Pivot Point

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her."

On April 1, 2007 James submitted a dreamsheet that would change his career forever.  He requested to be a First Assignment Instructor Pilot so that we could start our lives as husband and wife, together.  Little did we know that it would change EVERYTHING and that this would be our life's "pivot point." (If you've ever gone through Beth Moore's study on Esther, you know what I'm talking about.) 

His class had a phenominal drop.  Only one bomber (B-1) was given out of of 12 assignable students.  If he hadn't made that decision, he would've ended up in the figther of his choice. 

This was James' first act of sacrificial living.  I had no clue then how much it would mean now, but I am so thankful for that decision.  I don't remember talking about it much, but I don't remember arguing with him to change it.  There are moments now that I wish I did, however I know that you can't change the past and that for whatever reason, this is where we are supposed to be.

Almost 4 years ago, we started our lives as husband and wife.  We started it the best way possible-together.  If he hadn't made that decision, who knows where we would be.  It would've been a full year before I was able to PCS to be with him wherever he would've been.  And we definatly wouldn't be the parents to two beautiful boys.

The reality of that decision has really hit these past 4 months because, honestly, I was still in a dream when we moved here.  I thought I would wake up, read the email from his commander over again, and see that the assigned airplane had changed.  But, it hasn't.  And it won't. 

I look back at that day now with some regret, because I was the reason he put his dreams on the backburner.  But mostly, I look back at that day as a day of gratefulness.  I am so grateful to have a husband who puts our family first.  That he is willing to step down from his own desires and to offer his life to God.  That he lives his life Biblically and is an amazing man, with such strong faith to know that he is following God's lead while leading us. 

Thank you James for 4 wonderful years.  Thank you for sacrificing your desires for me.  You simply are the best. 

A Courtney Special!

I've never posted a recipe before and have never actually made up my own recipe either.  For a few years, I've been toying with Black Beans & Rice.  I have an obsession with black beans.  I can seriously eat them right out of the can.  They are super healthy, a great source of protein and are so tasty!  It is simple, easy and yummy-just the way I like it with a crazy 2 year old running around.  If you prefer to spice it up add red pepper flakes, cayenne,  or hot Rotel.  But, to make it kid friendly, just use the mild Rotel and skip those spices.  I have tried a few variations, but I think I finally have it down...here you go!

1 15 oz can black beans
1 can rotel (mild, medium, or spicy-whichever you prefer)
Garlic powder to taste
3 cups cooked white jasmin rice

1.  Combine black beans, Rotel and garlic powder in pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2.  Cook rice according to package instructions (I much prefer Texmati Jasmine Rice-one cup dry rice makes approx. 3 cups cooked).
3.  Put rice in bowl first, then add black beans w/ juice on top. 
4.  ENJOY!

Saying Goodbye to Old Friends

Yes.  They are shoes.  And yes, they have been good friends.  These shoes saw me through my very first Zumba class.  They saw me through getting an Excellent on my first PT test after Connor was born.  They saw three seperate moves (Basswood to Sheppard, then Sheppard to Bossier City).  They saw me through countless runs before getting pregnant with Jacob.  They saw me complete the YMCA's Bikini Bootcamp with Amanda.  They saw me walk miles upon miles pulling Connor in his wagon while pregnant with Jacob.  They saw the streets of Sheppard AFB with Connor, Jude and Jenn.  They saw the transition from active duty, to guard, to reserves.  They helped me go into labor with Jacob.  Then, they hit the pavement in Bossier City helping me prep for my second half-marathon. 

Being a military wife, I have learned to cling to things that will remain constant.   The one thing I can always rely on is putting on my pink Asics, grabbing my ipod, and hitting the road (and nowadays pushing my double Bob stroller).  These shoes were always there for me.  You will typically find them thrown accross the living room floor-worn, used, loved.  They call my name in the mornings and inspire me to get out my pajamas and GO.  These shoes are more than just a pair of shoes-these helped create memories and are a lasting reminder of my life in a different place.

I've been staring at my new box of Asics for four days now.  They remain untouched, unworn, and still smell new.  I am not sure why it is so hard to pull out the shoes and wear them.  To me, they signify change.  Change of life, change of direction, and change of setting.  They are a reminder that I am no longer in Wichita Falls living the life I loved.  But, they are in fact a beautiful reminder that life in Bossier City remains to be unwrapped.  That there is a lot to discover and I must take them out of the box, throw them on the living room floor and GO. 

Weight Loss Update

Here is an update to THIS post from the end of January. 

I stood on the scale this morning and the grand total?

149!!!

That just means, only 14 more pounds until I'm at my "I just got married" weight.  It feels great when hard work FINALLY starts to pay off.  It feels so nice to finally be able to put on clothes in my closet and have them fit right.  I would like to leave you with a quote from my old Zumba instructor that has gotten me through a few rough weight loss weeks: 

"Just when your're about to toss in the towel, when you feel lost, out of control; In THAT moment is when you need to digg your heals in, grit your teeth, say a prayer and charge FULL speed ahead!"  Laci Edwards