Homeward Bound

I'm so excited.

This time next week, Ryan and I will be in Arkansas! We're so thankful that we get to spend Christmas with our families next week. It will be a short trip, so we won't get to see everyone that we want to, but we're glad we'll be with family. Christmastime seems to get better and better as I get older.

I can't believe this year is almost over. What a year it has been! I've gotten married to my perfect soul-mate and we moved to a new city and made amazing new friends. The only downside is we miss our Arkansan peeps. Many nights Ryan and I will reminisce about college days and the year "off" that we took. We had so many good times. (Thank the Lord for Facebook so I can stalk all of you!) This year has been a great learning year. People always tell you about marriage, but you really don't know anything until you're there. We're thankful for the preparation we did receive from our pastors and mentors. It's been very helpful. I'm glad that Ryan and I know that marriage is not only for happiness, but for holiness. We know that when things aren't quite right, it's because we're sinful and the Lord is smoothing out our edges and refining us. Ryan has been the best sanctification tool outside the Holy Spirit and I am so thankful for him. It hasn't even been a year and I can already see how the Lord has been changing us. I'm told the "newlywed" ooey gooey phase will eventually fade, but knowing that marriage serves a greater purpose than making us "feel good" gives me great hope that we'll be together forever.

I'm really looking forward to next year for one big reason: I'll be an aunt! It'll be so exciting to have a baby in the family again. The last one we had was Alex and he is 16 now (oh my gosh).  I know my mom is thrilled and it'll be fun to see my dad as grandpa. I can't wait to spoil that cute bundle of joy!
I'll be 24 next month and that sounds weird. I'm sure I'll be one of those people who won't be able to handle the transition to her 30s well since I'm already freaking about my mid 20s. I still don't feel like an adult. I'm pretty sure I never will. Ask Ryan. I still dance and sing in the living room like a 3 year old. I'm a total dork.

Well friends I hope I get to see some of you next week! If not it's only because we were there for the weekend and just ran out of time! May the Lord bless your time with family and friends this Christmas. Thank you Father for sending your Son to the earth for our redemption. You are truly good. We are nothing without You.

Merry Christmas!