Friday follow-up #7

It's been a crazy week with a lot going on but I will share just a few of the fun things with you:)

• We rented 'The Astronaut Farmer' tonight since Randy's lets you rent 1 free catalog (non-new release) each Thursday. We really liked it. Just the idea behind following your dreams and supporting those around you who are following their dreams was inspiring! I think we were just in the mood for a movie like this.

• We are highly anticipating the Olympics. We are one of those families that is glued to the TV each night cheering on our fellow Americans. Sometimes I even cry when they win the gold! It's just amazing to think about what these athletes put into it. The time, effort, money, energy...something to be applauded whether someone medals or not.

• I've said it before and I'll say it again. It means so much to have family and friends support around us. Just to know that people are there for whatever reason. You are not alone! Lean on someone around you and you will not regret it. Relationships are the key :)

• I'm thinking about taking a "sabbatical" of sorts. Just to take some time and really pray about our adoption(s), get ready for them, figure out what my next step is as far as job or no job, etc. I'm joining a new women's bible study that I am really looking forward to as well. It's turning out to be an entirely new season for me and I like it.

So- what's going on with you? Are you looking forward to the Olympics? Done any fun stuff with your friends or family lately? What's your favorite day of the week?

Relationships (pt. 4)

The spiritual relationship

Ok- that title sounds weird but I'm not sure how to label a relationship with God. Brandon and I both have personal relationships with Christ and we experience that in a different way. I will let him share about his :)

For me- my "salvation" started with rules and regulations. I was the do-gooder type. Then I transitioned to more of a grace relationship where I realized I don't have to be perfect. I try to keep a balance in between those. I think I am called to obey and do what's right, but God still loves me either way. Sometimes, in certain seasons, I tend to lean more towards one side or the other.This is a relationship that I am challenged to put more time into. Honestly, I know that I should spend more time with God to cultivate this relationship. That sounds so generic or rigid but that's the truth. I can write about marriage and friendships all day but honestly this is one relationship that I am still growing in.

Are you a Christian? What does your relationship with Christ look like? Are you more of a rule follower or are you more comfortable with your actions? When have you felt closest to God? When have you felt most distant? Do you see God as a best friend? or more of a Father?

Relationships (pt. 3)

The marriage relationship

Brandon and I have been married for 13 years this month! I would say we have had quite an adventure so far. We are best friends where we share everything with one another and also have a ton of fun. We also have the *uh hum* romantic stuff:) I would have to say that B is more than I ever pictured him to be. In fact, he blew those expectations out of the water!

Brandon and I always say/hear that Marriage is the most challenging relationship, but it's also the most rewarding!!

Are you married? Are you and your spouse best friends? In a growing season? If you are not married, what do you picture your future spouse/marriage to be like? If you are married, did you picture the life you have now- or a different life? Are you in a "challenging" stage or a "rewarding" stage? What's the best marriage "advice" you have been given?

Relationships (pt. 2)

The "friendship" relationship

Do you have close friends? Are you a "one close friend" kind of person or a "the more the merrier" kind of person? What's the longest amount of time you have had the same friend? Brag on your friends for a bit.

Relationships

The Sibling Relationship

In our adoption training, they mentioned that the longest relationship we will have in our lifetime is our sibling relationship. We grow up with siblings, and they usually outlast our parents life span.

I'm the baby of the family. I have an older sister and brother.

Brandon is the "middle" child. He has one older brother and one younger brother.

We are very close to our siblings. For me, it's more so my sister than brother. We talk several times a day. Brandon and his brothers would do anything for one another. They love each other unconditionally.

So- my question is...do you have siblings? What birth order are you? Are you close with your siblings? What are some ways you stay in touch with one another?