Episode 02 | Deena on Waiting

Happy Valentine's Day friends!

This is a day where love is celebrated all around, but it's also a day that can cause feelings of loneliness for many. When I was single and waiting for my future husband, this day reminded me of that fact, and it brought up a lot of longing in my heart to be in a relationship.

I had the sweet privilege of interviewing my friend Deena on the subject of waiting, and let me tell you, she has a lot of good advice and encouragement for you ladies. If you are in a season of waiting, this is an interview you do not want to miss.

You can listen right here, or find it on iTunes by searching "Gather & Glean."

I also have to mention that in a couple weeks I will be sharing an interview that I had with my husband, Jacob, on the topic of waiting. it's a really good one, so you're going to want to stay tuned for that one.

Meet Deena and her beautiful family! In our interview she mentions how crazy her life can be with her husband Jay, and she was not kidding. Her family shared a couple days ago that Jay got accepted by American Ninja Warrior! Oh my goodness! Never a dull moment for this family.

This Is Our Story

Valentine's Day is one week away. I thought that it was appropriate to share some highlights of our love story with you.

In The Summer of 2013 I felt the Lord call me to begin serving in the Jr High room at church. This was when I met my future husband, though I had no idea at the time. I spent that summer attempting to deny feelings for this wonderful man named Jacob, but the Lord continued to put him on my heart no matter how much I tried to fight it.

In The Fall of 2015 I left America to go to a country God called me to, in order to teach me, grow me, and prepare me for what was ahead. I left America and found it extremely difficult for one reason: Jacob Cornell.

I remember my flight to Ireland, and as I held a book, and listened to an album given to me by this man, I wondered how I could spend three months away from him. This moment, en route to my destination, was one of my most difficult moments.

December 21, 2015, just days after I'd returned, Jacob told me that we were going to move forward in our relationship. Yes, told me. There wasn't any question because of the confidence God had given him, and even me, that this was His will for our lives. Jacob displayed his love for me during these months in a way that I know has changed me.

March 25, 2016, on a very good Friday, Jacob got on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. I said yes twice. And Jacob's been asking me ever since. (I'm serious. It isn't abnormal for him to stop in the middle of a parking lot or shopping center, and get on one knee to propose. It's quite the panic on my part, I assure you).

July 16, 2016, I stood with Jacob and made a covenant before God and man. Jacob became my husband, and I became his wife.

I spent a lot of my time giving God some ideas for my love story, and a lot of time attempting to do things myself. But, golly, am I thankful that God did not allow me to have my way. I thought my ideas were pretty good, but He had something far better than I could have ever hoped or imagined. What I am trying to get at with you, ladies in waiting, is this message: wait well.

Do not attempt to take things into your own hands, but surrender up your desires to the Lord. He cares for you and sees the desires of your heart. Don't let the monster inside that we call 'waiting' steal your joy for today. I thank God for the work He did in bringing Jacob and I together. It is evident that God was the One working. It is mine and Jacob's prayer that now, and throughout the entirety of our marriage, God will continue to be the one building.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1).

Episode 01 | Interview with Cody Austin

You guys!

I started a podcast.

This has been a looonng time coming. A year ago I started dreaming up this idea, and during the summer of 2018, I had the opportunity to interview Cody Austin. I had to put things on hold for a bit due to Abigail being born and all, but the time has finally come.

This blog has been a place where I get to share with you things that I am learning from God's Word, but the podcast comes from a desire to learn from other godly women. Let's face it, there's a lot I don't know.

The purpose for this podcast comes from Titus 2:3-5, which says,

"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God" (emphasis added).

I believe that God calls older women to train up younger women. I have been blessed that God has placed such wonderful women in my life that have been mentors, teachers, and friends. Some of the things I plan for us to talk about are: marriage, family, raising children, dating, waiting for your future husband, cooking, health, and so much more.

In this very first episode of Gather & Glean, I'm having a conversation with Cody Austin. We talk about a range of things; from marriage and family, to even relationships within the church.

To listen, click play below, or listen in your podcast app.

Meet Cody! She is a wife and mother. I have to mention that when this episode was recorded, Cody had recently had a miscarriage, but God has been so faithful. She is now expecting twins! She is having one boy and one girl and is due to have these sweet babies very soon.

If you are interested, Cody offered us a Slow Cooker Gumbo recipe that she likes to do for her family. You can click on the link below or find it over on the RESOURCES tab. If you like gumbo and slow cookers, this one's for you. The great news is that it's Whole 30 and Paleo.

Slow Cooker Gumbo PDF