WE ARE MARRIED!!!! After the looong, fun, and exhausting process of preparing and planning, we have made it to the moment that matters the most: real life TOGETHER. Thank you to all who joined us in beautiful McCall, Idaho. It truly was a joyful time with friends and family.

Our honeymoon has been 3 weeks long and has been filled with many moments of adventure and relaxation. While in California before 10-10-10, Jacob and I both longed for the mountains. Now we have had quite our fill of rustic mountain beauty. From our McCall wedding, to a stay in the mountains of Northern Idaho, to our week-long getaway to Banff, Canada, then camping in the mountains of Washington, a drive along the Oregon coastal route and finally landing in a beautiful little mountain town near Yosemite known as “Twain Harte”… we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful, relaxing and adventurous honeymoon.

During this time of “leaving and cleaving” we have had our share of trials and attacks from the enemy. But we have such a big God who we know is for this marriage and we are just beginning to have glimpses of His plans for us. If we don’t align ourselves with Christ & die to ourselves daily, we will miss what He has and what He is doing. I am so thankful for His grace and patience with us. The joining of two sinners together is quite an experience. We are thankful because we are both learning a lot about ourselves and know this will be a huge time of growth.

As we come to the end of our honeymoon we are still seeking where the next step is. We’ve come to the conclusion that God is allowing us to choose, knowing that He has prepared us and will be with us where ever we land. (He already knows where we will be anyway right?!) We stand at a crossroads…looking in each direction and waiting for the right moment to take the first step. Regardless of where we land, we know that God is leading us to golf.

Yes…Golf. What does this word mean to people? To most it is a luxury, a leisure activity that comes with a large price tag. It might be an activity that a community is situated upon. A group or couple’s activity. An entertaining or even boring sports program to some. Regardless of what it means to others, it is a life for us. With 17 years of preparation in athleticism, knowledge and understanding, Jacob has been prepared to be out on the course. It’s not for the sake of golf, and it’s not for fame or money…it’s a big risk…but it’s a call. There is a underlying joy that takes place when he is out there. A closeness to his Father. When I am out there with him, I myself sense God’s presence and directing. We both realize it is our battlefield and refuge.

To most it will not make sense. How can a professional sport be a missionfield…isn’t it a glamorous lifestyle? Not in the least. Traveling for weeks or months in a car, living off of next to nothing, working to exhaustion with no promise of a paycheck. We are choosing a life that has very little security. We are trusting Jesus in his lead that this is not a job, not a fun game, but a life “on mission” on the golf course. We have to trust that people will be effected because of who lives in us. No matter where we are. Especially on the golf course. We are surrounded by lies, money, fame, pride, anger, lust, drunkenness….you name it. We have nothing to give or show to anyone except Jesus who has saved us from ourselves and our destruction. We have a hope that isn’t in golf, or money, or security. It’s not in our ability or our knowledge. Our joy is constant because we know this earth is not our home. We have a father who loves us unconditionally regardless of our choices, ability, or the outcome of our efforts.

I will use this blog to update you on where we are lead. There will be times of rest and times of battle. You’re welcome to join with us in the journey.

KQK

It was the end of a long week working at an elementary school…and I was completely exhausted. My mom’s best friend Kathy and her daughter Laura were coming up for the weekend and they decided it would be fun to walk around our little beach town and shop. Little did I know… it was a complete set up by my wonderful guy. I was completely clueless. We decided to sit down for some coffee outside next to a nail salon. Kathy “randomly” stated, “Wouldn’t it be fun to get manicures together?” This was not a usual occurrence as we are all fairly laid back, frugal ladies…But, why not? A girl’s day out seemed like a good opportunity.  I even almost backed out when they seemed to not be able to fit all of us in at once…ha! Jacob knew I would like to have pretty nails to go with a beautiful ring.

We had our usual pizza/family night which often ends in a beach bonfire.(Jacob wanted it to be as nonchalant as possible because I tend to ask too many questions and ruin surprises…)  So when my family offered the idea of a sunset bonfire I thought, of course! So Jacob and I headed off ahead of the group to get the fire ready so they could get s’mores and what-not packed. After the bonfire was blazin and the sun was beginning to set…I started to wonder….Where is everyone?? I was even agitated because they were going to miss the sunset if they didn’t hurry!! Jacob recognized how flustered I was becoming–and how truly clueless I was about what was about to take place. He playfully threw sand on me to try to make me laugh, trying all he could to help me relax.

After a little beach walk, we came back to the bonfire. Jacob looked over at me and began to say “Kels…the REAL reason why you’re here is….” and then…. HE KNEELED—and I knew….I was COMPLETELY caught off guard and overwhelmed with emotion! Of course my answer was YES YES YES! He held out the ring but my immediate response was to jump into his arms–almost knocking him over! I hugged him for probably 5 minutes before he said…do you want the ring?? Ha! It was BEAUTIFUL! He had NO help from me whatsoever and he was completely right on!! I couldn’t stop smiling—my cheeks hurt because I was smiling so much. We watched the sunset together as a newly engaged couple.

Driving back home I thought the night was going to end with a relaxed, celebration with my family. But Jacob had put together a whole surprise engagement party with close friends and family! Again, I was SO surprised!! He had a bamboo runway lined with tea lights all the way up to the house. He carried me up to the front door and my dad was playing “All You Need is Love” on the guitar and everyone began pouring down into the living room singing to us! The night ended with prayer, toasts, and lots of treats. It was such a special and amazing night! I can’t wait to spent my life with Jacob!!