To Live is the Rarest Thing

Dear Beloveds,Marriage is a beautiful thing, and it can be difficult, too.  Your daddy and I have been married for 7 years already...which in this day and in our country, it's not always likely that marriages will last. I read something today that struck me and I think is very closely connected to the idea of marriage;

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” -Oscar Wilde

It struck me because I think this is something deep down that I fear.  I fear to 'just exist' and not truly live. So many ideas come into my head when I read this, but when it comes to marriage, I think sadly so many people are existing in marriages. They are together, they are doing ok, but they're not truly living to the fullest together.  My prayer lately is that your daddy and I would really commit to LIVE together...to live a life with passion and dedication, with a love for Jesus and for one another that makes an impact on the people around us. I want us to love so much that others can feel it.  And I want that for you.  I want he and I to love each other so well that you can sense the Love of God between us and over you.I came across a blog called Today's Letters that inspired me to, again, prioritize my relationship with your dad and be intentional about growing together in love. They have a post called "10 Things that Have Made All the Difference"  (I encourage anyone in a committed relationship to read this and put some or all into practice). Some of these things Dan and I have done and some we have gotten away from. Why is it so easy to get side-tracked with the things of this life?God's Spirit has been pressing upon me this idea, too, lately.ABUNDANT LIFE. I'm still trying to process and read up and learn more about this right now. I'm planning to write more on this very soon, but I'm just so encouraged and hopeful because we have been promised more than what it seems this life has to offer. And I love that Jesus talks of receiving ABUNDANT LIFE not just later...but NOW.  I'm praying that for you, beloveds. That even right now, you are experiencing the abundance of love God has for you. And that you can somehow feel the abundance of love we have for you already.We are getting closer! Our application was approved and we have our first orientation meeting on the phone this Friday. Hopefully by next week we can start the home study process and be done before Christmas!  We know the timing will be perfect.We love you.p.s. Here's a little glimpse of your sometimes-crazy mom and dad in our halloween costumes. :) Yesterday seeing allll the kids dressed up gave me lots of joy thinking of having so much fun with you (hopefully this time next year!?)