Distance and Dry Places

I've learned to catch patterns with God.

He's the best author of life and marriage, and He's an awesome friend. What I've learned throughout my relationship with Him is that He's consistent in His methodology in regards to how he handles my life. I ask Him to do something, He does it. It's just up to me to realize that the core of everything that happens is an answer to a request that I've made of Him. Sometimes it's a simple "here's exactly what you wanted" type of blessing(of course those are my favorite). Sometimes it's a prayer like "God, use my marriage and make it a beautiful story of your faithfulness," only to be tested in response. I've caught the pattern, and I've learned that God trying my marriage actually is the answer to my prayer, even if it's not what I envisioned.

That said, God tested us in the area of finances. And by tested, I mean almost completely stripped and took away. "How do I know it was God?" you may ask. Because I've learned to catch His patterns. Before this financial trial, Kelsey and I took a step of faith and sowed into our respective church's year-end offering. We know that our churches are good ground, and we were absolutely STOKED to give. We felt peace when we did it, and less than a month later we received news that we weren't getting the expected refund check from Clemson University that would fluff our saving for our apartment and spring semester living. Instead, we owed almost 1,000 to the University. They mixed up signals of communication, then demanded their money.

A little shaken but mostly unphased, we paid them what they wanted, and told God that we trust Him. We were thankful to have had enough to pay for it in our current savings at the time, but not much was left after that. On top of that we promised my parents that we would help cover insurance costs so that I'd be covered with Winthrop until August, which we did. Then, the truck started to scare me a little because it's old and I had be driving it 2.5 hours home and back every weekend + 45 min to my internship and back every day. So, it started giving me a little trouble, but as of now it works just fine, praise God!

Out of all the financial strain, and contentment with being married, I was struggling with the very good question of "Is having something in May regarding our marriage even wise?" It rocked me and it was the first month in about a year that I did absolutely no wedding planning. Only silence, confusion, and a very dry place spiritually. Distance started to take a toll on us emotionally again, especially since you can't help but expect to see your spouse. Kelsey got more and more frustrated, even though I came home every weekend. I prayed for him, and God answered. I'm not sure what exchange went on between the two of them, but Kelsey has joy and peace again. Ah, the beauty and fulfillment of a relationship with God is especially handy in marriage!

Now its the beginning of February and I feel so much better. I feel joy, peace, and like an event in May it absolutley worth a shot! So, looks like the planning will continue!

We survived our first dark place, our first dry spot. What's amazing is, we're totally unscathed! We've started having weekly Bible study and continue meeting with God personally in order to ensure that our marriage will stay strong and protected.

More updates soon, Until then.....

Abide in Him