I am reading this book by Ravi Zacharias. It is one of four books I have read regarding marriage. Zacharias does a great job driving home his key points. If you're thinking of getting hitched, or have recently gotten engaged, do yourself a favor and read it. Also see this book by Wheat.

Last night's topic was serving one another. The focus wasn't so much serving as it was dying to one's self in order to serve the other freely. And by freely, Zacharias means that you do so out of love, without paying any respect to your own wishes. It is a matter of forcing your will to overcome your own self-serving desires. Zacharias points to the perfect example of this kind of love and dedication: Christ. No one else has ever served so many, offered so much, asked so little, and done it all out of love.

So, how does someone (namely, me) serve another when they live 200 miles apart? It looks easy enough on the surface- find something I know I don't want to do, but Sammi needs done, then do it without any pride-swallowing, lip-biting, teeth-gritting or complaining. And then do it happily because you know that she will be lifted of the burden of having to do it herself.

So I hung all the pictures and cleaned the apartment last night. If anything, Sammi will have a home to move into come July.

A big thanks to Bill Lee for giving us the Zacharias book.


Wm.

Go see our engagement photos. NOW!

How did we get here?

Last night William and I were reminiscing. We were talking about all of the little things that led to our friendship, to us dating, all the way up to where we are today...Needless to say our faces were sore this morning from all of the smiling and laughing! It's been a whirlwind of laughter and love. That's not to say we haven't had our challenges! But we did make it through them, and tried to make the best of them. I recognize how blessed we have been and I am so grateful for all of the experiences that got us here.

Sammi

Hey, it's us!

The future Mrs. Rutschman...

Though almost no one can pronounce or spell it! ; )
A month from today, I will marry my best friend. My excitement and joy are overwhelming sometimes, which leads me to wonder:
If we are this excited a month away, can you imagine what we will be like a week, a day...an hour before the ceremony?!

Sammi

The countdown begins

Exactly one month until the wedding. If I were more excited, I would be vibrating on an unearthly plane.

Wm.