Yesterday, November 18, was the anniversary of Dustin and my engagement. We commemorated the event by attending an Album Leaf concert. The Album Leaf holds a special place in our hearts because that was the music that was playing when Dustin got down on one knee, and it was the music that was playing when I walked down the aisle to the man of my dreams. They will always hold a special place in our hearts because every time I hear their music I am reminded of my love for Dustin and his love for me. What's so amazing about the Album Leaf is they don't use a lot of words in their songs. It is really just the music that moves the listener. Actually, I couldn't tell you more than 1 or 2 lines of actual words that I can remember from their music. But I could describe most songs on the album. They are incredible musicians and I just love that their music conveys more than words ever could. So thank you Album Leaf for using music to say so much more.

I have been learning so much lately through my church, my bible study, and the theology group that i'm a part of. My mind is reeling with God's voice and I love it! Dustin and I were just saying to one another the other day that we truly feel like we are right where God wants us. What an amazing feeling! When you're in that place, life isn't perfect, but all is well. It doesn't matter that we might not have a lot of money, or that our apartment is small, or that i'm homesick, or that we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like. All that matters is that God is using us right now, God is working in us individually and as a couple, and there's no better feeling in all the world than knowing that.

One thought that hit me on Sunday was this: John 9:39 says, "I entered this world to render judgement- to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." I was stunned by the way that judgement is portrayed in the beginning of the verse by "giving sight to the blind." We think of judgement in such negative terms, we want evil people to get what they deserve. But about the innocent victim that is hurting, Jesus says his judgement makes their pain right and good. His judgement bring healing to the hurting. We can be a part of God's judgement right now. Instead of judging others in a negative way, but what if we started judging others in a positive way? What if we discerned the truth that a person is hurting and provided healing for them through a listening ear, a hot meal, or a few bucks for rent? What if we recognized the desperateness and hopelessness in others and provided God's love right then? We have two choices, we can wait for God's ultimate judgement to come when he does away with all the hurt and pain and restores us all to a new life. Or we can be a part of ushering in God's kingdom right now by judging those that need us, but acknowledging the misfortunate and taking action. Isn't that what God would do? Isn't that what God does every day of our lives? Isn't that what God will do in the end for us?

- Work is crazy busy and is only going to get more busy, so please excuse the days or weeks of seeming absence. There's so much that I want to write at times, but don't have time to write. At other times when I have time, my mind feels empty and so tired. Life is busy but great for Dustin and I. The rainy season has officially begun in Portland so that's not the greatest, but we'll make due.
- What I dislike about the west coast is the different time zone. It totally messes up my communication with my homies!! So sorry peeps!
- Dustin's mom is coming to visit in just 2 weeks!! Yeah, FAMILY!! I'm so excited to see a familar face and to share our small space with a loved one.
- Dustin and I signed up to hang out with the children at church yesterday. Wow! What an experience! They were crazy! Running around and laughing and not understanding how to play hide & seek but loving it anyway. They were so cute! It definitely reminded us both that now is NOT the time for us to have a little one! =)
- I missed not having any Halloween plans. I love seeing the pics of others' costumes. My favorite was Melissa's from Tampa, she went as a loofa! Brilliant! Here are some of my favorite pics! These are my nieces Savannah and Gabrielle. I miss them terribly!!







- Happy belated birthday to my best friend, Jaime! At 28 you are as beautiful as ever! I miss you girl! Here is a picture of us from last year's Halloween. Jaime is definitely the beautiful princess and I am the over done TV Evangelist's wife!