I'm sick again. Tired too. I tried to keep my attention during class but found it rather torturous. I think I remember something about not taking OT passages out of context and having the freedom to claim God's characteristics as encouragement in my walk. Apart from that, I have really no recollection of the last three hours. 


Getting up at 5:30 this morning was soooo painful. I almost decided to skip my morning run (and having breakfast with Aar) in order to sleep. But I caved. My run was rather difficult as well. Perhaps because I'm sick. And perhaps because I got less that six hours of sleep last night. Who knows. I'm glad I pushed myself though, or else I probably wouldn't have had energy to stay awake.


Apart from my morning complaints, this past weekend was really . . . stretching. Encouraging, yes. Nevertheless, stretching. Saturday was perhaps the first "big" conflict between Aaron and me. I don't think the content of the argument was so "big," but I think it turned into something larger because we both were completely drained from our schedules. I have to say: being in conflict with Aaron has to be the worst feeling my stomach has yet to face thus far. I suppose it's because my heart aches when we're not close; I just want restoration asap. He is such a wonderful husband though. He continued to pursue me, even when I desired to push him away. God sure knows my heart . . .  
So Saturday turned out to be a very blessing-ful day. We got our first christmas tree that night. In the check out line, the cashier guessed it was our first tree together which I thought was pretty impressive. Maybe it was the excitement in my face that gave it away.
The only thing we decided to hang on it were some simple bulb ornaments. I love the simplicity of it. So calming. 


Sunday we visited a church for a second time. The previous church we were going to was so large that the pastor didn't even know we were regular attenders. Upon some prayer, we decided to check out a church that some people recommended. It's a lot smaller than the previous one; about the size of my church back in Missouri. It felt homey, which I found welcoming. After the service, we both were super encouraged from the sermon and a handful of people came up to us and introduced themselves. Being told "I haven't seen you here at church before" was a nice feeling. We decided to try the church out again this past Sunday and walked away just (if not more) encouraged by the service. The sermon was about getting in the habit of joy; to "rejoice always," not because our feelings encourage it, but because we're resting in the promises of our identity in Him. Such a great message.
Afterwards, our school hosted an outreach event for the low-income people in Waukesha. I was a "door greeter" but didn't fulfill that job very well. I really just wanted to follow people around and get to know them. I got sidetracked a lot from my official job, but I had an absolute blast in listening to some of the guests' stories, history and hearts. I walked away really blessed. I hope I could have encouraged some of them as well. 


And then yesterday, Aaron's 21st birthday. I had a fun time spoiling him with small little things during the day. We had a party for him at a friend's apartment last night to finish off the celebration. Although he didn't have a single drink . . . I think he fell asleep last night pretty satisfied from the day's joys. Success. 


Anyway, he'll be getting out of class here soon, so I suppose I'll make him some lunch. 


Tootles.