I met Jason in 2002 at Jackson Prep. He was a football/baseball coach and teacher, I was the intramural director and cross country coach. We met each other in the fall and began dating at the end of the school year in 2003. Almost a year and a half later, on December 18, 2004 we were married (which is an ideal time for a football and baseball coach to get married). Sports is all we knew together so his schedule did not come as a shock to me. My dad is an official (ref) so I spent a lot of time as a kid at ballgames watching in the stands. Looking back, I think the Lord was preparing me for this season of life. I actually love football and baseball - I understand that is not always the case. But when Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom (1 Kings 3), He gave it to him. If you sincerely ask the Lord to give you a love for something that will advance the Kingdom and strengthen your marriage, I am sure He will!!
I heard once that you are not supposed to make any life changing decisions in your first year of marriage. Great advice, but so far I have not found many who took it - including us! We found out we were pregnant the Friday before Hurricane Katrina hit on Monday. This was also week one of football season as newlyweds :) I was cheer coaching at Prep and Jason had transferred to Ridgeland High School - which was closer to home. To throw a curve ball, I am not one of these "feel the best I have ever felt when pregnant" kinda lady. I get sick, 24 hours a day for close to 5 months (I might add that it has been that way for each one). So, not only was I miserable (happy to be pregnant not happy to be sick) I was at one school and he was at another every Friday night. Then we decide to build a house that spring - you go it. Dirt work began in April, Katie was born in May, school started back in August and we moved in the week 2 a days began. To top it off our house was not ready when we closed on the old one, so we had to stay in a hotel for the first few days. Talk about crazy.
6 years, 3 kids and a new job later, I still can't believe we survived it. But you know, I would not change it for anything. To see our foundation in the Lord remain firm though our world was tossing and turning was amazing. It strengthened my faith and our marriage. These kinds of things in our lives do not have to tear us down. In fact in James 1 the Lord says to count it all joy when we face trial of many kinds for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness (or patience, endurance, perseverance). And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Be encouraged my friend. There is JOY in the journey. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Thanks for reading, more to come....
***please feel free to contact me! missiongridiron*** @hotmail.com
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