Cody, Amanda, Cade, Chloe, and Cora Rose

If you didn't, it was awesome.

They sang "Shout to the Lord!!!!!" That is not just a song that says Jesus. It is a full out worship song!! (you can download it on ITunes)

I was so shocked and surprised by this and totally amazed that they would even put it on TV. 

God is THE MOST awesome!!

If you didn't see it, it was the Idol Gives Back show. They raised 75 million dollars last year for children all around the world. The goal this year is 100 million. It is an amazing cause that involves several different charities. 

I was so moved by all of the footage of children suffering from poverty,AIDS, and malaria in Africa. They showed little babies in the hospital dying. Babies the same age as mine. Just like mine. Every thirty seconds a child dies in Africa. WHAT? I knew that things like this happen in our fallen world, but God moved and shifted my heart in a big way last night. 

They also showed horrible poverty in our own country. Children who have NOTHING. And I really mean NOTHING.

It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about the things that I complain about everyday. It makes me sick to think that I am worried about a new lamp, or a new shirt or whatever....when these children don't even have running water or electricity. I think most of us are so blind and naive to what goes on around us. I am not saying in any way that we should sell everything we have to feel their pain...unless God calls you to do that. I am just saying that I am thankful for shows like this and incredibly thankful for the life God has chosen for me! God used it to open my eyes and hopefully others. 

If you didn't watch the show, you can go to 

www.AmericanIdol.com

and watch some videos or donate if you feel compelled.

I am sprung to action. I am not sure how, but I am.

Watch THIS video- it is a little cheezy, but exposes the truth. 

Umm Oprah, he is a "jealous" God because he wants us to put no other gods before Him.

God's living, breathing, inherent word tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And no one will come to the Father except through him.

I would have to say that it has been a pretty eventful 3 years. We have already lived in 4 places, had 2 kids...the list goes on...

I feel like it has flown by and then, in other ways I feel like we have been married 13 years. 

I guess because "most" people are married for awhile before they have kids. "Most" people finish college before they get married. 

I know that everyone struggles, I just sometimes feel we are "the odd man out" because we are so young. (minus Laura and Preston) 

With that said, I am incredibly grateful for Cody. I don't know many almost 23 year old men like him. I don't know many men like him.....period!

He is strong. Strong in his love for me. Strong in his love for Cade and Chloe. Strong in his love for everyone else in his life. Strong in his work. Strong in his faith.

We have seen each other change in so many ways the past 3 years. We have both grown up a lot. And hello?? How could you not?

I have also really seen Cody come out of his shell. He has always been a little "shy", and I have seen him gain so much confidence and that makes me so happy because he is REALLY funny and no one knew that before. HAHA!

I have always been outgoing and he has made me a little more homebody. 

There is so many things I love about him and I hope many he loves about me.

We praise God for the past 3 years and for however many more he gives us on this earth together! 

We are actually getting to go on a date tomorrow night, which never happens, so we are super excited about that!

Happy Anniversary babe! I love you!