by example

To give up is to gain

in the process of writing publicly,
I've given up the luxury of pretending that life is easy, all the time.

but i have gained a community of people who encourage and say to me,

my life isn't perfect either and that is ok!

Zach and i are giving up different things for lent this year,

he is giving up all sweets and every beverage other than water and tea.

i am giving up sweets and bread.

And as I was walking to the metro this morning, I realized that

most of the major gains in  my life have come from sacrificing something.

In this case, we are giving something up,

to gain perspective and deeper dependency on the Father.

In giving things up, I free up space in my mind to
think creatively and love selflessly.
As we are being intentional about what we do and do not eat,
we are also intentionally focusing on a spiritual weakness in our marriage.
Praying together

We both believe in the power and value in prayer but
have realized that we are not seeking the Lord in that way, together.
Everyone speaks to Jesus in their own unique way.
In hearing my husband talk to the Father,

I get a deeper understanding of his heart.
I can hear the fierce respect and genuine tenderness in their relationship.
We give up and add these different things in an attempt
to express our thankfulness for the sacrifices Jesus made for us.
For forty days He fasted in love and obedience to the Father.
He leads us, His children by example.
-hay

ps
This past weekend Zach and i took a trip to Norfolk, Va  for his birthday.
We ate at a really nice steakhouse and went to the imagine dragons show,
as we danced and sang our hearts out. 
On our way back we had brunch at a precious local diner.
We toured the Naval museum and explored the USS Wisconsin.
We stopped at chikfila and the 'Swingkings' batting cages/driving rage.
We weren't in a hurry and we weren't worried about anything other than each other.
it was wonderful.