Mold and Other Things

It's the husband again.

We're staying with Calli's grandmother for the time-being while we clean up the mold in our bedroom. Although we got varying suggestions and recommendations for whether we should stay in our room while treating it for mold, we opted to follow the advice of our chiropractor to stay away from it until we had bleached the heck out of it (he had just spent $30,000 getting rid of mold in his house which had triggered his dormant lyme-disease and really messed him up). So we've been spending the nights at Calli's grandmother's and making it a little home base while we run around doing errands, odd jobs, etc.

Yesterday we did our first house cleaning job helping out a lovely woman from Isaiah's old church. She lives in Charlotte, which is a little bit of a hike, but we're glad to help out a friend and willing to do anything for a little extra cash at this point.
This morning Isaiah borrowed a pump sprayer from Calli's grandfather and sprayed a gallon of bleach  on the mold. It is looking a lot better and smelling better as well. Since we don't know how long it will be until they are going to be able to install the new tub for Calli's younger autistic brother who lives with us at Calli's mom's house, we may be moving back in temporarily until they are ready to do the "extreme makeover." Word on the street is that they'll be replacing all the walls and fixtures (sink, toilet, etc.) …so yeah, I call that an extreme makeover.

While we love getting a chance to spend more time with Calli's grandmother, who is incredibly gracious enough to allow us to stay in her bedroom (her taking the guest room!), we're having to travel around to find internet and phone connectivity so it's good that it isn't long-term. However, we are more than grateful for her generosity at letting us crash at her place for a few days while we let the bleach do it's work on the mold in our room. She's kind of awesome that way. (I recommend everyone getting a grandmother like her—although how one goes about getting one I'm not sure…I guess I married the girl of my dreams and she came as a bonus…so that worked out well!)

On another note, Isaiah has been hunting all around for jobs and after applying for 3 more today got a hit back on a landscape opportunity with an interview scheduled for tomorrow! If you read this before then pray that it will go well and be a good fit for him and the landscape company. Lord willing this will fit well with the weekend bread routes Isaiah is running and bring home more of that delicious bacon (or sausage if you prefer).

~ #TEAMEnglish!

Contentment Practice & Update

Well, the husband & I are officially back from the 2nd Honeymoon/Anniversary, and it was fantastic! Plenty of awesome heart-to-heart conversations, Scrabble and homemade monopoly (which went even better than expected!), extra sleep, and lots of reading Ray Bradbury and listening to Nathan Trice's marriage series together. In addition, it snowed whilst we were in the hot tub at least twice (which was my wish!). And, when we visited Mt. Airy, we participated in a wine tasting and had arguably the best food I've ever consumed in my life (including the time Megan & I went out to a 4 star in Scotland, so yeah...): Old North State Winery and Food is top notch! We highly recommend it.

We returned to a less-than-ideal situation at home. Right before we left, we discovered intense mold on the floor of our room and within the wall in between our room and the bathroom. This happens to be unfortunate since I am highly allergic to mold and mold killer (LOL). Isaiah took down some of the wall and sprayed mold killer before we left (I, of course, reclined in a different room during this process). The reason for the mold turns out the be a leak within the bathroom pipes that went unchecked for months. Then, when we returned, mom reported that the pipes of the rest of the house had burst, and that when she inquired about it, she found out that our pipes were recalled 7 years ago, but mom (having bought the house 3 years ago) missed the recall. Anyway, the tentative plan is for construction on Colton's (my autistic brother) new tub to include a new wall between the bathroom and our bedroom (which would hopefully be paid for not out of pocket), and for over 700 dollars of my mom's tax money to pay for all new pipes (she is checking with Homeowner's Insurance to see if they can help)...At this point I would like to thank my mother for being amazing!

So, for now, Isaiah and I are a tad homeless (sort of). We can't be around all of the mold and bare-walled, cold room which is about to undergo intense dismantling and construction (mostly because of my health). We have stayed at Isaiah's family's house for two nights (one of which included Zach's concert!), and will be heading to stay in my grandfather's lake house for the rest of our displaced time. *It will be nice to have some hang out time with my awesome Aunt Sheila & Uncle Ray who live upstairs in my grandpa's place.

You know, it's funny. I was struggling with contentment having moved so much these past two years (one of single hood & one of marriage): from Susan's in Colorado to North Carolina at my dad's house, to a different lake house rented by Elizabeth & I and then by Isaiah & I, then to the Boardwalk Chapel in New Jersey, and then back to Lexington, NC at my mom's)...I was talking to God about it, and what does He give me? Not rest and stability, but practice at being content! God is so awesome, and also sometimes infuriating!

But, all and all, and I really do mean this, I am happy to serve a Wise Father who gives me practice at what I struggle with. It's practice I will need in missions life. Praise Him!

*Also side note of positivity: Thank God for all of the community & support I've gotten in living situations over this time period. The Body of Christ rocks!

Bye for now, Felicia!

The Wife

A Year in Review

So, Isaiah & I are headed to Frog Holler Cabins tomorrow after church to celebrate our one year anniversary!   (We'll be staying for 3 days this time rather than one week, since we're poor...haha) It's hard to believe it's been a whole year. Maybe it always goes by this fast, maybe it's the numerous locations of this first year of marriage, or maybe it's the immense growth we're both experienced.

Most likely, it's a mix of all three of these, and many more things we're not aware of. We are so happy to have shared this year with many of you, and can't wait for what the next one holds (Japan training for one!).

The trip to Frog Holler is likely to be incredibly like the first time around since a snow and ice storm is predicted for Monday (I do believe the streets will be rolled up once again, the shop owners nowhere to be found, and the driveway to the cabins likely hard to get down...but at least I won't be lugging things in, in a wedding dress and slippery shoes this time! ;) We have no problem being snowed in though. In fact, I'm pretty pumped about it myself. I only hope it snows while we're in the hot tub like last year. Watching snow fall, all whilst keeping warm and next to your favorite person in the world is pretty fantastic and magical [insert fairy dust]!

We are all ready with food from my grandma once again (she is awesome!), cookie mix that Geneva, Matty, and I made, and a display we borrowed from gram for movie watching ("Knight & Day" is on the list!).

This 2nd Honeymoon serves as a mile marker for us, a one year Ebenezer stone. It's so crazy to think about all this year has held for us new Englishes. I thought that in celebration and thankfulness to God and those who have shared it with us, I'd post some highlights of this first year, so with no further ado...I present...

Highlights of the First Year of Marriage!!!! 

[du-du-du-du! Spotlight. LOL]

I Got Married to the Most Wonderful Man on Earth...

We moved into my grandfather's lakehouse and shared some special memories of

our first few months of marriage including...

Hosting the most awesome birthday party for my dad ever,

for which Isaiah made his first cake (an English man tradition), 

(And also getting sick together, loving each other, 

me working at the YMCA and with Colton for a bit, 

keeping house, arguing, making up, 

and generally settling into marriage)

I left my part time jobs, and we drove up to The Boardwalk Chapel

in New Jersey to experience our first official time of ministry 

together, Isaiah helping with Evangelism and me helping with Drama. 

It was a phenomenal summer during which we...

1. Spent couple time together on the beach, at Dragon House Chinese, 

getting ice cream at Bananas, riding the tram car to 

the end of the Boardwalk, and many other epic dating adventures...

2. Made some awesome friends and had amazing community

with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that we worked with on staff, 

met on the boards, and talked to over the summer via visiting youth groups 

or musical guests (Renee & Romi were among my favorites)...

3. Performed awesome skits together, sang together, and ministered together...

4. Hung out with the Byrd (the most epic bro on earth), 

and later visited New York with him & Sarah, 

enjoying gourmet pizza and wine, 

learning about Egypt at the MET, 

touring churches, eating from our first food truck, 

and singing Andrew Peterson songs about pennies...

Also we went to a Waterpark while in Jersey...

Isaiah's first time!...

Next, come the end of September, when crowds had dwindled 

and most of the staff had headed home, 

we moved back to Lexington, NC. This time we moved in

with my mom who graciously decorated an amazing room 

for us! I taught for a semester, and, once again we lived, 

laughed, and loved our way to deeper affection and maturity via 

everyday life together....

We also did some awesome stuff like go on a family vacation to 

Florida with my dad and brother Mitch (We went to 3 theme

parks and had an amazing time in general!), visited Childress Vineyards 

[pictured above], used all the gift cards we got from our wedding,

Christmas, and teaching (a lot of great dates!), and continued to prepare for Japan...

We got a special visit from some awesome friends for the New Year! 

It was so amazing to see some beautiful faces from the Chapel to kick

off 2016! These are beautiful people...

Next, I stopped teaching with the end of the semester, and 

we went to "Wicked!" with the Englishes, this marking our next transition.

Isaiah took on more work and started TESOL certification 

and I began Theology courses for Japan...

One of the best things about this year has been the 

time that we've had with both the English family

and various members of the Cleary Clan 

(esp. some amazing time with my dad)

We continue to pursue Christ and each other in 

this new phase of our marriage. 

Japan training is in May, and we hope 

to send Isaiah off in April for a short-term 

trip to Sendai, Japan, while I attend a conference

with my dad at the Creation Museum in Kentucky...

Thank you for sharing this first year with us!

Here's to another! 

Contentment - A Thank you Letter.

Thank You for Investing...

Since it's getting close to Valentine's Day and hence to my Anniversary, I wanted to make a blogpost about all of the people and couples in my life who have taught me about contentment. As an idealist, type-A personality who loves constant entertainment and travel and never "planned" on getting hitched, contentment is NOT easy. It's something that I personally have to work on with God a lot. But there are people who have given me a major leg up; they taught me the ropes long before I was thrown into the arena of marriage, and to them I am eternally grateful. I love you all. Thank you for being a part of my love story, my marriage, and hence, my ministry for Christ!

1. Britney & Patrick Wood

How I Know You: Britney recruited Amy Verner & I to teach for her school in Colorado. Amy & I spent two years hanging out with this beautiful couple and calling them our Colorado parents. Britney and I would have long talks and coffee while Patrick & Amy played video games (such boys! :p). Their house is also always the one I went to when I got sick and wanted company and love, and I called Brit when I was freaking out about liking Isaiah before he asked me out.

Dear Woods: Britney, thank you for taking the time to talk to me over numerous cups of tea and tears. Thank you for feeding me when you and Patrick didn't even have that much to go around. But thank you, most of all, for showing and telling me how to be content. I think growing up as a missionary kid made you more practiced at being happy with your lot in life at a given time, even a difficult one. Sometimes you were tired and weary after school and would return home to Patrick who had, likewise, had a rough day, and you both just loved each other. Rather than being resentful, you found rest and joy in each other's arms knowing that this was a phase and not forever. Also thank you for painting nails outside and reading books from the library and finding couple shows, for showing me how to find simple, free/cheap things to do to fill my time up in the mundane of life, and enjoy every minute of it. Rather than focusing on what you couldn't do or didn't have, you both focused on each other and on finding the little things; those things that make the everyday magical. And Patrick, thanks for showing me that even though not everything works out, job wise, salary wise, plan wise, that a calm, gentle, and caring spirit goes a long way, that a man or woman can and will stick it out and keep being full of ideals and ideas, that, no matter what happens, our spirits don't have to be broken. We can find joy in planning, writing, or even working with mulch for hours in a day because not all of life is perfect, but our God is. God bless you guys! 

Britney & Patrick reading a Speech at our wedding

2. Paul & Judi English

How I Know You: These are my in-laws! And what wonderful ones to have. Judi & Paul raised my husband Isaiah to be a great man of God, and now they often give me advice too! I still remember when Judi spoke so often about submission and dependence before we got married. I kept wondering why...until later. LOL!

Judi & Paul on the Breadroute: "She's a BreadWoman Now!"

Dear Englishes (The Originals): Paul, thank you for teaching Isaiah how to enjoy the things in life that I just hate...Things like paying bills, doing taxes, taking naps. All of those things that I find pointless and irritating and which grate on my natural discontent and fun-loving personality, Isaiah enjoys getting accomplished. He enjoys these things because of you, because he remembers a dad who took joy in the small things, who taught him how to be a man when life is kind of lame, and to not even look at life as lame during it. Because you taught him, he is teaching me. Thank you. Thank you for raising a patient and contented man who can help this heated-Irish-blooded-blonde be calm. And Judi, thank you for showing me that those things I describe as "lame" at times, are actually beautiful. Caring for children is beautiful. Being a wife is beautiful. Cleaning up is even beautiful, for it makes a home lovely and shows care. And thank you for showing me that even when times are hard, when you have visiting girls who are rebellious and headstrong, when someone vomits on the bed, when your kids are emotionally struggling, when you're just tired...Thanks for showing me that during these hard times, we just do what needs to be done and pray and love in the process. I never see an English kid make a big deal over cleaning up poop or vomit or pee; they just do it. And that's because they have parents that do the same: Deal with life as it comes, be content about even those displeasing things, take as much joy as possible in something, and just throw the rest in the wash without a word. 

*Editor's Note: Geneva & Matty just informed me that sometimes there may actually be a "word" or two of complaint, but the letter still stands. :)

Judi & Paul at our wedding

3. Jan & Rob Greer

How I Know You: I babysat for Jan & Rob, but babysitting for them was much more than a job. Rob would teach me about economies and wise spending and saving while driving me to and from work, and Jan would speak with me for hours in their school room about education, English, and marriage. A beautiful couple who loves God fiercely.

Dear Greers, thank you for showing me that keeping love alive and vibrant includes setting time aside for each other for date nights. But even more than that, thanks for showing me that it's possible to be content even with smaller things, like watching your awesome husband sing your kids to sleep, or reminisce about how it used to be even harder during Grad. School, or simply escape with a cup of tea to the schoolroom when the kids are yelling. Also, especially Jan, thank you for showing me how to be chill about more stuff. Sometimes kids scream, and they're fine. Sometimes husbands say things, and you let it roll off or just figure it meant something else. Sometimes you mess something up or burn something, and you just make cereal and then go talk to your babysitter about life. Sometimes you just "be," and that is more than enough. 

4. Leah & Dal Cook

How I Know You: I grew up with these folks much like I did the Greers and Worleys. Leah was my first employer. I worked for her as a Mother's Helpers, cleaning out closets and fixing shelves, all the while talking about she and Dal's love story and what makes their marriage work.

Leah and Dal, thank you for showing me that relationships have phases. Sometimes you are totally, head-over-heels in love and get to see each other constantly. Other times, you don't get to see each other a lot because of separate work schedules and life and children, and that's okay. You just roll with life, knowing that your commitment meant forever and that you still love each other. And thanks for being content with all of the chaos happening around you, with kids (often not your own) coming in and out of whatever house you lived in at the time, thanks for showing me that being content doesn't mean planning the perfect "couple time" but often just dwelling in the "what is" and being okay with that. And Leah, thank you for showing me that when I do screw up, even if it has to do with discontentment, I can come to God and my husband instead of killing my inner-self with guilt. Thank you for telling and showing me time and time again as I cleaned your home that guilt isn't the best way to grace or to your husband's heart. 

5. The McCoys (Bob & Laurel)

How I Know You: I knew your kiddos first. Katie from a distance, but Amy & Bonnie up close as roommates. I heard of Bob & Laurel's love story long before I knew them. I watched their kids interact, love, and give me advice before I learned where all of it came from. And then I met these people, two of the most wonderful folks in all the world who raised kids full of wonder, friendship, love, and magic. None of the McCoys ever said goodbye to Narnia, and thank God for that!

Bob, I spoke with you the most, so this is addressed to you (but Laurel, you're a part of this because you're awesome and are one flesh with your hubby! <3) Thank you for showing me that your level of contentment is dependent mostly on your relationship with God and your own attitude: not upon your wife or what she does or does not do. Whenever I am tempted to blame Isaiah for my discontentment or problems, I think of a conversation we once had; I remind myself that there is not an excuse for my discontentment. I only need to seek God, pray, read the Word, and get an attitude adjustment. It's about me and God. Not Isaiah and what he does or doesn't do. Bob, you are perfectly happy with being a garbage man and with raising Godly children (or "Planting Seeds" as the Andrew Peterson song says); you see the magic in these things because there is magic in all of the things our wonderful God made. In all things Chirst Preeminent. In all things Christ glorified...Even the small things. Thank you. 

The McCoy girls, Bonnie & Amy, at our wedding

6. The Hawkins (Dorcas & Allen)

How I Know You: I met you and Lindsey (Lil' Hawks) when you dropped her off at Covenant College. I heard so much about your relationship and family perspectives from my new friend Lindsey, and then I got to see it for myself by spending a whole summer with you (Dorcas, Allen, Lindsey, and the occasional Bryant too!) in a fixed-up Bryant's room. Dorcas & Allen were so kind to me, a semi-stranger, in their home and were there for me in some difficult times (my first time being fired, home-sickness, and some culture shock). What wonderful conversations I had with Allen about Theology (He made me more of a conservative!) and Dorcas about Education and Family (It has effected the way I will raise my children).

Seriously, the cutest, most hip older couple I've ever seen

(I hope we're that cool one day)

Dear Dorcas and Allen, thank you for showing me how to take joy in the small things (even when the big things are stressful--like a crazy teaching job for instance). I loved watching you guys take joy in cups of coffee and homemade Eggs Benedict, a trip to Southbound Bagel, a good book, a memory, new 20 min. recipes, Theology talks, simple dinners with the family, BBC shows, redecorating a room, buying a great bridal gift, growing herbs, etc. You guys are experts are doing life in a classy (dare I say British?) and simplistically beautiful way. When I start to feel bored or like life is just slow, I think of some of the things you guys filled your time with, and start a great project or talk with my hubby!

Lil' Hawks at our wedding

7. Jocelin & Tim Yagel 

How I Know You: Jocelin is my among my best friends at Covenant College, and she and Tim's relationship is unique to me because I got to watch it happen. What a beautiful couple who dated, got engaged, were married, did life together (all while I got to see!), and hosted me any time I came to Chattanooga! These were my first adoptive parental figures! It is so awesome to sometimes struggle with where Isaiah & I are at, and then think back to what Jocelin & Tim did in similar situations just years before.

And the most attractive couple I know...#ModelStatus

Dear Jocelin and Tim, you guys are experts at contentment in the midst of trial. From really difficult and stressful jobs to intense sickness and pain to differing perspectives and ways of growing up to apartments from Hades, you have been through the ringer. (Be encouraged, I've been told this means God is equipping you for amazing ministry!)You have taught me that I have NO reason (Death no Life nor Angels nor Demons nor Sick Days) to resist being one with my spouse. Instead of breeding discontent and arguments, your trials, have driven you to each other. Get Sick: Watch Batman together. Hard Job: Go on a date to your fav. place when you get off. Difficult Relational Issues: Talk to each other and receive wisdom from your spouse and then binge watch a show. You folks have become experts at turning to, instead of away from, each other. When I become discontent (for example when we discovered mold the other day in our room!), I ask myself: Do I allow this to drive me away from Christ and my husband, or Do I speak openly with him and fix it together? I think I'll be like Joce & Tim: TeamWork for the Win! 

Jocelin as Maid of Honor at our wedding

8. Will & Patty Tate

How I Know You: Will (Dr. Tate) was one of my English Professors at College. He taught me Intro to Literary Studies, Renaissance Literature, and Shakespeare (the class where I fell in love with Isaiah). He always spoke of love as both natural and hard-work, and when he spoke of what love, affection, and commitment really were in the context of literature I finally got it! And Mrs. Tate who tutored me for hours on end in the Math Center. She taught me to never quit, that there's always a way to solve any problem, and when you really get stuck, you can step away, have a mint or a chocolate, and pray/chill for a bit before you start again. And she thought she was only teaching me math! haha!

Dear Tates: Patty, you taught me not to quit. Though you were often speaking of math, you, at times, would also comment that it was the same in life. How true that is! When I start to fall into discontentment with my situation in life, I remember that the fight is not over. No matter what satan might try to tell me, the battle belongs to the Lord and He dwells in me so....despite the fact that I feel I've lost...I keep fighting, I don't quit. Feelings can be deceiving. I am learning this full well. And Dr. Tate (I simply can't bring myself to call you "Will!" Ah!), you taught me that comparison and "a way out" is not an option when it comes to being committed to your spouse. "I made a promise. I know I love him with my life even when I can't stand him," I have told myself in the midst of tough discussions. You showed me that love is both natural and a fight, both organic and cultured, and you used Shakespeare to do it! How cool! 

9. Alex & Ruth Marquez

How I Know You: Alex was my first real boss at James Irwin in Colorado Springs, but he was much more than that. He and Ruthie had Amy and I over, and he would, numerous times, speak of his love for his wife and many communication techniques I still use to this day (example: "Would you like me to listen or comment?")

Dear Alex & Ruthie (as Alex so affectionately calls you), you taught me that to remain content with your spouse...1. It is important to invest in your marriage (dates, time together, honoring the other person's love language, fixing communication misunderstandings quickly), and you also taught me to 2. Dwell on your spouse-to remember why you fell in love with them, to remember how awesome and attractive they are, to remember that they are yours and you are theirs. You taught me to be like a teenager in love and to relish your love (constantly talking about how amazing your other half is) so that you remain abiding in your love for your spouse, so that you are almost incapable of becoming discontent with the ONE God made for you. Thank you. 

10. Alicia Ward

One of my first friends at Covenant who mentored me and took me to the famous Aunt Collyn's (spelling?) house to speak of the bygone eras of Covenant. She wanted to hang out with freshman me! How amazing! Alicia was naturally gifted as a wife and mother but kept her focus on Jesus and His work in "the now." She expressed so much contentment and peace. She may never know how much calm she brought to my tumultuous soul during those first years.

11. Megan Prahl

My co-worker, friend, companion, and travel-buddy in Colorado. Megan taught English at James Irwin, and she quickly became one of my favorite people. She filled her time with wonderful things and kept her focus where it should be. She demonstrated singleness (and marriage actually) done well: Contentment, Joy in the small things (like being a foodie and watching BBC), and Fascination with the Wonders that are in the world!

Megan, looking beautiful, on our (Susan, Megan, & I's) Scotland trip

Dearest Alicia & Megan, you are the only "singles" on this list and that is a testament to how amazingly you have sought out contentment, joy, and fulfillment in Christ and in Life. From you I learned that I have to first be fulfilled in myself and in my God before being a good wife. I cannot expect Isaiah to fill me up: this leads to discontentment. I have to expect God to fill me up rather than my spouse. I also need to seek out fun activities, ministry opportunities, etc. and not simply expect my husband to provide all of this for me. He is my husband. Not my God. And Not my Event Planner and Coordinator. 

12. Susan & Cope Mitchell 

How I Know You: Susan, you, like Megan, are a companion, friend, travel-buddy, and co-worker. But you and Cope became something more for me during my second year at James Irwin. When I left two stressful housing situations in a row, you let me into your home; you gave me salvation and healing. Your home was a place where I was able to mend my broken and scared spirit and begin to feel whole again. I became a part of your family. I will love you for always more than you know.

They look like they belong at Black Mountain College

Dear Mitchells, you taught me that life is crazy, that ridiculous things which we could never expect happen (especially in ministry), happen, and that it's best to trust God, honor your spouse, and go with it. And then to not hold it against them. Susan, Cope promised you an adventure years ago when he asked you to be his, and he was right! You have really loved, cared, and risen to the challenges needed in being a missionary (in my opinion) wife. Cope,you had to be away from home and on the road more than you wanted, but you made the time with your wife count; you loved on her and cherished her. You bloomed where you were planted rather than complaining. Susan, you never held bitterness or became utterly discontent. You pushed on, raised your children to be independent thinkers, thanked God for your life, and enjoyed the adventure...and the cigars ;)

The famous couple the day I left for North Carolina, a goodbye shot :(

13. Josiah & Jo English

How I Know You: My brother-in-law and sister-law who I inherited with the vows I made to my husband. I love them more and more everyday. As Josiah says, "He was the first," to get married, so he does know best. I will watch and learn, folks! But for serious though....I do and will continue to...watch. #nocreeperstatus!

Dear Josiah & Jo, I am SO IMPRESSED by your level of contentment. You have yet to have a place of your own, but rather than express discontentment, you make wherever you are living better: you build patios, make gardens, make great pasta & bread, buy bunnies, and start fixing apartment bathrooms. You also have been patient in waiting for employment as well as dealing with employment which may not be your favorite. You have dealt with rejection and bad timing and ministry not being as quick as you wanted over and over, and you are trusting and abiding! Jo, your allergies have even kept you from wearing your wedding ring at times, but I don't hear you complaining. I hear you rejoicing in the small victories of life. You folks are perhaps the most current example I go to when I start to feel stifled and upset with where we (Isaiah & I) are in life. You're in the same boat (except you've been out to sea for longer), and you're surviving and thriving. "I should be too," I tell myself! Right on, bro and Jo! "I always like your birthday present."

Josiah & Jo celebrating Jo's recent employment 

at the most awesome job on earth. 

14. Meredith & Scott Worley 

How I Know You: Meredith, my dance teacher, advice-giver, and friend! I hung out with Meredith every day of every summer (and then sometimes in addition to that!) from the ages of 7-20 years of age! Meredith taught me so much about dance, life, body confidence, how the Bible works as whole, and love. She and Scott's love story is one for the ages.

Dear Worleys, thank you specifically for teaching me to be content when my body fails me. I have watched Scott have tremendously taxing back problems, and continue on loving his family and wife, not allowing discontent or bitterness to take over, but proclaiming God's goodness at dance shows, etc. I have also seen Mer-Mer teach when pregnant, when sick, when her body is perfect and when it's not, when her knee is bad, when her neck hurts, when her life is full of stress, and when she is great...Girl, you worship through it all both in dance and in life. Thank you for teaching me this specific form of contentment especially because my back and sickness this year have been rough. Watching you guys, I know it's going to be okay, that God is good, and that my partner is a gift of help during the hard times. There is always something to rejoice in! 

Other People & Couples who helped me in different marriage areas: 

Laurie & Todd Cleary
Role: Parents <3 You are the most wonderful parents a girl could ask for! I always knew I could tell you anything and that you would welcome me with open arms just like Jesus!
Key Lessons: Endurance & Communication Techniques

Amy Verner
Role: Friend, Co-Worker, Colorado Roommate
Key Lessons: Men being Men, Women NOT being fixers, Cleaning as a Habit of Respect & Love

Dr. Foreman
Role: Reading Film & American Literature Professor at Covenant College
Key Lessons: The Wonder & Magic of Love and that Men can be feminists too!

Michael & Emily Bowers
Role: Pastor and Pastor's Wife at Rich Fork Baptist Church
Key Lessons: Communication, Letting things Go, and Appreciation

Kim & Kasey Hern
Role: My College & Career Leaders at Rich Fork
Key Lessons: Giving & Sacrificing for Ministry during Marriage

Mrs. Karen Watford
Role: North Davidson High School English Teacher
Key Lessons: Never Quitting, Always Giving your best in Work and Relationships

Bethany Faraone
Role: RA for Fifth North Hall at Covenant College
Key Lessons: Having fun and enjoying Singlehood, Laughing in the Hard Times with my Partner!, Not Taking Things too Seriously

Looking Up...

Hey there, folks!

Despite the difficulty of the past week and a half (due to sickness, car issues, and general depression for the Mr & I), we have been dwelling on the Japan meeting that went so well and trying to stay positive in the midst of everyday life. Learning to appreciate the small things is a big part of this, as is enjoying time together no matter what. At times, we, as a couple, can get too obsessed with recovering, getting in a better mood, treating sickness, figuring out ways to make money, etc.

When we obsess over these things too much, we forget to enjoy life in the moment, and we overlook the little joys. One of the biggest downfalls for me is starting to focus on how I'm not a good enough wife...this ironically, makes me not a very good wife: one that's obsessing over her failures instead of actually enjoying life with my husband. Isaiah, after all, didn't marry me so that I could stay perfect and pleasing. He married me to love me. And when I obsess over my failures, I don't allow him to love me. When I keep trying to earn his love, I miss the whole point of love in the first place. It's very similar with God.

Despite our former depression, it's been difficult to remain depressed due to all that God's been doing for us. We don't deserve it, but He has been loving on us a lot lately. Our car actually passed   inspection! Isaiah and I have had some really good heart to hearts this week that needed to happen for a while. And I, despite the coughing and clogged up ears, really am on the mend. Things like the chiropractor and detoxing are helping. It may be an annoyingly slow process, but, for the most part, I am just living with the sickness that's still lingering and enjoying life no matter how much better I could be. I am who God means me to be, sick and all, in this moment, and I will enjoy the day the Lord has made! When He sees fit to heal me or fix me, He will. I think I've been learning yet again, through all of this, a lot of patience and endurance.

Patience: Every time I feel that I've learned this, I haven't. I would say Laugh Out Loud, but honestly it's just a little sad. We humans are so quick to believe we've mastered a character trait that we completely ignore the 12 others areas of that particular character trait that we've yet to learn. I may have learned patience with students, with children, with family members (especially my brother Mitch, whom I love very much), but I've yet to learn patience with sickness, weakness, and lack of sleep. These are traits that are important to humility and dependence as well as to motherhood. In addition, even the areas that I've learned more patience in, God is always seeking to deepen. We will never be perfect or have even one character trait completley conquered this side of heaven. Thank God for His grace!

In other English Couple news, Isaiah is still working on his TESOL certification, and I finally received my textbooks in the mail and have started my Bible class on the Book of John. I am enjoying being in the Word and reading Theology texts very much. I am planning on conquering one class at a time so that I can get in the mode of a budding theologian and really delve into whatever book of the bible I happen to be studying. I think if I planned everything correctly, I can be finished with The Book of John, Daniel, The Minor Prophets, and The Book of Romans by the end of May. Then I will have a full-fledged Bible Certificate! :) I also am increasingly grateful for having finished the Torah during my regular Bible study time, for it has come in useful so much in everyday life and also relates to John quite a bit. I'm on Judges now. (*Also if any of you are currently reading the Bible, check out the awesome animated yet deep youtube channel which focuses on different books and themes in the Bible that I linked at the end of the post! It's seriously amazing. Deepened my Bible reading quite a bit!)

In addition to TESOL for Isaiah and Bible Certificate earning for me, Isaiah has applied to go with OPC Short-Term Missions to help with construction on the Nozomi Center in Sendai, Japan. Please be praying that he's accepted to the team so that he can go minister and, along the way, learn about the country we are called to! The trip would be in April. If everything works out, Isaiah will be in Japan while I will be heading to Kentucky with my dad for a Conference about Discernment at the Creation Museum!

All Our Love.

The Englishes

*Link to youtube Bible channel that I love: The Bible Project