A letter to my husband on your birthday...

     To my dear husband who works so hard and is so faithful at being a daddy and husband, thank you! Thank you for being you! Thank you for loving me through all my crazy days when I'm crying for no reason. We’ve lived some lean, hard times interspersed with grace notes of abundance, but our years have been fruitful and God has blessed us with 2 children to show for them. Our faith has been tested, sometimes hope hard to hold, and we can testify that parenthood is certainly not for cowards. Oh, my word, no! We've had many trials in our life just with being parents, but all I can say through it all is, thank you! Thank you for not giving up on me when it's been a tough day of baby screams and grumpy's all day. Thank you for always cheering me up and for always being a shoulder to cry on. 

     This is a letter to you on your birthday, to recognize in public the things you do and the things you stand for. Often times, you and I tell each other the same thing, "I don't know how you can love me, but I'm grateful you do!" Josh, from the bottom of my heart, I want to scream to the world how much I love you! I love the absolute Joy on your face when you come home from work, and see James smiling at you and wanting you to hold him. I love the joy on your face when you make him laugh, and you know that you have a special bond with him. I love the smile baby Ezra gives you when you talk to him. 

    I love those times when we've held each other and cried over how to take care of our children, or how to raise them up. I can always count on you to cheer me up, and to encourage me when I feel like I've failed at being a mother and a wife. You're my constant friend, and the love of my life!
     There's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for you. I am more in love with you today, than I was when we were first married, and that love continues to grow every day!
     When I look back and see everything we've been through in the last year especially, I can't help but love you even more. You're so loving and hard working. You know how to make my day better when it's been a rough day. You know how to put a smile on James's face when he's been all but grumpy all day. You know how to remind me calmly that it's okay, and that tomorrow will be better.
     I am so in love with you, and that love grows even more every day. I love you to the moon and back! <3

Happy Birthday!
Forever and always yours,
Caitlin 

Helping The Body of Christ

32 weeks into my pregnancy!

     The past couple weeks have flown by very quickly for me. These last couple weeks, I've been babysitting, and helping out others in our church.
     It got me to thinking of how the Body of Christ works. Last week, one of the boys in our church broke his Femur, and had to have surgery. It was amazing to see how the church came together to help babysit the other kids, bring meals, and pray.
     Likewise, this week, our pastor had surgery... our entire church came together to babysit, help bring meals, and help out by taking kids to and from work for the week.
     Isn't this how the body of Christ should work?! Helping out one another in times of need. Being there for one another, and helping out each other is such a huge blessing!
     I often think about my pregnancy, and when I have our baby, I'll need help. My mom will be here helping out, cooking meals, cleaning, while I'm trying to figure out how to be a mom.

I officially have swollen feet!

                                     Here are some Bible verses that I was reminded of as I was thinking about how we serve the Body of Christ.
   "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that form the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance;for you serve the Lord."
~Colossians 3:23-24
   "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." ~Hebrews 13:16
   "...Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." ~Philippians 2:4
     "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." ~John 15:12
   
     In what ways can you serve the Body of Christ more? Is there some couples in your church, or in your neighborhood that you can help out? You can be a missionary in your own neighborhood, by helping out others!

 

It's exciting to know that in just about 8 weeks,
we'll meet our little man.

Pregnancy Update: 32 weeks into my pregnancy, and I'm still feeling great! I officially have swollen feet now, so I've been trying to drink more water, and prop them up more.
     My husband and I went to sign up for our registry this last week, which was so much fun!
     Baby James moves a lot, but so far he hasn't woken me up at night with any kicking/punching, which I'm thankful for. ;) Occasionally I'll feel tightness in my stomach, and I feel my belly, and I can feel a little hand or foot pressing against me. It's so sweet to think I'll hold our bundle of Joy in a couple months!
     That's all the update I have for ya'll! Have a great week!

                                                                                              

A Year: Looking Back

     The time has flown by for me this last year. On Sunday, Josh and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary! To look back over our relationship this last year, has been amazing! God has truly been so gracious to me even though I don't deserve it. Back when I turned 22, and I had wondered if I'd ever be married, I didn't imagine that God would answer my prayer the way He did. Josh has been there for me through the thick and thin. Whenever we're struggling, Josh is really good at saying, "Let's pray." When it's been one of those days that I don't know why I'm crying, and feeling depressed, Josh will stop what he's doing, and take me out for a bit. When I've struggled with feeling like I'm not capable enough to be his wife, Josh encourages me that I'm doing great. He's a studier of the Word of God, he's great at what he does, and I couldn't be more proud of my husband!

     We all have those days that life just takes us down. To this day, I don't know how Josh can love someone like me. I feel as if he's so much better than me, and that he deserves more. However, somehow, through my weaknesses, he still sees me for who I am, and he still loves me. I'm so grateful for this man I get to call my husband! I love you Joshua Daniel Narwold, and I look forward to every moment that I get to spend with you, as your wife! God has blessed us, and every day I thank God for giving me such an amazing man as you!

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Singleness and Marriage

     We've all been there.... some are still there. We long for love. We long to love somebody. We long to serve that one person for the rest of our lives. We long to be held when we're upset, angry, sad, or happy. We long to be cared for, and to feel special. We long for...

Marriage

     If not marriage, we long for that special someone, that we can feel like we actually matter. We long to be loved.
     I've been there. I know. I was single not too long ago. I prayed for years for a husband, when I was 17 or 18, and ready for marriage... or so I thought I was ready.
     I really didn't like talking to guys. They made me nervous. The only ones I felt comfortable talking to was the ones I had know for 10+ years... which wasn't very many at all. I longed to have children and to start a family one day. I longed to be loved and to be cared for. I longed to serve someone, and to wake up next to a husband one day.
     I don't think I really understood what marriage was at that time. My only reason to get married was to be loved, and to have children. God has since then been working on my heart, and He knew when I was ready.
     All the men that I knew at church, I couldn't ever imagine even marrying for various reasons. I had a list like many people do. A list that represented what I wanted in a husband... a Godly man who'd serve God first. A man who loved playing games, and who loved being around children. A man who despite his sins, would be perfect for me. I desired a man who would love me despite seeing my daily sings, and struggles, and still says he loves me at the end of the day.
     I struggled even more when I got to 20 and 21. I saw all my friends around me get married, and have children. I saw the beginning of love blossoming. I was able to witness what a Godly courtship (or whatever you want to call it) was. Only, there weren't any men for me around. When I turned 22, I had kind of given up I guess you could say. I told God that I wasn't going to waste my life waiting for Mr. Prince Charming. I wanted to learn things in the meantime until a man came into my life. So, I decided to pursue being a Labor Doula. I put my desires/hopes/dreams on the back burner, and I decided to pursue other things.. another thing I loved... children. With the help of my family, I felt content in my life. Content that If I wasn't going to be married for another 5 more years, I'd have something to pursue. Something to give God the glory, and something that I could live to talk about.
     3-4 weeks after my birthday, a man came into my life. Little did I know that I'd be marrying him 6 months later.
     So, the point of me telling you my story? To let you know that I've been there. I've been single. I've been there yearning to be loved and to love somebody. I know what it's like to wait. Waiting is hard, isn't it?! Waiting on Gods timing, and not our own.
     I can truly say that after looking back at my life, God knew I wasn't ready for marriage when I was 21. I wanted to get married for the wrong reasons.
     I'm not saying that if you are content in life, God will bring "the one" to you. But, I'm saying, you singleness isn't going to be like this forever. You may get married in 5...10...15 years! Until then, what are you doing with your life? Are you living life the fullest every day? Are you cherishing your single years?...Whether you're a man or a woman! Are you serving?...In and outside of the church? Singleness is a treasure! So is marriage! I was reminded of just how great God is to bless me with a Godly husband as Josh this morning when this came on the radio.
Many Blessings on your week!

Marriage- For Better AND for Worse

     As I was taking a walk the other today, I decided to stop by the gas station to get a little bit of A/C on myself. As I was about to leave, the cashier pointed to my shirt that said, "I love my husband", and said, "Are you a newlywed?" I said, "Well, we've been married for a little over 5 months now." :) She said, "In 10 years, you're not gonna want to wear that shirt! I mean, you'll still love him and all, but you're not gonna want to wear that shirt." And then she laughed. She then went on to tell me to have a good day, and she moved onto another customer.

     I couldn't help but think of how sad that was. I don't know her past, but all I know is that I will always Love and cherish Joshua Narwold​! After my parents have been married for 25 years, and I still see the love they have for each other, and I see Josh's parents, and many other couples around me still in love, if not even more now then when they first got married.

     In today's day and age, marriage isn't cherished. When a husband and wife marry, they put aside "for better or worse". They give up too easily. God meant marriage to be for life. Unless you have Christ as the center in your marriage, how can your marriage last? I love Josh, and will continue to cherish him through the good and the bad. Through the rough days, and the good days. After all, Christ did the same for us, shouldn't we show the same love that Christ shows us every day?!

     Now, I realize that people separate and get divorced for various reasons, such as abuse or what not. But, should we give up so easily on marriage? Hard times come, but what do we choose to do in those hard times? Do we choose to lay it down at the foot of the Cross, and cast all our cares upon Him? It's those choices that will make the biggest decisions in our lives. 

     "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"       ~ 1st Peter 4:8~ (This is a very important life verse for marriage because marriage is a unification of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife may fail each other, mess up, or do something hurtful. It is important to remember God's definition of love and know that loving each other deeply can cover all those sins. This verse reminds us the true power of love!)

     "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." ~Mark 10:9~ (When you first enter into marriage, the last thing you are thinking about is divorce! But, through the years of being together, you may enter times of hardship and trails that threaten your relationship. If this is ever the case, allow God's word come into play. You have been joined together under God, don't let anyone or anything separate your love for each other.)   
     "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." ~Ecclesiastes 4:12~ (Understanding that two is strong than one is one thing. But, understanding two together united with one God is even stronger! The three cords represent a husband, a wife, and God. These three form a close relationship that is not easily broken.)

     "Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."~Ephesians 4:2-3~(If a husband and wife are humble, patient, gentle, and selfless in a relationship, this will cause less confrontation and arguments.)

How do you feel like you can reach out to marriages today? How do you feel like you can invest in your own? I'd love to hear from you!

Affirming Your Man

     Hi everyone! So, before I got married, I wanted to talk a lot about daughters staying at home and serving their family. Being a keeper of the Home meant a lot to me, and I knew that many wouldn't agree with my thoughts. When I got married, being a Homemaker was finally coming into action. Serving my husband every day has been such a joy. Now, however, I'm no longer a daughter at home. I'm a wife, serving her husband, and a Homemaker who enjoys being a stay-at-home-wife. My vision hasn't changed. Josh and I now share the same vision. However, instead of addressing the stay at home daughter part, I'd still like to continue to encourage those in that area. I'd also like to write about being a wife. I've listened to a lot of talks, and read a lot of articles about marriage lately. I've been inspired. I want to strive to be the best wife that I can be, knowing that I serve Josh, and ultimately serve Christ in the work I do, no matter how big or small.
     With that being said, I'd like to talk about how you should treat your man. For those not yet married, I'd say that you can still learn, for one day, when God might bring you a husband. For those who are men, I'd say, maybe you can comment if you have anything else to add. And for those that are married, whether newly weds or not, I'd say we can all learn something. I'm not a pro, I've only been married for a little over 4 months. But, I thought I'd share my thoughts on marriage so far. Marriage has been the most incredible experience that I could've ever asked for. It's been humbling and sanctifying. While Josh and I have many days where we laugh together, and mess around with each other, we also have days when we cry together because we feel like failures at life. Josh and I both have a personality of low-confidence. So, I've been trying to build Josh up with words and actions of affirmation that I love him and appreciate him. Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen to you, and affirm that you're doing great! Men need to hear that their wives are cheering for them, and that they're proud of them... especially my man! There are days, when I shouldn't have said some things, and I've put my husband down, but I'm striving to glorify God every day. I know that by serving my husband with a cheerful heart, I bring God glory. So, with that in mind, I'd like to discuss how to better affirm your man.
     The question to ask yourself is: How am I building my house up? Your husband should be able to tell how much God loves him by the way you treat him, love him, and admire him. Do you respect him? Do you do everything you can, to show that you love him? It might be coming to your husband in a quiet spirit to talk about a subject, instead of yelling at him telling him that he doesn't know what he's talking about. It might be something as simple as making dinner, making sure the tables set, and getting him some iced chai. (something my hubby loves! ;) ) When you talk about your husband in public, are you speaking good and repeatable things? Or are you saying things that would make your husband ashamed? I find that asking myself these questions a lot, helps. When my husband asks me if I can make him something to eat, even if I'm tired and I don't feel like it sometimes, I tell him, "Sure! I'd love to to serve you in that way!"
     Do you ever find yourself griping and complaining? What would happen if you prayed as much as you complained in your head? We have power and influence over our husbands. How are you doing giving respect to your husband?
     Ephesians 5:22-24, 33, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything... nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Humblings Experiences

     Have you ever had one of those days that... NOTHING seems to be going right?... I had another one of those experiences this last week. It was one of those, "Thanks God... I needed that." moments. A moment that when I'm in the midst of strife and chaos, that Gods there, giving me the gentle nudge, saying, "Look, child! You may have a bad day, but I'm here." God knew what I needed to learn that day. It was one of those moments that I look back on, and realize that God was trying to show me patience, and having a way of humbling me when things don't go my way. God sure does have a sense of humor, doesn't he?! :)

     The thing is, the day actually started out really great! It was a Saturday... I got to spend the day with my hubby. We went with my brother and sister in law to pray at an Abortion Clinic, went to an antique sale, and then I went shopping, while Josh drove home with his brother, to get things done at home. Things were going great! ... I had a coffee in hand, and a shopping cart with a lists of things I needed to get. It was when I got home, that things just started going downhill. I stubbed my toe and made it bleed, spilled mac n cheese on my pants, swept and mopped the floor, only to spill on it a little while later. Things just continued to get worse. I literally had to sit down next to my husband, to get me calmed down. After I calmed down, I thanked God for the day he blessed me with.

     Sometimes, we just have rough days. I think God uses the good and the bad days for His glory. I kept thinking back to how I reacted when things got bad, and I wondered, what could I have done differently? Instead of clenching my fists, and and grinding my teeth, I could've just said, "It's okay... I'm still alive and well." I didn't though. 

     My husband and I were sitting down to watch a movie late last night, and I heard a loud noise, and all the sudden heard him do a little moan and groan. I went to the kitchen to find out what happened, and he said, "I dropped my water bottle, full of water." It went all over the carpet. I couldn't help but laugh to myself. I had literally done the same thing the previous day, and had the same reaction. Things didn't go the way I wanted it to, and I groaned about it. Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't cry over spilled milk"? Spilled Milk, you can clean up... the actions that you do when you spill, is something you can't take back once it's been done. If you growl and are grouchy about a spill that your 2 year old did on accident, and you start saying things that you don't mean, just because you're mad, they may not forget. However, if you calmly say, "It's okay. Let's clean this up. It was an accident." ... doesn't that sound a whole lot better?!
     I'm constantly reminding myself to do things or say things differently when I'm mad. Instead of going on this rant about what I'm upset about, I'm trying to just take a deep breath, thank God for the day, and move on. It's a lot harder said than done, I know. :) But hey, you gotta start somewhere.
     These Bible verses have been helpful for me this week. What ways do you find help you to calm down when you're upset? I'd love to know! :) Leave a comment!

Proverbs 25:28, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

2 Peter 1:5-7, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Proverbs 16:32, "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

1 Peter 4:7, "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

Dying to Self

      I've learned a lot over the years about dying to self daily. From little things, like reading to your siblings while making dinner, or big things, like, getting up early with your husband, so that he can have breakfast and coffee before he goes to work. However, I'm still learning... there are days, when, I just don't want to get up from bed and make breakfast. There are some days, when, sleepiness and laziness gets the better of me, and I don't want to do anything all day long, except sleep, and  relax. That's not life though. I have to constantly remind myself to put others before myself. We're reminded in Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but  also for the interests of others."

     On the days that I feel like doing nothing, or sleeping in really late, I have to pray to God to ask Him to change my heart. To put my God and my husband first. To not be selfish.
     The other day, when my husbands alarm went off, I was so tired that I didn't want to get out of bed. I literally couldn't open up my eyes... so with my eyes half-way opened, I walked downstairs to make his breakfast. After I kissed my husband goodbye, and went back to bed; I realized that I hadn't been very joyful that morning. I sent him a quick text asking for forgiveness for my lack of joyfulness that morning. Josh called me a little while later and told me that he didn't think that I wasn't joyful but that he appreciated me asking for forgiveness. He's not a morning person either, and so he gave me encouragement to just be in prayer about it on a daily basis. He's an awesome husband! ;)
     Dying to Self daily can be so hard and tiring at times, but in the end, it's all worth it! :) And when you serve others, you serve Christ. :) In what ways do you feel like God's grown you in this area? What are some Bible verses that have helped you to serve Christ daily?

     "Then He said to them all, if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and Follow Me..." ~ Luke 9:24
     "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ~ Galatians 5:24

The Guy We Thought We All Wanted

     We all thought we wanted the mysterious, romantic guy that you see in movies. We thought we wanted the guy who had feelings as deep as the ocean, and knew exactly what to say.
      It's natural to want to be part of that enticing image painted in romance novels and movies. However, reality is often not as beautiful as the dream, and that guy isn't really the best guy. The excitement of the drama wears away quickly when stress and instability starts to swallow you. We all want the epic love, but the best lovers are also the best friends.      The men you stay with are the ones who have dependable, honest, comical and caring natures. They are the ones who put God and and then you first and bring simple laughter to your life rather than more stress. They are laid back and positive. They don’t try to consume you. They are the goofballs. They are the guys who have the big hearts and who sometimes say the wrong things, but always come through for you.

He’s your best friend, and he’s better than the movies. He’s just a guy, and he’s great at it. He won your heart with the simple actions that make him perfect for you, and he’s great for all of these reasons, that I'm going to list below. My husband has been all of these, and I'd like to share just how wonderful he is in so many ways! :)
1. When it comes to gift-buying, you've probably had to laugh a few times and think of the phrase, "It's the thought that counts."

2. Sometimes, you find yourself in complete awe of the silly words that come from his mouth.3. He gets a lot of enjoyment out of the simple things in life.
4. Basically, getting his favorite kind of Chocolate or watching his sports team win will make him absolutely elated, and it’s awesome.
5. He comes through for you and you know you can depend on him.
6. He never picks a fight or creates problems where they don’t exist.
7. He can make you laugh in literally any situation, even when you didn't intend to laugh.
8. He doesn't hold grudges or draw out disagreements.
9. He doesn't always understand your "girl" problems, but the poor guy does try.
10. He’s honest with you. 
11. He doesn't mind making a fool of himself if it means getting a smile out of you.
12. He doesn't try to take you from your friends and family. He wants you to  love everyone you love and be happy and never tries to hold you back from relationships with others
.13. He handles difficult situations with brilliant patience. He calmly takes hardships as they come and evaluates situations for what they are.
14. He has gotten progressively better at relating to you.
15. He doesn't have any problems spending time with the people to whom you introduce to him. He doesn't cause conflicts with the people you love. He just goes with it and gets along with everyone. 
16. He keeps his word.
17. He never tries to make decisions for you. He respects your ability to make them yourself.
18. You have some pretty funny stories about some of his attempts at romance. Still, you know you wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world because the genuine nature in which they transpired made them so special to you.
19. He doesn't call you names put you down, or degrade you.
\20. You have the best time with him doing the simplest of things. Board games, movie marathons, pillow fights, long walks, jam-session car rides, take-out, dancing, funny videos and living-room tickling matches are impeccable experiences to the two of you. You don’t need anything but each other to have a blast.
21. He’s your best friend. You know he would always choose you and always have your back. You know he’ll always bring sunshine to the plainest parts of life.

You know he respects your independence and wants what’s best for you. You know he won’t bring you complications or dramatic affairs. He just brings you hugs that swallow you whole, laughter that makes your stomach hurt and forehead kisses when you feel like the world is tumbling down.

This is why this kind of man is the real hero for whom we’re all looking. He keeps it simple in a world that makes life far too complicated. Happiness is supposed to be simple and, trust me, so is love. :) 

Married Life and Wedding Day

     Today is Thursday, March 5^th. I've been married now for 5 days! Life has been amazing! Having a husband to serve on a daily basis has been a wonderful gift to me! The name change is also really cool! ;) Today, I’m back into the swing of things. Josh left this morning to go to work, and I got a couple things done around the house. Catching up with emails, cleaning the house, making the bed, making dinner, and just being a wife to my loving husband is the best thing I couldn't ever asked for! :)

     The morning of the wedding, I got up bright and early. My maid of honor, grabbed me a coffee, and the hair and makeup set up began. I wasn't nervous until about 15 minutes before Josh and I did our "first look". I was so jittery. After Josh and I did our first look, I was much calmer... Josh tend to do that to me... make me calm. ;) The wedding party gathered in the kitchen, and our pastor prayed for us and for the day. With that, the wedding began. I was extremely nervous, that I'd mess up on saying the vows, or that something would get stuck in my throat, and I wouldn't be able to talk... the "worst case scenarios" kept coming to my mind. However, as I walked down the isle with my dad, I remembered what Josh told me, "Just keep looking straight at me".  And I did. As I walked down the isle, I began to realize that my wedding day was actually here. It wasn't just a dream anymore... it was reality. As Josh and I said our vows, and said our "I do's", the moment was there. We strived daily to complete the tasks that God designed for us, in order for us to get to know each other. We continue to strive daily to serve each other. Not as single's, or lovers, (although that's a huge part) but as a partners, as a husband and wife, as a team.
     The reception was beautiful! The family and friends that came were amazing! Watching the slideshow, that Josh's brother, Joel, put together for us, was really fun! The cake cutting went well, the chili lunch was awesome! The decorations held up really nicely! The toasts that were made, the funny stories that were told, and the laughing going on, made the wedding day that more special! I'll have some pictures up hopefully in the next couple weeks of our wedding day. Thanks for all your sweet comments that I've been getting the last couple weeks! It means the world to me! :) Until next time! ~ Caitlin Narwold :)

Engagement Pictures and Bible Verse's

     Hello all! I'm not going to write a post this week, because I'm getting married on Saturday, and I'd like to spend as much time with family/friends as I can. So, I thought I'd just show some pictures of our engagement back in December, and how my hair will look for my wedding. I'll post some pictures of the wedding in a couple weeks. :)


     "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that  could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all

 things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails..and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." ~1st Corinthians 13:1-8,13~

   



    "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or winkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
~ Ephesians 5:22-33~

~Love
Bears,    
Believes,
Hopes,
Endures~

~Faith, Hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.~

After this week, my name will change from Caitlin Baughman, to Caitlin Narwold. I love you Josh, and I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to call you mine! You make me so happy, and I can't imagine my life without you! I love you Joshua Narwold!

Everyone thinks this picture is funny because
this is the only picture where Josh and I are
separated... and we're NEVER separated. ;)

What Is Love?

1. LOVE IS... being willing to have your life complicated by the needs and struggles of others without impatience or anger.
2. LOVE IS... actively fighting the temptation to be critical and judgmental toward another while looking for ways to encourage and praise.
3. LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to resist the needless moments of conflict that come from pointing out and responding to minor offenses.
4. LOVE IS... being lovingly honest and humbly approachable in times of misunderstanding.
5. LOVE IS... being more committed to unity and understanding than you are to winning, accusing, or being right.
6. LOVE IS... a making a daily commitment to admit your sin, weakness, and failure and to resist the temptation to offer an excuse or shift the blame.
7. LOVE IS... being willing, when confronted by another, to examine your heart rather than rising to your defense or shifting the focus.
8. LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to grow in love so that the love you offer to another is increasingly selfless, mature, and patient.
9. LOVE IS... being unwilling to do what is wrong when you have been wronged, but looking for concrete and specific ways to overcome evil with good.
10. LOVE IS... being a good student of another, looking for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs so that in some way you can remove the burden, support them as they carry it, or encourage them along the way.
11. LOVE IS... being willing to invest the time necessary to discuss, examine, and understand the relational problems you face, staying on task until the problem is removed or you have agreed upon a strategy of response.
12. LOVE IS... being willing to always ask for forgiveness and always being committed to grant forgiveness when it is requested.
13. LOVE IS... recognizing the high value of trust in a relationship and being faithful to your promises and true to your word.
14. LOVE IS... speaking kindly and gently, even in moments of disagreement, refusing to attack the other person’s character or assault their intelligence.
15. LOVE IS... being unwilling to flatter, lie, manipulate, or deceive in any way in order to co-opt the other person into giving you what you want or doing something your way.
16. LOVE IS... being unwilling to ask another person to be the source of your identity, meaning, and purpose, or inner sense of well-being, while refusing to be the source of theirs.
17. LOVE IS... the willingness to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule in order to be faithful to what God has called you to be and to do as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc.
18. LOVE IS... a commitment to say no to selfish instincts and to do everything that is within your ability to promote real unity, functional understanding, and active love in your relationships.
19. LOVE IS... staying faithful to your commitment to treat another with appreciation, respect, and grace, even in moments when the other person doesn't seem deserving or is unwilling to reciprocate.
20. LOVE IS... the willingness to make regular and costly sacrifices for the sake of a relationship without asking for anything in return or using your sacrifices to place the other person in your debt.
21. LOVE IS... being unwilling to make any personal decision or choice that would harm a relationship, hurt the other person, or weaken the bond of trust between you.
22. LOVE IS... refusing to be self-focused or demanding, but instead looking for specific ways to serve, support, and encourage, even when you are busy or tired.
23. LOVE IS... daily admitting to yourself, the other person, and God that you are unable to be driven by a cruciform love without God’s protecting, providing, forgiving, rescuing, and delivering grace.

Moments Like These

     With my wedding being 11 days away, my time with my family is coming to an end. Sure, I'll still see them, and talk to them, but I'll be married, and living in a different state. My life will be completely different than what I'm used to. I'll take on a new last name, be in a new, loving church community whom have taken me in as one of their own, have more friends, cook smaller meals, have a husband to love, a house to clean and make my own, and possibly, more time on my hands. 

     It got me to thinking about the little things in life. As I write, my little 6 year old brother, is sitting on my lap, blowing bubbles. Enjoying this moment that I have with him. To Elijah, he doesn't understand what the meaning of getting married means... aside from his sister leaving. To him, he doesn't understand that I'll still see him, and be able to talk to him through Skype/FaceTime and such. 

     So often, I took the moments that I had with my family for granted. I didn't take each day as a gift from God. I'd go through life daily, as just that... a life. A life, that I felt like was my own at times. A life that didn't take those moments, and realize that they're really "moments". They don't last forever. Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary term defines a moment, as, "an instant, the twinkling of an eye". It's only there for a moment, and than, it's gone. While I think of every opportunity that I missed out on, I realize that I can't go through life looking back on all my regrets. I need to move forward. I need to enjoy my moments in life. Sure, some moments I want to forget about, but things like, when Josh proposed to me, when I first found out he loved me, when my little brother hugged me, when my sister asked me to pray for her to get a restful night sleep, when I got my license, those special days when our family was out and about, and decided to eat out to make it all the more special.
     Moments. All my life I wanted to get married. God has answered that prayer, and in just short of 2 weeks time, I'll be a wife to the man I love. I'm on a new journey. The book hasn't ended... there's more to it... I'm on part 2. ;) So, take in the moments you have on a daily basis... even the little ones... a child's laughter, eating chocolate with a friend, the smell of coffee brewing, cold water on a hot summer day at the park with some friends, the love a child/parent/sibling/friend shows you on a daily basis. God is continuing to bless me with sweet moments with my fiancé, the love of my family, and so much more every day! 
     In what ways do you take in those moments? May you all be blessed! :)

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalms 118:24~

"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." ~ James 4:14~

Valentine's Day and Hearts Desire's

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ~Psalm 37:4

   
     Valentine’s Day.  You love it when you have someone to love, and you hate it when you don’t.  Valentine’s day means something different to everyone.  To some it is just a lame Hallmark holiday, to another it a great opportunity to shower the one you love with admiration. To many, Valentine’s Day is another reminder that you’re alone. And to others, it's a great reminder that Christ was the first one to love us... after all, we love because He first loved us. (1st John 4:19)       For this Valentines, I am blessed to spend it with my fiancé, but it wasn't long ago that I remember wishing, hoping, and praying that the Lord would send me the one HE created for me. 
     There were many days I was tired of waiting, sick of crying, and wishing I didn't feel so lonely.  I’m sure there are many that are alone and can’t relate, but others that may be saying, “YES! I know the feeling!” So to those people, this is for you.  This is my story.   
      Some days were amazing as I learned God’s fulfilling love, but there were many days that the enemy would lie to me that I would never find someone to love me, my standards were too high, etc...  Almost daily I had to renew my mind to the truth of God’s word and cast down lies that I would never get married, no one would love me, and so on. 
     When fear would take over, I had to imagine myself walking down the aisle. I would renew my mind to God’s word and speak these scriptures out daily:   
      “Lord, I thank you that your word says in
 Psalm 37:4 that, “You delight in giving us the desires of our hearts.” Your word promises us that, “You withhold no good thing to those that love you.” –Psalm 84:11. I thank you that marriage is a good thing and you will bless me with this gift of marriage. Psalm 18:22 says that, “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”   
      It’s been just 5 months since the day I met Josh and I now have a ring on my left hand to signify our soon-to-be life together.  I truly believe God created marriage as a good thing.  The Word says, “It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make him a helpmate.” –Genesis 2:18. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”-Ecclesiastes 4:9. 
       I pray that my story encouraged you today, wherever you are in your journey.  The Lord cares so much about every detail of your life.  He put the desires in your heart.  The more that you seek Him, the more You'll want Gods will, and desires. Don’t try to get ahead of God by trying to figure out how it is going to happen.  Trust that if He created this earth and everything in it in such intricate detail, that he has your life planned and figured out.  It will be beyond anything you can ever dream, ask, or imagine.  Our God is so faithful! :) 

 

Preparing Single's for the Future

It was after church service last summer, and I found myself holding a precious little treasure in my arms. This treasure was about 6 months old and she owned a pair of blue eyes that I'm sure could steal anyone's heart. In my conversation with one of the moms, I mentioned just how much I desired to be a mother of my own precious little treasures one day.

She began to reply, and I was sure she was going to give me the "contentment speech." You know, "be happy and serve God where He has placed you and in His time He will bring along 'Mr. Right'." Thing is, I am truly happy with my life; I feel full. I only want the next phase when God says it's time. Overall, I am content. But she surprised me--she didn't discredit that desire, instead she encouraged me. She told me that those were God given desires and she truly believed He would fulfill them. It was neat to hear that. It was so different for that desire to be affirmed.

Like any girl, I've carried big dreams about my knight in shining armor. I've known some girls to write very extensive lists on what they want their husbands to be. Oh sure, it'd be nice if he could sing and play instruments well, if he were a good writer, spoke several languages, was romantic, and was really athletic--the list could go on and on. But what my heart has craved and my prayers have echoed is that he would be a passionate lover of God; that he would have a dynamic relationship with the Lord.

For if a man loves God--truly loves and follows after Him and has a humble and teachable spirit, then everything else will fall into place. No, he won't be perfect, he will fail just as much as I do. We won't be perfect, but we will grow and learn together. That's part of the beauty of it.

Occasionally I would put myself in the place of the kind of man I would like to marry and make a list of the kind of woman he would want to marry and then I work on those things. Do you desire a man of prayer? Become a woman of prayer. Do you desire a man that meditates on God's Word? Start meditating! What about a man that is involved in ministry? Become a woman that serves and ministers to those around, in her own neighborhood (I'm writing as a girl to girls, but it works the same way reversed).

We can daydream, we can wish about our Knight in Shining Armor. But would we be the kind of woman he is looking for?

And this doesn't only apply to our "spiritual side." Wouldn't the man of your dreams appreciate an organized house and a well-cooked meal?

It really boils down to this: become the kind of person you'd like to marry.

No, we won't be perfect--we'll fail. I can promise you that. But the season of singleness is so precious. We are given such a precious gift from God. We have time to prepare, time to develop our walk with the Lord, time to reach out to others... If you'd like somewhere to get started, Proverbs 31:10-31 has some great pointers. *smile

Verses 10-12 says:

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Will we do our husbands good all the days of our lives? Even before we know his name? Are we preparing for him, being faithful to him, and building a foundation of trust now?

That's where I was last year, before I met Josh.-to become the woman my Knight would be seeking for. And truly, if we are living fully for Jesus now, obeying Him, seeking His face, loving Him and allowing Him to change us, then we will become the person our spouse needs. As we focus on Christ and lose ourselves in Him, I believe everything else will fall into place.

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Waiting: My Story: Part 2

        In my last post, I told the story of how Josh and I met. Going through a courtship, and seeing many courtships, my family and I have been able to see some things that work and don't work. Each family is going to be a little different, and is going to be a little more firmer or looser on their "rules". Honestly, we have biblical models to use as our guidelines, and that's what my parents and I used.
     Before I met Josh, I had many days when I wondered when "Mr. Right" would come. I dreamed of the day that my "knight in shining armor" would sweep me off my feet, and whisk me away at my call. I had anticipated to be married by 19 or 20... but God had other plans for my life. I was asked sometime in early 2014, if I'm ready to be married. My answer: I'm ready now, but I'm not wasting my life just waiting. I'm doing things to keep me busy until that day I get married.
     Many people were astonished that I still wanted to be married. In today's culture, waiting for the right one isn't very common... usually you date a couple people, and then, "maybe", after a couple years, you marry the person. Maybe, you decide to move onto the next person.
     Many people were surprised at how quickly my courtship with Josh was. Some people think that you have to know the person for several years, before any arrangements can be made. Honestly, because Josh was out of state, we talked to each other all the time! By the time we were engaged, we talked more on the phone/FaceTime/and in person than what people would talk about in 8 months time as a couple! We still talk all the time! :-) The question is, why wait 4 or 5 years to get to know each other, when you can get to know each other in a years time?!
     One thing I've noticed with many girls, and parents, is that they're expecting, "Mr. Perfect"... sorry to ruin it for you, but he doesn't exist! Everyone is a sinner, everyone has their faults. Going into the relationship knowing that the other person is a sinner, would be so helpful! I have a couple friends who's expectations are so high in what to expect in a guy, that it's practically impossible as a guy to step into any relationship. Don't get me wrong, having some sort of expectations is great! ... I had some myself! Mine were things like: Does he love God? Does he love his family? Would he put God above me? Is Christ the center of our relationship?
     I didn't have things like: He has to make $______ of money, has to have his own house, has to be perfect, has to have self-control, has to... the list can go on. Going into a relationship knowing that the other person is going to have sin issues that maybe, yes, have to be worked through. But to expect this high expectation of Mr. Perfect, is impossible.
     Honestly, because of all the stories I'd heard of my friends courtships, I wasn't expecting a good one. I was expecting more bad than good... and in all honestly, my courtship was the best that I could have ever imagined! It was a sweet time, and will continue to be a sweet time as I get to know Josh even more! And another thing... you'll continue to know your significant other even through marriage. My parents have been happily married for 25 years, and are still getting to know each other!
     So, yes, I'v had my share of waiting, and honestly, I didn't think the moment would ever come, because I felt that me as a sinner, didn't deserve anyone! ... the truth is, no one deserves anything! We're all sinners, and we all make mistakes! We will all fall short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23)
     However, because of how good, loving, and sovereign of a God we serve, He gives us more than we deserve, including sacrificing his own son for us! You may have to still wait for a couple years to be married, or you may have your soon-to-be husband waiting around the corner, just waiting for you! Whatever it may be, wait patiently! Your patience on God, will be worth it in His timing!

Psalm 27:13-14

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Waiting: My Story: Part 1

     If you had told me last year that I'd be engaged by December of this year, I wouldn't have believed you! I've had my moments, when I doubted Gods plans for me, and doubted that I'd ever be in a relationship, much less, married!
     In July of this year,(2014) I wrote a blog post for my birthday: http://daughterofdestiny generation78.blogspot.com/2014/07/greater-expectations.html ... in this blog post, I have another perspective on the little things of life that God blessed me with throughout this last year, instead of looking at it as, an un-married woman.

     After I wrote that blog post, about 2 weeks later, I saw Mark Robinette and his family at a church Family Camp. I met Mark earlier that year, when he came to Russia with us, so I was excited that he was going to be one of the speakers at the Family Camp. Him and my dad were talking at one of the tables one morning, and when Mark waved for me to come over, he began telling me all about this young man, "Joshua Narwold". He kept saying how Josh would be a perfect match for me to marry! I was very doubtful, because, I didn't think there was any

chance that I could meet this young man, because after all, when was I going to be going to Ohio?!
     I gave Mark my blog name, and apparently, he called Josh almost immediately, and told him to look at my blog, and get to know my family. Josh called my dad about a week later, letting my dad know that his intentions were serious, and that he wanted to get to know me, with the intention of marriage.
     Josh came out on September 5th, to meet me and my family. He stayed in Colorado through the weekend, and we clicked immediately, and were pretty comfortable talking with each other. After he left, we started to chat via-Facebook, and talk on the phone. My mom and I went out to Ohio on October 5th, to see him, his brother and sister-in-law, and his church friends/community. As my mom puts it, "When we left Ohio, Caitlin's heart stayed with it." :) Coming back to Colorado was very sad for me, because I really felt at home there in Ohio. I was welcomed as part of the family. Josh and I continued to chat and talk on the phone daily, and got to know each other pretty well. He came out to Colorado again in November, and as usual, our time was wonderful! In December, my parents and I would fly out to Wisconsin to meet the rest of his family, and little did I know, it was going to be on that trip, that he'd propose. I've had my share of times that I felt like I'd never be married for several reasons, which I'll go over next blog post. I'd like to leave you with this Bible Verse from Lamentations 3:25-26, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."