the journey… 3 years in

Humidity hung in the air like a wet towel, heavy and drenched and draped over the clothesline of a sparkling jewel-blue August sky. It was the kind of day that makes your skin long for cool water and a swift breeze. An entire afternoon of blazing sunshine belonged to just me and my sweetheart, and we were on a quest to "get away."

We decided to take a walk and do a little exploring in unfamiliar territory. The sign read "state park" in the dead of summer, but the parking area and adjoining paths were bare as bones.




As we walked, the solid, cool path beneath our feet became lopsided sand, while our sweet conversation and casual gazing at the blanket of shading trees overhead gave way to silent and determined focus. Not only had our firm trail become shifting sand, it had become steep, difficult to traverse, and fully exposed to the heat of the noonday sun.








For quite some time, we hiked. With the heat threatening to smother our desperate lungs and sand plastered to our moist skin, we hiked. And suddenly, as we came over a particularly treacherous hill, we caught an unforeseen glimpse of total and complete heaven.




We had no idea of the beauty that our laborious path was leading us to. All at once we were re-energized and couldn’t move fast enough towards that water. And after a few more dune climbs...



…we were there.

It was glorious.




I could have stayed there for eons. And the heat and unexpected sweat of the journey there made it all the more sweet.

... ... ... ...

Today, I celebrate three years of marriage to my best friend.

I can’t help but think about how our hiking adventure that day so closely resembles how it feels to journey through life with the most incredible man in the world. Many days, the path is less stable and remarkably steeper than we expected, but in God’s goodness, we come over each precipice to see His hand at work in our lives: our son; our calling; God’s always-timely provision. And for a moment, we are propelled forward, catching glimpses of the purpose before us, stealing us away into our dreams for the future.

I love loving you, Jason.

I could stay here for eons. And the heat and unexpected sweat of our journey makes it all the more sweet.

new creation

Look what I saw yesterday... I wait for this all winter.

God is always faithful to bring new life. May we never forget, even in the harshest of life's "winters."

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Happy Easter, friends.

Lady's Lizard... (from the Archives)

Journeying through Holy Week, I was brought back to these thoughts I wrote many months ago.



Today would probably have to qualify as one of the most beautiful days of the year. Taking full advantage of the clear skies, light breeze, and radiant sunshine, I was outside walking and playing fetch with Lady, my puppy. There is a large grassy area with a big hill right behind where I live, and it is one of Lady’s favorite spots to run and play. Several days ago, Lady found a dried up dead lizard in her "play yard," and proudly brought it to me clenched in her tiny jaws. Disgusted, I made her drop it and took her to another part of the hill to play. The next day as we were out walking, Lady found her lizard friend again, and smugly brought it once more to my feet. Still grossed out at this stiff, desiccated reptile, I once again let out an "Eeeewww!" and we promptly retreated to another part of the field, leaving behind her dead and shriveled friend.

Well, Lady is a persistent little girl. She is 5 pounds of pure energy and determination. So, of course, when we went out to play today (hundreds of yards from the last spotting of her reptile friend, mind you), Lady once again made her way to her lizard. Shocked that she found this one tiny little lizard in the midst of the huge field, all I could think was "For the love of God, how do you keep finding this guy?!"

As gross as that lizard is to me, I got to thinking that for Lady, it is just in her nature to hunt and sniff out things like that. That is what she will always do. It is her instinct to sniff out and track down things that are dead, that are dirty, and she will for the rest of her life bring those dead and dirty things to my feet in pride.

Perhaps each of us could learn a lesson from Miss Lady. As Christians, isn’t it supposed to be a part of our nature to go seeking out the spiritually dead and wounded? It is far too often that we stumble upon people who desperately need the forgiveness and love of Christ, and instead of proudly taking them to the feet of God, we grimace and cry out a prideful "Eeeewww!" as we leave their desperate and withered souls in the dust.

Even around such holidays as Easter, THE resurrection celebration, how quickly we forget that God is in the business of bringing life into dead things. May we always take the dried up and dead, the wounded and missing, to His feet.

Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen

Someone sent this to Rusty and Lynette, and seeing as Henri Nouwen is one of my all time favorites.... I just had to share it here too. Merry Christmas friends. May you find joy this season in His presence.

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness
send your Holy Spirit upon us this season.

We who have much to do
seek quiet spaces to hear
Your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things
look forward to Your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of Your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of Your presence.

We are your people
walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To You we say, Come Lord Jesus.
Amen.

a different Christmas

We're doing Christmas a little differently around the Davis house this year. We have purchased three modest gifts. Only three. And they aren't for anyone that lives in the Davis house. You'd think our tree would look awfully bare, with no shiny, fancy packages under it. A little useless, right? Empty stockings? Was someone bad in the Davis house? No, we're just doing it all differently this time around.

Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $474.5 BILLION on Christmas each year? And that the average American will spend $935 on Christmas this year? Here's a breakdown that will (should) turn your stomach. The average American will spend, this year:

• $550 on gifts for family & friends (that's just ONE american!)
• $120 on themselves (HAVE to have that new Christmas outfit!)
• $70 on co-workers and miscellaneous others
• $41.50 on a Christmas tree
• $32.48 on Christmas cards & postage
• $22.61 on flowers
• $95.04 on food & candy
• $51.43 on decorations
• $960.50 on holiday travel for those who don't live near family

Jason and I decided to change up our Christmas many weeks ago. We've had many conversations about spending less to be able to give more. Giving to individuals who we know that are in need, yes, but also giving relationally, to one another, and to certain people in our lives. You see, the very first Christmas was a moment that broke the silence of 400 years... God's people had not heard him speak for ages. They were living in darkness. They were in need of a voice. They were in need of hope. And then, from Bethlehem, a baby cried out into the darkness. God was with them. When they needed a savior most, on their worst day, on their darkest night, God came, broke the silence, met their need, and dwelled among them.

We know families, not only in this community, but all across the world, who are living in silence this Christmas. They have had their worst day, and it replays each day after. They are living in darkness, and it is time for their silence to be broken.

Christmas was meant, from the very beginning, to be voice in the darkness, and an experience that makes us more like Christ. May yours be just that. It's more than enough.

Merry Christmas,

Thankful.

It’s rather typical to list off all of the things that we are grateful for at this time of year. But this time around, I am grateful for more, and in a deeper way, than I could have ever imagined at this time a year ago.

I am unwaveringly grateful for the incredible journey that the last year has taken me on. Coming out on the other side, it’s easier to say so; there were moments of great sorrow, deep disappointment, and bitter tears that I thought at times would never stop flowing. And nonetheless, there were moments of hope and joy, and the dawning of new friendships that would renew a part of my faith that had forgotten that God truly does care about the little things. And when the weight was too heavy to bear, there was my husband. My precious, God-seeking, devoted partner, softly speaking truth and hope. I couldn’t imagine a better companion on the dusty trails of this life.

This year has taught me to never be led by just my heart, but to be led by Truth confirmed in my heart. With the ups and downs of life, my heart keeps up pace, bouncing up and down in the tidal wave of emotion. But Truth does not change. This year I was reminded that the goodness of God is pursuing me, and no matter how long and exhausting the journey has seemed, God has been waiting to be good to me (Isaiah 30:18, the Message).

Less than three months ago, I was introduced to Evelyn. She was just three days old when I met her. Any newborn has the power to melt my heart, but Evelyn is something special. Evelyn’s life catapulted my faith in God in a way I didn’t even realize until the day I first held her in my arms. You see, Evelyn’s mommy was given the same diagnosis that I had been given during this past year… It involved a mass growing on the brain, and even with proper treatment, one of the many common side-effects was infertility. And yet, on a sparkling late-summer afternoon, there in my arms lay baby Evelyn. The fruit of God’s faithfulness.

In recent months, I stumbled upon another young and miraculous life, swadled in the arms of an old friend and sister in Christ. Her name is Olive Hope. For the last two months my husband and I have prayed for Olive and her parents thousands of miles away, as they bear the weight of the world on their shoulders and watch their little one fight for life on a daily basis. As the world joins with us in prayer, we have seen miracle after miracle, and yet the journey is far from over. Olive has reminded me again that God is faithful, and that God sees a picture that is much larger than the canvas of our own lives. She reminds me that ultimately, God will be glorified, and that alone is reason enough to be grateful for life, in any form or condition.

And here, in the midst of these very miracles, tangled up in prayers for Evelyn and Olive Hope, a new life was created… and this time, against all odds, the life was created and formed within ME.

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

Your love Lord, truly does reach to the heavens. Your faithfulness leaps beyond the horizon and into the forgotten corners of my heart. You have pierced my heart with your goodness this year, and to you alone be the glory.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100:4-5

thirty

My husband turned 30 on Sunday. Dun-da-dahhhh... The big 3-0. And although I’ve only known him a fraction of his first 30 years, there are already so many things that draw me to him, that make me proud to be his wife. So, if you don’t already know my husband, here’s a glimpse into some of my favorite things about him. Happy Birthday, Jason Michael Davis. You’re my favorite.

Jason doesn’t have a sarcastic bone in his body (which I find admirable, coming from one of the queens of sarcasm and knowing that it is often used to disguise things we wouldn’t otherwise say). You can trust that what comes out of his mouth is truly what he is thinking or perceiving in that moment, and nothing else.

Even as a little guy, he was determined to fight for justice and for the protection of those he loves. He may have become quite familiar with the school principal, but he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind or to stand up for what is right.

Jason forgives. I have never met anyone who is so able to take the teaching of Jesus to “turn the other cheek” quite like Jason can. I’ve seen him take emotional and verbal beatings from people ranging from angry strangers to fellow leaders in ministry, and in the face of it all, he turns the other cheek and confesses love. When most of us would fight back with spitting words and fuming bitterness (and maybe even physical harm), Jason isn’t afraid to love the unlovable.

Jason is one of the hardest workers I know. What I admire most about his hard work is that he doesn’t just put all of his effort into his “job.” He puts just as much work into our marriage, his friendships, and our family relationships. He places such a high value on people, and feels not only the desire, but a deep sense of responsibility to live in love and as a good steward of the people and responsibilities in his life, both inside of formal ministry and out.

Jason is not afraid to admit when he is wrong. In relationships, he sees no value in being “right,” and instead seeks understanding and peace. One of the biggest challenges to this is when the other party does not place the same value on understanding, and yet even in those moments, he is capable of maintaining an objective eye. I am challenged by, and have such a deep respect for Jason because of his capability to say when he has been wrong. It is one thing to know it; it is another to confess it.

Jason does everything with his whole heart. He takes no shortcuts, and accepts nothing less than excellence from himself.

Jason loves vanilla ice cream. Kind of a silly reason to love him, right? But his love of vanilla ice cream is an example of how much he finds pure joy in simple things. He is not extravagant or discontent in nature. Jason finds happiness in the most simple things in life, and works hard to take nothing for granted.

In all reality, this list could go on for quite sometime. I really do have a great husband. His parents, and mine, have a great son. Our siblings have a great brother. Our church has a great pastor. One day, our children will have a great father.

Jason, you should be proud of the man your first 30 years have made you. I sure am proud to be your Mrs.

Recap: Freedom Found Me

I originally posted the following thoughts on a blog I used to write on quite regularly (that is, until I met the man of my dreams and spent the wee hours of the night with him instead of my computer screen... and since have lost the log-in for said blog). Leaving behind the 4th of July holiday brought me back to these very thoughts, originally captured on July 4, 2006.

As I prepare for an evening of fun on this 4th of July holiday, I can’t help but think about the freedom I have found in my own life. I am so glad that I celebrate and step into new realms of freedom more than once a year on a blazing summer day.

Freedom may not always appear as booming displays of sparkling and radiant color lighting up the night sky, and it is not always choreographed to the tune of songs we wish to hear—but God alone is the author of true freedom, and I count it an honor to be a part of His story.

Freedom has found me like a hero in the night over and over again. It found me when I was hopeless; it found me when I had walked away from all things true; it found me on the lonely roads of destruction and uncertainty; and it even found me when I had settled for being a captive.

So, I celebrate today like I did yesterday. And I will celebrate again tomorrow. The chains are broken. The walls have crumbled. Freedom has found me.

Happy Anniversary!

We had a wonderful celebration of our 1 year anniversary! We met up with my sister and her husband at a lake house in Lake of the Ozarks for an adventurous long weekend getaway. We had a great house with lake front views from every room. We loved our daytime paddle boat and rowboat rides, evenings in the hot tub, sunsets, and waking up to the sunrise sparking on the water.

It was so fun to share such a special weekend with people who are so dear to us. We laughed until we cried, told story after story, shopped till we dropped, did the "Old Time picture" Allison and I have wanted to do forever, and ate good food to no end (Especially our anniversary dinner at Baxter's, overlooking the water... AMAZING). It was a wonderful trip of relaxation and much needed connection. Jason had to drag me away kicking and screaming, and promising we will return! We can't wait to go again! We love you, Allison and Josh! Thank you for being such a staple of support in our lives and our marriage!

Winter Wonderful

Here is a brief look at our winter... Including Jason's first real Christmas tree, Christmas with our families, and winter in the Chicagoland.

Happy 29th Birthday Jason!!!

Saturday was Jason's 29th birthday! We woke up in Kansas City, after a few days with Dad and Connie, and then headed to St. Louis to celebrate with the Davis family.

One thing Jason has talked about since I met him is the fond memory of his dad always making homemade ice cream as he was growing up. He still asks his dad to make it when we go home! I decided that he should have his own homemade ice cream maker so that he can continue and create some of those same great memories for our kids!

Another of our great loves is roller coasters... We planned Monday to go to Six Flags, and drove 40 minutes to discover they were no longer open during the week! It was a very sad moment, but allowed us a full free day to spend with great friends!!

Our Wedding! March 8, 2008

Our Wedding Slideshow: Part 1: Betsy

This video, and the two below made up the slideshow we played at our wedding. Enjoy a glimpse into our lives from childhood to the day we were united as one.

Part 2: Jason

Jason and Betsy: Part 3: Together

November 23, 2007: We're Engaged!

Jason and I went to Kansas City to visit my family for Thanksgiving. We had been talking about the possibility of getting married, and I was really hoping to someday be married in my brother's church in Liberty, Missouri. The church is beautiful, built in the 1800s, and the perfect setting for a wedding. While we were staying at my brother's house that weekend, all of us girls decided it would be fun to go look at the church, "just to see," with an eye for a "someday" wedding there. Little did I know that Jason had been working behind the scenes with all of my siblings for weeks to set up a perfect surprise...

The morning after Thanksgiving, my sister, my sister-in-law and I set out to the church, which was just around the corner. We chit-chatted all the way there, and went in through a back door that led us into the fellowship hall on the lower level of the church. I noticed a candle burning on a table when we walked in, which I thought was a little odd, but just continued looking around the fellowship hall to see what we would have to work with. It wasn't until my sister stepped in front of me and whipped out her camera that I took a second look at the table with the burning candle, and I then noticed a large sign that said, "Betsy, Welcome to Our Story..." On the table with the candle was a large hand-printed card that read "When We Met..." This was the first of four cards I would find, taking me on a narrative journey through pivotal moments in our relationship. Each was set up like the first, with a candle, leading me to through the church, and through a beautiful archway, to the exterior doors of the sanctuary where I found the last card titled "When He Proposed..." This card talked about a love story that would continue forever, and invited me to enter the doors of the sanctuary to see what would happen next. When I walked through the doors, I was in the back of the sanctuary, looking towards the altar, beautifully lit with candles, where Jason was waiting for me. I couldn't help but run down the aisle to him! At that altar, in the very place where we were united in marriage on March 8, 2008, Jason asked me to be his wife.

The Beginning of Us: How We Met

BETSY'S VERSION:
I began attending church at The Assembly at Broken Arrow, where Jason was on staff as the Campus Pastor. The night I became a member of the church, Jason came over and introduced himself for the first time to my mom, and sister and I. I had attended the church for several months by this time, but had never even seen him before. After he walked away, I received multiple bruises to my sides from the incessant poking of my mom and sister while they whispered with giddy schoolgirl voices, "Oooooh! He's cute!" I calmly maintained that Jason was "just doing his job and being friendly," all the while unable to force the grin from my face. That evening a reception was held for the new members of the church. When we sat down to eat, I secretly hoped Jason would join us at our table... He did. We all had a great time talking and laughing- and the next thing I knew, the reception was being torn down around us. We were the last ones there, and I hadn't even noticed. I was completely wrapped up in the joy of "connection." Jason piped up and suggested some of us go get something to eat (despite the fact that we had JUST eaten!), and off we went to Cheddars. Again Jason and I sat and talked- about everything from our jobs to pets to trapper keepers- and again we shut down the place. Being forced out into the parking lot, we stood again, talking. This time, with no one else around, we managed to stumble upon more serious matters- things of the heart- the type of conversation we both so deeply value. That night, I drove away, both of us about to go on vacation, with no other person on my mind. It was the beginning of a friendship that would change my life forever, the beginning of life with my very best friend.

JASON’S VERSION:
I had been serving as an Associate Pastor at The Assembly at Broken Arrow for 1 ½ years when we were preparing for the reception service of new members to the church. Before this reception the pastoral staff received a booklet with photos of new members. A friend of mine on staff, David Lermy, pointed out a woman named Betsy Whitsitt. Immediately I thought she was captivating. In fact, David and I both pointed that out in conversation with each other. So, that Sunday evening, before the service began, as was customary, I was greeting new members welcoming them into membership. I was stage right when I scanned the other side of the sanctuary for new members, and that’s when I saw Betsy. I went back to the picture that I had seen, and without realizing it, as if it were fate, I was already on my way over to greet her. I had never before even seen her at church, which is crazy. So, I approached, and as our eyes met, she smiled at me. If I remember rightly, I said, “Hello, Betsy!” I think I surprised her and caught her off guard. She was sitting next to her mother, Nancy, and her sister, Allison. I spent five minutes or so in casual and extremely enjoyable conversation. I walked back to my seat and when service ended, we had a reception for the new members. A few of our ministry’s leaders sat with Betsy, along with her mother and sister. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed being in the presence of someone more than simply sitting next to Betsy. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered. She was remarkable. She went with a group of us to Cheddar’s afterwards, as if we hadn’t eaten enough already, and got to know each other in a more laid back setting. When everyone had dispersed, we found ourselves in the parking lot, just the two of us, and I can remember not wanting to go home. I, from the first day of meeting her, could identify that there was something about her that I didn’t want to go without. It turns out that I was right; I don’t ever want to be without her.

freedom found me

As I prepare for an evening of fun on this 4th of July holiday, I can’t help but think about the freedom I have found in my own life. I am so glad that I celebrate and step into new realms of freedom more than once a year on a blazing summer day.

Freedom may not always appear as booming displays of sparkling and radiant color lighting up the night sky, and it is not always choreographed to the tune of songs we wish to hear—but God alone is the author of true freedom, and I count it an honor to be a part of His story.

Freedom has found me like a hero in the night over and over again. It found me when I was hopeless; it found me when I had walked away from all things true; it found me on the lonely roads of destruction and uncertainty; and it even found me when I had settled for being a captive.

So, I celebrate today like I did yesterday. And I will celebrate again tomorrow. Freedom has found me.


Reposted from my original blog http://betsywhitsitt.blogspot.com