Thankful Thursday

So, what's been going on since our vacation?

Curtis has been gone at training for 1 ½ weeks. This is our first time being separated since May of 2013, when he came back from college for the summer and then married me and brought me back with him. Obviously, this is challenging for both of us, and I miss him like crazy. But I don't want to dwell on that right now. Today, I'm sharing all the things I'm thankful for, because despite this time of trial, God is still good, faithful, and sovereign, and with Him we're going to make it through this.

The day before he left - I tried to take pictures whenever I wasn't teary eyed.

I'm thankful for every second of our first 1 year and 10 months of marriage. We were incredibly blessed with so much time together. We made so many memories and grew closer together every day. 

Our last dinner together.

I'm thankful for all the people God has placed in our lives. Our families, our friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who teach us the Word, and everyone who is supporting us and praying for us during this time. They've given us everything from loving support and advice, to great adventures with memories we'll cherish forever. 

We let Charlotte ride on his lap for her last car ride with him.

I'm thankful for Charlotte, our adorable puppy, and my companion for the summer. She is just the little blessing and distraction I need to get me through the summer. She's also been getting a little more mature as the weeks go by, while still keeping her adorable little personality. She is my sunshine. :)

One last family picture (We were at a red light!)

I am thankful that even while we're apart, we are joined by a bond in Christ, and though we can't cling to each other, we can cling to Him and He showers His love, joy, peace, and hope onto us every day. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies are new every morning!

Curtis says goodbye to Charlotte.

I am EXTREMELY thankful for my family opening up their home to me again. I don't know how I'd be able to get through this on my own. I am thankful I have this time to grow closer to them and get to know everyone better after being away for so long. They mean the world to me and I'm so glad I get to be a part of their lives again this summer. I'm also thankful for Curtis' family and their support. Julie (his mom) invited me to help her out with their church's Theater Camp, and it's been a great distraction and reason to get up every morning. Family is everything. :)

Airport goodbyes.

I'm thankful that I can write to him, and know that he'll be able to receive and read those letters. Our separation is only for a little while, and we will be reunited again someday. There is so much sadness and loss in the world that when I put this in perspective, we have nothing to complain about. 

I'm thankful for the military. They saw what great potential Curtis has and offered him a job that he wanted and hopefully will be a good fit, and definitely a good experience. We wouldn't have been able to have so many great adventures together without it. Even when it is difficult or seems unfair, it has provided us with a comfortable lifestyle, and I know we will grow stronger because of it. 

I'm thankful that God's plan is sovereign and He planned this from the beginning of time. All things work together for the good of those who love Him, including this trial. I can cling to that truth and know that we are in this situation for a purpose, and even if I don't know what that is I can continue to pursue Him and worship Him through it all.

Thank you to you for reading - please be in prayer for both of us as we work through this. Through Christ we can do all things!

And a side note - I am back in the Midwest, so if you want to do anything, from get together to go on a great adventure with me, let me know! I have a little time on my hands that I'm trying to make go by fast. ;)