Just some thoughts...

I've been realizing how much I think about the label 'Army Wife' and what it means. These are the words that come to my mind - Strong, Committed, Persevering, Patient...Risk taker. - I only hope I can be all of these things to Jeremy while we are on this journey.
     It seemed to me that I hear so many negative stories about being married in the army and never anything positive, until just the other night when Jeremy and I were spending a day in Duluth, MN. It was getting brisk out, while we walked along the pier in Canal Park, and so we decided to take some time to warm up inside the 'mini ship museum' that sits in the center of the park. We made our way up to the second level where we sat on a bench that was placed in front of a window, overlooking the bay.
    Shortly after sitting down, we were joined by an older couple (who had the same idea of warming up) and we got to talking... we talked about ships, weather, and all  the little things in life, most of which I don't recall, but then we got to talking about family and such. We then found out that they had been married for over three decades. And get this...eighteen years was while he was in the army! They told us about how they had lived in Germany for quite a few years because that is where he was stationed (which is a possibility for Jeremy as well). It gave me great relief to hear them continue with their stories about sticking together and not caring where they were, as long as they were together.
    I pray often that God gives me a patient and understanding heart towards the 'not-so-gradual' changes that come with living a military life. Along with patience and understanding, I am working hard towards having a positive attitude about everything that comes along side the challenges. I'm just finishing up a book by Gary Chapman called The Four Seasons of Marriage (two thumbs up) and Gary points out that no couples relationship is perfect, and that we all have our 'winter' seasons, but its not about whether you're ready for it or not, but it is about the attitude you have during that season or your relationship. So I am trying to prepare myself by seeking wisdom on what a positive attitude consists of and how to maintain it...as much as I can, but the real test will be when the situation actually arises. No harm in being 'somehwhat' prepared, right?...
     Overall, I'm looking forward to the strength and intimacy that Jeremy and I will gain as a couple when we make it through these trials, together, one by one.

James 1:2-6
     Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Sincerely,
A. Quinn

We waste it, yet we worry about it - Time.

     "Time is free, but its priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." - Harvey Mackay

     I worry most about my (our) time up until the wedding, as well as up until Jeremy leaves. Right now, we live roughly two hours away from each other, which in most cases

wouldn't be an issue for us but the time it takes to drive one way and then back becomes a burden on our financial state because of the three dollars and change that it takes to put gas in our cars, as well as taking time off of work to do so.

All in All...

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? - Matthew 6:25-27

Time is His, not ours, and he provides. <3

On another note, I've realized something very beneficial, (for Jeremy and I) that will benefit us both as we begin our marriage...

 I feel as though many people get caught up in the wedding details and forget about the long term commitment that the wedding actually represents. With the overwhelming feelings that I experience when considering time, I find that I don't think about the actual wedding 'event' as much as I do the relationship. I feel blessed to have this mind set so that I won't get caught up in the material things of life and be satisfied with whatever wedding I get; as long as my family and friends are there and I'm standing by my best friends side, I am blessed. 

Until next time -

A. Quinn

In the beginning...

A little bit about me...



Up until now ~
  
     I grew up in a supportive Christian family of three sisters, my mother, my father and I (as well as the family pets that came in and out as I grew up). We attended church regularly and I was involved in youth group and mission outreaches all through high school. I was almost always a student athlete up until my freshman year in college when I blew out my ACL in our second game of the season (2011). I've been riding horses since I was roughly seven or eight years old and my parents purchased my first horse at the age of thirteen. Throughout my childhood, I played softball, soccer, volleyball, some basketball, and rodeo; soccer was my main sport but rodeo always had my heart.

The Present ~



     Currently I work at Caribou coffee (coming up on three years now), which is a coffee shop chain that is based in the Midwest. I am also employed on a horse farm in Byron, MN where I help with up-keep and care of 11 horses. I live in Rochester, Minnesota with my life long friend Kayley who I've known since birth. Currently I own a horse named Razz an American Paint Horse as well as a dog named Ginger who is a Doberman/Shepherd mix.

I'm engaged to a wonderful guy named Jeremy Ryan who is truly my other half. We have been dating for three years and I can not wait to be his wife! The date is set for January 20th and I am counting down the days! Not only is he my future hubby but our journey and the things we are looking to endure, achieve, and succeed in is one reason I am beginning this blog...what a journey it will be; one that pushes and challenges us as a couple as well as individuals but all in all, it will strengthen our personal relationships with Jesus Christ, our sustainer and provider.



I am so blessed because I have a very secure support system of family and friends. In the end, those people and Jesus Christ are the reason I persevere.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"The Lord is on my side. I will not fear.." Psalm 118:6



 The near future...



     Well, as I covered before, Jeremy and I will be getting married in February, just three weeks before he ships our for Basic *sigh*. He enlisted earlier this year and ships out to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for two months...our first challenge. After the first two months he will be based in Monterey, CA for fifty-two weeks of AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at the Defense Language Institute (DLIFLC) - Following that he will be based in San Antonia, Texas for roughly twenty weeks and then its a land of unknown from then on out. I will follow where he goes, as well as wait for him if need be, as the Army has its rules and guidelines, sometimes causing hardship due to time apart (as the Army/government would put it).



I hold on to the truth that I am never alone - "..God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5



Jeremy and I are taking this on hearts first, ready to tackle whatever the obstacle - we will overcome it together with God as out strength. He will always be our everything great.



Well if there is anything you would like to know, just drop me a comment or send me an email. As for now, its time to get some rest. Thanks for taking the time to read this, I will keep you in the loop. (:



A. Quinn