One Year.
Feb/103
One year ago today, Kristi and I stood in front of our friends and families and exchanged vows — promising to love and serve each other not by our own efforts, but trusting Jesus to be our constant goal, guide, and giver.
Don’t worry, we’re not updating our blog on our anniversary weekend — we scheduled this post in advance, because we’re out-of-town enjoying some much needed and wanted rest and relaxation, celebrating the past year and looking forward to many more together.
However, for all our friends who were present that day, and for any who might have missed the occasion — we wanted to post some of our wedding pictures so you could celebrate this day with us, remembering the day it all “started.”
We are grateful for the love and support our friends and families have showered on us this past year. We are grateful for an entire year of being husband and wife, learning what it means to love each other more than we love ourselves. And we are grateful to our God, the gracious gift-giver of all things good and beautiful.
To those who are married, blessings to you and your marriage. To those on the pathway, or hoping to be on that journey soon, may God bring you love and life — and hopefully both of those things in a wonderful spouse.
(click on images below to see large)
On the Sport of Disc Golf.
Feb/100
One of my favorite ways to spend time during the summer is throwing plastic discs at metal chains. It’s a sweet, pleasing sound to hear the clang of metal confirming a well-thrown putt (or, even better, a spectacular birdie/eagle attempt).
Disc golf is an easy, relaxing way to spend time outdoors and get a little exercise along the way. It’s not strenuous, so it’s easy to fall right into. The learning curve is quick and easy, and the investment for a set of discs (around $10 each) isn’t so steep that someone just interested in the sport couldn’t try.
Best of all, it has been a great source of community. In fact, every one of my close friends now has spent time with me on the course — it’s a mutual love we all share.
Today was a rare warm day in February, so Kristi, my friend David, and I went out to play a round of disc golf. The course was wet and muddy from the melting of all the snow we’d recently received, but it was a great time spent this afternoon.
Kristi even had a chance to play sports photographer (which was good training for David and me, when we become pro disc-golfers).
(Setting up for a drive)
(Trying to sink a putt)
To anyone even remotely interested in disc golf, I totally recommend trying it out. There are very few outdoor activities that are as easy to start, as fun to play, and as rewarding so as to merit re-plays.
Shalom.
Feb/103
We are in the Lenten season. A time of giving up, and yet a filling up. A dying to self, and a living with the power of God. A time to draw near to the Lord, as He draws near to us. A time for His peace to reign in our hearts.
It is fitting that I’ve just completed a new painting to hang in our home at this time of year. It now hangs over our front door in our foyer to be the parting sight as we — and any guests that come over — leave our home.
It is the Hebrew word ‘Shalom’ meaning peace, wholeness, completeness. It is a greeting and a blessing. And now this word hangs over our door, greeting and blessing visitors. It is a sign that I hope will remind Trevor and I every day that God can speak peace to our hearts, as our hearts rest in Him.
My hope is that you will experience God’s wholeness, completeness, and peace — His shalom — in your hearts and homes as well.
Two Wheels.
Feb/101
I’m not an avid cyclist, but it’s definitely something I aspire to be. About two years ago I bought my first “real” bike (meaning, one not purchased from Walmart and costing enough money that you consider it an investment) and began experiencing the joy that my boss (who is a very experienced cyclist) promised came to those who travel on two wheels. It was a wonderful bike — perfect for my needs then (comfortable and able to grow with my biking demands). I would regularly come home from work and treat myself to a 5-mile ride as often as possible. I even managed to commute to work a few times.
Fast forward to today. It’s been about a year-or-so since I have done any real riding. My last jaunt was a quick two-mile ride that reminded me how out of shape I am. However, the desire to ride still burns within me. So, I started talking to Kristi about how the best thing we could do with the extra money we’ll (hopefully) receive from our tax return this year is to buy two bikes. One for her, and one for me.
After doing some Internet research and talking with friends at work who ride, I feel confident I’ve found the bike that will become part of the Durbin family for good: a Surly Cross Check
I’ve been wanting a dedicated road bike for quite a while — and this will certainly fit the bill. It’s a cyclo-cross bike, which means it’ll ride fine on pavement or any trails that Kristi and I decide to hit. It’s sturdy and stylish. I’m eagerly anticipating ordering it in the next few weeks.
For Kristi, we wanted something more economical (since she’s just now getting back into riding, too and we’re not sure how much she’ll ride compared to me), that would also be comfortable riding on the road or on the trail (she wants more versatility than I do). We think we have found the perfect match with a Specialized Ariel:
We found one at our local shop painted perfectly in a black/green combo. I think it was love at first site for Kristi.
So, after paying off our car loan (making us debt-free!) we’ll use some of the extra money left over to invest in some nice bikes. If you see us riding around town, feel free to wave — and make sure to watch out for other cyclists, too.
Sharing…
Feb/100
“Sharing with others is the way to real joy.”
Another excellent snippet from the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger.
This is an apropos quote in light of the Haitian earthquake. In the days and now weeks since the earthquake, individuals, churches, non-profits, charities, and governments around the world have shared their resources and wealth with the Haitians. The dire need of this nation for help was seen and heard on televisions and radios, and people responded. Responding to those in need recovers part of who we are meant to be: loving neighbors.
Yet there are times beyond the tragic global emergencies of earthquakes, floods, famines and the like when sharing and meeting needs is still called for and important. We face this calling to be loving neighbors in ordinary life, with ordinary people, people who are closer than an ocean away.
The quote, “sharing with others is the way to real joy,” is a great quote in light of community and what it speaks about meaningful community. There are many ways that community can be meaningful, but this quote touches on just one: sharing. It is through the sharing of a home that others can feel welcome, and therefore loved. It is through the sharing of finances that another can be blessed or relieved of a financial burden, and thereby be more free. It is through the sharing of our minds and thoughts that one another can learn, be challenged, and grow. It is through the sharing of kind words that we can bring encouragement, and lift the spirit of another. It is through the sharing of hearts and lives that we come to know one another deeply, and can help each other through listening and compassion.
Sharing opens us up to freedom, relief, love, growth, encouragement, compassion, among other intangible benefits. This is why sharing is the path to real joy. Real joy has eternal significance; it is not a fleeting feeling or a fading reality. Real joy is the proof of Kingdom realities invading earth, the proof that Jesus is alive and well in our hearts and lives. Joy, then, is found in selflessness, sacrifice, generosity, and love… qualities of being and action that define Jesus and his life’s work.
Furthermore, joy begets joy. It is a joy to be a bearer of joy to another. Joy is a two-way street; sharing brings joy to both giver and receiver. May we uplift our communities, our friends, and ourselves by bringing joy through generous, intentional, continual sharing that reflects our Savior.
10K Training
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