For some reason I am having problems thinking of a solid subject to write on since being married. Maybe it's because that is indeed what I want to write about and I feel people are probably over our wedding and tired of hearing about it. Maybe I shouldn't care and write something that I want to because it's my blog...
In anycase...I have decided to write about smaller things going on in my life instead.
-As before mentioned, I am now married. This has pretty much permeated my thought life. While I love being married, I can't help but to recall a tweet from one of our pastor's at Mclean Bible Church..."I don't love my marriage; I love Ashley." Every so often I remember this to remind myself of who I truly love...(Not Ashley- my wife!)
-I was reading a box of Cheerio's today and thought to myself- there's alot of friggin Cheerio flavors. I then began to wonder what flavors were up for review, but ultimately got rejected. Ice cream Cheerio's? Pepsi Cheerio's? Cantaloupe Cheerio's? I would eat all of these.
-This past Sunday we believe to have found a new church. In true God fashion, it was not church we found via Google, or even on our own accord. God likes to teach me that He will be the one who puts His church into my life. It's a very small church compared to what we have been attending, but passionate about God and His word...I am very excited about the potential witnessed this past Sunday.
-Been playing tennis alot this season with Michael Harper I love tennis with a fiery white-hot passion. It takes just about everything I have to compete with this dude, and a tremendous amount of soreness and suffering afterward...Which then results in a conviction to hit the gym. Thanks Mike...
-We went out to grill some chicken this past weekend on what we thought were our complex's grill. Turns out it was not, as a not so neighborly neighbor informed us. This guy was mad. And not mad like "Hey, why are you inadvertently using my grill that's located next to a public bench, in a public area, and has no lock or any indication otherwise that it's privately owned" mad. More mad like "Hey, you have about 10 seconds to step away from the grill you assumed was public before I grill your face" mad. I was upset at first- until I thought back on the situation and realized that if someone gets that upset over a mistake a stranger makes, clearly some bigger issues must be going on in his life...It made me reflect on the importance of not responding rashly in a situation.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
-We are going up to NoVa for the first time since being married this weekend. I couldn't be more excited to see friends, new family, and of course my second home in general :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thankfulness
Being recently married to my beautiful wife-I have much to be thankful for. Infact, from now and forever more, I don't believe a word or collection of words exist to describe April 29th, 2011. The day was more epic then the dreams I have been having about it beforehand.
Looking back, it is abundantly clear how much God will make His name justifiably glorified through those who desire to do so. How things fall into place for that to happen.
I am very thankful beyond comprehension for the effort of all involved! (family, friends, wedding party)
Not much else to say really...:)
-Lucky Man
P.S. Link to pics (not in order) http://photobucket.com/JenandSean
Looking back, it is abundantly clear how much God will make His name justifiably glorified through those who desire to do so. How things fall into place for that to happen.
I am very thankful beyond comprehension for the effort of all involved! (family, friends, wedding party)
Not much else to say really...:)
-Lucky Man
P.S. Link to pics (not in order) http://photobucket.com/JenandSean
Friday, April 22, 2011
Emergency Broadcast: My Kinda Party
In a direct contrast to my last post, I am writing one more blog before marriage.
Mainly because I feel it would be a shame for my Bachelor party to go unblogged about :)
As it was presented to me. I will go in phases..
Phase 1-The day's weather was not inclined (what with the tornado watches and all) to tennis activity. We decided to play Settlers of Catan. I LOVE this game, and in my mind it was a brilliant substitute. I lost (as I usually do) but it was very reminiscent of the times of olde. (Chase ended up winning)
At the end of this, some of the guys continually mentioned getting me on a plane. About 80% of me was certain this was a joke...That percentage lowered as the night went on.
Phase 2- Dinner. Also very reminiscent of what I miss about NoVa. We go out, have a meal, and just commune together as a group of great friends. It was an air of celebration...Great times.
Also more plane comments...
Phase 3-On the way to the next mystery destination, the plane discussion was now in full swing. It is mentioned that I am definitely getting on a plane and going somewhere, and we begin to drive towards Dulles International....INTERESTING. I was questioning my next move. Do I open the door and roll out of a moving vehicle movie style? Do I take the less dramatic, but more sensible route and just run away as soon as we stop? Are my friends really THIS crazy? Needless to say I wasn't in full freak out mode, but definitely on my toes as to what the heck was about to happen...lol.
We pass the airport and continue on to a lasertag place that just happened to be near Dulles (at this point I am laughing hysterically on the inside...brilliant planning on their part) We play both laser tag, and another one of my favorite activities of all time...DDR. It was pretty amazing.
As we leave, I am convinced that the night is over. Instead I was informed that there is a phase 4...(I believe it's 11pm at this point)...On onwards we go
Phase 4- We return to the place we had dinner to discover (well, atleast I discovered) that karaoke was taking place. SO happy....I love karaoke! What happened in this phase is probably best kept out of the public spotlight...:) People who never go up on stage went up for my sake, sang songs that were pretty funny, and really stuck in there way past multiple people's bedtimes for the sake of the bachelor party...Certain people have video of this phase...I'm curious how it turned out..lol.
When we leave, I congratulate the guys, thank them for an awesome evening (about 1:30am) -only to be informed there is another phase! The Omega phase (I love the title of this...)
Omega Phase- We return to our starting point (Thomas's house) and I am last to arrive...the guys are huddled up and I'm sort of shuffled to the center of the circle...little nervous...lol. Someone throws a jacket over my head, lots of shouting and pushing, I am hustled up the driveway a little, and the guys were like "we just wanted to do that to make things a little exciting, (I'm laughing and smiling as I type this) but were going to end tonight by praying for you and Jen." so the guys gather around, place a hand, and just pray. Pray for strength, leadership, humility to God, etc....I was SO thankful for all of it. I haven't done the night justice in this blog, but I will never forget it.
The entire night was a huge reflection of the love God has for me. The people He has placed in my life I am quite convinced are the best people on the planet. I could not have asked for a better bachelor party.
Mainly because I feel it would be a shame for my Bachelor party to go unblogged about :)
As it was presented to me. I will go in phases..
Phase 1-The day's weather was not inclined (what with the tornado watches and all) to tennis activity. We decided to play Settlers of Catan. I LOVE this game, and in my mind it was a brilliant substitute. I lost (as I usually do) but it was very reminiscent of the times of olde. (Chase ended up winning)
At the end of this, some of the guys continually mentioned getting me on a plane. About 80% of me was certain this was a joke...That percentage lowered as the night went on.
Phase 2- Dinner. Also very reminiscent of what I miss about NoVa. We go out, have a meal, and just commune together as a group of great friends. It was an air of celebration...Great times.
Also more plane comments...
Phase 3-On the way to the next mystery destination, the plane discussion was now in full swing. It is mentioned that I am definitely getting on a plane and going somewhere, and we begin to drive towards Dulles International....INTERESTING. I was questioning my next move. Do I open the door and roll out of a moving vehicle movie style? Do I take the less dramatic, but more sensible route and just run away as soon as we stop? Are my friends really THIS crazy? Needless to say I wasn't in full freak out mode, but definitely on my toes as to what the heck was about to happen...lol.
We pass the airport and continue on to a lasertag place that just happened to be near Dulles (at this point I am laughing hysterically on the inside...brilliant planning on their part) We play both laser tag, and another one of my favorite activities of all time...DDR. It was pretty amazing.
As we leave, I am convinced that the night is over. Instead I was informed that there is a phase 4...(I believe it's 11pm at this point)...On onwards we go
Phase 4- We return to the place we had dinner to discover (well, atleast I discovered) that karaoke was taking place. SO happy....I love karaoke! What happened in this phase is probably best kept out of the public spotlight...:) People who never go up on stage went up for my sake, sang songs that were pretty funny, and really stuck in there way past multiple people's bedtimes for the sake of the bachelor party...Certain people have video of this phase...I'm curious how it turned out..lol.
When we leave, I congratulate the guys, thank them for an awesome evening (about 1:30am) -only to be informed there is another phase! The Omega phase (I love the title of this...)
Omega Phase- We return to our starting point (Thomas's house) and I am last to arrive...the guys are huddled up and I'm sort of shuffled to the center of the circle...little nervous...lol. Someone throws a jacket over my head, lots of shouting and pushing, I am hustled up the driveway a little, and the guys were like "we just wanted to do that to make things a little exciting, (I'm laughing and smiling as I type this) but were going to end tonight by praying for you and Jen." so the guys gather around, place a hand, and just pray. Pray for strength, leadership, humility to God, etc....I was SO thankful for all of it. I haven't done the night justice in this blog, but I will never forget it.
The entire night was a huge reflection of the love God has for me. The people He has placed in my life I am quite convinced are the best people on the planet. I could not have asked for a better bachelor party.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
This Is It
30 days from today (quick Knot check...yep) I'll be married.
I was out on a job survey yesterday for City Hall Norfolk. There was this very nice older lady there who somehow found out I was getting married.
"You know? Thirty years and he's still my best friend."
Of all the horror stories We both have heard of older couples pretty much falling apart, it's good to hear one of those every now and then.
I feel like it's game time. You can prepare for only so long (believe me...we have) before it's finally time to get in there and just do it!
Some helpful advice we have received...
This will be my last post before our marriage. I have been forbidden requested to not tweet/facebook/blog/email/messenger pigeon the world about our honeymoon until afterward :) I couldn't be more excited...Thank's to God for hooking me up with this awesome woman!!!!!
I was out on a job survey yesterday for City Hall Norfolk. There was this very nice older lady there who somehow found out I was getting married.
"You know? Thirty years and he's still my best friend."
Of all the horror stories We both have heard of older couples pretty much falling apart, it's good to hear one of those every now and then.
I feel like it's game time. You can prepare for only so long (believe me...we have) before it's finally time to get in there and just do it!
Some helpful advice we have received...
- Communicate- Even when you don't want to/it's difficult. Do not assume your spouse does/should just "know" what you are thinking.
- Love sacrificially- The more you pore yourself out for your spouse, the better.
- Let others in- Contrary to a pretty scary common belief, marriage doesn't mean you hang up your other friendships. Maintain outside relationships. Falsely believing your spouse is all you need in life is essentially placing them as God in your life....That never works in the long run.
- The importance of accountability- Invite an older wiser couple into your lives to ask how things are going and suggest what can be approved.
- Heat of conflict- If the only goal of your argument is to be right, you've already lost. Couples who have eachother's best interest at heart will MOST of the time (not always) be open to the opposing side's point of view.
- Don't stop trying- Keep doing the things that won your spouse over before you were married. These things are still necessary.
- Don't try and copy another couple- God created you two uniquely and individually.
This will be my last post before our marriage. I have been
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dishes
So I am really enjoying the system of chores we are beginning to setup at the future Coleman household.
To start, I HATE cooking...hate. To me, it is possibly the worst of all household duties. I'm not sure why I feel this way about this particular task. Cooking is to me what satellite internet is to it's consumers. Frustrating and pointless.
God knew this when he hooked me up with Jen. She loves to cook....with a passion. The things she creates will make your mouth wish it had two tongues to taste with....It's that good.
The system we have worked out now is that She will cook, and I will do the dishes. I love this system! I've done dishes growing up, and at my first job. No stranger to the task. A reoccurring thought-theme that has been grabbing my attention lately during this process is...well, the actual process itself. I don't know if you regularly, or ever, washed a dish in your life but there's a clear set of priorities when doing so...
The inside of a dish HAS to be clean. Sure, the outside does too, but if you had to choose between cleaning the outside of a dish and cleaning the inside you would clearly pick the inside to be clean. It's used over the outside of a dish and thus...more important. Special attention and more effort is used (atleast for me anyway) when cleaning an inside of a dish then the outside.
It makes me think of how much I focus on what I want others to see in my life. At times I am overly focused on the impression I want perceived...Consciously and purposefully saying (and subtly implying an impression I want others to think) phrases, words, and quotes I know will be received a certain way. It's surprisingly easy and addictive. All in the guise of caring about reputation even.
While I feel it is important as a Christ-follower to have a reputation of love for others, It's all to easy to clean the outside of my dish very well. While what's truly important (godly character, godly wisdom, my view of priorities) remains unclean. I did not invent this concept...
Matthew 23:25-26
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
This entire chapter warns of hypocrisy. Christ is especially upset with those who represent God to those who do not know Him.
I feel God cares little of what I present to others, and very much with what is the overflow of my heart. That is what He pays special attention to. Who I am as a character shows through what I do, and will ultimately be what is on the outside...If that makes sense.
He also actually starts working on the inside first. It is said God changes from the inside out and I believe it! I am ridiculously thankful for the years God has convicted me to change a particular thought-process or habit in order to improve my character. What I see avoided more and more among my peers is the willingness to subject one's self to discomfort with the understanding that it ultimately leads to a result for the better. (guilty.) I suppose it's human nature to put too much emphasis on the process of refinement then the result of it. A star combatant of this is the example of this god-like refinement in God's word, and in God's people.
To start, I HATE cooking...hate. To me, it is possibly the worst of all household duties. I'm not sure why I feel this way about this particular task. Cooking is to me what satellite internet is to it's consumers. Frustrating and pointless.
God knew this when he hooked me up with Jen. She loves to cook....with a passion. The things she creates will make your mouth wish it had two tongues to taste with....It's that good.
The system we have worked out now is that She will cook, and I will do the dishes. I love this system! I've done dishes growing up, and at my first job. No stranger to the task. A reoccurring thought-theme that has been grabbing my attention lately during this process is...well, the actual process itself. I don't know if you regularly, or ever, washed a dish in your life but there's a clear set of priorities when doing so...
The inside of a dish HAS to be clean. Sure, the outside does too, but if you had to choose between cleaning the outside of a dish and cleaning the inside you would clearly pick the inside to be clean. It's used over the outside of a dish and thus...more important. Special attention and more effort is used (atleast for me anyway) when cleaning an inside of a dish then the outside.
It makes me think of how much I focus on what I want others to see in my life. At times I am overly focused on the impression I want perceived...Consciously and purposefully saying (and subtly implying an impression I want others to think) phrases, words, and quotes I know will be received a certain way. It's surprisingly easy and addictive. All in the guise of caring about reputation even.
While I feel it is important as a Christ-follower to have a reputation of love for others, It's all to easy to clean the outside of my dish very well. While what's truly important (godly character, godly wisdom, my view of priorities) remains unclean. I did not invent this concept...
Matthew 23:25-26
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
This entire chapter warns of hypocrisy. Christ is especially upset with those who represent God to those who do not know Him.
I feel God cares little of what I present to others, and very much with what is the overflow of my heart. That is what He pays special attention to. Who I am as a character shows through what I do, and will ultimately be what is on the outside...If that makes sense.
He also actually starts working on the inside first. It is said God changes from the inside out and I believe it! I am ridiculously thankful for the years God has convicted me to change a particular thought-process or habit in order to improve my character. What I see avoided more and more among my peers is the willingness to subject one's self to discomfort with the understanding that it ultimately leads to a result for the better. (guilty.) I suppose it's human nature to put too much emphasis on the process of refinement then the result of it. A star combatant of this is the example of this god-like refinement in God's word, and in God's people.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Foolishness
What do you consider to be wise, or foolish?
I find it fascinating what God has to say on the subject...
Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
1 Corinthians 2:10
These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
I have been thinking lately of how blessed I am to even comprehend what God is saying to me in His word and through His people. I have noticed how not everyone has this gift. Simple biblical principals, when given in an everyday advice context, seem almost like a foreign language in today's culture. I then ask myself what can I do to make God's word more applicable/appealing to those around me without compromising it. I believe this answer is three-fold....
1. Clarify exactly what God's word says (a lot of wrong assumptions exist about it)
2. Show the results of its changing power in my own life.
3. Don't hide the fact the the bible does in fact challenge you to change for the better.
Ultimately though, it's always a person's own choice to accept this freely given wisdom that God offers. That's what it always comes back to, a choice made. It's not like He just randomly chooses people, and said people just happen to understand the bible.(the process is so much more in depth then that) God's word is either foolishness or wisdom...which do you think and (pretty important--->) why?
More often then not my own pride will hinder me from this wisdom that God says is worth more then everything I own. More then rubies and gold. But just like 1 Corinthians 2:10 states, it has to be given by Him.
It makes me stop and thank God. Thank Him for the fact that the process for receiving wisdom is similar to the process of receiving salvation. Ask humbly and in reverence, and it is freely given. Even if I don't always apply it to my life...
I find it fascinating what God has to say on the subject...
Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
1 Corinthians 2:10
These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
I have been thinking lately of how blessed I am to even comprehend what God is saying to me in His word and through His people. I have noticed how not everyone has this gift. Simple biblical principals, when given in an everyday advice context, seem almost like a foreign language in today's culture. I then ask myself what can I do to make God's word more applicable/appealing to those around me without compromising it. I believe this answer is three-fold....
1. Clarify exactly what God's word says (a lot of wrong assumptions exist about it)
2. Show the results of its changing power in my own life.
3. Don't hide the fact the the bible does in fact challenge you to change for the better.
Ultimately though, it's always a person's own choice to accept this freely given wisdom that God offers. That's what it always comes back to, a choice made. It's not like He just randomly chooses people, and said people just happen to understand the bible.(the process is so much more in depth then that) God's word is either foolishness or wisdom...which do you think and (pretty important--->) why?
More often then not my own pride will hinder me from this wisdom that God says is worth more then everything I own. More then rubies and gold. But just like 1 Corinthians 2:10 states, it has to be given by Him.
It makes me stop and thank God. Thank Him for the fact that the process for receiving wisdom is similar to the process of receiving salvation. Ask humbly and in reverence, and it is freely given. Even if I don't always apply it to my life...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
PRE-Marriage Counseling
Me and Jen have been attending pre-marriage counseling. To be honest, I was fairly nervous for the first session. I had this fixation in my mind that if I don't have the entirety of Ephesians 5:22-33 memorized, We would be shut down faster then the 757 after someone thought they smelled some snow somewhere.
As with most things I have done for Christ, it initially took some stepping out in faith. Getting out of that comfort bubble of familiarity with the confidence that God's got this, and He has never left me disappointed in this regard...ever.
Our situation is somewhat unique- we have our college pastor John McGowan from Mclean Bible Church marrying us. We are both really excited that he is able to do it, and it means a lot to the both of us. We would not be where we are today if not for his very insightful preaching on the scripture.
Thankfully, the nervousness has gone away. We both believe that marriage is not something you just walk into and figure out as you go along. It's so much more serious then that. SO many problems can be avoided with advice from those that have been there before. Not only that, but God is all about preventing as many foreseeable problems as possible. Not to say there won't be trouble, but why not try and prevent unnecessary problems, and live out a marriage of blessing to both yourselves and those around you.
Thoughts or advise on marriage?
As with most things I have done for Christ, it initially took some stepping out in faith. Getting out of that comfort bubble of familiarity with the confidence that God's got this, and He has never left me disappointed in this regard...ever.
Our situation is somewhat unique- we have our college pastor John McGowan from Mclean Bible Church marrying us. We are both really excited that he is able to do it, and it means a lot to the both of us. We would not be where we are today if not for his very insightful preaching on the scripture.
One of our pastors Rob Shepherd of Waters Edge Church is supplying the in person marriage counseling. This guy is like a bible ninja...and not a lame ninja like Galford from the Samurai Showdown series, more like an awesome ninja that my sister Christina drew specifically for this blog...refer to pics below.
Lame Ninja
Awesome Ninja
Thankfully, the nervousness has gone away. We both believe that marriage is not something you just walk into and figure out as you go along. It's so much more serious then that. SO many problems can be avoided with advice from those that have been there before. Not only that, but God is all about preventing as many foreseeable problems as possible. Not to say there won't be trouble, but why not try and prevent unnecessary problems, and live out a marriage of blessing to both yourselves and those around you.
Thoughts or advise on marriage?
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