Walk In Love

My husband and I had a discussion last night about showing love to one another. We’ve been married fourteen years and some of our irritating ways and habits still bother each other. Why can’t we look beyond these simple things? Why do we feel the need to point these things out to each other? We played the flesh card, yet came to the conclusion that God would not ask us to walk in love if it wasn’t possible. Surely, our awesome God would not set us up to fail. I love my husband and want to experience the love God said we could have in our marriage – that love that conquers all. As the years we’re together increase, our tolerance, consideration, and respect for one another should also increase. Yes, our discussion was a good one, yet we didn't stop there. We challenged ourselves to be more conscious of showing Godly love to one another. We want to show the love we talk to our children about. A marriage looking beyond faults creates a home of harmony. Yes, sometimes we want to strangle each other, yet why give the enemy one minute to stir up mess in our marriage and cause division in our home? Being Christ-controlled is the answer – again. I chuckle as I think of a few of hubby’s irritating habits, yet allowing Christ to consume my mind and emotions with His Spirit will allow me to show the Godly love expected of me. Mothers, let's show our husbands and children the Godly love He has shown us!

Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

They're Baaaack!

My crew is home! Just as I mentioned, I jumped right back into fifth gear with first-born's basketball game last night. I thank God for bringing my family home safely - He really didn't have to do it. Hubby came home sick and was sick the entire time. Yes, I'm playing nurse-maid (smile). My prayer is to maintain this renewed love for my family and not tire of the things I'm called to do as a wife and mother. When I begin to feel the threads of frustration, I know it's time for a mini-retreat - time for renewal - time for a break. Taking care of me helps me better care for my family.

Much Needed Break

I've always appreciated my family, yet it's funny how I REALLY appreciate them when they're not around. There is some truth behind the statement of not missing your water until your well runs dry. My family has been out of town all week and it was a much needed break for me. I've been able to renew my mind in a special way. I've heard myself breathe for the first time in months and I also took a couple of undisturbed, much needed naps. I haven't cooked a full meal since they've been gone. They'll be returning home today and I almost feel like I have a renewed love for them. I can hardly wait to see them and DO for them. Hmmm...did I say that? I needed a break from them and I'm sure they felt the same way about me. I thank God for this renewal of my mind, energy, and love for my family. We all love our families, yet we also need a break from from time to time. It makes for a better woman, wife, and mother. Whew! I exhaled and it felt GOOD!

On Vacation

My family has been out of town and I'M THE ONE ON VACATION. I really need them to come home because I don't know If I'm actually lazy or just taking advantage of this down time (smile). I haven't washed anything except my body - no laundry and and I've washed dishes only once. My goodness, I can get comfortable with this! Thank God they'll be coming home tomorrow because I need to be reminded that I'm a wife and mother. There are clothes to wash, meals to prepare, dishes to wash, toilets to clean....Hmmm....when did I say they were coming home. I sorta like this vacation thing! I'll enjoy it while I can because when the crew comes home, I'll jump right back into fifth gear - right now I'm in neutral...and loving it!

The New Me

Theatrical – this is the word for my experience this weekend. I was asked to play the part of a high-profile, gospel singer and what a transformation I went through! The glamorous wig, dress, and make-up were necessary for the part, yet beneath the surface; I was still me – Plain Jane. The young lady that applied my makeup and wig did such a wonderful job that a little boy who hugs me every Sunday in church didn’t recognize me at this event. I wondered if this is what Jesus wants when we accept Him as our Savior. He said we would be new creatures in Him – not reformed, but new. Do people see Christ when they see me? Do others know I’ve been changed? Do they meet Christ for the first time when they meet me? Although I can’t carry a musical note well enough to capture anyone’s attention, the performance was fun. As I changed into my own clothes, hair, and face, I was thinking of how good it felt to be me - the new me – the new creature in Christ. Theatrical? No. Life-changing experience? Yes! One of my daily prayers is for the Lord to cover and consume me with His Spirit, so others don’t focus on me. It’s the Jesus in me that I want others to see, be drawn to, and enjoy being around. Now that’s a transformation and it requires no make-up or a wig! Have you become a new creature in Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The Day Begins

I've done more this morning before 6 a.m. than most people will do all day. The Lord keeps reminding me to plug into His power source and to not think for a minute that I'm doing anything in my own power. If I do, I will quickly grow weary and tired. Thank God for Jesus! This sure helps to keep my mind on Him. Every step I take, every breath I make is because of my power source - my Heavenly Father. Hold me up, Lord!

What Will I Do?

Just yesterday, I was talking to my sister about needing some extra money. My cake business requires money and there are a few other things I'd like to do without touching the house money. The owner of the restaurant I sell my cakes out of told me yesterday he is looking for a cashier. Hmmm...I was trying hard to think of a dependable person for him and later in the evening, my husband said, "You're already there, why don't you take the job?" WHAT?! Officially go to work? Hmmm...it's a few more hours than the hours I already put in, but he's right...I'm already there. I might as well get paid huh? Hmmm...do I take the job or not?

Fourteen Years!

Today is my 14th Wedding Anniversary! Last night I read a few pages out of an old journal to my husband. I went waaay back to when I first met him. I'm so happy I journaled those days. My sons were listening to my thoughts and saying, "Ahhhhhh." It sounded like a romantic story. Do I still feel that way? No, my feelings are much stronger, secure, and solid. Couples go through life and experience hardships and challenges together and it only makes a more solid foundation. Fourteen years is a long time and we've actually known each other longer than that. It's by the grace of God that our marriage wasn't separated, yet strengthened through the years. I consider some of the older couples I know who've been married many more years than I and think...there is hope. Just keep on keeping on and keep on looking over each other's faults and loving each other in spite of shortcomings and irritating habits (smile). Love conquers all. Happy Anniversary to me!