by natalie horne
Body, mind and soul. They are undeniably interconnected and their conditions are dependent on one another. A healthy body is not a requirement for faith and intimacy with God, but I’ve found in my experience that when I care for the basic needs of my body, my spiritual life flourishes. What we eat, whether or not we exercise, and what we do in our free time can all help or hinder our relationship with the Lord. I can say with confidence from a God-given place of wholeness in Christ, there is a very real tie between my physical wellness and the state of my soul.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Stepping out of the terminal at the Houston airport felt much like someone aiming a blow dryer at my face. Why is it so hot right now??? I kept asking myself. Fortunately, I eventually got over it and was able to steep myself fully in the awesome weekend Brian and I had among our best Texan friends.
Highlights of the weekend include:
- The wrong chapel: We walked into someone else’s wedding rehearsal and didn’t realize it until we were halfway down the aisle!
- The rehearsal dinner: The best part of wedding rehearsals is of course the rehearsal dinners. Not just because of the food, but because of the community that takes place in the presence of people who are so dear to the couple who is about to make a lifelong commitment to one another.
- Brian’s stomping grounds: Brian gave me a little tour of his hometown of Spring, TX. We saw his old elementary school, middle school and high school, as well as the house he grew up in. There’s something special about seeing where someone comes from. I kept imagining little Brian Borton running around the neighborhood, cutting peoples lawns and playing in the streets. I felt like I knew him better afterward, and I’m thankful for that!
- The Galleria Mall: Weird as it sounds, we had the best time ever walking around at the Galleria Mall in Houston. To battle the heat, we grabbed some huge iced coffees from Starbucks and headed into the air-conditioned mall to walk around and spend some quality time together. There’s something really special about doing absolutely nothing of importance with the person who is of the utmost importance to you.
- Brad & Nikki’s Wedding: Obviously this one makes the list. After all, it’s the reason we flew out there in the first place! The best part of the ceremony was definitely their vows. They were nearly the same as the traditional wedding vows, but modified in a way that made them personal and real. They acknowledged the reality that they will fail each other along the way, but by the grace of God, they will love each other through their flaws and faults. It was beautiful! The 7:30pm ceremony was followed by a late-night reception at Vic & Anthony’s Steak House. Despite our hunger when we arrived, we had the best time ever! Brian and I sat at a massive table filled with our closest Texas friends, and had the opportunity to connect with them on what’s been going on in their lives. We talked, we ate, we danced to an amazing live band, and it was so much fun. I am thankful for Brian’s best friends in Texas not only because they are such godly men, but also because they have chosen such beautiful, godly women to date or to share their lives with. Jenn, Jessica, Courtney, Nikki and Mary, I’m talking to you!
- A morning in the Word: The morning following the wedding, Brian and I spent intentional time in scripture together. We read over Isaiah 47 and 58—two chapters we’ve been dwelling on lately—and discussed the implications of that for our faith. Look forward to one or two blog posts dedicated to those chapters in the coming week!
I am so blessed by a godly, loving fiance; friends and family in Texas; the means to travel on the weekends; and the gift of joy that only comes from God. Praise Him for a special weekend away!
