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 3066 – Childlike Wonder And Awe – or – The Secret To A Happy Life

Posted on December 2, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

We hear over and over, have childlike faith. Be curious like a kid. Look at life like a kid does. There is so much to be learned from how a kid looks at the world, meets challenges, and how they play. One thing I’m VERY thankful for is a husband who loves to play too. This morning, I was reminded afresh of the power of child like wonder. I watched a video about this guy who build Kylo Ren’s TIE silencer and BB-9E only from parts bought on eBay. He then shows the final product to a Star Wars kid’s club. The looks of absolute wonder and joy were enough to make me weep almost immediately. Take a peek at this short video about it. If you want to see the childlike joy reactions, start at about 1:40.

I want to live my life like that, to stop and say “WOW!” and not care what people think of my reaction. To appreciate what is right in front of me. And to actually play with it. How often do we build things, and then not enjoy them? I mean, seriously, you work so hard to have money in the bank, and “have a certain life,” but when was the last time you actually enjoyed it and played with it? I could certainly learn this lesson with books from the library. I’ll spend hours finding and getting new books, but I find sometimes it’s hard to actually sit down and read them.

In honor of playing today, I am wearing these.

I might even put on these.

How are you playing today? How are you seeking childlike wonder?

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Day 3065 – We Don’t Give Christmas Gifts – repost

Posted on December 1, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

Originally posted 12/1/16

I read a fantastic article yesterday – The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents. It really struck a chord and I wanted to share it and my thoughts on gift giving at Christmas.

I stopped buying Christmas presents about 9 years ago. Like most things in my life, I started/stopped doing it for a superficial reason but the deeper reasons that resulted from the change became very important to me. I stopped Christmas gifts because of my own debt and the example of a close family from church who didn’t do gifts. I thought, huh, that’s interesting. So, I stopped. I’ll admit, that first Christmas was a little awkward, but my friends and family know I don’t do gifts. I still get a few gifts here and there (which I totally appreciate!) but now it’s expected that I won’t give one back.

As time went on, I still didn’t give Christmas gifts. Bret felt the same about giving gifts, so we didn’t. Looking back, I can see how those deeper reasons were a lot of the points the author of the above article made. Since we’re minimalists, we’re all about less stuff. And in turn, we don’t want to add to someone else’s “stuff.” It also frees us to give generously at other times of the year. The unexpected gifts are the best, in my opinion. 🙂

But I have to say, the biggest benefit has been a nearly stress-free holiday season, every year. There’s no “what am I going to get XXX for Christmas?” or “I have SO much to do!” Honestly, the biggest stress of our holidays is getting to and from the airport and flight delays. Since we’re not stressed about all the “stuff you have to do” at the holidays, we can truly sit back and reflect about the real reason for Christmas.

So, what do you think? Are we completely crazy?
(Just be glad I didn’t talk about some of the other topics that we’re REALLY in the minority about!)

day_02341

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Day 3064 – Marriage Tip – Constantly Think About The End

Posted on November 30, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

If I’ve learned anything by reviewing all of my blog posts, it’s that the ones where I am honest about something, and actually take the time to think through and write my post, that it is a much better post. There are many days it’s hard to write something, especially when most of our days look very much like the one before, that I just throw up something. But knowing that even my future self will be helped by what I take the time to write, encourages me to push forward, and take the extra minutes.

We have gone through a lot of losses the past few years. Every one is a reminder of the shortness of our lives, and the uncertainty of tomorrow. It seems that folks will go through something like a death or other loss, have a “sun breaking through the clouds clarity” moment, realizing we have to embrace every day, and never let moments pass. But after a few weeks or months, this thought is in the back of their minds.

One thing that Bret and I do nearly every day is look at the fact that we’re still alive as amazing, and the fact that either of us could go today is sobering. Most of our good mornings include, “I’m glad you’re alive today!” or “I’m glad you woke up today!” Most of our goodbyes are “It’s been real, I love ya.” or “I hope I get to see you again.” Instead of ignoring this fact of life, we acknowledge it every day. It helps us appreciate the moments we do have. It helps us move past a fight or disagreement quickly. It helps us to let things go.

I have no idea how long I’ll get to spend with Bret. I don’t know my last day or his. But every day of our 3,064 married days and 3,940 known days, is filled with the awe and wonder that we got another day.

….and a little eye rolling from both of us….

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Day 3063 – Here’s A Puppy, Because, Well, Puppy!

Posted on November 29, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

I did not get a full night sleep last night, I’m in a rush to leave, and well, I just had to share this cutie. 😀

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Day 3062 – Lessons Learned After Reading About 500,000 Of My Own Words

Posted on November 28, 2017 by 365 days of marriage

For the past two and a half months, I’ve been rereading every single blog post I’ve written. I only have about 3 months of posts left. I’ve been reading with the intention to find posts that are pinable and shareable (and content that can be used for other things). Some have been a quick scan, knowing I won’t want to share it. Some have been an in depth read. So what’s it like, looking back on 6.5 years of your life? Seeing what you talked about at different times? Here are a few takeaways.

– Taking steps, even very small ones, every single day, adds up to something incredible. I am blown away at the mass of words I’ve created, just by showing up again and again.

– When you start something new, you will not be perfect at the beginning. I didn’t find much until a good year and 2 months after I started writing. Now, to be fair, when I first started the blog, it was to reach potential wedding photography clients. It is so much different now.

– It will take a while to find your voice. I think a lot really clicked for me after I shared about my alcoholism. When I put myself out there, and got a great response, it gave me a lot of confidence to share more personally.

– Things will change over time, and that’s ok.

– Even if you think no one is reading, and no one is impacted, maybe YOU will be impacted by yourself in the future. I reread a post about waiting, and it helped and encouraged me that day.

Have you ever looked back on your life, your work, etc? What did you find?

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365daysofmarriage

Simplicity in Marriage, Christianity, Travel, Business, Life

Author Archives: 365 days of marriage

About 365 days of marriage

Day 3066 – Childlike Wonder And Awe – or – The Secret To A Happy Life

Day 3065 – We Don’t Give Christmas Gifts – repost

Day 3064 – Marriage Tip – Constantly Think About The End

Day 3063 – Here’s A Puppy, Because, Well, Puppy!

Day 3062 – Lessons Learned After Reading About 500,000 Of My Own Words