About 365 days of marriage

I started this blog in April of 2011. At the time, Bret and I were wedding photographers and it was a way to share how marriage is more about the day to day and so much more than the wedding day itself. For about 5 years, I blogged about the joys and sorrows of the Christian walk, marriage, work, family and friends. I’ve blogged every day since a few weeks after I started. In May of 2015, we photographed our last wedding. Now, I have become passionate about simplicity, particularly in marriage, Christianity, business, travel and life. For a number of reasons, we have become minimalists. I’ve found that having simplicity makes life so much deeper, refreshing and joyful. I hope that this blog will help others see the benefits of living simply.

Day 2971 – Eight Years Ago Today, We Almost Died

Posted on August 29, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

I can’t believe that it has been eight years since we almost died. So much has happened in the last eight years, and I am so thankful that God was gracious and let us live. We are still constantly amazed and aware of the shortness of our lives. I know I say it all the time, but we really do speak in terms almost daily about the shortness of our lives. Some mornings, we say “Yay! Another day together!” because we truly aren’t guaranteed any set number of days or years. When a friend asked how long I planned on continuing this blog, I laughed and said, “until one of us dies?” Dark humor, maybe, but true. We say “love ya, it’s been real” most times we say goodbye. It’s a really great way to live, it helps to forgive easier, and move on quickly. It fills you with such a sense of thankfulness.

So, what are you thankful for today?

This photo is NOT from our near death day, but a kayak trip we took in 2014. I’m glad we got back on the water. But I will say, I have not been in a canoe since!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you like what you read? Here’s some ways you can support us and this blog!
Join our Facebook group, Planning an Epic Road Trip on Any Budget
Join the Journey With The G’s email list (bonus – you get my Epic Road Trip Budget spreadsheet)
Buy my book, Planning an Epic Road Trip on any Budget
Buy my book, Trusting God With 2 Cents: 22 Days To Becoming A Successful Christian Business Owner.
Shop on Amazon (no additional cost to you, this gives us a percentage of what you order).
Check out our resources page.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Day 2970 – What Happened When Bret Brought Home Loose Cannon (The Last Beer I Drank)

Posted on August 28, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

Disclaimer, don’t follow my example as a hard and fast rule for sobriety. I believe everyone has a different journey to take, with different strengths and weaknesses. Just because I can handle something, doesn’t mean you can. Just because you can handle something, doesn’t mean I can. It’s not because I’m stronger and someone else is weaker, we are just different. I know myself, and I know what I can handle.

I’m very quickly approaching my third anniversary of sobriety. I can’t believe it has been almost three years since I drank. In a lot of ways, it feels like I’ve been sober forever. In other ways, especially since I’m working through my memoir, it feels so recent. My very last alcoholic beverage was Loose Cannon. The alcohol content is 7.5% and the last night I drank 5 of them, in like 3 hours. Oy. Last night, Bret had a friend over and he picked up a six pack of Loose Cannon. I sat there, looking at this six pack of beer, remembering it as my last beer, and was just overcome with thankfulness. I could look at this substance that has brought joy to others, others who can control their drinking, others who enjoy responsibly, and not feel resentment or shame or regret. What brings me even more joy is that I have grown so much that Bret can enjoy alcohol. He definitely drinks less than he did before my sobriety, but I don’t want him to have to give something up that he doesn’t struggle with. Another thing I think when I see Loose Cannon, is, “you sir (of course this beer is male), have no power over me.”

Ha ha, and I also thought, “wow, you photograph really well!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day 2969 – Sundays = Re-Grouping – or – Growing Businesses With Bret Is So Fun

Posted on August 27, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

Today has mostly been spent in the brainstorming, and re-grouping state of mind. Bret and I had a long conversation about our roles in each of our businesses and daily life. It was very helpful to have his insight into my life and work, and that I could speak into his life. There are lots of intersections in both. I am so grateful for where we both are in our lives. We are open to change and we are open to correction. We have grown SO much in how we talk about things, and knowing our communication styles. We can see when one of us is talking about things in one way (like the planning portion) and the other is talking in the execution (how are we going to do this?)

I didn’t really learn anything I didn’t know about myself through the conversation, but it helped me to focus on the important and mentally cut out the not important. It’s a great way to head into my next work week.

What are you up to this Sunday?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day 2968 – Life Lessons From The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

Posted on August 26, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

I love to be inspired. I love to find movies that inspire me. I love finding music that brings me joy and wonder. I love exploring.

I had been feeling the need for some passive inspiration, and re-watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I remembered being moved when I first watched it years ago, and I was not disappointed in my repeat viewing. It is such a good reminder to take chances and have adventures. I highly recommend the movie!

Here are my takeaways.

– Take the trip.
– Enjoy moments, while you’re experiencing them.
– Take the leap.
– Sing the song.
– Express yourself.
– Experience and talk about your past.
– Let life move you. Whether it is joy, awe, or tears.

Let me know if you’ve seen it and if you had a similar experience in the comments below!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day 2967 – Go To A National Park For Free Today! – or Happy Birthday National Park Service!!!

Posted on August 25, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

If you haven’t picked up on it yet, we love the outdoors. We love seeing new things. We love to explore. If you want to get outside and explore, today is the perfect day to do it! It is the 101st birthday of the National Park Service today! A few days each year, they offer free days, you can see all of them on their website here. If you’re in Maryland, the weather is perfect for getting out! Whether it’s Assateague Island, Antietam, or Fort McHenry (or more), get out there and enjoy them for free!

We have so many fond and amazing memories of National Parks. Here are a few from our memory banks!