not reading her blog, you should. She's one of my most favorite people in the world.

Now a succession of yearly pictures. Haha just 2 for now but just wait until it's our 20th! (Lord willing) Then we'll have LOTS of pics.

The 1 year anniversary pics were done by Mandi Murfin Photography.

Praise the Lord for His gift of marriage!

And for my amazing husband. :)

The Prayer of a Child.

Every Wednesday night, our church (Western Wake Bible Chapel) has a prayer meeting. We have a little time of Bible study/one of our men sharing what God has put on his heart, and then we share prayer requests, break up the guys and girls, and have a time of prayer.
I love this time because we grow so much together as a body of believers when we lift each other up in prayer and encourage each other during our struggles, and also rejoice as well. I'm so thankful that we have the freedom to meet and do this. 
We actually have quite a few kids at our church despite our size, and those kids are PRECIOUS. I love getting to know them. A couple weeks ago Jordan and I were cracking up with some of them for a while, and afterward they told their parents, "I didn't know Jordan and Ashley were so weird!" I think that was a compliment, haha.
When we have our prayer meetings, it's not just for the adults. The kids pray too if they want to. Which is almost every time. 
And let me just tell you, those prayers are some of the most wonderfully sweet, convicting words I have ever heard.
The prayers they pray are simple, straightforward, and genuine. With their sweet little voices they boldly pray on behalf of their friends, family, and neighbors who aren't saved. They pray for their siblings and their parents. They praise the Lord and give thanks to Him.
The one phrase that some of them say almost every Wednesday is the one that always gets me:
"I pray that I will love You more."
Wow.
How often do I simplify my time with the Lord, praising His name, and then just ask to love Him more? Hardly.
I'm challenging myself this week to focus on loving Him more. With all of my heart, soul, and mind. Not anything flashy or complicated. Simplified.
Do you have a current focus in your spiritual life? Maybe it could be focused on being still. Or on thanksgiving in a time of hardship or complacency. Or maybe it's being content. (I personally need endless time for each of those!)
I'll never be able to love Jesus perfectly, or even be able to begin to grasp His love for me. But I can pray to love Him more. And that is one prayer that I already know the answer to. :)

7 Thoughts From Jordan About Me and Marriage.

We had an awesome one year anniversary on Monday!

Thank you for all of your sweet comments. :) 

We went to Tasu Asian Bistro and it was DELICIOUS. 

I got sushi of course and my man got teriyaki chicken. So so good.

And he tried some of my sushi and didn't not like it. Haha. And he eats it the proper way...unlike me. If you're an intense sushi eater you could NOT eat it with me. I cut it in half and destroy it before I eat it. With a fork.

Then we got frozen yogurt. Sweet Frog is so yummy!

Okay so in honor of our anniversary Jordan did a tiny little interview for me. :) Enjoy. His words will be in blue. 

1. Name some memorable times from this first year.

Hawaii, beach trips, Christmas, your hair color changing.

2. What has been the most surprising thing about marriage this first year?

How unselfish you have to learn how to be. And even though I’m right all of the time, I can’t always say it.

3. What have you learned about me that you didn’t know before we got married?

You’re grumpy in the mornings.

4. How much do you think my cooking skills have improved in this year?

It went from a 3 out of 10 to 6 out of 10. Actually 6 ½. And that ½ is based on that spaghetti dish you made.

(He's talking about this baked spaghetti dish from Ruthie Hart! Thanks, Ruthie! Go check it out and make your cooking rating go up. Haha.)

5. Okay, here’s the big question: blonde or brunette?

I honestly like them both. I like whatever it is. I dated and married a blonde but now I’ve been married to a brunette for longer.

(This tells me nothing. Haha. But I'm glad he likes both!)

6. What has been the best thing about marriage so far?

Having that companionship and friendship that’s always there and sharing experiences with my best friend, whether they’re good or bad. And having a godly foundation together that not only brings us closer to God but closer to each other.

7. What are you most looking forward to in the next year of marriage?

Going to the Outer Banks this weekend. Haha. Seeing what adventures we’ll get to partake in, the memories we’ll make, and finding out how God wants to use us this year.

I sure do love being married to that man. 

And I'm still loving this anniversary week! The celebration continues. :)

 

best year of my life.

One year ago I married my hero.

One year ago I vowed to be his helpmate for the rest of my life.

One year ago we became one in Christ.

One year ago I started life as Mrs. Jordan Shelley.

I could not be more blessed to be married to this amazing man of God.

He is my spiritual leader, supporter, provider.

My very best friend.

I never knew I could be so close to someone,

or admire someone so much.

I thank the Lord every day for this awesome gift of marriage. And for creating my handsome man.

This week I'll talk about some things I've learned in this first year, and also some things Jordan has learned. :) Tonight I'll be enjoying a night out with my man, and then this weekend we're taking a trip to the Outer Banks! So excited!

Thank you, readers, for following me through this journey and encouraging me along the way. I am truly thankful for you and your support. I hope I can share with you many more years of marriage to come!

no greater love.

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

Ephesians 3:17-19

Happy Valentine's Day!

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son,

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away,

As wounds which mar the Chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon the cross,

My sin upon His shoulders,

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there,

Until it was accomplished.

His dying breath has brought me life,

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,

No gifts, no power, no wisdom,

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer,

But this I know with all my heart,

His wounds have paid my ransom.

not your typical Valentine's Day present.

This will be our first Valentine's Day as husband and wife. :)
I've always loved Valentine's Day, regardless of what my relationship status as been. I'm talking back in 3rd grade I loved Valentine's Day. I even hand crafted my own Valentines for my classmates.
I guess it's just because when you know God's love, which is the only perfect love, you don't have to celebrate love in a romantic way. You can use Valentine's Day as a good excuse to shower God's love on others even more than usual.
My friend Ryan (@RMath13) said today on Twitter:"If Valentine's Day is a day about love then it should be a day about God. It's impossible to love without God because God is love."So true.
My parents always made me and my brother feel special on Valentine's Day. My dad would buy me roses. My mom would make us special treats. They would give us cards. I'm so thankful for them and their love for us. :)
I remember two years ago, RIGHT before Jordan and I started hanging out - I had no romantic prospects. No hopes (or even desire) for a boyfriend. Nothing. But that's one of my most favorite Valentine's Days I can recall.
I went over to my parents' house and spent time with my brother Blake. Mom gave us candy like the good ol' days, and we made cookies and decorated them.

It was so special even though it wasn't a typical Valentine's Day.

I wouldn't have believed you if you had told me that a year later I'd be about to get married.

(God's plans are crazy awesome.)

So what are we doing this year for Valentine's Day? you may ask.

Well, I've been having the Truck of Love deliver little treats and vouchers to Jordan for the past two weeks. He has enjoyed it. :)

Yesterday in the car on the way home from his basketball game, Jordan randomly asked me if I wanted one of my Valentine presents early. Normally I would say no, but he really wanted to give it to me because he said I would want it today. His excitement made me want it early indeed. 

I thought he meant when we got home, but no, he just whipped out my present right then and there.

It was Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video.

Now, many people would probably find that offensive. Like a "Happy Valentine's Day, honey, go lose some weight!" type of statement. But I was so pumped.

I've been wanting that video for a long time. Although I do go to the gym, I also love working out at home using my Zumba Wii game or Just Dance Wii game. There's no excuse because all I need is half an hour in the comfort of my own home. 

So yes, I started the 30 Day Shred today and I am already liking it. :) Well, I liked it a lot more when it was over. But what I mean is that I'm so glad I'm doing it. We'll see how it goes! I told Jordan that I'm going to look like Jillian after 30 days, and said "please no." Haha.

I have a couple more surprises for Jordan...and then tomorrow he's taking me to see The Vow and out to dinner.

WAIT, WHAT?? Is what the people just said to their computer screens who know me well.

I don't like chick flicks. Unless Fever Pitch counts as a chick flick. The closest I come to chick flicks are Disney movies. But I had made a few comments about how The Vow looks like it's a great story and how I do like Rachel McAdams. 

So the other day Jordan proposed that we go see it tomorrow. I was pretty shocked. He said that we've never seen a "girl movie" together, which is true. So I'm excitedddd! 

What are y'all doing for Valentine's Day? Whether you're in a relationship or not! :)

book review: 3 of my favorite devotionals.

I got an email suggesting that I share some of my favorite devotionals/books from time to time and I think that is an excellent idea. :) I am always more spiritually challenged and uplifted when I have a specific devotional or Bible study book that I'm reading along with my Bible reading. It helps me so much.

There are also some good ones for married couples, too. I won't make it only for married people, though! :)

Today I'll share three of the recent devotionals I've been reading. I may have already talked about them a little bit before, but they're good enough to mention again!

Night Light

you can get it here!

This devotional is for married couples and is what we started out reading as soon as we got married. It has a page long devotional for 90 days with questions at the bottom of each one about different topics. 
What I loved about it was that the devotions were challenging and the questions provoked good conversation between me and Jordan. Stuff that a lot of the time we normally wouldn't talk about. 
We read it together before bed each night, and there were nights that I was in tears because of it. Either because it hit home and I really needed to hear what it had said, or because I learned something that I never knew I was doing wrong in our relationship, or because it helped me express something to Jordan. 
For instance, frequently men have a harder time expressing themselves in the most clear way to us because they talk a LOT less than us about feelings and such, and they may not be used to it. But with this book, there were times that Jordan totally agreed with what it was saying and said that was how he felt, he just never knew how to put it into the right words.
Also frequently men have a hard time understanding us because, let's face it, we can be downright crazy and hard to figure out. The book definitely helped me express some feelings that I was having in a way that made sense to him. Awesome for both of us.
I want to go through it again someday because it would be like reading a whole new book after we've been married for longer. I think it would be beneficial no matter what stage of marriage you're in!

The Resolution for Women

you can get it here!

This is a book by Priscilla Shirer that isn't really a devotional, but can be used as one. It's for any woman, any stage of life, any relationship status.

Have you seen the movie Courageous? I FINALLY saw it last night. It was definitely inspiring. And I'm proud to know the main kid in the movie. :) He goes to the school where I coach and he is awesome. Anyway, in the movie the men/husbands/fathers make a resolution that is based on Scripture of how to be men of God and live their daily lives that way in all of their roles. They made a book about it called The Resolution for Men, and then they made one for women! Yay! 

It's only $10 and worth it for sure. I've been taking it slow because there are individual sections about each resolution, and at the end of the resolution you sign your name under it and commit to it. Not something to take lightly or to rush through. 

For example, one resolution that really hit me hard was about being content in every season of life. I have a habit of always looking too much toward the future instead of focusing on the here and now and how I can glorify God TODAY. That section has truly helped me and I've gone back to it a few times. All of the sections are amazing, though. 

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional

you can get it here!

There is a book called The Power of a Praying Wife which I have never read, but the author then turned it into a devotional and added to it. So I got the devotional instead of the book. This has short, daily devotions for wives.

When I got married, I knew I should start praying for Jordan in a different way now that we were one in Christ and that I was officially his helpmate. (Still makes me smile when I think about it! I sure do love that man.) 

I got this book at Lifeway, mainly because it was on sale, haha. But I have definitely enjoyed it. It prompts me to pray for Jordan about things that I wouldn't think of on my own. It helps me pray for him using Scripture and about him leading us spiritually. And it convicts me about the kind of wife I am being. I definitely recommend it, especially coming from someone who struggles with prayer and staying focused!

If you have any questions about any of these books, don't hesitate to ask! There will be more recommendations coming in the future. :)

What are some devotionals/books that you would recommend for me?