Mr. Lockwood, Substitute Teacher

Today was one of the best days we've had in our marriage....let me take a step back and explain.

I have been subbing in our local school district for three months now and usually get 4-5 days a week of work. Well all the while, Matt has been working at Lowe's and we have been trying to make ends meet. Recently we decided that Matt should apply to be a substitute teacher as well. See, Matt's schedule at Lowe's is NEVER predictable. He gets two days off a week but we never know which two days. Since we have been married, we have only been able to go to church together 4 times. His usual days off are Mondays and Thursdays but I say "usual" loosely...So, we figured on those random weekdays off, he should sub and try to get his foot in the door. As of Monday March 16th Matt was a sub! Since he is subbing in the Middle and High Schools, they told him that he would get called a lot. Well, he got called multiple times each morning the beginning of this week. After much thought and discussion, we decided that it would be wise for his future career for him to quit Lowe's and be a full-time sub. While this is a step of faith, we know that God will provide the sub jobs needed for us to make it. So, that is why my day was so amazing...

For the first time ever, Matt and I got to wake up TOGETHER! (He used to get up at 4, I'd get up make him breakfast and go back to bed...) We got ready TOGETHER. We ate breakfast TOGETHER. We drove to school TOGETHER. I can't tell you how excited I am about this change. We are going to get our first weekend off together! Also, Matt so hated his other job and this has just helped us be more positive because we are both doing what we desire to do....TEACH!

I love my husband and am so happy that he is able to do what he loves to do. He's so good with the students and I can't wait to see where this takes us...

Flood

flood /flʌd/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fluhd]
–noun
1. a great flowing or overflowing of water, esp. over land not usually submerged.

Well, the Lockwood residence has been flooded...by a water heater. We woke up Thursday morning to carpet wet enough that it splashed. Apparently the water heater leaked ALL night into our house. Luckily Matt had Thursday off of work and could quickly move as much furniture and such in the dry kitchen. We were scrambling around trying to call our landlord while I was crying and searching for dry clothes to wear as I had to sub!! Well, here I am two days later...my house a complete DIVE! Each time I go to find some more clothes, I come away crying at the mess of carpet, mud, etc. while praying all my "stuff" is okay. We have been blessed with good friends who let us stay with them while our house dries out and is recarpeted. We will probably be staying here until Monday or Tuesday. Thank God for providing us with good friends!

So, despite it all, we truly are blessed. Things could have been much worse. Also, there is so much tragedy in this world, one little flooded apartment isn't the end of the world. We are being optimistic and trying to make the most of it. Its like camping I guess...

The Five Love Languages

I just finished reading The Five Love Languages. I found the book to be very practical and an easy read. There are many different ways we as humans give and receive love. Many times we try to show others we love them by giving the same form of love we wish to receive. The book finished with a "test" to determine how you feel most loved. It proved what I had guessed my love language to be. Despite the fact that I have finished the book and spent time really thinking, I still am not sure of Matt's love language. I hope he will read the book and lend me "insight!" I want to spend my time loving most effectively. I think this book can and will change many marriages.

After finishing this book, I jumped right into the next book I had on my "book list"- The Excellent Wife. A friend of mine said she loved it. Well I just spend the last hour "skimming" it as I was very frustrated with even the first few chapters. I know that the wife is supposed to be the submissive wife and such and I am working on that, yet it seemed so condescending. As in, don't ever want anything for yourself....I just felt overwhelmed with how much I was "expected" to give and do. Yes, I want to be a good wife but I feel it is much more than just me giving. Matt is to be respected and I do need to submit, but I see it as a partnership where you BOTH focus on putting EACH OTHER FIRST! Needless to say, I put it aside.

Now for my next book....
For Women Only (again)
or
Crazy Love

Suggestions?

Matthew and Jessica

In the program from our wedding I wrote...

"Our relationship began three years ago with a conversation about Broadway musicals. Now we see that God has been setting the stage all this time. So today we start this new scene in our lives - a scene perfectly scripted by Him, just for us...forever."

Every day together has been a great journey. Each day a new scene written by Him. It is so encouraging to know that even during "mid-scene conflicts", the playwright has penned our scenes and ultimately our finale together - for our marriage is a forever commitment. We need not worry about the future or how the act will unfold. The director has things under control....

Love is a shelter in a raging storm.
Love is a peace in a middle of a war.
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door.
No, love is not a fight, but is something worth fighting for.

This is something that I try to live by each day. Financial frustrations, miscommunications, futal arguments...we are a team and our marriage IS the thing we should be fighting for not against. We have been so blessed with loving families that are a constant encouragement. We may not be where we want to be with jobs and such, yet we are where God wants us and we will be content! I love Matthew so much and am continually learning how to be his wife, a godly wife. His love, patience, and desire to provide speak volumes that I cannot explain. The future looks to hold so many different things and so many exciting things. I can't wait for the curtain to open to begin a new scene with my leading man! :)