anniversary get away

This past weekend we went on a one night get away to celebrate our anniversary! At first we didn't think one night away was really going to be that great, but we both ended up really looking forward to it! We were able to take off about noon on Saturday to head up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This was our first time there and we had a great time!

In front of our hotel, Bella Vista Suites

Dave did all the researching and planning. He found this place right on the lake. I was trying to take a selfie of us and the sign in the background. The third attempt I finally got the sign in the photo and a guy walked out of the door at the exact same time! Thankfully he was nice and offered to take our picture!

It was a little overcast on Saturday but that didn't stop us from walking around and seeing the town. Dave made sure to check out all the historical signs around Lake Geneva, and I enjoyed them as well now that I'm in my 30s :)

We ate dinner at a restaurant called Popeye's. Not the chicken wing place. It was tasty and we had a great view!

We had a relaxing evening sitting outside watching the lake and people. We also walked up to an ice cream shop and had a scoop. 

On Sunday morning, Dave had reserved a massage for me. It was so great! I had such a stressful week of work I really needed it! I was so thankful that he did that for me. What a great husband!

We checked out of the hotel and took a walk on a public easement in front of all the mansions on the lake. This one has two basements and a pool on the roof! We learned that this property has put several people into bankruptcy and is now luxury condos.

another summer home

There are boats that give tours on the lake throughout the summer. Before we went we found out that they do not run until late April. While we were out on our walk we saw one going by! We called and found out that this was the first day they were open.  This is the earliest they have ever opened and we were able to take a ride! And to make it even better, it was half price! The tour guide informed us that at this time last year the lake was still frozen. We felt so blessed this entire weekend, and this was the icing on the cake!

We took off shortly after the boat ride to head back home. I was not ready to come back to the reality of grocery shopping and an early morning at work. It was a great night away! What a blessing!

A great night to round out the best first year of marriage! Love you, Dave!

first anniversary

I can't believe we have been married one whole year. Not to mention the longest first year of marriage that you can have! Leap year you know! :)

marahgrant.com

This year has been great. We have been so blessed in this first year of marriage. A friend asked us what that best part of this first year has been. We both said companionship. We have really enjoyed being together.

Yesterday was the official day. We were very busy. I worked all day then went to Bible Study. Dave had an afternoon and evening class. So we met up at home at about 9:30. We got out our wedding cake and had a slice. The cake was sooooooo good! Even a year later! Thanks For Goodness Cakes!

This weekend we have a one night get away planned. We can't wait!

a wife of noble character

I can't believe in just under a month Dave and I will be celebrating our first anniversary! This first year has really flown by and been great!

Dave and I decided before we got married that we would always do our best to invest in our marriage. We have heard so many stories of failed marriage and we did not want to be one of those stories. We talked about how we would do something every year, whether a weekend conference or weekly series, to develop our marriage. Three weeks ago we started a weekly marriage class called The Marriage Course. It is a 7 week study and we are really enjoying it.

For our wedding, we received many great books and devotional for married couples. One that I know Dave has really enjoyed is The Power of a Praying Husband. He read through it once and is reading it again. I just recently started The Power of a Praying Wife. We are so thankful to have received these books as gifts and would recommend them to any married couple.

While I was reading through the first chapter of the book. The author, Stormie Omartian, mentions Proverbs 31:10-31. As I read through the verses of "The Wife of Noble Character" I am reminded of what I should be striving for as a wife.  I also know that I cannot do all of these things on  my own. I need the Lords help.  Only He can make me into this woman. I'm going to pray over these verses and make an effort to memorize the section so that these words will always be in my heart. I'm also committing to pray for my husband with more intention. I have started asking him what he needs prayer for so that I can pray for him for that specific need.

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV

We are in a battle. We have to fight for our marriage. Fight for each other. Fight to allow our love to grow and not just fizzle out. We recognize that this is a fight for the rest of our lives and we are willing to get in the battle. These verses encourage me to strive to be better. To be the wife God created me to be.

If you have never read these books, I strongly encourage you to. Through prayer, God can work amazing miracles!

If you are single and reading this...it is never too early to become a prayer warrior. There are lots of things to pray for. Figure out what that is and commit to pray for it each day. Even pray for your future husband or wife.