Now I know....

First of all, I'm probably the worst blogger around.
I just love writing on paper, so as a result, I tend to ignore the keyboard and computer screen.
But, there are those times when I feel the need to express my heart in this way.

Josh and I just returned from Michigan.
We were there for about 10 days, visiting family and friends that we hadn't seen in months- some we had not seen in years.
We arrived back in Hamilton two days ago, and well, everything just felt funky.
He was feeling it just as much as I was, but we couldn't put our fingers on why.

On a side note, I found myself really missing my Dad and even crying over him, which I haven't done in a while.
So, why all these strange emotions??

Last night we were with friends. Still funky.
Getting back into our routines. Still funky.

And then it hit me.
Everyone in Michigan has known me and Josh since we were young.
AND, everyone there knew my Daddy.
I was called "Jimmy's girl" multiple times while we were there and for the first time in a while, I felt known.

I love our new home.
Hamilton is beyond what I could've ever dreamed of for us to start our new life together.
But there's part of me that aches to be known as "Jimmy's girl" by the people here.
And when something on tv reminds me of Dad, no one feels the same way.
Or when someone says a phrase that was my Dad's favorite, no one even looks at me to see if I'm smiling.

Now I know, why there's been a strange feeling of emotion.
It felt good to be called "Jimmy's girl" again.

Love...

It has been almost a year since I last wrote! Wow....time flies!

In this past year, Josh and I have moved to Alabama, only to find that this is "home."
We LOVE Hamilton and all that God is doing here!
We've been students at the Ramp School of Ministry for the past 7-8 months, and we will never be the same! Hallelujah!

Now that we're all caught up...I just want to write about my husband.

Joshua DeVaney has had my heart since I was 11 years old.
I remember the exact moment I saw him and during the years that followed, Jesus saw every butterfly in my tummy that fluttered at the thought of him.
I'm still blown away that the man in my house, making breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the day with me is the same little blonde haired, blue eyed boy I met and fell in love with 15 years ago!

Let me tell you about him- just brag on him a little bit.
My carpenter husband is settled.
He knows who he is, and because of this identity, he's now telling me who I am.
He's full of wisdom. He doesn't just jump the gun- he prays and he's ok to wait.
He's dedicated fully to Jesus and to me.
His heart is pure and his love for people challenges me to love better.
He loves people- from the littlest baby to the oldest person.
He's kind and watching him do random acts of kindness moves me to be more loving.
He is the hardest worker I've ever met- his calloused hands show it.
He is so much fun! He makes me laugh until I cry and his "realness" allows me to relax and be myself.
He's my best friend- I'm lonely when he's at work....he really is my best friend.
I love this man....fiercely.

Thank you Jesus for teaming me up with a man who loves You and carries your heart.
I'm honored to change the world with him.