11 months . . . already?!

Hey Friends,

Time just doesn't stop does it? Today is Linda and I celebrate 11 months of being married. Where did the time go? I can't believe we're almost through with our first year of marriage.

What are some highlights?

Well, I'll write some and Linda can write some later.

1. Sharing life together. It's really a great joy to have our own place and to be able to just have life together.

2. Seeing 2 families become one. We are so thankful that our parents have become really good friends. And it's wonderful to experience our two families, both immediate and extended, embrace Linda and I. Also, I love seeing Linda interact with my parents. And I'm really thankful for her parents, too. And I'm growing more and more comfortable with them all the time. They have really become my parents, as well.

3. Our trip back to New York and Canada. Being in New York with both of our parents was wonderful. It was a trip filled with memories. Also, of course, going to Canada and being able to attend the wedding of our beloved Daniel and Andrea.

4. Our trip to Thailand with Daniel and Andrea. This was our first trip together with another couple. And it was fun! =) Really relaxed, but we got a lot done.

5. Co-MCing our friends Lisa and Peter's wedding banquet. That was a challenge cause we had to do it bilingually, but it was a great bonding and learning experience.

6. Seeing the way that the Lord has changed and molded the two of us. For me, I have definitely changed after marriage. A lot of people have sensed it, including me. I am more stable, more confident. I feel more grounded. As for Linda, she has changed, too. She's more secure, more confident.

7. Seeing some of the cogs in our machine start to fit together. While we were dating, my dad told me that Linda and I were the type of a couple that was a "perfect match." This doesn't mean that we were exactly alike in every way. Actually, it meant the exact opposite. It meant that we were very different. But our differences complimented each other in such a way that they matched. The challenge with that is to see fit the differences together so we can run smoothly without butting heads. Over the past year, I've seen countless examples of how God has created us opposite but complimentary.

A) Spending habits. Linda's more of a saver. I'm more of a spender. This doesn't mean that Linda doesn't spend and I don't save. But I have noticed that her saving nature balances my spending nature. And vice versa. At first, I'll admit, I was a bit frustrated because I felt that she was, "cheap." But I felt God nudging my heart and reminding me that if she weren't like that, we'd probably be broke within the first month. =)

B) Rest and Activity. Linda tends to need more rest than I do. I tend to enjoy hitting the ground running. So when we take trips, I want to go out and get going and see everything. But Linda often needs a break, or time to rest. At first, again, I was frustrated. I felt like she was holding me back. But again, God reminded me of something. Sometimes my go, go, go attitude isn't always healthy. I believe God put Linda in my life to slow me down. This sounds negative but it isn't. We all need to rest. I think half the time I don't realize how tired I am because I'm running on adrenaline. With Linda, I am forced to slow down. I'm forced to take a breath. To "stop and smell the roses" if I may borrow the cliche.

C) Introvert/Extrovert Linda and I are both introvert/extroverts. But not at the same time. What I've found is that many times when Linda's feeling introverted, that's when I feel extroverted. For example, she'll want to stay home and I'll want to go out and hang out. But many times when I'm introverted, Linda's extroverted. For example, calling people to set up appointments. Meeting new friends, and building new relationships.


God has really created a perfect match for me. This doesn't mean we're perfect yet. And we're still discovering new things all the time. But I'm thankful for my honey. I'm thankful for who she is, even if I don't understand her all the time. ;)

For me, I'm praying the Lord would help me to appreciate and cherish Linda for the way that he has made her, instead of trying to form and make her into who I want her to be.

I love you, Lin! =) You're my best friend and a dear gift from God.

Praying for all of you to find love in your lives.

Blessings.

-C