Round 3

Last night officially started our Round 3 with IUI.   My medications were delivered overnight, and I delivered three injections into my stomach last night, while Matt sweetly applied bandaids after each one :)  I am so thankful for such a tender husband that God gave to me.

As I have been studying God's Word this week and spending sweet time with Him in the mornings, I have been challenged and encouraged in living a life of faith before God and others.  It has been a challenging week as I re-study stories in the Bible regarding men of faith before our Living God, and how they responded when called to action - i.e. David and Goliath; Abram (before being called Abraham) and the promise of a child; the centurion who believed Jesus could heal his servant; the two blind men who confessed who Jesus was and believed in His mercy and were healed…and the list could go on and on.

I've had to confess my unbelief and lack of faith to God.  How you respond to your circumstances reveals what you believe in God more that what you say you believe in God.  At times, I can begin to feel God no longer cares about me and this desire Matt and I have to be parents.  I tell God that He commanded it, He says it is good to have children - "a quiver full", and that we are trying to be obedient.  :)  What I fail to remember in those moments of inward reflection instead of focusing on the Lord Himself, is that Jesus died on the cross for me.  His love for me was established on that day, and His love never fails.  He is more committed to my knowing Him and growing in holiness and righteousness than I can even imagine. He LOVES me.  Thus, He is walking with me through this trial.

There is purpose in all of our trials.  "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness".  James 1:2

How we choose to respond to our trials can draw us closer to the Lord, or push us farther away in rebellion.  We long to fight the good fight, be salt and light to those around us, and walk daily with the Lord.  Our hope and trust is in the Lord alone.  We are thankful that God has chosen us to "suffer with him" and to grow our hearts in steadfastness.  Of course, we long for children, and hope this month is successful!!! But, even more so, we long to look like Jesus…and Jesus suffered while on this earth.  May His will be done. 

Denver, baby!!

This past week, Matt and I had the opportunity to fly to Denver to witness a good friend of Matt's get married.  However, we both have friends who live in Denver, so we made the most of the trip and "caught up!"

Below is my friend from college, Jackie Batchelor.  She and I were involved in the same ministry in college, Campus Outreach, and became best buds on our first summer beach project together. 

We were roommates and inseparable that summer :)

She took us to Steuben's restaurant in Denver, and it was DE-LICIOUS!  

Who knew crispy brussel sprouts and habanero corn would taste amazing as appetizers…I was hooked!

And the sign she is holding below is how they "find you" for your table.  They also have "Growing Pains", etc.  :)

After dinner, Matt and I drove to Larimer Street to meet up with the soon to be bride and groom and wedding party for a couple hours.  Isn't this street beautiful?! I LOVE white string lights…they make everything seem so much more romantic :)

After breakfast the next morning at "Snooze"…

(which you know we will always find something spicy to eat!)

We headed out to Red Rocks to meet one of Matt's fraternity brothers from Baylor and did a "little" hiking….have I mentioned the elevation is MUCH higher than Birmingham ???  and a girl just can't breathe as well hiking straight up a mountain??  1/4 mile. DONE. :)

I had just caught my breath enough for this picture :)

Matt and I went out on a sweet date night the evening of July 4th…just the two of us :)  We watched fireworks, and then went to a roof top dining restaurant…although, the temperature had dropped to 64 degrees, and I had on a dress…still enjoyable, though!

The next morning, we hit Lucille's…a cajun breakfast joint in the heart of Denver…YUM.

Shrimp and Grits, anyone??

And we then proceeded to tour the Coor's Brewery, and met back up with Matt's fraternity brother and his girlfriend for the day..

And then the main event, the wedding…

It was held at the Denver Botanical Gardens… just lovely.

These were all sculptures from a featured artist at the time..

And Said (pronounced Sah-eeyed) and Jennifer  :) 

Happy couple!

A quick 4 day trip…I now love Denver as much in the summer as I do in the winter!!