Lessons From the Fall: A Holiday Update from the Newlyweds

Hello Newlyweds, Engaged, and Married Friends!

The journey God has led my husband and me through during the Fall season has been one that was very challenging and yet very fruitful! I've slowed down on writing to focus on the lessons God has been teaching me in this season. It's interesting to step back and see how much of a blessing it is when God doesn't give you exactly what YOU want the way you want it right away, but allows tough situations to build your character and lead you to seek him with a pure heart. We've learned so much about ourselves, our relationship with God and how important that is, along with a heart to be obedient, patient, long suffering, and kind to God and each other. I've personally made many mistakes and have sinned many times against God and my husband, and through their loving correction I continue to grow stronger. I have a long way to go. It has been so amazing to watch the gradual way God is polishing my husband as an incredible leader and husband throughout it all!

We've both been working hard in Los Angeles and keeping focused on career goals and financial goals. Nick's been doing some incredible production and songwriting work, as well as continuing to serve as a Minister of Music at the local church we attend and thoroughly managing the business of our home. I'm still working on the business side of music in public relations, pursuing the final stretch of my bachelor degree in Business Marketing (I should be graduating this time next year!), and looking into local volunteer ministry and speaking opportunities. It's been a busy year!

It would be such a BLESSING to hear an update from all of our friends and family about how you're doing in your marriages and what God has been showing you this last fall, summer, and now into the winter holidays! Whether you're engaged, newlywed, or going on 40 years, we love to hear from you! Please comment and share with your friends!

You can leave your comments below, and please use the share link to Facebook!

Blessings,

Crystal A. Blount

P.S. Here a photo of Nick and me on thanksgiving at our Pastor's house! Wishing you all a great Christmas!

Ready To Call it Quits? Encouragement For Newlyweds

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. —Psalm 42:5

Marriage is the most challenging experience I have ever had in my life, and may ever have. Now, don't get me wrong. I love being married, and I am crazy about my Husband, really. I have never been more motivated in all my life to go after the fullness God has for me. I have a wonderfully compassionate and patient Husband. Still, this is no dating game. I can't check out, hang up, storm out, break up then make up when things get rough. The rose-colored goggles are gone and we both get tired. Making a vow to God at the altar to love, honor, and cherish someone and to honor that commitment until death, is not the same as saying, "I love you and I want to spend my life with you". Becoming one is an art to be mastered, and we are beginners picking the strings out of tune while our fingers become raw and callused.