Real Life: Trying to be brave ...

Hadassh had her 10th birthday yesterday. I wish I could say it was her "happiest" birthday. I can't. It was a good day but not always "happy".

She is still very burdened about the "lost" and feeling like everyone she meets, she must tell them about Jesus. This can be a big feeling inside of a 10 year old.

She was happy to tell me that her bus driver asked her yesterday if she can talk to her a little before getting off the morning bus ride to school. The bus driver asked Hadassah why she had asked if she knows Jesus. Hadassah said she just felt like she should. The bus driver told her that she is a christian and witnesses to people too. (It's amazing what a few simple words about Jesus, but sometimes the hardest words I can ask someone, can bring in conversation.)

After school, we left it up to Hadassah where she wants to eat for supper and what activities she wants to do. She picked Chick-fil-A. This was our first time there and really, we were not impressed. (Sorry, if there are fans out there that like this place.) It seemed like just another fast food place to us. Fried foods. Anyway, we ordered our food and soon I could tell Hadassah wasn't enjoying it. Hadassah was offered free ice cream because it was her birthday and she said "no thanks". (Funny because Matthew couldn't believe it! He would take it! He did get his ice cream but not for free.) Then Hadassah asked if I would pray with her for the people sitting behind us. We did. We held hands and prayed right there in our seats. Then she asked Mike if she can talk to him outside. After some tears and courage, she came back inside and marched right up to the strangers that we prayed for and asked if they know Jesus. They said "YES" too!!! Then, she asked if they have Jesus in their hearts? "Yes" again! OK, she sighed with relief and returned to our table and picked at her food again.

Then we headed for the bowling alley. This has been our thing to do for her birthday the past couple of years. Since her birthday is in January, that takes away all outside activities. When we pulled in the parking lot, she sighed again. It was packed out!!! Tons of people! Mike went inside and there were no lanes available. Hadassah didn't care a bit. Matthew was disappointed. He wanted to bowl. He couldn't wait. Hadassah on the other hand was OK with moving to the next thing on her 'wish list' for the evening. Instead of bowling, we rented movies and went home. We watched, "Mr. Popper and his Penguins." Hadassah and Matthew really enjoyed it!!! It was nice to have a birthday end "happy"!!!

Please pray for wisdom and knowing what to say to Hadassah as she yields herself to the Lord. Mike and I are trying hard to listen and help her deal with all these witnessing burdens. Mike told her this morning that this is a test. A test for Jesus. (She's been so brave!) She's trying so hard to be a light everywhere she goes. If you think of us, pray that Hadassah will find the balance between witnessing and still living life with joy. It seems to weigh heavy on her heart and it drains her really fast.

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On a lighter scale of thinking here ... today is our 11th Wedding Anniversary!!! 11 full, fun, and fantastic years of marriage with Mike! I keep thinking back of how our wedding day went. Perfect!!! It was a cold morning for pictures. We didn't care, we were in LOVE!!! (Funny how that can warm your heart right up!!!) Then during the morning service, it snowed as we promised our vows to each other. It seemed so heavenly and pure!

The reception was a blast. Mike and I had so much fun! Of course, after the wedding was over, we headed for Phillie and spent the night at a Hilton Motel before heading off on our honeymoon!

Cancun, Mexico .... here we come!!! Two people madly in love. Two hearts joined as one. Two lovers that were enjoying every single minute together like it was our last! We spent 10 days in Mexico. So much fun and as we traveled back to our "new home", (not new as in new, new ... just a home where we would start living our lives together), we made the comment of returning back to Mexico on another anniversary. We did not do this yet! Hopefully, some time!!!

Our marriage has not been bump free. We've had plenty of differences to work out. Plenty of "self" to turn into "togetherness". Our marriage grew like crazy and is strong! Still growing actually. We never want to stop growing more in love each day.

Thanks to all the many people that have been great examples for Mike and I to follow. Making Jesus first in our marriage. Our parents marriages next. And then all our friends to take encouragement from. You can read all the right literature about marriages, but we have come to realize that we must put it in every day practice. "REAL LIFE" moments!

We are taking off for an anniversary trip this weekend! I hope to post some found moments about this very soon!

Here's a picture that hangs on our bedroom wall!!!

Oh, young love!!!