2 years ago, Austin introduced me to COBE Awareness Week by picking me up from my parent's house, driving me out to holland, and hammocking beachside for a few hours as we prepared to say "see ya later" for the first time since the start of our relationship. Austin was leaving for Israel, and shortly after he came home, I was leaving for El Salvador. Certainly an interesting way to start a relationship, but nonetheless, the man I now call my husband made the most of it. If you've never heard of COBE Awareness Week, don't worry I hadn't either. COBE stands for Celebrating One's Birthday Early. Austin created COBE because he was going to miss my birthday while he was in Israel. All of his friends told him not to do. They thought it was ridiculously cheesy and that I would hate it. Luckily for Austin, he trusted his gut and proceeded with COBE. I loved it and couldn't stop talking about that date. Fast forward 2 years. I am turning 24 on Sunday. Yesterday I woke up to a COBE Awareness card on the counter, asking me to check "yes" or "no" to a surprise date. Um, yes! We went to the cutest mom and pops restaurant by Chippewa Lake, and then took our pup to the local dog park. This morning, I wake up to another card, asking me if I like surprises. (I don't, and he knows this. He added a nice disclaimer saying: regardless of your answer, there will be a surprise tonight). Talk about a distraction at work! A few hours later, a simple, beautiful boutique of flowers was delivered to my office (way to through me off with the "tonight" caveat). I'm enamored by the notes, dinners, and flowers, but more than that, I'm enamored by the thoughtfulness. I'm so grateful for my husband, a gift I certainly don't deserve. One that continues to selflessly and joyfully give. I am humbled by the way I am celebrated even when marriage has brought out the absolute worst of me more times than not. There are times we don't quite get the marriage thing right, but when we do, it couldn't speak louder of God's redemptive plan.
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Austin and I had the privilege of watching two great friends get married this past weekend. The entire day was absolutely beautiful. It is always such a joy to gather with old friends and make new ones as you reflect on God's provision in the lives of the people you love the most. One of my favorite moments of the day happened towards the end of the reception. The master and mistress of the ceremony had a little guy, who definitely had some big character. He asked his parents for the microphone and requested the rooms attention. He told everyone he was going to sing Awesome God, and that he did. Those left at the reception joined him in the chorus singing "Our God, is an awesome God he reigns, from Heaven above with wisdom, power, and love our God is in awesome God." This little guy so innocently yet bravely led an entire room in worship. It was simple and so sincere. It was an adorable moment, but beyond the cuteness, the moment made me think about being a Christian adult. When is the last time I've stopped what I was doing to thank God for what He was doing and tell Him He was awesome? I think Christian adults, including myself, have recently become so focused on being right and politically correct that we've forgotten about the importance of being united in worship. We would rather debate religious freedom acts, (which quite honestly doesn't take a whole lot of courage to do) than join with our brothers and sisters to worship the One who has extended us grace and forgiveness. The debating part, that's easy, everyone is entitled, to their opinions and platforms. Someone may disagree with you or judge your opinion but no one will think you're weird for having one. Real courage is the ability to ask for the microphone and simply proclaim God's awesomeness. Following Christ has become more about us and our entitlement and less about His awesome power. Seriously friends, there is thunder in his footsteps and lightening in his fists. Prior to the wedding, the groom's grandfather led the group in prayer, and before he said amen, he said, "God, I just want to tell you that I love you." This is the true beauty of the body of Christ. When we are functioning the way we were created to, we keep Him first. Thankful for learning from incredibly different generations this weekend. Let us live boldly, shouting the awesomeness of our God in every moment and taking time to voice our love for Him. This Sunday I am preparing to run my second half marathon. I was hoping that after finishing my first half marathon and 25k last May I would never, ever have to run another long distance race again.
Sore knees, blisters, broken toenails, and huge time commitments were some of the selfish reasons I was hoping not to run another long distance race. However, the biggest reason I had this hope was because I knew that if I was going to run another long distance race, there would have to be a purpose. And usually with purpose, comes pain, suffering, and growth. Last year, I ran the Gazelle Girl in memory of Brenda Huyser, who taught me so much about strength, perseverance, and fight. As I watched Brenda fight breast cancer, I watched her lose a lot of her mobility and physical capabilities. I knew I could no longer take the body God had entrusted me for granted, so I started to run. Shortly after the Gazelle Girl, I ran the Riverbank with Team Paul. I was praying for Mrs. Sytsema, my 3rd grade teacher, and her two sweet girls, who lost their husband and dad unexpectedly the year before. I was running because I wanted others to know and experience the hope that outshines grief. This year, I'm running with one of my very best friends. We are running for her dad, and others who are undergoing treatments for cancer, and in doing so, losing their strength and health. It has been really difficult to watch my best friend experience such deep pain and fear. Sometimes I have no words, and sometimes she doesn't either, but we have legs and we use them to make sense of the world. I am thankful for the hours God has give us to unplug, hit the road, and talk things out. From cancer, to boys, to foster care, to Taylor Swift, we've talked about it. Every conversation, every silly dance after completing a mile, every judgement for running in cotton Calvin Christian Basketball hoodies from freshman year, every post-run bathing suit jacuzzi time, I am grateful for. Because of God's grace, I run because I can right now. I run because it sets aside literal hours to be in conversation with friends and with my Father. I run because in such an unexpected way, it has brought healing to a lot of really broken places in my heart that I have never been able to surround with words. This weekend, we will run all the miles, with joy and gratitude. Jen, let's do this thing. |
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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