10 years, 10 memories

Today's my 10 year anniversary.  Ronnin, here's my top 10 memories of the last 10 years:

1.            Honeymoon in Cancun:  But not what you’re thinking.  We boldly decided to take a catamaran out on the water.  Neither one of us had ever sailed and probably never steered a boat.  We scared our instructor more than we scared ourselves and he never let us take the boat out ourselves.

2.            1st Time you Spoke at our Church:  There have been a handful of messages that have resonated and stuck with me, framing my view of God and my role as a follower of God.  I'll never forget that day.  Near the end of your message when you cried out in tears that the role of the church was to “Push the Bloodline” I was ready to take on the world!

3.            Our First Anniversary:  We ate dinner at home and I cooked for you.  A coworker of mine, a single guy who still lived with his parents, gave me his “foolproof” recipe to impress you.  It was horrible, you let me know, and I’ve never attempted to cook any important meals since that day.

4.            Your Pregnancy with Jace:  We lived about an hour from our doctor and the hospital (which is a sign of impending disaster).  Even though we had to stop to let you vomit every 15 miles, I cherished our “dates” to the doctor’s office and how we’d spend the whole day shopping, eating, and catching an occasional movie.

5.            Jace’s Birth:  I was scared to death at the idea of growing up and becoming responsible for someone else’s future.  Today I’m just as scared but through it all you’ve been solid, patient, and a great momma.

6.            Vacationing with Your Family:  I love the trips we’ve taken with your parents, your brother and his family, and Cayla and Brandon.  I’ve always enjoyed being with your family and these trips have created great memories.  Is there any anything more precious than the bond between Jace, Justus and their cousins?

7.            When we left Houston:  We moved in with my parents hurt, confused, and a little angry about what life had dealt us, but what a pure and sweet time that turned out to be!!!  Isn’t it amazing to know that God is on our side?

8.            Justus’ Birth:  What complete chaos the day was!  You hiking every mile of our neighborhood to induce labor while your parents were in town, the new hospital and nurses who weren’t ready to deliver babies yet, me eating a “healthy” meal at McD’s right before you gave birth, your doctor locked out of the hospital banging on the doors to get in, you screaming because of the totally natural childbirth that was taking place, and yes, me laid out on the couch about ready to completely pass out.  But ever since that little dud popped out he’s stolen everyone’s heart.  I love my boys!!!

9.            Wedding Day:  The day fulfilled every dream, fantasy, and hope that I had wished for.  You were beautiful, fun, and full of life.  Characteristics that I’ve always admired in you.  Remember your dad constantly telling me to bend my knees so that I wouldn’t pass out?

10.           Today:  10 years, 2 babies, 5 cities, 6 jobs, and way many more than 10 memories later; it’s been a great journey.  We haven’t allowed life or it’s circumstances to change our dreams, passions, and hopes.  Love you Frapps, and I’m looking forward to what God has in store for us!!!

Where in the World...

The last week and a half has been a non-stop, full-adrenaline, cross-country thrill ride.  My brother-in-law and cousin showed up at my house last week and told me they wanted me to go skiing with them in Winter Park, for free!!!  I packed my bags in 15 minutes and we headed west for Colorado.  Here's a pic of me skiing a green trail.  It may look tame but this little hill ate me up for the first two days.



I stepped off of one of the ski lifts, and the thermometer showed the temp as -30F.  So this is a pic of me surviving and thriving in sub-human temperature.  Once I pulled down my goggles and pulled up my ski mask, the tip of my nose was the only flesh visible. 




Days 2 and 3 on the mountain I left the bunny slopes and took on the blues.  I fell some, laughed some, and screamed the whole way down.




I got back back Friday just in time for a Brazilian BBQ with some friends.  Here's a pic of about 20 steaks, and only 6 adults to eat them.  I'm proud to say that there were no leftovers.





On Superbowl Sunday, we had our 1st Annual Flag Football Tournament.  My team came in second place, an issue I'm still disputing.  We lost on the last play of the game.  It was a lot of fun, except for the fact that my competitive demons came out in full display.




Last night I went to the Chris Tomlin, Israel Houghton and New Breed concert.  This is a pic of the stage and lighting setup.  Pretty simple setup: black backdrop, two video screens, and a heavy dose of intelligent lights.





Our seats were great, 15 rows from the stage.  Israel and new Breed were incredible live.  His vocals were unbelievable, the band was slamming, and the dancers were not at all cheesy like you'd expect.  As I was texting my bro telling him that Tomlin should be opening for Israel, Tomlin took the stage and led the greatest worship set I have ever heard in my life.  That guy is a song-writing stud!!!



I'm back in the office today, for the 1st time in almost 2 weeks, and we're continuing our series on sex and dating tonight.  Have a great week!!!

Joe Gabbard

I'm a pastor and strategy leader at a great church in Kansas City, MO.  Ronnin and I have been married for over 10 years and we have two beautiful, blond headed boys.  I'm interested in loving my family and being part of a community that impacts the spiritual landscape of our region.

Twitter Updates

    follow me on Twitter