A Purposeful Peek

Two thousand and thirteen.  Yet another memorable year in which we were blessed by both expected and unexpected adventures.  It seems like every December, we all say "where did this year go?" It just seems to fly by.  I'm learning that if I don't take the time to consciously enjoy each adventure, it all blends together into "just another year."  While I didn't make a specific "New Year's Resolution" for 2013, my goal was to be more intentional about enjoying each month and not wishing it away in anticipation of the next season.  I think it's safe to say that although I may not have stayed in this mindset 100% of the time, this year was one in which I truly enjoyed each season.  As I reminisce about this year, here are some of my favorite memories from each month: January. Rang in the New Year celebrating the marriage of a dear friend to the love of her life. We dined and danced into 2013 with my closest college friends at The Depot in...

Over the years, I've received many incredible gifts during the month of December…but none sweeter than this one in December 2012… my youngest nephew, Nathanael Oak!  Born exactly one year ago, I was so lucky to meet him within a week of his birth. My sister and brother-in-law make the most precious babies, and I love the intentional process they go through when choosing a name.  You can read her beautiful description of it here .    …they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. -Isaiah 61:3 I've only seen little Nate in person during two visits to Oklahoma since last December, and he and his big brother are two of the biggest reasons that living across the country can be so difficult! But thanks to the invention of FaceTime, I've been able to share in many of Nate's first year milestones, and he definitely recognizes his Aunt Leigh. Sweet Nate, I can hardly wait to hold you, hear your first words, ...

I learned early on in our relationship that there was another woman in JJ's life who I could never compete with.  She is one of a kind and has a special place in his heart that is reserved only for her.  Incredible cook. Impeccable hostess. Skilled NASCAR driver (with a special talent for charming police officers). Loyal family woman. Devoted wife of 60+ years. Mrs. Claus celebrity status.  Passionate follower of Jesus. We call her Mammo.  Others call her Jo Rheta. Some may even compare her to the Proverbs 31 woman. She is truly one of the most loving, selfless people I've ever known, and I'm so glad that she has been the "other woman" in my husband's life.  Even more, I'm glad to have her in my own life as an example of someone I can only hope to emulate (but never replace!) So, here's to you Mammo - HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY! We celebrate and honor you on this special day.     Love, Your grandson's "other woman"

If you know anything about JJ and I (or if you just read The Love Story on this blog) you know that running has special significance in our journey together. It's how we first began spending time together (training for our first half marathon), began dating, and eventually got engaged (at that same half marathon). We have often planned our vacations around races in fun U.S. cities (Virginia Beach, Nashville, Las Vegas, NC Outer Banks, etc.), and our friends have often asked us why we can't just be "normal" and go on a vacation for vacation's sake, instead of for the purpose of running. We have run together in countless U.S. states and in at least 7 countries on 4 different continents. When asked "Who is faster? Which one of you wins?" we just laugh… you see, we always run in stride together - it's what makes us a team. When one of us is struggling, we rely on the other to encourage us.  Most of the time, it works out that one of us sets the pace f...