Five
Today is our five year wedding anniversary. I've been thinking over the past week or so about how much has happened since we tied the knot on January 3, 2004. We were both unemployed and I was 3 credits away from my degree (which I finished that May). Our first apartment in Orchard Park, NY was a tiny one bedroom apartment that we kept at 58 degrees. We had a bed, couch and a TV - pretty much all you need when you are an unemployed newlywed.
Now we have furniture and appliances for two houses in two different countries. I've been hired for 9 different jobs; I'm not sure how many Kristen has worked. We've been through times when we needed $20 to pay our bills for the month and times when we've had more than we needed. Now we are living in Hungary with a one year old son who brings us constant joy and an ever-expanding ministry among the missionary and Hungarian community.
During my life with Kristen there have been a number of constants that I can rely on to be there. One of them has been the support of our families, both Kristen's and mine. They have helped us on so many occassions, either financially, or providing a place to stay or giving a listening ear or sending Reese's pieces and baby food.
The other two were brought to my mind when I was reading 1 Timothy. Kristen and I have been studying chapter 1 a little bit and today during open gym I was reading the text and I read these verses:
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
These verses are a great comfort and truth in my life when I think about God's mercy and how he is ready to take me back time and time again. The word that really struck me was "unlimited". That concept doesn't make sense - especially when it is tied to the word patience. To know that God has unlimited patience with me, even though I am nothing in comparison to him.
All that got me thinking about the third constant of these past 5 years, which is Kristen. If anyone can be a picture of God's unlimited patience, it would be her. She would be the first to say that she doesn't have unlimited patience, but she has put up with my laziness, sarcasm, grumpiness, thoughtlessness, and countless failures ever since she met me. Not only has she put up with them, but she loves me through those times and continues to build me up.
If this much can happen over 5 years, I can't wait to see what will happen by year 10. I bet we'll have 6 kids and be living in an igloo in Canada.
Now we have furniture and appliances for two houses in two different countries. I've been hired for 9 different jobs; I'm not sure how many Kristen has worked. We've been through times when we needed $20 to pay our bills for the month and times when we've had more than we needed. Now we are living in Hungary with a one year old son who brings us constant joy and an ever-expanding ministry among the missionary and Hungarian community.
During my life with Kristen there have been a number of constants that I can rely on to be there. One of them has been the support of our families, both Kristen's and mine. They have helped us on so many occassions, either financially, or providing a place to stay or giving a listening ear or sending Reese's pieces and baby food.
The other two were brought to my mind when I was reading 1 Timothy. Kristen and I have been studying chapter 1 a little bit and today during open gym I was reading the text and I read these verses:
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
These verses are a great comfort and truth in my life when I think about God's mercy and how he is ready to take me back time and time again. The word that really struck me was "unlimited". That concept doesn't make sense - especially when it is tied to the word patience. To know that God has unlimited patience with me, even though I am nothing in comparison to him.
All that got me thinking about the third constant of these past 5 years, which is Kristen. If anyone can be a picture of God's unlimited patience, it would be her. She would be the first to say that she doesn't have unlimited patience, but she has put up with my laziness, sarcasm, grumpiness, thoughtlessness, and countless failures ever since she met me. Not only has she put up with them, but she loves me through those times and continues to build me up.
If this much can happen over 5 years, I can't wait to see what will happen by year 10. I bet we'll have 6 kids and be living in an igloo in Canada.
Happy Anniversary! I have to say that Kristen takes after her mom in that area. Anyone who can stay with me for over 30 years has to have tons of patience! I am so glad she does! Love you guys!
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Happy Belated Anniversary! We miss you both so much and wish you a wonderful 6th year (and many more!) together
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Hey Kevin and Kristin,
Five years already, huh?! WOW! Congratulations! And here's to 50 more - 500 more - an eternity of "more"!! More than any of us can even begin to imagine!
Rich and I just had dinner with your mom and dad, Kevin, this past Sunday - and it had been WAY too long since we'd seen them. We enjoyed looking at their pictures from their trip visiting you.
Seth is beautiful, of course. You all look so happy and fulfilled. Praise God!
Yesterday Karen and Ryan Peters visited and when I mentioned seeing Bev and George and pictures, she asked if I'd seen your blog. I googled you just now and found you! The internet IS amazing, isn't it?
Do you even remember who I am? Edwards Chapel? Three sons - Alan, Brad and Tyler?
We're happy for you two! May our gracious Heavenly Father continue to guide you and bless you and give you happiness!
Love, Debbie Johnson
p.s. Have you seen this yet? I love it. Sharon Barrows just sent it to me this morning.
G U I D A N C E = Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a
lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the
other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to
the back
or by pressing lightly in one direction or
another.
It's as if two become one body, moving
beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw 'G': I thought of God, followed by
'u' and 'i'.
'God, 'u' and 'i' dance.'
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
Let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance!
(From an e-mail 2/24/09 – unknown author)
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