The Shafferland Shuffle

Before I recap our week, I want to pause to acknowledge the significance of this day in our nation. This year I had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Sands, whose husband died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. After hearing her speak and reading her books, I have a fresh empathy for the hurt and devastation suffered by the families who lost loved ones on that day. My heart is tender toward them, especially on this day.

* Last Sunday was our very last Sunday to serve coffee at our church. We will {sometime in the next few months} be transitioning to a new church closer to home, so we resigned from all our activities at church. We got to watch a beautiful sunrise on the way to church, we served our coffee, and we rested all day. That evening, some friends invited us over for dinner, and I gotta tell you: that was one delicious meal!

* Monday was Labor Day, but Ryan worked, so I scrapbooked! Pretty rough holiday. We watered our flowers that afternoon, and I noticed there are still HUNDREDS of blooms on our big purple whatever-it-is bush. It's fall! Still blooming! When Ryan came home form work, he sat down and read in my book. How happy did that make my heart??

* I spent all my "work time" this week preparing for the retreat I have spoken at this weekend. Tuesday's activity was to style my book table, so I would know exactly how I wanted it when I arrived at the retreat. Took me back to my WBCL days! I also baked a loaf of healthy zucchini bread, which was absolutely delicious, and I worked out alongside my trusty helper. Hey. I was at least glad she did something besides roll over and take a bath while I gasped for air!

* Wednesday I worked more on my retreat prep, and Braeya was so over it...she just waited by the front door for Ryan to come home from work. I was so caught up in working that I forgot to take a shower until about 4 p.m. Needless to say, it was not my finest hair day. Ryan still loved me though, and even treated me to a giant cupcake {we shared} from cupcake week at the cake shop. Sigh. Of. Love.

* Thursday, we had an unexpected treat when Ryan got almost the whole day off work! Since we weren't going to get to spend our weekend together, he took advantage of that opportunity and we ran errands, visited his favorite Chinese restaurant, and worked to get me all packed for the retreat. We went on a walk at sunset...which, by the way, was STUNNING.

-Enter Ryan finishing the blog since Bekah is gone.  Deep breath.  How much can I screw up in two days.....or make even better!!!-

*Friday was a bittersweet day.  It was the day Bekah left me alone for the weekend to see if I could survive without her.  So she went on a weekend getaway with the ladies where there was much serenity, spas and all you can eat pizza OR possibly it was the retreat she has been working on for months where she would be speaking about Being Still.  I guess you'll have to check in next week to see the details about what really happened!

*Saturday was a big day on Bekah's "Retreat Weekend".  We will all look forward to hearing all about it.  Meanwhile, when I was trying to appropriately deal with my bachelor weekend I spent the majority of the day working and consoling a crying cat who is basically inconsolable.  In my spare time I prepared my self for the Colts opening day on Sunday and a new football season!

This is Ryan Shaffer signing off from Shafferland.  Tomorrow you will be back to your regular scheduled writer. I promise.

Linking up!

ON THIS DAY....

OYEZ OYEZ OYEZ  

Today on the 14^th of May in the year 2015, we observe Bekah’s 37^th birthday.  And in honor of her, I deem it necessary to CELEBRATE by sharing with you my 10 favorite things about her (seems only fair since she did for me, right?) 

These are in no particular order by the way:

10.  She’s a FANTASTIC writer.  Of course this isn’t news to you.  I’m always blown away by the things she writes.  She has this gift where words flow out of her at an incredible rate (I guess that includes talking as well :) and she types as fast as a court stenographer.  When she gets in her writing zone, we could fall into a sink hole and she would be unlikely to notice.  It reminds me much of how I sleep...you know the sleeping stories. Must I remind you? Just a complete coma.  I hope that one day you get to read some of her other writings.  They are unbelievable.  I may be slightly biased, but I think you would agree.     

09.  This GIRL can cook!  Seriously, I should be huge; you see many of the things she cooks.  I’m fortunate that many are low fat and that I have the body type I do, or its possible I could be well on my way to a power chair in a few years.  I’m learning the art of self-control (slowly) with each meal.  I’ll be back...she’s ringing the dinner bell.    

08.  She is HILARIOUS!  If you think she is funny on here, just spend a little time with her in real life.  Not a day goes by that I don’t laugh when I’m around her.  She always knows how to bring a smile to someone’s face.  Whether it’s her quirky dance moves or something crazy that would only happen to her, she will keep you laughing.

07.  She has a HUGE heart for others.  Whether you need a meal, a pick-me-up, or a listening ear Bekah is always willing to be there.  She is completely transparent when it comes to her faith and her own life.  She is great at using her own life lessons to encourage others with whatever they may be facing.  This includes myself, too, as I have been to many of Bekah’s counseling sessions.  Give her coffee and she will talk for hours!

06.  She is SOOOO creative.  I don’t know about you, but I’m just blown away by some of the things she comes up with.  Now I know that many are Pinterest inspired, but even with that, they always come out great.  I’m so thankful for the way she decorates our home and makes it so inviting.  Honestly, I never want to leave.

05.  She LOVES the Lord.  She has such a childlike love for the Lord and I love it.  When she prays, she speaks straight from her heart and is brutally honest.  She can remember  just about every single Bible story there is and relate to a life lesson.  She exemplifies His love with her writing and actions.  It’s truly amazing.

04.  She has GREAT hair.  She will disagree with this, but her hair looks good all the time.  It looks great from the time we get up until we go to bed each night.  She has different styles that she uses depending on her outfit and they are all so cute.  Of course this hits very close to home with me especially, as my do is extremely limited.  Hashbrown Jealous! 

03.  She loves ME more than I deserve.   I’m sure part of this is due to the fact that she desired to get married for so long.  And you know what?  She hasn’t forgotten that.   She shows me love in so many ways every single day; from writing me encouraging notes each day, sending random pictures and lovey dovey texts throughout the day, to cuddling up next to me on Mo.  The list goes on and on.  Some men may not like it, but fortunately she’s married to me and I love it.  She desires to be the best wife possible and strives for that daily.  She puts up with all my OCD quirks, embraces our differences, and loves me though it all.

02.  She is CONFIDENT.  She is much more confident that she gives herself credit for.  Even since we have been married I have seen this part of her grow.  When I was watching and listening to her speak last Sunday, the whole time I was thinking, who is this girl?  She is not the one I once knew.  But she is able to speak in a way that is so engaging and confident, she just draws you in.  When she talks, she relates to the audience with real life stories and talks like there is only one person in the room.  I love to listen to her over and over again.  Just amazing. 

01.  Smokin' HOT!!  Actually the rest of these were in no particular order, but this really is number one!  She is unbelievably beautiful in every way.  I’m attracted to her more and more every day, because of the reasons on this list and so many more.  Her love is not something I take for granted and I’m so grateful for the life and love we share.   

Happy Birthday my Love!  I love you and am so excited to celebrate the year of your birth today.  You are an amazing woman (as I have done my best to describe here today...please still love me) and I’m so incredibly thankful for you.  Enjoy your day!  Let's get YOUR party started!!          

                                                                                                                      Love You, Ryan

Faith, Marriage and Life - Just All the Stuff

So Bekah and I have this agreement.  I do the heavy lifting and she does the writing.  And it works like a well-oiled machine because it is geared toward our strengths (that is literal and physical).  But today is different.  Today she is giving birth to a gallbladder and for everyone’s sake, we plan for this to be the only way she ever gives birth.   We love children, but don't feel led to have any of our own.  

Every day you read about Shafferland through Bekah’s eyes.   So bear with me if you will and fasten your seat belt for a blog post through Ryan’s eyes.  Let’s do this!! 

Life.  Life is wonderful.  Life is crazy.  Life is difficult.  Life is a journey.  When I think about our life over the past 2.5 years I’m completely amazed.  I’m sure most of you know our story; if you don’t, you can read about it over several Bekah-posts here.  It is one that neither of us expected and continues to amaze us and surprise us.  You know how it is when you have a plan and it never works out quite like you expect?  That is definitely us times 1000.  And you know what?  That is okay.  It’s okay because it keeps life interesting.  It shows how much God is a part of our daily lives and how much He loves us.  And if were really honest, it shows how truly important we are to Him.

Through the journey we have done so much.  And as you know something that we have done A LOT is wait.  So much so that I’m beginning to think it’s a spiritual gift, but that can’t be.  Right?  We’ve been talking at church about spiritual gifts and that has never come up.   Just like many of you, we have waited and waited and waited.  And there are still many things that we are waiting on.  Some of our waits have only been shared between the two of us because it’s not time to talk about them publicly yet.  God is always working, especially while we are waiting.  Waiting is a process that has allowed us to have victory in ways we didn't expect.  It has prepared us for future goals and has pushed us to stand firm in our faith.  Through the difficulties in life, the many hours of commuting, the waiting for life answers, and definitely the blessings, I have seen a changed Bekah.  I know you read her thoughts everyday here, but I LIVE with her.  And let me tell you it is no easy task.  I’m seriously kidding about that.  But I do see her at her best and worst.  I experience life with her in a way that no one else can.  She shares things with me that she doesn’t share with anyone else.  AND I LOVE IT!!  I love the true relationship we have together.  I love that our marriage is a priority to her.  I love all the ways she shows love to me and of course all the FUN we have.  I have experienced life with her in a way I never have before.  It’s like my eyes have been opened.  

 When we were dating, what attracted me to her most was her commitment to Christ.  I knew that if I was ever to marry, it would have to be with a woman I was equally yoked with and someone I could trust completely.  I have seen too many marriages fail or strained when these things were not primary.  I don't know if she has ever told you about the journal we keep together.  We started it when we were dating and would pass it back and forth between seeing each other.  It was a way to write love notes to each other, tell one another our hopes, dreams, and fears, and we wrote prayers to each other as well.  It was a great way to get to know each other better and it was all in one place, a little black spiral bound journal.  We have kept it up since being married, but only exchange it about once a month now.  I was reading through it the other day and it is filled with so many thoughts go through page after page of her writings, especially after you get into our marriage you see her faith and trust in God growing.  Even through the waiting and the tears. She is amazing!

Sorry got a little sidetracked there.  When I start talking about the love we share and our marriage I just run wild.  Back to the changed Bekah.  I’ve been noticing this for a while and then Lynne even mentioned it to her the other day.  Her faith has been growing like crazy.  I’m serious.  It’s one of things you don’t notice until you start looking back at things. 

With all of the fun trips and adventures we have had in our marriage, I think equal to that has been the difficulties.  Not difficulties from marriage, but from what life can bring sometimes.  And that’s where your faith is needed most.  Faith to get through the trying times.  Faith to face the challenges in front of you.  Faith to face tomorrow.  Bekah lives out this faith every day.  She lives out each day with a beautiful smile, a laugh that is infectious, and a spirit of joy.  She is the person that lights up the room when she comes in and the one who helps you feel better if you're having a bad day.   When we pray together she is so genuine and honest with God, just like they're best friends.  I love it.  And I love the relationship between the three of us.  It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  She is always in prayer for someone because everyone knows that she will pray for them.  She’s always so encouraging, always loving, and always so full of insight.  Since getting married, I have seen her become stronger and grow because she trusts God.  She trusts Him with our lives.  I know it’s not always easy for her and she absolutely struggles at times, but she plows ahead.  Sometimes with many tears, but still plows full steam ahead.  

And now we're to today.  Her many years of stomach issues have been diagnosed with a stone filled gall bladder and hopefully it will be removed flawlessly.  Sure hope we can keep it!! If not, at least the stones :)  Many of you have been in prayer for her for quite some time which I appreciate so much.  I ask for you to continue in those prayers today for my sweet Bekah.  She is the light of my life and my rock.  I’m so thankful that she waited so long for me.  It was just another part of God’s plan for both of our lives.  And possibly the reason she is able to wait so well.  

Thank you all for coming here and enjoying life with us!  We love God.  We love marriage.  And we love all of you.  

      Stay strong Awesome Sauce.  I love you and will be here when you wake.

                                -Ryan