Looking at Tyler's Blog, I began thinking about his family and what a blessing they were, and still are, to me. As Chris and I prepare to start our lives together and join in ministry someday, I am grateful for the example our past leaders have been to both of us. Those who've opened their homes, hearts, families (and fridges) to us make us want to do the same for others. I am excited to have friends over once we're married for Scrabble nights in our tiny Moody apartment, and other more exciting (or boring) forms of hospitality as we move on in our lives. Pictures of families within the church can be misleading, with lots of smiles hiding pain. When I have a family, I just hope that we'll have the humility to be honest with those around us, and be blessed because of that. Even though it's far off, I know that God prepares our hearts long in advance for things we may, or may not, expect. That task will be easier with a husband who seeks God earnestly in his walk and takes the struggles as they are. Chris loves kids, and he's so cute talking about having a daughter in the future. I know he'll be an amazing, godly, father for our children one day. AHH! We get to have kids! A couple years ago when Chris and I were dating (now we're engaged) my uncle was visiting and he just looked at us in this silence then said, "you guys are going to have some cute kids". At the time I was thinking, "you can't say that! We're only dating!". Now I am filled with joy at the thought one day sitting and watching those beautiful kids play right before us.

It's interesting how so many things in life begin as a dream, or just a twinkle of hope, and then as God molds us throughout our lives, those dreams begin to conform to His- if we allow it. "I want to be on Broadway when I grow up" has turned into a desire to use drama and theatre as a way to reach people, or work with students. More ironically, my seventh-grade, "I have a crush on Chris (and hate any other girl that looks at him)" has led to almost four years of building a wonderful relationship and friendship that will soon become a marriage. (yay!)

As I think about the past and the future, who was there and who will be, I am prompted to live the present with those things in mind: who I l spend time with reflects who I become, and God gifts us with dreams and visions which may not turn out to be just what we think, but rather something more amazing.

There are several topics here worth expanding upon, but for now it's goodnight.