Love Never Gives Up

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The last few months as we introduce ourselves to others in our new home state, we say the standard, i.e., our names, where we came from, why we are here, how long we have been married and if we have any children. For those of you who are late to the game, we are The Lehr's, we moved from Oregon to Texas because of a new career and an opportunity to start the next chapter in our lives. We have been married for 6 years (been together for 7 yrs) and we have no kids (but working on it) and have 2.5 dogs.

Over the last few months, I have also reflected a lot on our marriage. Most of you have no clue what we have been through in the last 6 years. Our first year of marriage was crisis after crisis and we went through more things that year than a normal couple would in a lifetime. It was super hard and we have had trials even beyond that first year.

God gives us situations for a reason. We may not know why we have to deal with something so hard, but in the long run, it will make you stronger. Because of what we have been through, I know our love and marriage is real and solid. I believe that if majority of couples went through what we went through, they would have split within the year or two. To me, this means that they never fully valued their spouse and didn't take their vows and marriages seriously. I understand that every couple has their own issues, but what get's me is the way our society treats marriage. Marriage is a gift from God and I am thankful that I get to experience being a wife.

So before taking that step into marriage or if you are having trouble in your marriage, seek God for answers. Make him number 1 in your marriage. Seek a counselor or a person you respect and can provide good insight on relationships and marriage. God can work miracles and give you the marriage or relationship you dream of. Yes, it is still a lot of work, but "love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance."

Life in Texas

A little over two months ago, my husband and I made the journey from Oregon all the way to Texas. We had been talking about moving to Texas for a couple of years now because Texas offers more opportunities and is more economical than many other states. I wasn't too thrilled on moving to Texas. I have lived in Oregon my whole life and really enjoyed being around nature, i.e., the ocean, snow capped mountains, trees, water falls, rivers and lakes. My idea about Texas was flat, brown, hot and  tornadoes. That never sounded too appealing to me.

As we were nearing closer to graduating with our master's degrees and knowing that we will be beginning another chapter in our lives, we had to come up with a plan on what to do next. The plan involved getting into a career or get a better paying job. My husband put in a resume at a consulting firm. Within a couple of weeks, he was able to do a phone interview and eventually flying and meeting with a superior face to face. Needless to say, he got the job and we had 6 weeks to move. Everything seemed to happen suddenly. The company has 7 locations all over the country. Of course one of the options was in Texas (go figure). We had the choice of moving to one of those locations. We talked about what seemed more logical for us and we thought once again Texas would be the most logical to start a new chapter in our lives.

So Texas it was and we had only a few weeks to move. Everything seemed to fall into place. My husband was able to finish up his degree at the end of winter term. I was at a point in my degree where I could work anywhere. We were able to get help with relocation and we even got a good deal on our moving truck. It all just seemed to work out. Even during our journey to Texas where we broke down in the middle of no where in Nevada, we were able to get assistance in a timely manner from the moving company and we were back on the road the next morning.

When we arrived in Texas, we were blessed enough to have my husbands co-worker offer his guest space in their home until we were able to find a place to live. The people we stayed with are very nice and hospitable. The day after we arrived in Texas, we found a place to live! Again, things were falling into place. It felt good to have things work for a change.

Living in Texas has been great. I actually love living here. I love the weather, I love our home and I love our new lifestyle. I love how people are so nice here-which is different than Portland where most people think they are God's gift to the world and are rude (to say it in a nice way). I think we made a wise choice moving to Texas. I am glad that God provided us with the new opportunities that are making us happy. I can't wait to see what happens next..... :D

P.S. Ask me in the fall if I still like the weather. :)

Wordless Wednesday

Time to start blogging again...

It's been a while since I've been on here typing away whatever is on my mind. It's time to get back to typing away. I continue to be reminded that it is important to take care of myself more and more. Not just physically, but mentally and of course spiritually too.

I am at a very exciting, important and vulnerable 'place' in my life as I just moved over 2,000 miles away from Oregon, the only place I really know...to Texas, place I never been too until we moved here. Not only did I moved (which was sudden), but I will be 30 in a couple of weeks and in June, I will be graduating with my Masters degree in Conflict Resolution. I am starting another chapter in my life. That is why it is exciting, important and makes me vulnerable.

Though I don't know what is ahead of me, I am looking forward to what's next. I know that I am and will be taken care of. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am thankful for the life experiences thus far, but I have a feeling that this next chapter will be awesome. :) 

Wordless Wednesday

Music that Lifts Me Up

I like music. Who doesn't? Christian music is my favorite music to listen to. It's uplifting, encouraging and positive. I really like listening to christian music when things are not going great. It helps me get through things easier and the music reminds me that I am not alone and there is hope. These are some of my favorite songs. Enjoy.

1. You love me anyway by Sidewalk Prophets
2. Light up the Sky by The Afters
3. You Lift Me Up by The Afters
4. Forgiven by Sanctus Real
5. Strong Tower by Kutless
6. Your Love by Brandon Heath
7. Strong Enough by Matthew West
8. Down by Mat Kearney
9. Beautiful by Mercy Me
10. Restless by Switchfoot

Here are some of the songs....

Strong Enough

This past month I have cried more times than in my whole entire life...well, at least it seems that way. The events in my life that have taken place in the last few weeks have been super hard for me. Only a very few people know what has been going on, and I thank those people from the bottom of my heart for being there for me, counseling me and just being a listening ear.

I have not enjoyed what I have had to go through in the last month, and there was a few times where I wasn't sure if I could get through it and I even wanted to walk away from the situation. I know that there is a reason why I am going through this hard time. God had this planned out and there is something to be learned here. I think that I may be at the tail end of this super hard trial (at least I hope so) and I can see now what benefits this trial will bring.

I've spent a lot of alone time (not my choice) and during this time of being alone, I have been able to reflect on who I am, who I want to be and changes I can apply to be the person I ultimately want to become. I have reflected on my relationships with friends and family, my marriage and the ultimate one, my relationship with God.

I actually feel like I have grown as a person in the last month. I haven't felt this way in a long, long time. I guess this trial was something I needed...even though I wish it was a bit less harsh. :)

I still have my up's and down's and still feel uncertain at times, but I hope that once things start settling down in my life, I hope that things will be better than ever and that I can continue to grow into that woman I want to be.

A song that has really hit home with me during this time is "Strong Enough" by Matthew West. It's been kind of motivating to me and comforts me in a musical way.