Father's Day

It's that time of year again...the time where we honor Fathers.  Ever since I was a little girl, this has been difficult for me.  My father was in prison for the majority of my life, and passed away a few years ago while still there.

When the other kids would make father's day crafts for their dad, it was hard.  When other dads would come to my dance recital, but mine couldn't, it was hard.  When my school plays came around, or proms, or graduation, it was hard.  Like someone was missing, because he was.

Don't get me wrong, my dad loved me.  This I know for sure.  The amount of letters he wrote me was ridiculous, I wish I had been smart enough to save them.  In my youth, I believed we had plenty of time.  I was wrong.

He passed away at the federal prison of a massive heart attack.  Just like that, at 50 years old and having the appearance of being healthy, he was gone.  So close to being released, and we were both full of dreams and plans for him spending time with my kids. Spending time with me.

It has taken me time to figure out the purpose in this.  I believe that I have a heavenly Father who has always watched over me, even when my earthly father didn't, couldn't.  My husband is now a regular chaplain in the same prison my dad was in, God has weaved it all together and accomplished great things for His glory.  But it is still hard.

When this time of year comes around, I tend to try and keep myself "busy", but it never fails.  It always hits like a ton of bricks, and I just have to let it out.

I miss what I didn't have, but I am conviced I will see him again.  I will live a life that shows my father honor, and make him proud.  I will cherish the memories I DO have, and be thankful that I had a dad that cared about me with all he had, and loved me the best he knew how.

I will honor my amazing husband, who has shown me what a real man looks like, what a real father AND daddy looks like.

And I will consider myself blessed to know my Jesus, who never leaves and is always listening. <3

Love,
Christa <3

Where is the pause button?

My beautiful babies are growing up.

I keep trying to slow down the clock, but I can't figure out how.

They were just babies 5 minutes ago, right??  

So since I can't find the pause button, I will slow myself down so I don't miss anything.  I will try to be more patient...talk less and listen more...worry less and love more.




  Thankful for this life I've been trusted with.




"Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much life she had time for."

<3 Christa

My bff :)

A few weeks ago I went on a 10 day trip.  I was home a little over a week, and my husband left for a 10 day trip.  yuck.

We have been married almost 14 years, and have been together for 15 years.  Almost half of the time I've been alive, I have been with him.  My best friend.  My favorite person in the entire world.  The funniest person I've ever known.  My happily ever after.

All couples have the tendency to settle into a routine.  We can't help it, it comes natural.  Familarity creeps in. Daily activities get mundane.  We get into the "Groundhog Day" as I like to call it, like the movie.  Day after day, similar stuff, kids and busyness.  Dealing with ministry issues, life issues, money issues.

As much as I despise being away from him, it is so good for us!  I am pulled away from him every year at this time, and it it terrible and wonderful at the same time.  He is an AMAZING person, and I forget that sometimes.  He is my GIFT, and that is taken for granted when I see him every day.  I forget.  Lord, forgive me for not remembering what a blessing this life is, the ones You've given me to serve.

To have a partner in this crazy life that shares my heart, it is a beautiful thing.  To be able to share my faith in Jesus, to share what He's doing in my heart. To know my purpose, and be encouraged in every area of my life, by someone who believes in my dreams.  And to feel the same way about him.  Grateful, thankful, blessed.

Don't take them for granted...

<3 Christa