One hundred

This is my 100th blog post.

Upon realizing this was my 100th blog post, I begin to wonder how I could have 100 things that I thought worthy of sharing publicly. Then I wondered why people would want to read 100 things that really never had a point to begin with other than to ramble, waste time and carry on about nothing. However, I do have one thing to talk about then I want to do something in honor of 100 pointless blog posts.

Last weekend, Byron and I had the opportunity to attend an engaged couples retreat in Salado, Texas.

Now, I'm sure when the term "engaged couples retreat" crosses your mind, you immediately think sarcastically, "Wow...that sounds like fun.."

Actually, it really was fun.

The weekend retreat is a program hosted by Legacy Family Ministries, which is ran by Dr. Byron and Carla Weathersbee from Waco. Byron W. is native of Rotan, Texas - thus the connection with Byron K. The Weathersbees are a really neat couple that has devoted their lives to ministering to families, engaged couples, married couples, etc.

The "Weekender" - which is what we attended - was a condensed version of a seven week course Legacy teaches to couples in Waco. Byron and I and two other couples gathered at Summer Mills, which is a really beautiful resort near Salado.

Anyway, the point of the retreat to was learn how to be better husbands and wives the way God intended us to be. I know a lot of people scoff at the idea of doing "premarital counseling" because it makes it sound like they have a lot of issues they need to work out before getting married. It's not about that.

At our retreat, we covered everything from setting budgets, to communication, to inlaws, to emotional intimacy. And those were just a few things. We talked about things that will help prepare us for our lives together, and most importantly, keeping God at the center of our relationship.

It was an awesome experience, and there was nothing cheesy, mushy or boring about it. I can't praise God enough for the work he's done in both of our lives. I would recommend this program to anyone, whether they're thinking about getting married, or have been married for a few years (there's a weekender for that, too!)

There was even time for some fishing along the river that flows by one of the most photographed mills in Texas.


I brought my fly rod (which was an impulse purchase I made about six years ago during one of my random hobby phases).

Byron caught a catfish within 10 minutes.

And I caught this fish.


The smallest fish ever.


The experience was amazing, and it was something Byron and I will carry with us forever.

OK, to wrap up the 100th blog post to Essays From Texas, I have included a poll on top right corner of this blog for fun. It's called "Would you rather..."

Play if you want to. Or don't.