Author Archives: 365 days of marriage

Unknown's avatar

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 1259 – The End Of The World…Everyday.

Posted on by
Reply

Can I just say I’m a little tired of all the “end of the world” posts?

I mean, there are a few funny memes going around. A few companies making sales. Ok, fine.

But, it makes me think…why don’t we live every single day like it’s the end of the world? Not in a reckless living kind of way, but in a realistic way.

You may have seen my post about Scott. I talked about living every day with joy in light of the uncertainty of when death will find us. Over the years, I have lost many friends, so much so that in a way, death is like an old friend. I am accustom to the ache and finality of death. The quiet, full air of a funeral home. The unabashed tears. The knowledge that there is nothing you can say, you can only hug as if your life depended on it. As a good friend once said, “hug like you’re trying to break a watermelon.”

I’m not trying to make a super depressing post here, on the contrary, I want to share what I’ve learned.

Because we don’t know when we’ll go, we should live as if that’s very soon.

It helps you to enjoy every hug, to hold on just a few more seconds.
It helps you to dance in the rain.
It helps you to laugh when your car breaks down.
It helps you grow a “well, if nothing else” attitude about life.
It helps you to not worry about the mess around you, dropping everything and playing.
It helps you to let go of the disappointments.
It helps you to enjoy the successes even more.
It helps you to remember every breath is a gift.

Take a moment to list even 5 things that you’re thankful for every day…and I promise you, you will enjoy every day you have…even if you still have thousands in front of you.

day_01259

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

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 1254 – I Didn’t Believe In This Wedding Tradition Until 6 Years Ago Today

Posted on by
5

Six years ago today, my dear friends Kenny and Naomi were married. They were actually a big influence on our relationship and I truly believe that a question Kenny asked Bret and I was a push towards Bret thinking more seriously about marrying me. (“How have you grown together spiritually?”) This and other conversations were a reason why we honored them at our wedding.

day_01254e_shawna
(Image by Shawna Sherrell Photography)

But there is a little known story, at least one I haven’t share yet on this lovely marriage blog!

I was ALWAYS all about catching the bouquet. I’m still bummed I can’t participate in that tradition at weddings. I was one of those girls who PUSHED other girls out of the way. Knocking over small children, I did whatever it took to catch that bouquet.

When Naomi was about to throw her throw away bouquet…it couldn’t be found! So, this dear bride threw her actual bouquet.

The one she walked down the aisle with.

day_01254a

The one she held as she married the man she loved.

day_01254b

day_01254c

The one that she let me play around with before she threw it!

day_01254d

It turned out that I would be the one to catch it! While this was a great joy in and of itself, the real joy was not discovered until later.

2 months later, to the day, I met Bret Gaitan. At the time, I had NO idea who he would be to me. That I would one day say “I Do” to this crazy Marine. It wasn’t until months after I met him that I realized the significance of the date we met.

So Naomi, happy anniversary and THANK YOU for throwing you’re actual bouquet.

I STILL have this bouquet by the way. 🙂

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

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