People have asked about reading our love story, which we hashtagged on Facebook, but as all tech goes… it is not super organized and you cannot read it from beginning to end… so I have compiled it all here for you, in order, complete with pictures to read. Since Cody and I each use the same hashtag, I will show either Sarah or Cody so you know who is writing. I hope you enjoy our story!!!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: January 21, 2020: So… I did a thing… *cue all the Christian Mingle jokes*

😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Yes that’s really me, no, I did not get catfished.
😄
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
This is something I have prayed over for a long time… because hello… apps didn’t even exist the first time around… and I married my third boyfriend.
😆
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So yes, this is putting me, yes me, Red/enneagram 8 WAY outside my comfort zone. But where else do single, 37 year old parents who don’t drink or smoke and go to church on Sunday meet people.
🤷‍♀️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
This is a legit conundrum. And just an FYI… napping was not offered as an activity of interest.
😄
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
In case you were wondering.

So while I may joke about this and laugh, I would, in a very serious tone, ask you for your prayers as the kids and I walk out this next stage of our lives.
🙏
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I was married to my best friend, I loved being married and having a person, sharing in the joys of raising up our 7 arrows for the Lord… and I want to share that with someone again. Jacob’s parents gave their blessing long before I knew that could even be something I would ask for and have been such an amazing support to me in all of this. My parents are also prayerfully excited (my dad is specifically praying for someone who is handy so he can have help
😆
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
) and I am blessed with some amazing married couple friends who are offering their support and accountability. You know who you are and I am grateful for you.
🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So… how many of you met YOUR spouse through an online platform?
🤔
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I want to hear YOUR story.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
.
Cody: February 16, 2020: We took ten crazy monkeys to the trampoline park yesterday and had a blast!

Sarah: March 8, 2020:

So I did ANOTHER thing.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
It all started on Christian Mingle… the crazy thing. I had given up on Christian Mingle. I signed up and got on and after one week of being on there and having a few conversations I realized that what I really wanted to happen (to be pursued and won) wasn’t going to happen when I’m the one sending smiles (the only kind of initiating I felt ok with doing) and feeling like I needed to check my feed for new guys everyday. *facepalm*
So after a week, I gave up. I told the Lord that I wasn’t going to login in on a daily basis anymore. That I was going to leave my profile up for someone to find, but I wasn’t going “man hunting” anymore. I heard a friend jokingly refer to Online Dating “like shopping for people, at a thrift store, only the clothes have feelings” That was so depressing and sad and it just cast this sad image over everything. So I walked away and left the whole thing in the Lord’s hands.
👐
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The very next day I get a lengthy message from AmicusFidelis (which means Loyal Friend in Latin). He was also widowed. He had not showed up in my feed, but the letter was very well written and he had taken the time to choose carefully how he wanted to come across. I was intrigued. In his message he told me to go and read his profile before I replied back. So I did. And then I was VERY intrigued. Not only did he have a heart for the Lord, but he was intelligent and the thought of his 3 at home and my 7 for a total of 10 children did not intimidate him. Now we are talking…. (or he is just as crazy as I am
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
). I had so many things I wanted to reply back… but I didn’t have the time that Monday night to respond how I wanted to appropriately, so I waited until the following day.
I spent some time crafting a reply and things just started taking off. We took it off the app… and had a phone conversation… and then a video chat… and then more messaging and phone calls and video chats…
And then we looped our children in on this growing relationship. The children met on video chat… and then they started video chatting each other after school…
Then we met in person, all of us. And you would have thought we had known each other for years. The children paired off, and went to go play while we were left wondering, “Is this even real life right now?”
Between the two of us we had 44 years of marriage. We had both been married to the love of our lives and had been faithful to our vows of marriage to them until they were taken from us.
So we talked about the really hard stuff. Neither of us wanted to waste the precious time that we had. We knew what we were looking for and didn’t want to get emotionally entangled in something that was not going to glorify God in its goal. So thinking we were going to hit some red lights we went full steam ahead. Only there weren’t any. There was a lot of nodding and agreement (this does not mean perfect, this means we agree LOL… we are both human after all) so he says, “I think it’s time we get some dirt on one another and see if the sparkle doesn’t fade a little. So dirt on me…. Time to either end this courtship or deal the dirt on yourself girl!” And we shared. And there were tears shed and confessions made. And still no red lights… and guys… no joke… I copy and pasted all his dirt and gave him Young Living product suggestions. HAHA! Then I shared mine.
Prayer was poured out over this courtship like a flood. Close friends and family were brought in for wisdom and added prayer. We actually took some time and fasted from communicating with one another so that we could pray over whether this was God’s will for the two of us. It was very important to us that if this were to be His will for our families that there would be 12 “I do’s” not just 2.
Not once did either of us expect the pace at which this relationship progressed, but even at such a pace the Lord was present at every step.
On February 28th, Cody Steele asked me and Magnificent 7 to join his family in marriage and I said yes…so on March 20th we will be speaking vows to each other and each other’s children in front of close friends and family before escaping for a few days for a quick getaway before we take our official honeymoon to Italy in May!
Then sometime this summer when things are all settled down, we are going to pick a weekend and have an enormous party, where anyone that would like to can come out and celebrate and meet our big new family in person.
For my YL Family… Cody WILL be joining me for Convention.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So yes you will be able to meet him… and as promised… I will hand over my open invitation to the men’s breakfast to my husband (thanks guys… it was fun
👊
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
).
So now for all the important things that I know you are dying to know.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
He’s 48, his kids are 28, 13, 9, and 7. He currently lives in Charlotte, NC. His kids were homeschooled until their mom was too sick to be able to. They are looking forward to going back to being homeschooled. Their mom taught them all about toxins and healthy eating. They are going to be moving to Tennessee and my parents will continue to live on the property for as long as they like. He is super excited about my Young Living business and cannot wait to learn more about it, so no worries, though I have been somewhat absent… you now know what I was doing.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Cody:March 10, 2020: It’s Not Fair!

No, it’s not. How can one man be given not one, but two godly, amazing, and extraordinary wives in one lifetime? Why single me out for such blessing? It is undeserved and yet, I am that happy man! I feel like God is being far too good to me, but just as marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the Church, the gift of Sarah reminds me that God loves me so much that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross for me, a far greater Gift to all who believe.

Do you see that woman on the far right? She is going to be my second wife! She’s smart and funny and filled with love for others and the Lord, and as you can see, she’s an incredible beauty and the bonus is that she comes with seven magnificent children! Let me first introduce you to them and then I’ll get to the treasure that is Sarah.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. ― Psalm 127:3-5

Second from the right is Judah. He’s 15, but will be 16 this month. He’s a bit quiet, but studious and a thoughtful leader of his siblings. He has ambitions which he has shared with me and I am grateful for his trust and look forward to seeing the man he is becoming and the opportunity to pour love and encouragement into his life.

Fourth from the right is Asher. He’s 13, but will be 14 this month. He’s an affectionate, super-outgoing young man and excels in the physical. He’s big for his age and going to keep growing if he’s ever going to fit those feet. He has already welcomed my affection and gained my admiration. Now if I can help him simultaneously tame and tap into the “wild” in his heart.

Next to him is Hannah. She’s 12 and a bit quiet, but shows compassion and care for her siblings. She’s smart and accomplished and I’ve really enjoyed spending time cooking with her on several of our “family” weekends together. She’s going to make an awesome wife for someone… you better be prepared to face the dragon that is me!

Fifth from the left is Levi. He’s 10 and is loud and loves the rules. He’s a stickler for them, but because of that he’s a great example of godliness to his little brother as he strives for obedience. They are best buddies and frequent combatants on the field of sibling rivalry. I look forward to guiding him to victory by winning his little brother’s heart.

Sixth from the left is Emily. She’s 8 and is an outgoing tomboy who charges into fun and maybe a little bit of trouble, but her enthusiasm for life is infectious. She’s one of the youngest, but I’ve seen her leading the entire troop of kids across the fields of wonder and excitement. I’ll surely struggle to reign her in as much as to not jump on her bandwagon.

Fourth from the left is Benjamin. He’s 6 and a crazy, blustery, boy-full-of-energy! He is fearless and as a result a little dangerous. I’ve already had his blood stain my clothes as I carried him in for bandages after a scooter crash coming down the hill. (Uh, Sarah, really, napping while your kids are trying to kill themselves? I guess you trust me – thank you!)

Third from the left is Ella. She’s 3 and precocious and sweet and a cuddly bundle of joy and tears and every emotion on full display. I love her authenticity of life and hope she never has cause to hide her true thoughts and feelings. I want to guard that for her with gentleness and security.

In each of them, I see God’s work and the great opportunity and joy that is before me to love and care for them. To be used by God to mold them into the unique people He intends. They won’t look like me or have my personality, but I hope to impart those parts of godly character that exist in me. My quiver is full and I look forward to launching each one of them out into the world and seeing who they have become and what good works God has planned for each of them!

Favorite quote from Noah while Sarah and I were still courting and looking for irreconcilable differences between us, “Dad! I’ve seen how some boys relate to their older brothers that they really like spending time with and I feel like Judah is that kind of older brother to me. I really hope you don’t find any ‘No’s’ and you only want to say, ‘Yes,’ after this weekend!”

Her children rise up and bless her; ― Proverbs 31:28a

Which brings me to the woman I have said yes to and who has said, “Yes!” to my proposal of marriage. The one and only, delight of my eyes and winner of my heart. She who’s children rise up and bless her. A woman who exemplifies so much of what is written in Proverbs 31, that perhaps I could just quote that in its entirety here, but instead, allow me to sing her praises.

Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” ― Proverbs 31:28b-29

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. ― Proverbs 18:22

Sarah is ageless. Beauty may be fleeting, but it’s not been fleeting from her since she was, what, 23? She is the picture of health and youth and vitality and happiness. I could go all Song of Solomon about her gates and meadows and sheep and chariots with her arms like willow branches and hair like sea grass made warm on a sandy beach and ears like oyster shells, but that’s all metaphor right? She is an amazing beauty and I’m totally captivated by her.

Her smile is infectious and lights up my day. Her laugh is like a song, sometimes soft and lilting, sometimes a raucous, bar room chorus, but always comes easy in response to my attempts at humor. She’s never patronizing or disingenuous though, towards humor or anything else and her “red” honesty is refreshing and life-giving to me. Speaking of the personality colors, she tells me I’m a blue, but I know I have red horns and green scales down my back and a yellow underbelly. Somehow, we’re not just compatible, but thrive in each other’s company. I can talk to her for hours on end (I logged our conversation time in the first three weeks and we exceeded 42 hours).

She is smart and ambitious and doesn’t struggle with priorities – the right priorities. Jesus is always first and I love watching her devotion to the Lord as she leads all of our children in Bible study or herding them to church and being surrendered in worship, yet in important ways she has already demonstrated her desire and willingness to follow me in that regard and it strengthens my faith and my commitment to leadership. She is the perfect companion on the road that we walk with Jesus.

As a parent and a mother, I have been so impressed. She has found a way to be industrious and to provide financially for her children while being present for them. Her children are all homeschooled and have a private tutor who comes and teaches them daily. My own children will be so blessed by the hard work that Sarah has done in providing a wholesome form of education for her own children as they transition back to homeschool and all three are super eager for it! (“Dad, can we just quit public school now?”) Our styles of parenting are so very similar as we strive to determine the heart behind the actions and we bring the rebuke from scripture against the sin and the reconciliation that scripture commands and the healing that love provides. That being said, she runs a tighter ship than I do, she had to and she’s a red and I’m a blue whatever that means. Our new ship will probably sail well as the crew learns their new duties, but I’ll still have monkeys in the rigging and she will smile politely and tell me gently that I am setting a bad example. I need that.

I’d like to go on, but seriously, do you really want to read all of this? I realize I’m just writing to sing her praises and tell of her worth and it’s mostly for my sake. Love needs an outlet and beauty, both inner and outer must not only be perceived to be appreciated, but draws us into itself. Sarah has drawn me in.

“We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words — to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Husbands and fathers, let me urge you to renew your enthusiasm for your children and your wives. I know, it’s easy for me to say as I stand on the threshold of new relationships, but I have also been in your shoes and found renewal of purpose and commitment and excitement to be hugely beneficial.

And lest some reading this agree with me that it’s unfair because I’m getting an “upgrade” in the wife department, nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve shared this metaphor with my children in relation to Sarah and our new family: God has given us a cup. He’s entrusted us with it actually. He poured into it the person of Becky and we got to enjoy her and to learn from her and to be made better by her. Eventually, we had drunk all of her that we were given and the last few drops of Becky were poured out as an offering to God, in His perfect time, when her good works on earth were complete. It seemed too soon that our cup was emptied. But God had plans to give us more. In great kindness and generosity, God is pouring into our cup a new woman and a new family. They are not a replacement as though Becky were discarded for Sarah, and they are not something better, they are different in 10,000 ways most certainly, but most importantly they are a gift of abundance and fill our cup once more.

May each of you drink deeply of your family and may God always keep your cup full!

 

Cody: March 12, 2020:

God Hears Our Groaning
During those days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Exodus 2:23-25

A mere eight days after Becky’s passing, I posted a lament from the pier at Folly Beach and in it, I shared how I knew God’s, “grace would be enough for me in raising my children well.” As I walked on that beach, screamed at God, wept and pounded the sand, and groaned under the weight of responsibility and the despair of grief, a brother began praying for me. His prayer was that God would bring me a new companion in this life.

On New Year’s Day, I took the kids hiking, my cover photo is from that day and captures the joy we were experiencing despite our great loss. As the kids bounced down the trail ahead of me, I couldn’t help but wonder at the exuberance that exuded from these little orphans. It was as though their mother still walked along behind them at my side. But as I was fiddling with my wedding ring, lagging behind, and crying a bit, Phoebe came back down the trail and held my hand. She asked me why I was crying and if I was going to take my wedding ring off. I said yes, that it felt like a lie. I wasn’t married anymore and I was crying because I missed her mother. She said, “You can get a new wife. I know I want a new mommy.” I responded with a chuckle, “It’s not that simple darling, I have some crazy high standards and I just don’t think there’s a woman who will meet them. Very few women are willing to become a mommy who will really love another woman’s children as her own and who would be interested in an old man like me.” Let’s face it, most women in their late forties are sending their kids off to college, not 2nd grade! Never wanting to discourage my children from faith and asking big things from God, I added, “We’ll see. If God has someone for us, we’ll find her.”

Becky was a remarkable woman. You all know that. At her celebration of life here in Charlotte, I heard a couple of people share things that she had done and said that were new to me and a great encouragement. One woman came up to me and said that she had no idea how amazing Becky was until she heard her life story. Becky was a blessing to so many in surprising ways. One surprising way that Becky loved well was in being willing to have hard discussions with me.

Perhaps the most difficult of those discussions took six attempts before we could get through it. It gutted me each time. But each time, she knew it was good for me and for her children and she insisted on it for the good that would come for us. She fervently wanted me to promise that I would pursue a new wife and mother for our children if God did not heal her. I was angry at her, at the situation, at myself for even giving a listening ear to her. It felt like betrayal, but in the end, her reasons were good and loving and her advice was filled with wisdom.

I wish I had recorded that conversation, but her comments could be summarized as follows, “Cody, you should find and marry a widow with children. You aren’t willing to marry a divorced woman and a single woman may love you enough to choose to love my children well, but she may come to resent them just as easily because she really can’t know what motherhood requires. A widow, on the other hand, does know the joys and challenges of motherhood and wants a godly father for her children. You can be that man and you are an excellent husband.” Yes, I need such words of affirmation and she knew it. She continued, “I believe a widow will be able to love my children well because she will be trading her love for them in exchange for you loving hers. It would be a beautiful blessing to both families wounded by death and loss.”

It’s strange how recounting those words still fills me with gratitude and great admiration for her and also anguish at having lost a woman who could have the courage and selfless love to speak them. She heard my objections about the incongruity of my age and stage of life, about how I don’t EVER encounter widows in my daily life, about how I’m a challenging man to love, and so much more. But she picked out a Christian dating website and helped me write what were the essentials for me in a wife (some I didn’t even know about myself). I shoved it all as far away as I could until she was gone and my little girl declared that she wanted a new mommy.

So that night after we returned from our hike, I logged into Christianmingle.com and posted my profile. Phoebe sat on my lap and picked out the pictures I should post. All but one is of me with the kids. That’s good. I think it demonstrates my priority for them. We put in the criterion: widow, with kids, welcomes kids, doesn’t want more (maybe I should be open to that, but God, I’m going to be a really old man if you give me any more babies!), willing to relocate, goes to church weekly, a small subset of evangelical denominations, 49 and younger. My profile was written in such a way as to add an even more filters on beliefs, ethics, world view, and priorities. I figured, if she can get through this, she is either deceiving herself, or deceiving me, or a truly extraordinary woman. I honestly did not expect to find anyone even amongst 1.5 million women on the site. I won’t share my entire profile, but it starts like this:

I love Jesus madly. Some might say I’ve done mad things following Him. I expect they might say it again. If that kind of devotion scares you, you aren’t (yet) the woman for me. Surrender to WHATEVER Jesus calls you to and I promise it will be the most exhilarating, fulfilling life you’ll ever live!

There’s a lot more that places the bar pretty high. I expected to find it was unrealistically high. My views on divorce are extreme and make just about every divorced woman ineligible for me. I searched the site with my preferences entered and I found… one widow. ONE! And she lives in Washington state. It was exactly as I had expected. It was depressing, but I mustered the enthusiasm to write to her. She didn’t respond. Her last login was December 11th, so she’s probably remarried and forgot to remove her profile.

I confess, the whole episode really discouraged me. It felt like those agonizing conversations with Becky and a few with some of my friends were in vain and embarrassing and I wish that I had not had them at all if God had no plans for a wife for me and mother for my children.

Having already shared this much of the story with those who are close to me, I know there will be responses across the spectrum from, “You must have lost your mind in your grief,” to, “It’s too soon,” to, “I believe God has a wife for you, go find her!”, I know that many reading this are somewhere in the middle. I was too and I know that I and others have been praying ever since that walk on the beach and especially since posting myself on a “dating site” – yuck! It still makes my skin crawl. The self-promotion, incentive to be less than authentic, and sense of self-disdain at being overlooked and ignored by others. I have pity on the many who are enduring it. And yet, God has answered those prayers! Before you jump to judgement, meditate on what the Israelites did after God heard their groaning:

Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:11-12

If God hears our prayers and delivers us, why would we turn away from His goodness because of the timing or the faith required or the un-natural qualities of the blessing? I felt like giving up because it was too soon, too difficult, too humiliating, too absurd. Instead, a couple of weeks later, I tweaked one little setting on my search criteria. It’s embarrassing, but sometimes the truth hurts. It wasn’t one of the essentials that Becky and I came up with, but for some reason, I had indicated a level of education that neither she, nor I had held. I wanted a really smart woman with the letters after her name to “prove” it. Suddenly, there was a new prospect and she was really smart, even though she didn’t have the letters to prove it.

She was very clearly a godly woman with seven magnificent children and a heart for sharing the good news of Jesus in all of her life. In my, what, pride, I could have missed her and went back to Egypt.

But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. Exodus 14:13

That is what I urge all of you reading this to do: Stand by and watch God work! This note is intended to be one of explanation; to help bring understanding and insight into how God is bringing a husband who has lost his wife and children who have lost their mother and a wife who has lost her husband and children who have lost their father through suffering and grief and into their own Promised Land. After you have read my note, I hope you might read Sarah’s post on events from her perspective and then return to read my own celebration of her and her children and my children and the life God is forging for all of us together.

Sarah: March 24, 2020

Some have asked about our rings… and I wanted to share pics of them up close as Cody surprised me on our wedding day by telling me that the birth stones of the Tremendous 10 are in age order from youngest to oldest from left to right on the wedding band in place of the original stones (see the [ ] in the pic).
😍
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

His ring I said during the exchange of our rings is the wood of our two family trees grafted together. The arrow symbolizes the 10 arrows we have been charged to raise and shoot out into the world.

🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

THE WEDDING!!!

 

Sarah: April 3, 2020: Happy Friday!!!

🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Who wants to see some wedding pics!?!
🤔
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🧐
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
😍
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
💏
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
A big shout out to Victoria & Adam Photography for making our evening look amazing in spite of the torrential downpour going on in the background!
❤
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Thank you to The Side Porch for providing such a beautiful location and backdrop for our day!

Cody: April 4, 2020:

Wedding Vows

When widowed adults marry, they make wedding vows to each other that are born out of experience and loss and hope and joy, on the other side of grief. When I married Sarah I had the great honor of writing much of our wedding ceremony. This was a good thing as the #coronavirus kept the minister who was planning to marry us from traveling to Tennessee and thankfully Andy stepped in at the last minute and did a wonderful job despite presenting a ceremony he was unprepared for. I’m truly grateful to him and amazed at how smoothly he pulled it off!

Whitney was a hero as well and turned our illicit gathering of about forty people into a live broadcast that has had over 3,700 people watching, but what you only get a short glimpse of, at the tail end before the signal dropped (that’s Whitney on the left in the photo above, valiantly trying to capture the moment), is that after making our wedding vows to one another, we called all ten of our little ones up in front of us and we proceeded to make vows to each of them. What do you say to a child that is not your own, but to whom you are about to make a lifelong commitment? What do you say to your own child who is standing in the midst of children who have just become their lifelong siblings?

It was a gesture that we had discussed and had great meaning to us, but Sarah and I had not discussed what we were about to tell each of them. During our first honeymoon to the Biltmore Estate (cancelled) we shared with one another what we had told each of them and their reactions to us and it was yet another glimpse of how God had been preparing us to be parents to the tremendous ten. Both of us promised to love and care for each child as our own, to show them no preferential treatment, but to love them fully and completely. It was a moment of incredible joy and gratitude for all of the children and I’d say even glee for a few of them. I wish I had some of those Google glasses to record their responses! I was reminded of how I feel on any given day when I remember that God made just such a promise to me; to love me no matter what.

Tomorrow, on Sunday, the Lord’s day, the day on which the Bride Groom, Jesus, rose from the dead and claimed His bride, the Church, to be His to love for eternity, remember your vows and those made to you: Jesus promised that He will never leave or give up on His disciples. He promised that those whom the Father has given to Him cannot be taken from Him. He promised that whoever believes in Him will not die, but will live forever. Worship Him anew and if you have made vows to your spouse, reiterate them again – it’s okay to do that! And if you have children, promise them a love that is reminiscent to our Heavenly Father’s unceasing love for us.

When we eventually go on our second honeymoon to Italy (planned for May, but also cancelled), I wonder what we will say about this amazing family God has entrusted to us. Will it continue to be the delight it has been so far? Will we have been faithful to our vows? Will our children’s love for us have grown to match the love they had for Jacob and Becky? Will they say that they know our love for them is as much? I hope so. I believe it can be. I know that only by God’s grace, it will be.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: April 4, 2020:

Today we stayed at home… by going for a bike ride and waving at all the neighbors working in their yards.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I’m so grateful for smiling faces, blue skies, green grass and a husband who enjoys time with me.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Keep smiling and shining your light…. we know WHO is in control… and it’s not us.
☝️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
What are you grateful today?
🤔
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

 

Sarah: May 17, 2020:

What an amazing weekend! Cody, the kids and I went to Maggie Valley, NC for the weekend to visit with his amazing Mama (Mary Robin Bobst) while my awesome Dad stained our stairs… which needed no feet on them for the entire weekend, which is impossible when the older boys room is in the basement.

🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

It was our first weekend trip away as a family. We brought 11 bikes in a trailer pulled behind the van… which was packed to the roof in the back: sleeping bags for 10+, a cooler full of food, bins full of clothes, and 10 pillows.
The kids camped in tents (3 to be exact), rode bikes, caught salamanders, got dirty, colored pictures, took down dead tree limbs, and we all took turns riding grandma’s ATVs. Not a single kid looked at a screen all weekend (with the exception of a kindle paperwhite for devotions). There were loads of smiles, snuggling, visiting and bonding. And did I mention the beauty of God’s Creation? I put my phone down for nearly all of it… which also meant no pics… but I got a couple.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Thank you Lord Jesus for the blessing of family and this earth in which you have blessed us with!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: May 30, 2020

This is one of my favorite spaces in my home. The mantle above the fire place in my “parlor”… my kid free room. I have always been a fan of Willow Tree® by Susan Lordi and my family grouping has changed a lot over the years.
To be honest I didn’t display my family figures for quite a few years because we couldn’t afford any new pieces to showcase the new children due to the poverty that we walked out.
After Jacob’s passing, it was with pride and excitement that I bought new figures towards the end of 2018 so that each of the children were represented. I put them all on the mantle and the first thing which children said was, “Where’s Daddy?”.
“This is our family as it is now.” I replied.
There were sad glances, but each one was excited to know they were represented.
Today some new figures arrived… and there is once again a Daddy on the mantle.
💞
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
From left to right we have:
Ella and Emily my two little blonde girls.
👱‍♀️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👱‍♀️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Gideon my new son who loves to bring me flowers.
👱‍♂️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Levi and Benjamin my true opposites
👦
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🧒
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Phoebe and Hannah sisters at heart
👧
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👧
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Noah my new quiet and caring son.
👱‍♂️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Asher my dreamer.
👱‍♂️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Judah my bookworm.
👦
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Cody and I.
💑
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I’m so thankful for allowing God to bring together two broken families and make them into something new and wild and wonderful.
You never know the path He has for you. Sometimes its bright and beautiful, sometimes it’s dark and dreary, sometimes new and exciting, sometimes dull and boring… but I can promise it will never stay that way. Even happy times come to an end. To everything there is a season. So be grateful for the season. Look for the things He has for you to learn, seek out others who have gone along the path before you and know that you are never alone on your path.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Do you have a favorite place in your home? What is it?
😊
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: June 11, 2020:

This past week we had our first family camp adventure at Camp Hebron. It was our first weeklong vacation as a family!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
What an amazing time! We made some amazing new friends, our kids made some amazing new friends, and we were able to grow as a family doing fun activities like horseback riding, high ropes course, swimming in the pool, playing games in the field and just enjoying each others company without having to cook!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The cook at the camp was totally accommodating to my gluten and dairy free requests.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
There were all the joys of camp, plus a ladies tea and an adult banquet.
The best part of each and every day our speaker, Christian House, shared about finding God’s will as well as the source of all human behavior. He included everyone and our family was really blessed by his teaching. Not only did we have daily family devotions, but we also had family worship…. to which the kids are still singing along to and doing the hand motions.
Cody and I had the opportunity to sit down and share our story with many of the couples and were so encouraged with what they shared with us.
💑
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
A big shout out to Dr. Charles and Beverly Detwiler for inviting us to into their home on the way up to camp to celebrate with their family before we all headed to camp. We so enjoyed hanging out with you for the week.
💑
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We love you guys!

Sarah: July 21, 2020:

Last night we went on our third date… and celebrated 4 months of being married!

🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
💑
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

We had planned on pizza because there is this great little place here that has gluten and dairy free options. As we plugged it into Google it said closed. We looked them up and it said permanently closed. So we called the number to confirm and that was even cancelled.
😭
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So we gave up on the pizza idea and went for something else. We showed up at Cootie Browns and I was so surprised to find all kinds of homemade gluten free options…. including pizza with dairy free cheese!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
After that cute experience we decided to head over to our new hometown of Jonesborough, TN and walk the town. Yes. Its official… we are moving!
😱
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
And yes my parents are coming with us. We just sold Cody’s house yesterday and we close on our new home this Friday!
🙏
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The Devil has been into the details, but the Lord has prevailed.
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Our new home is in Jonesborough on 18 acres and I cannot wait to share more about it with you guys.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We still have mine on the market, though we think it will sell better once all of us… and our stuff are out of it.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We are hoping to move sometime next month.
So as we strolled around JBO it had just finished raining, we snapped some selfies in front of the courthouse where we were legalled married on the 19th (best story ever
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
). It was a lovely quiet evening. All the shops were closed. There were very few people out. It was just so nice and peaceful to be strolling arm in arm reminding ourselves it had only been 4 months, when in reality it felt like years. Time is such a funny thing.
So here’s to our 4 months… of covid crises, selling homes, moving trailerfuls of things, new health protocols for the autoimmune that plagues me complete with weird diets, sneaking away to the beach, losing our tutor, going to family camp, blending our family’s traditions, and now preparing to close on our first home together as a family. May the next 4 months be MUCH slower.
🤞
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I love you Cody Steele and am so thankful for your epic peace through all of the chaos going on around us. Thank you for taking a chance on a picture of a young widow on Christian Mingle with 7 kids and jumping in with both feet. You have forever changed our lives for the better.
😘
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
P.S. totally rocking some Savvy Minerals liquid foundation in Fresh Beige for those wondering.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
😊
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: October 9, 2020:

We’re in. That’s all that matters.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
But first… let’s go back in time 2 years… this very day. We boarded a plane leaving Denver headed to Tennessee to move into the very home we walked away from last night at 11 pm. As I shed tears as we drove down the driveway I thought of all the things that house meant. Healing, a new start, a place with grandparents. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be married in that house and become Mama to 3 more amazing children. God has been so present with me.

This move has been a doozie and it’s not over yet. Both closes have been put off until next week, one with a firm date, one not, but thanks to Cody and the realtors, they got it all figured out so that we could have occupancy at the new house until close, because we gave occupancy to the buyers of my home to be a blessing to them as they have been so patient with us during our home search. They are amazing people and I know they will be so blessed in the prayer covered home. There has been so much prayer over all of this and it often feels like looking through a glass darkly, but the Lord continues to give us tiny little steps forward. Thank you Lord.

14 people, 8 – 20 foot U-haul loads, 5 trailer loads and everything, minus Cody’s 3 pods (in circulation until later this month) have been moved, but we are here.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Today we unload the last truck load, my parents returned it (due by 5) at 4:58!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Then we spent the rest of the afternoon with all the windows open cleaning and washing the fridge, spraying all kitchen surfaces with Thieves Household Cleaner (no toxins here anymore!), vacuuming and steam mopping before starting the arduous process of bringing the contents of the garage into the house. I feel tired typing that.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
That will be much of the work tomorrow. Just putting the right box in the right room and going from there.
As soon as we get wifi, I will do a live tour!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So there…. phew… Cody posted a dinner pic on his wall as we continue on without our 4 eldest (also referred to as the muscle) who are escaping on a youth retreat.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Thank you to ALL of you who have prayed for us. We needed every last one and we are so grateful!
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Everyone is excited to be here, is healthy, safe, and we could not ask for more. Now I just need to find my diffusers so that I can fix the “but Mama it doesn’t smell like home.”
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah:
October 14, 2020:
I’ve learned something over the past few months.
I think I have figured out why most widows never remarry (the actual statistic is 0% after 7 years). It’s not because they could never love again. It’s not because they cannot find anyone. It’s not because they are not lonely. Its because… of judgement.
That’s right. Judgement.
From the ones closest to them. Their closest friends and family.
And I know I am going to step on a few toes here, but as I step on them, and the pain creeps up to your head, I pray it pops open your eyes to the reality of the pain that some of you are putting ON the person in pain.
Yes I just said that. You.
Now hear me out. Please. For the sake of your friend or family member that is widowed.
We loved them. We loved our former spouses. It was never a question in our minds. Even those I have spoken to who were abused… loved their spouses. So please… don’t ever bring this up.
I would say the majority of widows would tell you that they were just as surprised as you were when the feelings of “I want to love again.” came back. This means they loved their former spouse. They knew what it was enough to recognize that it is worth looking for again.
For those widows who have children. It is hard. I cannot emphasize this enough. It is hard just to walk out our own grief, but to also guide our children through the process without collapsing ourselves is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Most of us find ourselves in a role we have never had to play before, because we had our other half. Men find themselves trying to figure out things little girl hair and how to be Mama, women suddenly find themselves in the position of provider with all the weight of responsibility it brings. It is non-stop. It is the time you will truly understand what single parenting is all about.
So as we walk out all of the above our timeline may look a little different from yours. Our 24 hours lasts way longer when you are it for your kids and you find yourself grieving at 2 am. Clinging to Christ for every breath. And we miss it. We miss our love. We miss what we learned to expect everyday. The feet touching under the covers, the hand reaching out in the car, the whispered “I love you, I’m so proud of you.” Our nerves reach to find emptiness. Our ears ache with the hope of words never again to be spoken. And that is when we being to question, “God could it be for me again?”
But the words from the friends and family hover like bats watching from the corner, “oh no! It’s far too soon. What are you thinking.” As they imagine what it would be like and project their imagination onto our timeline and make statements based on how they think they would respond.
“You should be grateful for what you had.” They say. As if some love is enough. One can never have too much you know… said no one ever.
Or there is the “we are just not sure you’re ready. Because I know if I were in your shoes I would not be.” That is right friend. You are not in my shoes. And if you were (which I genuinely pray you never are) your journey might look far different than mine. I have spoken to so many widowed people who come to me and in hushed tones, so the bats cannot hear, they tell a beautiful love story that they are afraid to share. It’s been 3 years they say, is it too soon? They ask with words vulnerable and fearful. And there is encouragement, and honesty, and truth which is “only you can tell when you are ready.” Even as a widow it is not my place to decide for anyone else what readiness looks like or when it happens.
My beautiful adopted grandmother, Eleanor shared a story with me, when I was pregnant with my second child. I was nervous about how on earth I could have enough capacity in my heart to love another child. Wouldn’t I be taking love away from the first to love the second? And in her grandmotherly wisdom she said, “no dear, each child brings with them their own love.” And I was overjoyed!
It is the same when one is widowed. That spouse will always have all of that love that was cultivated and grown between you. It belongs to them, it was theirs, and will always be theirs. When they died, it went with them. It became memorialized, never to wax or wane again. But to remain as it was forever. When someone new comes along, a new love is born. And that love does nothing to the first love. It neither covers over nor does it replace. It exists like two children, complete and whole on it’s own.
Please understand a widow has lost their person. Their soulmate. The one they were connected to in body, soul, and spirit. While you may grieve your friend, your parent or your child, the bond is very very different from that of spouse. While you will go through moments (even very long moments), it is them who goes to sleep in a cold bed, who walks without their secret keeper. It is them who is reminded of their loss most.
So as your widowed friend reaches into the dark unknown of seeking love again, please don’t make their grief about you. It is about them and their spouse. Give them support, give them love, but hold back on your judgement of what you think their life should look like, because, in truth, it’s not your life. It is theirs. And they, not you, will live with the immediate consequences of their life choices whether you agree or not.
So when your widowed friend is happy and smiling rejoice with them. One can be happy AND grieving at the same. One can love a new spouse AND have loved another completely independent of one another.
When they are happy, remember how much they lost and give God the glory that they have been blessed to find such happiness again.
Loving someone means you are there for them, in the way that they need to be loved. Loving someone else doesnt actually have anything to do with you. It’s about them.
So let’s sweep the bats from the rafters and love our widowed friends and family and give them the space of freedom that comes with unconditional love to be able to open up and share their hearts on their timeline… without judgement. 💗

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: October 28, 2020: The gangs all here!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Back in January a man with kids and a family in a beautiful “forever home” with all his earthly possessions in Charlotte, NC wrote to a woman with a family in her “healing home” complete with her parents and all the earthly possessions of her family and her parents in Fall Branch, TN.
Fast forward to March. The two were united in holy matrimony and the stitching together of 2 families began. The virus started to take its toll and Cody’s house was sold in June. Most of his possessions were packed into PODs for storage while he and the children and pets moved to Tennessee. The hunt for a home was on… and after 3 attempts at purchasing 3 homes, with 5 attempts at closing on the third one (let’s just say… don’t ever get a reverse mortgage… or two… and put it in an estate. Your children will want to harm you, long after you pass away) we bought the farm. All 11 acres, with a house, barns, and a 2 bedroom cottage for Memé and Pepé. We were ecstatic and so was Memé to have a tub.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
But back to the PODS… they messed up pickup days leaving the new homeowners of Cody’s Charlotte home stranded. Forgot to pick them up. Made false claims, changed dates without notices, lost 2 pods all together for a couple weeks. Scheduled delivery and repeatedly failed to show up. I will only publicly complain about a company if they refuse to attempt to make it right. So when this last one showed up, we unloaded it right away, swept it out and when they come to get it tomorrow will be praising God that our PODS saga is over.
So here we are… 7 months after getting married… and we have all our 3 households worth of earthly possessions on one property.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
.
Now to sort, unpack, and decide what we are keeping, what we are not, and where it all goes. But we are in no rush…. we plan to stay in Johnson City, TN as long as the Lord allows.
💏
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👨‍👦‍👦
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👨‍👦‍👦
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👭
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
👭
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: November 10, 2020:

So Sunday we did a thing. The colors of Fall are about to done and you couldn’t ask for better weather (46 in the morning as we left with a high of 74) so we escaped as a family to do the The Virginia Creeper Trail.
Before you jump to conclusions let me remind you of my “biking skills”.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I rode all the time as a kid… until my sophomore year of high school when we moved across the country and couldnt bring our bikes, then decided on a trampoline as a replacement. Fast forward 23 years to my birthday where Cody bought me a beautiful bicycle for my birthday. Because of my existing healing crisis I am walking through… I have ridden it MAYBE 4 times.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So when he explained that it was 17 miles but mostly all downhill and Gideon was 7 when first did it… I decided the memories were more important than the pain and to muscle down and go for it. I loaded up on supplements that support normal levels of inflammation and minerals to help maintain a healing polarity and we went for it.
I’m so glad that we did. It was not without its glitches… Asher forgot to mention his bike was broken before we got up there and seeing as it was Sunday, the White Top Bike shop was closed. So Asher rode back to the bottom with the driver to wait for us. He was able to get a bike and biked 5 miles uphill where he met up with his brothers and got to go the 5 miles back down with them.
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Benjamin also got a flat, but Cody had all he needed to fix it and we were back on the Trail!
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Ella probably had it easiest of all as she got to ride in a seat at Cody’s chest…. but fun was had by all and we could not have asked for a better day to do it. We are hoping to go back in spring and do it again… with Memé and Pepé
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So here are some pics… I hope you enjoy them… and if you are ever nearby, definitely go check out the trail. It was worth it!
🙌
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: November 17, 2020:
“Jacob, no.”
“Sarah, I need you to promise me this. I need you to promise me that you will remarry if anything happens to me.”
“No. Nothing is going to happen to you.”
“Sarah please. I need this from you.”
“Ok fine.”
He glanced at me with piercing, yet kind eyes.
“Ok I promise.” I say.
“Thank you.”
“But Jacob, who will want me, a woman with 7 children. You made it impossible for me to ever remarry.”
With a laugh dancing at his mouth and a slight grin, “you’ll find someone.”
The words ring in my ears as I stand in my room folding my laundry, hearing Cody downstairs exhorting the children to their morning chores before school. Encouraging their character and leading by example.
The conversation with Jacob came flooding back to my mind and as the conversation progressed in my mind my eyes filled with tears that spilled over as I spoke a prayer of gratitude for all that God has given me.
“Jacob, how did you know? If only you could see this man leading your family and loving them, you would be so happy. Oh how I wish you could see the smiles on their faces. The way he brings joy to them like you used to.” I thought to myself.
I didn’t speak Cody into my life, I had given up on Christian Mingle. I didn’t manifest his qualities, there were things I needed in a husband that I didn’t even know to ask for. No amount of positivity and manifesting can compare to the love and care our Almighty Father has for us. He sees the good we will never know to ask for, and He gives because He is a good God, the only one.
As the memory faded, “you know what I need before I even ask a thing…” from Sparrows by Cory Asbury started playing and as I sat down to write this post with a tear streaked face, I pressed play.
Friends, I implore you… give your life and control over it, to the One who has a bigger vision than you ever well. He sees into the future, the past, our hearts, and minds, like none other. When He chooses to bless it will always be more than we could have imagined. Sometimes the blessings look like pain and suffering to produce something in us. Sometimes they are the kind of blessing where we have no more gratitude than to raise our hands and tear streaked faces in gratitude to a God who knows far more than we will ever attempt to manifest.
Give over. Give your life to Him. Here’s my hand… it’s worth it. Beauty truly can come from ashes when you believe the Creator is more capable than you.
And in the mean time… here is some encouragement for you.
🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Song:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sparrows by Cory Asbury
Lyrics:
The sparrow’s not worried about tomorrow
Or the troubles to come
The lily’s not thinking about the seasons
The drought or the flood
The tree that’s planted by the water
Isn’t phased by the fire
So why should I be?
‘Cause you take good care of me
You take good care of me
You know what I need before I even ask a thing
And you hold me in your hands
With a kindness that never ends
I’m carried in your love, no matter what the future brings
Yeah, you take good care of me
The sun’s not worried about the winter
‘Cause soon it will pass
The light’s not thinking about the darkness
Or the shadow it cast
A heart that’s planted in forgiveness
Doesn’t dwell in the past
So why should I be?
‘Cause you take good care of me
You take good care of me
You know what I need before I even ask a thing
And you hold me in your hands
With a kindness that never ends
I’m carried in your love, no matter what the future brings
Yeah, you take good care of me
I know there must be more
But I can’t get past your kindness
I know there’s got to be more
But I can’t get past your goodness
I know there must be more
But I can’t get past your kindness
I know there’s got to be more
But I can’t get past your goodness
You take good care of me
You take good care of me
You know what I need before I even ask a thing
You hold me in your hands
With a kindness that never ends
I’m carried in your love, no matter what the future brings
Oh, you take good care of me

Cody: November 18, 2020: How Do We Do It? LOVE and Slack and Prayer

How do Sarah and I homeschool ten kids, manage two careers, remodel a four-story house, and still keep the honeymoon alive despite having Italy shut down and cancel our honeymoon? It really is love and I was reminded of that today on our family’s #random channel of Slack. Gideon has gotten into the habit of coming to me in my office each morning to have me pray for him and often he has prayed for his siblings as well. Today, he started the day by telling everyone he loved them and giving them some encouragement and I was humbled and in awe of how God has knit our family together in love. It’s not our organization or our discipline or our enticements for our kids to do their best in school, it’s the love and encouragement they get from each other and from us and the knowledge that they are doing everything as unto the Lord. Sarah is amazing at social media and the hearts and mama-hugs and kissing emojis aren’t limited to you all, but flow freely to our kids. The littlest two have the benefit of being right in her office where she can challenge and inspire them. So, if this pandemic and the stay-at-home-work-at-home-school-at-home realities are wearing you out or getting you down, try to find little ways to introduce love into your pattern of life and see what God might do with it.

Cody: December 17, 2020: A Dark Day Approacheth

The past week has been a brutal approach to the memory of a very dark day for my family… the family that I knew up until the night of December 19th, 2019. This one-year anniversary of Becky’s death has been looming in my imagination and in the subtle and not-so-subtle grief and anxiousness of the three youngest ones she bore. Gideon has seemed to wilt over the past several days. He is distracted from school and seems to be desperately searching for something to amuse and distract himself with. My reprimands on his idleness, poor grades, and falling behind in class have left him crying and answering, “I just don’t know why I’m doing these things!”
Well, I know why buddy. It’s the realization that despite all of the blessings of our new life which God has poured out on us, it is a very different life. It is a life without your mother, not without a mother, but without yours. Death has robbed us of many things…
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:10-12 Unfortunately, it is all the days of her life and beyond that all you are left with is her wisdom, good advice, and the memories that are so very bitter in their sweetness. In my case, I am doubly blessed because in Sarah, I have found a second, excellent wife. Becky’s encouragement to marry again was indeed part of the good that extended beyond her years. And the blessing of mourning all that we could know of what we would lose with her passing away was another blessing that made our grieving more abbreviated than most.
But there were things that she didn’t grieve with us. Things that she and I and my children didn’t know would be lost. This impending anniversary of her death has made those things, unanticipated, come into clear focus for us. With the blessing of a new family, there are some things that are different, less, and more, but all seen as a loss in isolation. More siblings, definitely means more playmates, a variety of interests, and lots more love, but it also means more quarreling and noise and misunderstandings. We have different traditions that we are forming, or ones carried over by our new family members and all of them are new, sometimes wonderful, but there are some that we have simply left behind because we could not possibly carry them all forward. And they are a great loss to us.
The most grievous to me of all of these unanticipated losses has been the fact that in loving these ten children, I am unable to spend the amount of time I (and my natural-born children) have become accustomed to. Yes, they now have the love of two parents instead of only one, and yes, they have the love of seven new siblings instead of only two, but “dad-time” has become a limited commodity. I have wept over this fact for ALL of my children. It often would take a good thirty or forty-five minutes of playing Legos with Gideon before he might open up and speak what was on his heart. Judah has been hanging out near me at times, helping a little, but clearly just wanting to be near while I’m working; how long before he is willing to discuss matters of the heart? An hour, two, or three? Unfortunately, I have to divide up my time amongst ten children and not just three now and I too rarely achieve that threshold of trusted silence or trivial conversation that leads to meaningful discussions.
I’m grieving the death of the father I could have been had Becky lived. I’m grieving the loss of comforts and familiarity and traditions that have been replaced by new and exciting and surprising and delightful. I’m grieving the loss of those quiet, peaceful moments of a big house and few children had I not committed to love this big, wonderful, boisterous family. Ungrateful? No, never… But these are things lost so that things might be gained. Perhaps this best helps explain how remarriage is never a replacement, but simply something more, something needed, something desired, and though it centers on someone (Sarah, my love), it can never fill the void that is filled by that Someone who is Jesus.
Marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church. I often relate to this truth in how I should love my wife, like Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, but right now, I feel more the emotions of a bride who desires the groom. I am happy and filled with joy, but I know there is a Greater Joy that awaits me and His name is Jesus.
I know there are many who might want something more from me on this anniversary, some memories of Becky or words of consolation, but Jesus is all I have for you. He is her All right now. And because we are still here, I am still undone, maybe more so with this fresh understanding and my children and I will do something private to remember her and to grieve all that we have lost in the midst of our gratitude for what we have gained.

Sarah: December 25, 2020:

When you can’t sleep and find yourself looking at all your fb Christmas memories… I do love that feature.

🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
It has been a crazy time here… the painter is faithfully making his way through our house, Cody has almost finished the kitchen floor and we got all the kitchen stuff moved from the library into the kitchen so we could get the food moved out of the living room and into the library so we could get a Christmas tree and a do a little decorating. Phew. That was exhausting just typing!
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The kids jumped into the decorations with both feet and did a spectacular job… but blending two families-worth of traditions is no small feat. There have been some tears shed but lots of learning and giving. To be honest I have cried quite a few times this week at the beauty that the Lord has brought our family.

Christmas holds so many traditions for us all and Rebekah Steele loved Christmas, if I had to guess, as much as Jacob Adamo did. Phoebe and Noah had a wonderful time pulling out all her snowmen and scattering them all over the house, showing off all her painted houses and her beautifully sewn things. She was an amazing woman and her efforts are very much cherished. Cody and I sat and talked in the decadently decorated living room and shed tears over what has been, that will be no more. We shared our memories and our favorite gifts over the years and declared this Christmas to be a remodeling hodge podge Christmas but one our children will remember. We haven’t nailed down all our traditions yet but made some new ones for some of us, and are continuing with some old ones that are new to others.

Blending is hard work, and it takes vulnerability and great communication but it is so worth it. Seeing the tree with presents under it, most of which are from the the kids to each other, bought with money they earned from doing extra chores… just makes my heart swell. Seeing Phoebe and Hannah snuggling in a chair as we watched a Christmas movie tonight you would never know they are not biological sisters.
God is good. So good to us. As I was tidying the living room after putting out presents, I said to Becky (as though she could hear me), “you would be so proud to see how your children are turning out.”
💔
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
While I have never met her this side of heaven, I look forward to the day I get to sit down with her and regale her of tales of her little ones, that have become mine to care for as Mama, and share with her all the stories. Jacob will of course get his own version of our little ones. What a day it will be, to be reunited for the sake of beautiful memories of Christmas.
So as you wake to this beautiful Christmas morning… hug your family, forgive the hurts, grow past the mistakes, and love them while you have them, because we are not promised a tomorrow.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Merry Christmas from our beautiful blended family to yours… and remember that Jesus, our Savior, is the reason for the joy we have in the midst of sorrow and beauty this season.

🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: December 31, 2020:

Many of us (including myself) have talked of leaving 2020 behind. I want to talk about what we are going to carry with us into 2021.
💼
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I was talking with Cody and my oldest 3 boys about what we are known for last night after we did church in our living room.
I have shared all kinds of things on facebook over the 14 years that I’ve been on here, but it is my prayer that one thing in particular stands out.
Among the posts about marriage, multiple pregnancies, babies, barefoot shoes, healthy food, grieving and loss, widowhood, essential oils, renovations, biomats, and blending families… I sprinkle hope in a Savior, Jesus Christ.
The sermon we listened to last night (link in the comments) spoke of the foolishness of the cross to those who are perishing and how we as believers must have courage to stand up for what we believe in.
It does not make sense that the God and creator of the universe would send His son to die on a cross for someone like me. But He did any way. I didn’t deserve it. I am a sinner. But He loved me anyway. He gave His life for me, and I believe it. By His death and resurrection I am assured of a place next to my Heavenly Father though I did nothing to deserve it.
My hope in life is in my Savior. Not health, a pharmaceutical solution, my job, my bank account or my marriage. It is in Christ alone. The best part? It is not just for me. It is for you too.
💞
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
It will cost you everything and nothing. You must give up your life for this gift. Give up all your hopes and dreams by placing your confidence in a Savior who has better for you than you can ever imagine. A life where you are never alone.
As we close out 2020… bring something with you into 2021. Bring your Savior. Bring new life, new hope, new love, that can only come from Christ Jesus.
Friend if you only know me for one thing… let it be this: my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save me from my sins.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
If you have already put your faith in Him and would be willing to share with others the hope you have in Christ would you put a heart in the comments below?
🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
If you have NEVER put your faith in Christ but want to know more, please reach out to me or to one of the people in the comments below so that we can share with you and encourage you in your seeking?
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Friend, no matter what is going on around you… whether you are walking out your worst fear or having the year of your dreams, He is calling to you. Will you listen? Will you give your life to Him? Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Happy New Year!
🎉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: January 27, 2021

One year ago today… I had given up on Christian Mingle. One week was enough for me. I deleted the app from my phone and decided that I would leave my account out there to be found, but not actively look any longer. After all… I am a woman and I truly did want to be pursued and logging in every day to look for someone didn’t sit well with me.
Stacy and I were on our way home from speaking in Charlotte, NC when I received a notification email from Christian Mingle that I had a message from someone named Eternalforeigner.
I read it.
I was blown away by the depth this person put into their words. Their character and belief system poured out in the spaces between the words.
I felt so new to this. It had been 17 years since I had dated. I didn’t know how this “getting to know someone online” even worked…. and neither did he.
At the end I learned his name was Cody. And when we progressed to text, I actually sent him to my Project Broadcast platform because I didn’t want to give out my real number.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
To which he was slightly weirded out by the thought of texting a keyword to a phone number… and put his last name as “Illtellyalater”.
😂
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Within a day we started talking on the phone and moved to chatting on fb messenger. I still look back at this last year with such amazement at how the Lord worked so hard to thrust us together before everything began to lock down. Just 7 and a half weeks after this letter we were saying “till death do us part”. What a whirlwind. I could not be happier or more grateful for what the Lord has done. It is such incredible beauty from ashes that I am often struck to tears of gratitude.
😭
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
For those of you who prayed for me during my short time
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
on Christian Mingle, for my courtship to Cody and for our marriage and blending together as a family. Thank you.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
From the depths of my soul. We have been truly blessed by it.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The Lord truly works in mysterious ways… all you need to do is trust Him, let go of control, and hold on for the amazing ride.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Thank you Cody Steele for being the man you shared through your words and more. For jumping in with both feet and never looking back. For no regrets. For your emotional fortitude when my health dropped through the floor. For your constant smile through it all and your jokes to bring smiles to the rest of us. For loving us with your hard work, well into so many nights so we could have flooring, ovens, electrical, etc. Thank you for taking the time to write to a widow with seven kids. I love you for it.
😘
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Sarah: February 13, 2021:

One year ago today, I met a man I had only known virtually for the very first time. He sent me his location on WhatsApp when he left Charlotte, and I watched as he got closer to my home. I was a bundle of nerves and excitement as that little circle closed the distance between us.
We had known each other virtually for 17 days. 17 days of texts, messages, video chats, pictures, and home tours by the kids. When he drove in the driveway some of my kids ran out to meet them while some stayed back. I stood there wondering, “should I stay or should I go?”
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I stayed.
He walked though the door and we saw each other for the first time. He had a big wonderful smile and was so conversational and confident. I was quiet and observant. I was nervous. I knew this was a big deal for me and for my children and we had both been praying that if us meeting were not in the Lord’s will that he would give us red lights…. here were no red lights… so we kept going.

Shortly after he walked in he took my hand in his and asked me, officially, if I would be willing to court him.

Whitney snapped this picture in that moment. I was so unsure here and totally overwhelmed.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
I pulled myself together and got dressed up for our first date while Whitney and Rob and my parents made pizzas with the kids. I was so grateful.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We went to a delightful little restaurant in Bristol and sat at a little table next to the fireplace. We had talked before about not touching or holding hands as that is one of my love languages and I didn’t want to get distracted from our goal.

Halfway through the meal

Cody started moving the candle, salt and pepper, and decorations that were in the middle of the table to the side. I knew what was coming and my brain started to spin.
😬
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
He looked at me intently and said, “I know we talked about not holding hands, but I just wanted to let you know that I would really like to hold your hand. So if you are willing, I’m just going to leave my hand right here.”
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Well what is a girl to do?! So I caved… and I put my hand out for him to hold.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
It was worth it.
After dinner we were talking about the meal plans for the weekend and realized we needed some corn tortillas but didn’t have any. Cody said he would just go in the morning, but I said since were right near a store, let’s just stop.
😅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Ever the rationalist expediter.
😁
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So we stopped and Cody said, “I cannot believe you convinced me to bring you to a grocery store on our first date
🤦‍♂️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
” I just laughed and told him how much I enjoyed his time. Plus nothing says care like food to a mom of 7.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
That evening we got back and we had decided to let his kids decide if they wanted to sleep at my house or at the AirBnb with him. They had all unpacked their sleeping bags and said, “goodnight dad!”
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Cody went back to his rental by himself.
One year later I am so thankful for Cody’s confidence and strength as we had no idea what we would be powering through in those first 12 months: engagement, wedding, cancelled honeymoon, selling your house, moving, selling my house, buying a new house, moving again, remodeling, not to mention what our country would walk out…. We knew that no matter what, God was on our side and would guide us through anything that we would have to work through.
It has been an amazing year of knowing you Cody! Thank you for taking the time to write out that long letter.
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Happy early Valentine’s Day.
💞
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Sarah: March 19, 2021

Best plot twist ever.
😉
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
One year ago I was an engaged widow, a single mom of 7, wedding dress on hand prepping to get married the following day.
👰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
The last thing we had to do was to pick up our marriage license.
✅
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Weird stuff had just started happening in our country and the county clerk said we both had to be present. So Cody and I hopped in the Mini Van and told all the kids to be good and that we’d be back in a little bit.
We arrived in Jonesborough and went to the County Courthouse tingling with excitement… “are we really getting married tomorrow!?!” thoughts going through our heads. As we rounded the corner of the front on the courthouse, Cody stops me and says “wait a minute”.
He had proposed to me back in Charlotte with a ring he bought off of Amazon since we were waiting on my real ring. Well the real one had arrived and little did I know he had put it in his pocket.
So he took a knee, took my hand and removed the old one and proceeded to fake tossing it out behind him while producing the real one and slipping it on my finger. He said something about needing to have the real one if we were going to get our marriage license.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🥰
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We walk into the courthouse, found our way to the clerks office and say that we are there to pick up our license. She starts confirming all our personal info and I thought it really odd that she didn’t ask us what day we were getting married on. Out pops our license from the printer and the little gentleman county commissioner snatches it from it’s grasp and tells us to follow him to the little bridge outside the Courthouse.
We shrug and go, “huh they must take people’s pictures or something.”
As we near the bridge he turns around and says to Cody, “do you have the rings?” We look at each other in utter shock and Cody replies, “Was I supposed to bring them?”
The County Commissioner replies, “Well you ARE getting married!”
“We are!? In tee shirts!?” we both reply.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
“Yup!”
“Ok then.”
The next thing he says is “Cody take her hands in yours… Sarah do you…” And it’s all a blur. This is for real. We are really getting married. Right here, right now, in tee shirts, in Jonesborough, the day before our wedding, our kids have no idea… I’m sputtering and not listening. Cody gets tears in his eyes, I’m holding back my own. Is this for real!?! My mind was reeling.
We finished our vows… which included “before God” and “the great state of Tennessee”
😆
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
which I thought was wonderful and we kissed and laughed. And then we took this selfie in disbelief. We just got married.
😆
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
Do we tell the kids?
🤔
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
We decided not to, to keep the excitement level up and have a little secret between the two of us. So as we drove back home, holding hands as husband and wife, we laughed and recounted it over and over. The absurdity of it all… and as we have shared this story over and over we have heard of others who had this very thing happen, but then we have talked to pastors who have married many many people in this same town and never encountered this licensing thing.
🤣
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
🤷‍♀️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So this whole year we have been wondering, what do we do with these TWO dates… two anniversaries…. LOL and we finally decided today that the 19th is the day that Cody and Sarah made vows to each other… while the 20th is the day that Cody and Sarah made vows to each others children.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So today we will celebrate us… and tomorrow we will celebrate the joining of our two families into one family.
💗
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly
So on that note… Happy FIRST Anniversary Love. Cody, I am so grateful that you went out on a limb and wrote an amazing introduction to a widowed single mom of 7. You have brought so much beauty and life into our family this year, but most of all, you brought love and yourself into my life, for that I love you!
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print Friendly

Pin It on Pinterest