Pre-marital

Chris and I started our pre-marital counseling through the pastor that is going to marry us this October. It was eye-opening and actually a great experience, and we can't wait to finish our next 3 sessions. Our homework for this week is to independently derive a budget. Hmm, that should be interesting. That's one thing that we have done, but we really haven't concentrated on it at this point because we haven't put our finances together. And it makes me feel selfish. I realize that this will not be mine, or my stuff, it's OURS. Wow, that's a big step. And this Coach purse is staring at me. Geez. So, I'm going to make my budget, figure in all that we have to spend and everything. I wonder how different Chris's is going to be. Hmm. Monday we will bring out budgets together and make one....how wonderful! A great start, but I have to admit, I'm a little scared, which I guess is normal starting a whole new chapter in your life with someone else. We also realized last night through talking to Charles that we really don't know each other. Well, we always new that, but it just sunk in a little further last night. I think about the scene in "Fireproof" when Caleb's co-worker tells him that you can never stop learning about woman. And that's true also with a man. Chris and I are both scared, but I told him that I wouldn't want to experience this with anyone else but him and God. It's not going to be easy by no means, but it will be worth it in the end. I will keep you updated on our other sessions.

What a week!

So it has pretty much been a busy week, rather busy month! Monday we placed Maw Maw in a nursing home, and boy has that been a trial. She was okay the first day, but yesterday she did not sleep for about 48 hours and was out of control. She has gotten to the point where she doesn't know anything going on around her, and she does not know us most of the time. It's the saddest think I have ever seen. I can't help but feel emotional every time I think of it. But as they say, crying is a language only God knows. He knows what I'm feeling and I know He has given us all peace about this. It's definitely one of the hardest things my family has been through, but God will see us through it. This will make the walk in October more appreciating once I have completed it.

On a lighter note, Chris and I are signing the lease to our first apartment together this Saturday! We had to move the wedding date up AGAIN because he is joining the Air Force. We went last night to talk to the recruiter and she basically told him that he needed lose about 15 more lbs. and to practice the math more on the ASVAB. That's the only thing that is killing him is the math. I told him that if he can memorize car parts, gun parts, and parts of an airplane, then he can most definitely do some algebra!

I have been looking back over where the past 2 years have brought us. We have been through so much already, and I cannot imagine my life without him. We have laughed, cried, and everything in between, and we have still managed to make it through everything. Now, it's the next step in our life: marriage and the Air Force. I wonder where God is going to take us next? We are hoping Germany, but that probably won't happen. We would like to go there before we have kids so that we can experience that now. I'm not worried about where we will be...where ever he is, I will be, so as long as we are together!

In other news, it's official...there is a Lacy Street Gang in Monroe! Haha! Too funny seeing as we had a trial yesterday with some juveniles that were supposedly throwing up some "L" signs with their hands that apparently represents this gang. Ah, Monkeyroe.... :)

Just some thought.

I have decided to walk for the Alzheimer's Association on October 17, 2009 in honor of my grandmother, Orene P. Head. I never thought when I was a little girl that she would develop such a debilitating disease that would steal her memories and thoughts away. My goal is to raise at least $500. She is such a wonderful, beautiful woman. I'm surprised that a lot of people are not wanting to donate and try to end such a horrifying disease. Yes, I know that breast cancer affects many many people, but Alzheimer's is becoming one of the leading causes of death of people, including many under the age of 65! It's not very commercialized at breast cancer and people need to be aware of this!

I'm trying to get this information out there for people to realize, but I really don't know if it's a true concern; at least, until someone in their family is diagnosed. It was never a concern for me...until Maw Maw was diagnosed.

So many of these people suffer, and if I could have one wish, it would be to rid the world of this sickness. Please go to this site if you would like to donate:
http://memorywalk09.kintera.org/athens/shelnutt?faf=1&e=2594972919

What Do You Expect?

“Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you’; and their sight was restored” (Matthew 9:29–30)

God will touch you and let you know what your calling is in life, but you have to have the will and drive to accomplish your dreams and your calling. This is something that not I, but Chris has been struggling with. This is our blog, and would like to share what we are struggling with.

Chris has come to the determination that he wants to join the Air Force. This has been a continuous option since he first lost his job in February from Akins. He considered it, but still continued to look for work here while receiving unemployment. He found a job at Academy Sports in Athens, but he feels like he's at a "dead end" working here, just as he did at Akins. He is not satisfied with himself and does not feel that he is accomplishing his purpose. He has the drive to commit to something that will not only be a sacrifice for he and I, but will allow him to really achieve what he wants in life. It will boost his self-esteem and fulfill his feeling of self-worth. I will have to, of course, quit my job and move where ever he goes. My new motto: "Home is where my husband is." Even though he's not technically my husband yet, he will be.

Please pray about our decisions. It's scary for both of us, but we will get through it.