Listing: Full-Time Marriage with Benefits

When Paul and I stood at the alter of our church eight years ago (this Tuesday) we made a promise, a commitment before God and our families and friends.  We promised in sickness and in health til death do us part to continue this union of marriage. 

In a society where divorce rates are increasing and statically less people are actively attending church the word "marriage" is loosely used.

You see marriage is a life-long career.  It is not listed as a temporary position in the want ads.  God created marriage for the long term. 

Marriage is not always easy however.  When two people, who have been uniquely made come together there is bond to be indifference.  Marriage is a full-time job with benefits. 

I believe most people mentally write the resume of the the partner they pray they will have one day. A woman may require their husband to be God-fearing, hard working, athletic, and loving.   Men may require their wife to be motherly, adventurous, organized or intelligent. 

We often look for someone who shares our faith, our values and our ideas.  But, as I said before we are two different minds uniquely created and sometimes there is chaos in our "shared position". 

I am, my no means, a marriage expert.  Eight years and a few devotionals later doesn't give me more points, but I am aware of how maintenance works.

Most jobs we work have a maintenance and cleaning crew.  These people fix what is broken and clean what is messy.  In marriage, that is up to us.  We disagree and insult each other.  We are quick to anger and slow to ask for forgiveness.  We break promises and make messy decisions.  It is hard to admit we are wrong and easy to blame.

We must learn to forgive, think before we speak, listen and be slow to anger.  This is a full-time job.  We must pray together, learn together and make decisions together. We must celebrate our differences as man and women and try our best to understand and embrace why God created us this way. 

So we know this is hard work, but trust me there are benefits:

Insurance coverage.   When committed to one anther we can guarantee full coverage of love.  Being loved and cared for improves our health and well being.


Life Insurance. Commitment.  Knowing, for the rest of your earthly life you will share it with anther human being, is blissful.

Dental.  Sharing this union is subject to lots of smiling and laughing.


Parenthood. Love can create new life. And parenthood, is one of the most exciting benefits of marriage. It comes with it's share of challenges, but likewise it's share of rewards.


My grandparents will celebrate 59 years of marriage this week.  When asked at a wedding, how they got that far my grandfather replied, "remember two words, yes dear".  Whether you are a man or women you can remember these words.  Try to understand your partner whether it is yes dear, I can imagine that bothers you or it is yes dear, I was wrong.  But also think of it as yes God, I will give this job everything I have got.  Marriage is indeed a full-time job with benefits.

I am a runner???

So I walked a half marathon.... now what goals do I set for myself?  I could do a full one I suppose, or raise money and participate in the Susan B. Komen walk (http://www.the3day.org/) .  Frankly, I don't have the time to train to walk 26.2 miles and I am TERRIBLE about asking people for donations (especially over $2000 worth). 


So my next goal....running.  Yup, that gross thing I GREATLY disliked in school.  Mile time came and I dreaded the day.   I run only to get away from scary dogs or to catch a stray child approaching danger.  I am out of breath in the end and wanna puke.

Why do you ask, would I want to run then?

Well, I figure I can walk a mile in less then 16 minutes so why not knock it up a notch and jog a little.  You see, I am in better shape now then I have been in a few years and I am feeling physically capable of this challenge.

I researched running programs and came across "From the Couch to a 5K"  method (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) and started it about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  Today I ran a mile....without stopping...or puking, but definitely panting. 

New goal .....run a 5K.  Yup, come September I will lace up my shoes again and run.  I won't break any records (or bones I hope) and I will cross another finish line.  Rest assured I will run. 

Our Graduate

It's hard to believe the school year is nearly over and my sweet six-year-old has almost completed Kindergarten. 

We attended his "Graduation Ceremony" this evening along with Mimi, Papa, Aunt Kelly and special friends Kathy, Julianna, and Johnny. 

I glowed while Owen read his line and sang "This Little Light of Mine" (awesomely acceptable at a Christian School).

We are so blessed to be the parents of this little man!  Congratulations Owen, "We love you to the moon and back!"

      (Note: I am wearing heels and he comes up to my armpit in this photo.  Wow)

Our Blessed May!

Summer may finally have reached the frozen tundra we call Minnesota.   The last few days have been lovely with an occasional shower (becoming somewhat of a theme here). 

The Korbel's are busy counting our blessing.  May brought us lots of joy. 

Paul got a new job here in town!!!  No more filling up the gas tank three times a week.  He will be working as a forklift/company truck mechanic for a local glass coating company.  We were humbled to know this job comes with WONDERFUL benefits (something we have not had in a LOOONG time), awesome hours (off work by 3pm) and good pay.  Our prayers were answered!!! 

I completed my first WALKING half marathon with a time of 3:28:16 (I had a goal of 4:30).  My almost 57-year-old mom and I crossed the finish line hand and hand and completely soaked.  Yes, it rained all but 100 yards of our 13.1 mile walk in the countryside. 

Owen's first year of school is winding down.  With a mere 5 days left of Kindergarten my eldest son will officially be a 1st grader.  We, after lots of praying and discussion, have decided to keep him at St. Mary's again next year.  We have been impressed with the Christian Education he has received and look forward to his continued growth educationally and spiritually. 

Easton, our baby, turned 2!!!  He is ALMOST potty trained!  Since May 5th he has been in underwear.  We continue to put a diaper on him at bedtime as he tends to wake up wet.  At this point he is telling us when he has to go "poopy" (the word he uses for all  bodily functions).  He has had NO accidents since Saturday and I am hopeful this continues to be the trend. 

We spent Memorial Day weekend at the lake with Papa and Mimi  fishing, grilling and reflecting on the lives given for our freedom. 

We are counting down the days until we head NORTH (the north shore that is) for our annual family vacation.  We all are in need of a little  R&R. 

Bring on summer God!  We have our bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuits and weeding gloves ready!!!

The time has come...

It's here.  In less than 48 hours I will don my walking shoes, tighten my laces, and walk 13.1 miles.  It has been a journey.  I have gained endurance, faith and confidence.  I have lost almost 30 pounds.  I have sacrificed a little and learned a lot.  I can run with my boys and fit in my "old jeans".  Saturday is more than a race to the finish, it is just the beginning of a healthy new life. 

"Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going."  -author unknown

We're Baaaaack!

It is hard to believe an entire month has flown by since I last posted. The Korbel's have been BUSY! Spring, though it feels more like March, is hear and we are doing our best to enjoy it.


Here is a brief run-down on the Korbel Klan:

Paul- Busy as can be. Gas prices are definitely rearing their ugly heads this month. The drive to Albert Lea is getting expensive. Even though we have been experiencing below normal temps, Paul was happy to put the snow boats away for the season and deliver the papers in tennis shoes. My awesome hubby put his amazing mechanical skills to the test this weekend as he did an emergency repair on my van. A few hundred dollars later and without a hoist; my new alternator "runs like a charm".

Lisa- I continue to train for my 1/2 marathon which is now a few short weeks away. Despite a strained posterior tibialis I have pushed thorough it and am proud to report doing great. Mom and I completed an almost 13-mile jaunt on Sunday with no problem (although I must admit I was tired on Monday). Work has been incredibly busy, so I am looking forward to hiring a new staff member soon and reducing my work hours.

Owen- Owen is nearing the end of his first year of school. Through pray and God's grace he will attend St. Mary's again next year. He continues to amaze us with his maturity, manners, faith and academics. I am so proud (even if he has an insufficient in the Hail Mary ((he doesn't have to pass this since we don't practice Catholicism))) He is so happy spring is here and wants to spend every moment possible in the great outdoors.

Easton- Easton, my baby, turns 2 on Saturday. I can hardly believe this little blessing has been part of our lives that long. He recently climbed into the 25% for size (looking back, at two, Owen was 10 lbs heavier and 6 inches taller) A milestone was reached tonight, as he told me he had to use the potty and actually went. Not expecting much, but would love to ditch the diapers soon. Each day brings more vocabulary for this growing boy. He is determined to keep up with his big brother.



It seems the days slip away from us, but we make sure we always count our blessings.

Can you guess what our favorite season is????

MUD SEASON!!!