Here’s a preemptive “sorry”.

what words to you say strangely?

He said and she said videos are available for your entertainment and education (not really)…

First… “SHE SAID” (starring Cathi & Jenni):

Now… “HE SAID” (starring Brian & Mark):

Happy New Year!

Here’s a snippet Mark’s thoughts while we were on the road yesterday…

How was YOUR New Years?
… and…
What did you think 2010 would be like?

The Stegall’s (Mark & Cathi) came up to Portland for Mark’s birthday, so we celebrated Mark (30), Paxton (1) & Brian’s (35) birthday all in one weekend. Well… we’ll be celebrating Brian’s again later since his wasn’t actually ON this weekend, but you know, celebrate as often as you can, right?

Thought I’d post some photos from this weekend:

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

It used to be rare for us to meet couples and immediately bond like superglue.  Brian and I each had our separate friends that were AMAZING, but finding a couple that we really both felt we connected with equally was pretty rare.  One of us would usually feel connected with the other couple while the other one would feel “meh”.

However, in the last year, Brian and I have found a good handful of couples we both not only connect with, but connect DEEPLY with.

I’m not sure if it’s because we went through such a huge life change or if we’re just more aware of ourselves now with nothing to hide.  Maybe it’s both.  Maybe experiencing grace is what allows us to either attract or draw towards more “real” friends.  It’s probably because we no longer keep people at a distance.  We’re no longer afraid of being hurt and no longer feeling the need to protect ourselves from disappointment.   I’m not saying the friends I had before were not good friends.  I’m simply saying: it was me.  I was the one who never allowed myself to be real with them and I missed out.

All this to say the Stegall’s are AMAZING friends.  My heart is fuller knowing they’re a part of our lives for the LONG haul… not just for the convenience of today.  They are here to stay.  And WE are here to stay.

I am just beginning to understand and FEEL what unconditional love is SUPPOSED to feel like.  And it’s good. Our friends are no longer just our “friends”… they are also our family.

The road we are journeying is a LONG road.  Today, I’m taking a break on the hill…
… laying in the soft grass
… staring at the big blue endless sky
… thanking God for the grace He keeps extending me in the form of friends that ARE family
… and celebrating the births of friends, family & new marriages.

God is good.

Why don’t you take a break from your journey too?
and thank God together!