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One Year of Marriage

June 24, 2019 Maggie Getz
All photos by The Siegers Photo + Video

All photos by The Siegers Photo + Video

Marriage is sweet. Marriage is fun. Marriage is refining. Marriage is hard.

My husband and I celebrated one year of marriage a few weeks ago, and there’s just so much I could write about these past 365 days. We began reading 1 Peter and 2 Peter together in June, and during the week of our anniversary, God divinely had us read chapter three.

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

I love this passage, and I think it’s often misinterpreted in our culture. Peter’s call to live with a gentle and quiet spirit doesn’t mean women must never speak or have an opinion. He’s saying beauty is a woman whose heart loves, trusts, and finds full satisfaction in the Lord. True beauty stems from the inside.

Through marriage and now motherhood, I’ve certainly been learning what true beauty looks like—especially on those days (ahem, most days), when I skip the makeup, slip on an old sorority t-shirt, and pull my hair into a top knot.

I’ll be writing another post on beauty and these verses soon, but today I want to focus on marriage.

marriage reception.JPG

This past year has been beautiful and sweet and blessed and hard. Before getting married, I remember listening to a sermon from Pastor Matt Chandler in which he said he and his wife Lauren really struggled for the first seven years of their marriage. And I remember reading a book from Jess Connolly, who wrote in detail how she and her husband fought to make ends meet during their early years of marriage, moved in with her parents, and lived a vastly different life than what they had envisioned.

I haughtily thought, That won’t be us. We’ll be married after all that time dating long-distance, and life will be easy.

In fact, Charles and I have also had a year that looked vastly different than what we pictured married life would be. It’s been a year of surprises—both the good and the bad. The year was full of so much change, in our jobs, location, church, and the major transition from newlyweds to new parents. God blessed us in incredible ways. When Charles moved down to Nashville, he got a job within a few weeks, and we were able to move into an apartment in one of our favorite neighborhoods. Shortly after that, we found out we were expecting, and this April, our precious son burst into our lives.

But in the midst of great blessing, we’ve also faced hardship. Over the past year, we’ve had very limited time together because of our job schedules. Quality time is the top love language for both of us, so this lack of togetherness has been extremely difficult. We’ve dealt with unexpected medical issues and surgery, plus the many appointments and bills that come with those. All of this has happened as we’ve been sleep-deprived and physically exhausted, and as I’ve been under the cloud of pregnancy and postpartum hormones.

Our son is 12 weeks old today, and I finally feel like I’m getting a bit more rest and that my hormones are leveling off. I feel more like myself. Charles is doing better, too. We’ve moved from a season of great difficulty to a season of great difficulty but clarity. You see, God has made it abundantly clear to us what He desires for us, both individually and as a family. He’s used this year to strengthen us in ways many couples don’t experience until later in their marriage, if at all.

I remember having a conversation with my dietitian a few months ago, as I sat crying in her office. I was heavily pregnant and feeling overwhelmed, while also missing my husband. She shared with me how she and her husband, now married more than 30 years, faced their own hardship during those early years as young 20-somethings. They got married in college, they didn’t have much financially, and they lived simply. She told me how they’d make date nights special by cooking together and eating a picnic in the living room by candlelight. No television, just a radio to listen to and conversations to have with each other.

She said any difficulties they faced in that season built their marriage early on with a firm foundation in the Lord—and showed them how important it is to simply be together as husband and wife. To talk, to pray, and ultimately to trust in His plan.

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And that’s exactly what Charles and I have come to realize. Reading 1 and 2 Peter has helped us see that suffering is not only a normal part of the Christian life, but it’s to be expected. Furthermore, our suffering cannot compare to what Christ suffered. He went through the most horrible death imaginable. Crucifixion was meant to put a person through as much pain as possible while prolonging their death. That’s what Jesus went experienced for us, and He lived His life with eyes focused on the cross—while also knowing He would rise again as our Savior and King. Praise God!

In this year, we’ve seen firsthand God’s grace and mercy. He is the God of restoration, strength, support, and power. (1 Peter 5:10-11) And we know that we shouldn’t be surprised “when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.”

Our first year of marriage has been an exercise in patience and trusting in the Lord. We’re finally seeing that the difficulties we’re facing right now aren’t out of the ordinary but actually to be expected as we walk through this Christian life. We’re understanding that God’s plan is greater than ours. We’re learning to let Him work and let Him direct our steps.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

Peter said it best in his second letter, written just before his death as a charge for believers to beware of idols and sins and to follow Christ wholeheartedly:

“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

The Lord does not delay His promise (2 Peter 3:9). Whenever we feel lost or impatient in our waiting, we can trust in God, who is patient with us, giving us exactly what we need in His perfect timing.

That’s the truth I now cling to. Even if there are things about this year that I wish were different, I still wouldn’t change them. My husband and I have grown together through the weeds, and we see how God is gently pruning us so we continue to grow and flourish. No matter what we face, we have the great blessing of each other—something we do not take for granted. We know God has given us everything required for life and godliness through His divine power! And we look forward to the many years ahead.

In relationships Tags marriage, anniversary, 1 peter, 2 peter
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Reflecting on 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

December 18, 2018 Maggie Getz
realities of pregnancy maggie niemiec

Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, and congratulations on our baby announcement last month. We are so overjoyed to be expecting a son in the spring and cannot wait to meet this little guy!

A few weeks ago, I asked on my Instagram whether you would be interested in reading a blog post about the realities of pregnancy. And a whopping 100 percent of you said “yes.” (I’m so glad because I was totally going to write about it anyway!)

Pregnancy has been wonderful and miraculous and awe-inspiring, but it has also been hard.

Many days feel like a roller coaster. Yet I never for a second want to complain, and I never want to forget the amazing miracle that this baby is. I have seen second hand the realities of miscarriage, of preterm birth, of babies born too soon. Of infertility and the deep, painful longing for a child in the midst of intense loneliness. I have watched dear friends and family members walk through each of these things. I, too, expected to struggle to get pregnant—I never would have predicted that this would be our story.

Maybe you are reading this, and you desire that child who is not yet in your arms. My heart goes out to you. The Lord hears you and recognizes you. You are not alone. His mercies are new every morning, and his steadfast love never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23).

If reading about pregnancy in any way is difficult for you, please skip over this post and know I am thinking of you. If you’d like to talk or have a prayer request, please send me a message here.

The week before we found out about the pregnancy, I wrote this on the blog:

I have felt my emotions running the gamut these past few weeks. Anger, frustration, impatience, irritability. I have felt like a hormonal teenager all the time, getting annoyed by the slightest things and allowing a cloud of negativity to hang over my usual sunny self.

Well, now it all makes sense. In the early stages of my pregnancy, I felt crabby, moody, and continually frustrated by little things that normally wouldn’t bother me. Throughout most of my first trimester, I felt excited and joyful about the baby—yet I couldn’t shake the hormonal mood swings. I was up and down; I felt like I was going mad.

The day I took a pregnancy test, I woke up feeling sick to my stomach. I thought I had some sort of stomach bug or maybe food poisoning. It was a Sunday. Charles and I got ready to go to church, and I decided not to eat breakfast like usual. I thought holding off would calm my stomach down. (Spoiler alert: It didn’t.)

As soon as our pastor stood up to preach, I had to rush to the church bathroom, sure I would be sick. Nothing happened. I went out to our car, where I sat with the air conditioning hitting me at full blast. August in Nashville is pretty dang hot, and whatever illness I had was making me even more flushed. Charles came out of the service and drove me home. I looked like a dog with my head out the window during our car ride. We reached a block away from our apartment before I made him slam on the breaks so I could get out of the car and get sick.

At this point, we both still thought I had a stomach bug. Except then the wave of nausea passed, and I was able to eat a light meal. A few hours later, I felt horrible again.

Charles and I looked at each other, having the same thought at the same time.

Could I be… pregnant?

I quickly skedaddled to our nearby grocery store to pick up a pregnancy test.

It was positive.

What does it really mean, though? I’m sure it’s false. I need to take another one.

Cue me driving back to the store to get another test. (Note to self: Next time, buy a pack of tests to have on hand.)

Another positive.

I think after that Charles and I started laughing. Like that soft, excited, is-this-real-life kind of giggle. I still wasn’t convinced I was actually pregnant, but the evidence sitting on the bathroom sink in front of me seemed clear. Times two. We hugged and kissed, and I couldn’t believe how truly happy I felt in that moment.

I never in my life imagined getting pregnant immediately after getting married. In fact, a few years ago, I thought I’d get married in my early 30s, have kids a couple years after that, and just see how things go.

But God slowly changed my heart over the past few years, giving me a stronger desire to be a mom, even though I wasn’t sure what that would look like. I watched as dear friends a few years older than me had their first kids, and my heart melted over and over again holding each one of them.

This has been the year of unexpected expectedness. Of God showing up when I least expected it. Of His faithful steadfastness in the midst of so much change.

These 20-something weeks of pregnancy moved slowly at first and now they are flying by. I felt nauseated and exhausted for the entire first trimester. The mere sight of vegetables was enough to make me gag. And the smell of most meats, except a good beef hamburger, could really set me over the edge. The CrockPot became my enemy. (Just ask my husband—thank you, dear!) I didn’t have much of an appetite. Instead saltines and oyster crackers were my constant companions at work, in the car, and on my nightstand.

As I transitioned into the second trimester, I gained back some of my appetite, although let’s be honest, macaroni and cheese and pizza are still my go-tos. I’ve learned to have grace for myself as I eat way fewer vegetables, exercise a whole lot less, and sleep a lot more. I’m not writing much on this blog or practicing as much yoga or planning as many coffee dates.

My productivity level feels like it’s sunk to a new low—which is when I remind myself I’m actually busy working on the greatest project I’ve ever taken on. My son.

A sweet friend texted me this week:

“He’s already teaching you the selflessness of being a parent… laying down your needs for his.”

And it’s true.

Whenever I feel anxious about not being productive and not “doing enough,” I try to speak that truth over myself. I’m listening to my body and doing exactly what God has called me to do. I’m doing what my baby boy needs me to do.

I feel him kicking me almost every day now. I’ve even seen my belly move up and down as he threw a few punches. He’s getting stronger every week, and we’re predicting he’s going to be quite the athlete. Feeling him inside of me is both crazy and comforting. It doesn’t seem real at times, but I look forward to his little dance every night as I lie in bed.

Pregnancy is difficult. It is uncomfortable. It is overwhelming. There are times when I feel utterly terrified of labor and woefully unprepared to bring a child into this world.

And yet.

I don’t ever question that this is what I was made to do.

Excited. Thankful. Blessed.


If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life. 

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.

In motherhood Tags pregnancy, pregnant, baby, lamentations, marriage
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7 Things I've Learned in 1 Month of Marriage

July 12, 2018 Maggie Getz
Photo by The Siegers Photo + Video

Photo by The Siegers Photo + Video

It's been a hot minute since I've regularly written in this space. Our wedding and honeymoon were in early June, and I wanted to settle into newlywed life, enjoying every minute with Charles before heading back to the blog. But lucky for you, dear reader, he loves when I write and is my biggest encourager. I am so thankful for him.

We are officially one month into marriage—I can't believe it! I'm by no means a marriage expert (LOL), and I have a lifetime of learnings to do. But in the past few weeks, I've learned a few things worth sharing with you.

1. Marriage is no greater than singleness in the eyes of God.

While I was single, I remember a married friend sharing with me that marriage is absolutely amazing but that it's not the ultimate end goal. She said as a wife, she could be easily distracted by her husband rather than focused on the Lord. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35:

“I want you to be without concerns. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of the world—how he may please his wife—and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.”

I now understand what my friend and Paul mean. I quickly run to Charles first because he's right here next to me, and I look to him for empathy, prayers, solutions. Being able to do this is a blessing. But as believers, whether married or not, we're called to run to Christ first. That's why Paul said to the unmarried, it is better for them to remain unmarried like he is (1 Corinthians 7:8).

To all my single friends: I'm not saying you need to stay single for the rest of your life. What I am saying is you are valuable, you are worthy, and your singleness is an honor in the eyes of God.

2. Sex is a gift.

We didn't sleep together before marriage. And we agree it was one of the hardest and best things we've both ever done. Whether you've already crossed this threshold or not, it's never too late to make a new start. We can honestly say this decision has given our marriage more life and passion than we ever imagined. Waiting means way more excitement, more value placed on the act, and a greater closeness with God than I thought was possible. We had to run to Him when tempted and remember that He loves us even though we are weak:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we.”
— Hebrews 4:15

Not having sex with each other and not living together before marriage was also the biggest witness to our faith. People often couldn't believe we weren't living together, let alone not sleeping together. But it was never something we felt embarrassed or self-conscious about.

I think that was the Holy Spirit empowering us in our decision and helping us stand firm in God's clear direction for relationships. Saying no to sex before we were married showed us sacrificial love—a sliver of the sacrificial love God has for us. 

3. Pride will destroy your marriage.

I want what I want when I want it. For the past 28 years, I've been doing life my way. Trying to meekly follow The Lord, yes. But also doing it my way. I don't like to be wrong. I don't like to be challenged. I don't like to not be in control. That's where my sinful inclinations lie.

Now I have a husband. This isn't a 50/50 relationship. We are each called to give our marriage 110 percent every day. We're called to love each other, serve each other, and sacrifice for each other. That is no small task, especially for someone like me who enjoys being in charge. We also have to be quick to confess and then quick to forgive. Me stubbornly holding a grudge gets us nowhere, except me being more upset. 

Without humility, joyful servitude, and constant sacrifice for each other, our marriage won't work. No marriage will.

4. There are few things better than sharing homemade breakfast sandwiches and coffee with your husband.

Especially if you're still in your PJs. One of Charles' top love languages is "acts of service," and I'm so thankful he's chosen to utilize this with food! Whether he's cooking or I am, there is something so special about sharing home-cooked meals at the table together. 

(Want to up your breakfast sandwich game? Buy bread from the local bakery and invest in some quality butter. Mmm, mmm, mmm.)

5. Sleepwalking is real.

My husband has dealt with insomnia for years, and his back issues complicate sleeping even more. But his sleepwalking was a strange surprise two weeks into our marriage. Sleepwalking exists, and I've learned this firsthand. I've also learned the power of forgiveness and patience.

Since returning from our honeymoon, we've had to temporarily sleep in separate beds, until we move apartments and a new king mattress arrives.

I can't get mad at him for insomnia and sleepwalking—two unfortunate habits he'd much prefer didn't happen at all. And that's the thing: We're all human. We all have quirks. When you get down to it, sleepwalking (or sleeping soundly) has absolutely zero influence on our character and holiness. How we respond is much more important.

So when Charles is feeling exhausted, we pray God would give him rest and refresh him. When I'm feeling annoyed at the disrupted sleep schedule or at his worn-out demeanor, we pray for patience. God hears our prayers and is faithful.

6. Iron truly does sharpen iron.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17

In the words of Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, "The thing I love about Tammy is she calls me on my crap. Every guy needs that!" 

Really, though. Except in biblical marriage, we can call each other out and then graciously point the other person to Jesus. Marriage isn't an excuse to belittle the other person or maliciously point out wrongs. Marriage was created by God to reflect His glory and to help bring us closer to Him. Marriage is sanctifying. 

7. There's no one else I'd rather go on this journey with. 

I love Charles with my whole heart. We are two broken humans divinely brought together to live out God's call for our lives and help the other look more and more like Jesus with each passing day. He's my partner in ministry, my love, my best friend. There's no one else I'd rather do this life with.


If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life. 

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.

In relationships Tags marriage
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In Sickness and In Health

June 18, 2018 Maggie Getz
maggie and charles hospital.jpg

Our wedding day was the absolute best day, and everything turned out better than our wildest dreams. But the beautiful photos don’t tell the full story (as social media rarely does).

While at our rehearsal dinner the night before, Charles felt sick. Tired, shaky, weak, dehydrated. He looked pale as we arrived for dinner, and as the evening went on, things only got worse. He couldn’t enjoy his meal, and he kept turning to me to tell me something wasn’t right.

As chocolate lava cakes came around to the tables, Charles got up and went outside. (Chocolate lava cakes are his favorite so I knew something was really wrong.) He sat outside the restaurant, and he told me and his family that he felt more sick than he ever had in his life. That he needed to go to the hospital immediately.

Our pastor came outside, we laid hands on Charles, and we prayed over him. Then we drove him to the ER.

After waiting a while and getting brought to a room by wheelchair, Charles was hooked up to an IV. The doctors diagnosed him with dehydration, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia. Low sodium and low potassium, and if he had kept drinking plain water and losing nutrients as much as he was, he would have been in serious trouble. Charles told me he never felt that sick in his life, and that before he got to the hospital, he thought he was going to die.

We took this photo in the ER around 1:30 am, when doctors told us Charles was almost back to normal and okay to go home. The nurses wished us well and congratulated us on our impending nuptials, just a few hours away. Our brother-in-law said it best: Charles and my wedding was Friday, June 8, with a beautiful ceremony and celebration. But our marriage was built in that hospital room on June 7 (and in the early hours of June 8).

We know Charles is healthy and full of life today because of our Father. Jesus protected him, saved him, and gave us the gift of our wedding. Our marriage is a testament to His Grace. Thank you, Lord! And here’s to many more years by your side, Charles.


If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life. 

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.

In faith Tags sickness, health, marriage, rehearsal dinner
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