4 Years Blessed!!

Ian and I have been married for 4 years today! Oh, the blessed bliss of being married to my beloved! We celebrated yesterday because he had to work today; something about being a public servant...protecting citizens... ;) We watched our wedding cd and listened to our vows. It brought back such crazy exciting jitters! I remember this day vividly and feeling like life had just begun. It is so great to reflect on the wonderful times gone by! It leaves us with such grateful hearts to our friends, family & loved ones.

We also went to this great place for dinner called the "MaderD"(Maitre d'). Clever, right? No? :) Yea, we decided to head to Kroger & choose whatever we wanted. I had Sushi and Ian had steak & potatoes. He called it Surf & Turf :) Ha!

Some would ask, "What valuable things have you've learned in your four years of marriage?"
We still have so much to learn, but some things that we strive to remember are, no matter how many years go by, we are still Bride & Groom and a marriage must have Grace. We're learning the importance of exemplifying a deep Love for one another and an even deeper Love for the One that created us for each other.

Ian and I are looking forward to many more years of marriage, in which he hopes to gain a doctorate in "Britology" and I in "Ianology". Thank you for sharing in our joy!

P.S. A huge shout out to the Pauls! Happy Anniversary to y'all too! It is a Great day!

James 5:16

Friends & Family,

We read in James that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". So, Ian and I wanted to humbly ask for your prayers.

It has been our desire that I remain home and focus on my career as a "help meeter"(Ian), "need meeter"(others), and photographer. However, it has become increasingly difficult to live without a steady second income, so we have decided that for the time being, it would be wise for me to get a job in order to assist financially. I will be continuing to grow my photography business on the side, as it is still eventually what we would like for me to do full time.

Please pray that:
- the Lord will soon reveal what He would have us do.
- we will understand that this trial is a blessing, not a curse.
- we recognize this as time of spiritual growth.
- we will communicate with one another in love and grace.
- we cling to one another and to the promise of Phil. 4:19; trusting that our God shall supply all our needs.

Much Love & Many Thanks!

Mader's

What's New...

Just wanted to fill y'all in on some recent Mader Mania :)

Highlights:
- Ian's first day of FTO was Monday!!
- Mandy(my sister) is marrying the lucky Mr. Campbell on August 1st!!
- Dusty & Amanda are due to have Baby Davis any day!
- Mom & Dad Mader sold their house in St. Louis!!
- Jeff(my brother) is excited about the Army and is planning on coming to A&M afterward!
- My Grandparents celebrated 53 years of marriage on June 3oth!!
- So many friends having babies!!
- Wrigley turned 2 on the 5th!
- Mom informed us that Andi(her golden retriever) had 9 puppies yesterday!
- A friend from church has offered to build me a website for Focus Found!

Lowlights(Please Pray):
- The Paul's will be moving to Pennsylvania. We are happy for them, but sad to see them go.
- My dear friend, Susan will be moving to Houston soon. Gonna miss you, Girl! I've been so blessed by our friendship and to witness the Lord's work in your life!
- My Shiloh is not doing well. Sadly, she will only be with us for a short while.