Ready or Not It's Happening

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”  Genesis 2:18

Both my kids are dating. (Deep breath)

If there is anything that brings a mother to her knees in prayer more it's that!  There was nothing that prepared me for the first time I caught my kids holding hands with (much less kissing) someone of the opposite sex.

I'm thinking that it's about time I get used to the fact...

Kyle and his girlfriend heading to prom (April 2013)

Cause ready or not, it's happening!

I soooooo want Alyssa and Kyle to find the partners God has planned just for them.  I have my own set of "requirements" and hopes, and so does God, but ultimately my kids will be be the ones making the decision.  My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle seek Him first, and then find the mate suitable for them because they've sensed His leading, guiding, and approval.

To me, this is a BIG deal.  But not too big a deal for God. 
Therefore, for now, I'll just fall on my knees and pray!

Lord, I know that you've intentionally made man and woman to need someone, and to not live alone.  I also know that you've made a suitable helper for both Alyssa and Kyle.  Today, I am praying with a begging heart, that my dear children choose to seek the partner you have planned perfectly for them.  Help them to be patient in the seeking, picky in the choosing, and firm in their hopes and dreams.  I also plead that Alyssa and Kyle find a friend and spouse who loves them deeply, lives for you Lord, and brings great joy in their lives.  I pray that even now they are diligently praying to you about their future marriages and spouses.  Oh, I know that you have a perfect plan for Alyssa and Kyle's lives and look forward to watching it all unfold.  Thank you, precious Savior.

 

Being "Good"

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 We're in the dating zone, folks.  Kyle has a girlfriend. 

Last night it was a dance, tonight it's a movie, and who knows what tomorrow holds.

Boy, I'm on my knees now!

I keep telling him to be GOOD, but does he "get it"?
 
So, here's my prayer for today:  God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for my kids.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Be good, my babies!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind Alyssa and Kyle of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help my children to make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May Alyssa and Kyle's marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

 

Thankful Thursday: My Valentine

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

Today is a perfect day to celebrate the love of my life!  God has truly blessed me.  We met 25 years ago, and have been dancing together through life ever since.  Of course, in the 23 years since we've been married there have been a few ups and downs, but with God by our side, our love has always remained.  Here's to another couple decades.  I love you, Ken!

It's hard to believe, and I'm thinking I'm closer than I want to be, but my kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!

Valentines Day is a good day to reflect on past memories, celebrate present love, and hope for a strong futures...ours and our kids!

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them as well.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side. 

 

Making the Best Choice

A woman is bound to her husband 

as long as he lives. -- 1 Corinthians 7:39

 

He who finds a wife finds a good thing 

and obtains favor from the Lord.  

--Proverbs 18:22

One of my kids favorite outings used to be going to the "Dollar Store".  In my mind, $1 per child was a cheap investment for a little fun.  Boy, did I soon learn that it was no easy adventure. 

One dollar to spend in a land of 10,000 choices is hard work.

Lyssa would spend minute after minute trying to make sure she invested her resources on just the right thing.  She would handle one thing, and then pace the aisles to make sure she wasn't missing anything better.  Then she would decide something else looked better, and if we'd let her, she'd go round and round like this for an hour (or two or three). 

Truth be told, though it was annoying beyond belief at times, I like this characteristic in my daughter and I pray that she takes her time to investigate, pray over, and is just as picky when it comes to choosing a husband. 

My kids taking their sweet time, to make the right decision in this department, is one thing I won't be impatient with.

Lord, I know you intend that marriage is forever and that you have just the perfect mate for our children out there in the world.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you first as they go out looking for the one they will give their life to.  You will bless and lead them as they come to you for wisdom and understanding.  I pray that Alyssa finds a man who will love her just as you loved the church and gave your life for it.  I pray that this man will be patient, loving, kind, and keeps no records of wrongs.  I pray the same for Kyle and that he finds a wife who will respect him in speech and action.  May Alyssa and Kyle find mates that bring them great joy and happiness, and help them grow in their faith of you.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing this mother's prayer.

 

Choose Well

God's Word always says it best...

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: 

"I'll live in them, move into them;
   I'll be their God 
       and they'll be my people.
   So leave the corruption 
       and compromise;
   leave it for good," says God.
  "Don't link up with those 
      who will pollute you.
   I want you all for myself.
        I'll be a Father to you;
   you'll be sons and daughters 
       to me."
   The Word of the Master, God. 

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

One day, hopefully not in the very near future (ha!), our children will decide to marry.  I'm praying that God leads them to just the perfect spouse. 

 

I should re-phrase that.  I know God will lead Alyssa and Kyle to the spouse He has planned just for them,  I just pray that our kids pay attention to His leading.

Make the best decision, babies!  Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.  

 

And choose well!

Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle as they begin the search for someone significant in their lives.  I pray that you make them really aware of your hopes and desires, and even expectations, for their future.  May your Holy Spirit nudge their hearts when they are tempted to become partners with someone who rejects you,  They are the temple where you live, and you are their God, and anyone who does not believe in you is a compromise and their relationship with you will suffer.  Make Alyssa and Kyle wise and sensitive to your plan, dear Jesus, and may they please you with every road they go down in the future.  Bring someone into their lives that will always draw them nearer to you, and help build their home and family on the one true foundation: You! 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

An Unlikely Pairing

"Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"  2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)

Some things just don't belong together.  Sure, hot fudge sundaes are a delight, and bacon can make ones tongue water, but in the same mouthful?  Really?  


My family was not so sure, so we dared to give it a try.

Some things just don't belong together.


The bacon hot fudge sundae reminded me that some marriages aren't made in heaven and a prayer for our kids came to mind.  God's Word encourages believers to "team up" with other believers.  To do otherwise would make an unlikely match. 

Oh how I long for Alyssa and Kyle to have marriages centered on the Lord, and with a person who makes the perfect combination!  Something more like a hot fudge sundae with peanuts on top, because some things DO belong together!


Lord, watch over Alyssa and Kyle as they begin looking for "just the right one" to spend their life with. I pray that they stand firm in their choices to marry one who believes in you like they do.  Give them wisdom and guidance as they date and enjoy friendships.  Open doors and put up road blocks, so that without a shadow of a doubt, Alyssa and Kyle know who it is that is a perfect match made by you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have marriages centered on you, dear Jesus, and spouses who love them deeply and completely, for all of life. 

 

Future Valentines

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

As we celebrate Valentines Day, I am faced with the reality that our kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage, and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating their 25th Valentines Day together!  

Happy Valentines Day, to my dear Hubby!

 

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that our children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that our kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side. 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Choose Well!

God's Word always says it best...

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: 


  "I'll live in them, move into them;
   I'll be their God 
       and they'll be my people.
   So leave the corruption 
       and compromise;
   leave it for good," says God.
  "Don't link up with those 
      who will pollute you.
   I want you all for myself.
        I'll be a Father to you;
   you'll be sons and daughters 
       to me."
   The Word of the Master, God. 

 (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

One day, hopefully not in the very near future (ha!), our children will decide to marry.  I'm praying that God leads them to just the perfect spouse.  Not only will that special person come into their lives, but they will need to be chosen.  Oh how I want our kids to choose well!

Make the best decision, babies!  Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.  Choose well!

Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle as they begin the search for someone significant in their lives.  I pray that you make them really aware of your hopes and desires, and even expectations, for their future.  May your Holy Spirit nudge their hearts when they are tempted to become partners with someone who rejects you,  They are the temple where you live, and you are their God, and anyone who does not believe in you is a compromise and their relationship with you will suffer.  Make Alyssa and Kyle wise and sensitive to your plan, dear Jesus, and may they please you with every road they go down in the future.  Bring someone into their lives that will always draw them nearer to you, and help build their home and family on the one true foundation: You! 

First "Date"

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

My baby is growing up.  *sniff-sniff*.  

Kyle went to his first school dance this weekend...and invited a girl to go with him.  Yes, at almost 15, he' won't be doing an serious or consistent dating, but just this once we let him take a small step towards manhood.  

We had to buy some new duds. 

He purchased tickets and a corsage.

And dad had to be the chauffeur.

Whew.

I'm not ready for my boy to grow up and "get into" girls, but I can see the signs of it beginning.  

So, I'll get on my knees...big time!...and pray for him to "stick to his guns" and be the young man God wants him to be,

Oh, Lord, watch over our children as they are growing up,  I pray that we've trained Alyssa and Kyle in the ways that they should go, and that they will not choose to depart from it.  As they begin to hang out with those of the opposite sex, I pray that they remember what they've been taught, and will make wise choices.  I pray that they keep themselves pure, and live holy and pleasing lives.  Lord, I pray that my son treats girls with respect and honor, and is a gentleman in all that he says and does.  May he be the young man you call him to be.  I pray that my daughter stands firm in her convictions, and respects herself and you enough to always choose to say "no" to pressures physically, and makes wise choices with who she spends time with and gives her heart to.  You have wonderful futures planned for Alyssa and Kyle and I pray that they always choose to follow you with their lives.

Thankful Thursday: 22 Years!

Hang my locket around your neck,
   wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death. 

   Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.
The fire of love stops at nothing—
   it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
   torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold—
   it's not to be found in the marketplace.

Song of Solomon 8:6-8 (The Message)

Ken -n- Tresa...August 19, 1989

Lord, thank you for 22 years of marriage.  Without you as the center of our marriage we would  have been lost,  You, Lord, have been our strength, our hope, and our wisdom, as we've ridden the waves of highs and lows. Thank you, Lord, for being the glue that has held us together through the years.  We pray that the next 22 years will be just as blessed.


As I give thanks for our marriage, I pray for the marriages of our children, Alyssa and Kyle.  Prepare them now for a life of commitment and honor, from the day they say "I do", until the end of life.  Give them the character to "stick to it" even when things get hard.  I pray for the spouse you have planned for each one of them, and I ask they you prepare their hearts in the same way.  May each of their marriages be marked by your presence and the dedication to live their entire lives in honor of you.  And Lord, please protect Alyssa and Kyle, between now and then, from making wrong choices, following impulses that lead them away from your plan  for purity, and move slowly and diligently in their relationships so that you are always glorified in all that they say and do.  

Lord, generations can be blessed through marriages that are dedicated to you.  I pray Alyssa and Kyle see a good example in the marriages of their grandparents and parents, and in turn become a blessed example themselves for their children to come.


Thank you, Lord, for these 22 years!  Thank you for my dear husband!  And thank you for bringing us this far!
 

They're Watching

 Grammy & Papa walking hand-in-hand.

Grandson Luke taking note.

"This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."  Ephesians 5:32-33

Yesterday we went to a reception for a couple who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  Wow!  It reminded me to pray for my kids marriages.  I hope that one day they too will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  Below is re-post, but it seemed just what I wanted to say!

I was honored recently because someone asked to meet with me to talk about marriage.  She's struggling in her marriage, and wanted to "gather information" on how to have a good marriage, and she saw Ken and I as a couple who appeared to have it all together.  I was honored.  I do love my husband.  Though I had to admit to this woman, that as with every other married couple, we do have our struggles and bad days.  We've just committed to working hard, and staying together forever. 

What a reminder though that people are watching.  They are looking for people who are happy and successful in their marriages, to be examples of how it "should" be in their life.  We live in a world where it's easy to give up, change our minds, and break commitments.  Marriage, too often, is not a sacred covenant to be kept and worked at. 

Even greater, our children are watching.  They are keeping an eye out for how we work through conflict, show love and respect, have fun together, communicate, and help one another.  Every day becomes a lesson on what marriage can be in their lives.  What pressure sometimes.

I love that my children have two sets of grandparents who have worked hard, and stayed married through thick and thin.  I'm even grateful that their parents have chosen to work hard at our marriage, and have 20+ years under our belt.  Though these marriages aren't marked by perfection, Alyssa and Kyle have beautiful examples of how God designed marriage to be.  Forever.

Oh Lord, this is the day you have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I'm thankful for another day to draw closer to you, and closer to my family.  I'm so grateful that you are the giver of love and marriage.  You designed it to be a life-giving, joy-filling, supportive, and a forever relationship in our lives.  Your Word shows us how love and respect are the characteristics you designed God-filled marriages to be marked by.  In our own selfishness, love and respect, are sometimes hard things to live by.  Lord, as parents, who our children are watching every day, help us to reflect how to show love and respect every day.  May they see in our marriage what it looks like to have a healthy, fully-committed relationship.  I pray for our children's future spouses, and the marriages that they will have.  I pray that they find a spouse who follows you, and wants to live a marriage with you at the center.  I pray that our children want to hold on to the example of working hard through each high and low in their marriage, never giving up too easily.  Lord, I truly pray for spouses who bring abundant happiness, lifelong joy, and abiding love.  Though it is sometimes hard work, what joy marriage can bring to one's life.

Future Valentines

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

As we celebrated Valentines Day yesterday (and we did celebrate...PF Changs for lunch...yahoo!  Thank you, dear hubby), I was faced with the reality that my kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage, and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!

 

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side. 

Have Fun!

"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."  Proverbs 5:18

Birthday Buddies...2000

I just have to share something that gave me a little chuckle last week.  Kids say the funniest things sometimes (even as teenagers!), and both our kids have a wonderful sense of humor.  Sometimes it just catches me off guard.

I had a friend who asked me to share with her the books we have used to share about puberty and sex with Kyle, because she is thinking it's time to start having those conversations with her own son.  Well, I thought I would ask Kyle where his book was at dinner, but I put a twist on the question. trying to get a smile.  Who knew that the smile would come from me.

"Kyle,  I have a mom friend who is going to tell her son about puberty and sex, and she wanted me to ask you your opinion on what she should tell him."

Without hardly a blink of an eye, he says "Have fun!"

Oh we all busted a gut laughing.

I'm guessing he meant his response to be "Have fun having the sex talk", but to us it came out a whole different way.  What a funny guy!

I do pray for the marriages of our children.  I long for them to find spouses who love the Lord, who cherish them deeply, and will work hard to have happy, thriving, blessed marriages.  And "having fun" will be a plus too!

Lord, thank you for the humor you've gifted our children with, and how they just make me laugh sometimes.  But more than that, thank you for having a wonderful plan for our children's future.  You have spouses planned who will be a perfect match for Alyssa and Kyle, and will be their best friend, confidant, and encourager.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to hold high standards and values for the partner that they are looking for, and remain firm to qualities that reflect you.  Lord, prepare them to be wonderful marriage partners themselves.  May they be spouses who work hard, listen intently, sacrifice abundantly, love deeply, and forgive easily.  Thank you, Lord, for the plan you have for Alyssa and Kyle, and for the joy you have in store for their lives!

Thankful Thursday: Celebrating 21 Years

"Jesus answered, "Don't you know that in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife.  Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together."  Matthew 19:4-6 (CEV)

21 years ago today I married my best friend!

God gave me the gift of a wonderful man...

who loves me,

forgives me,

romances me,

works hard,

lives well,

and presses on.

God has been with us each step of the way...

Being our provision

our protection,

and strength.

  

We are celebrating 21 years, 

because of Him!

I love you, dear hubby of mine!  

Happy Anniversary!

Lord, thank you for giving me such a wonderful man, and helping us through 21 years of marriage.  Thank you for being the center of our lives, and for providing strength, unity, healing and joy throughout the many months and days we have been together.  Continue to draw us closer together and deeper in love, building our marriage into something that cannot be broken.  Lord, use our marriage to be an example to our children.  Help them to see that relationships are worth the hard work it takes to sustain and grow through difficult times.  Continue, Lord, to guide Alyssa and Kyle to mates who will be their best friends and stick through the thick and thin with them, following your plan for their lives.  Marriage can be a wonderful gift, and blossoms in beautiful ways when you are part of the equation.  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.  Father, thank you for being with us and blessing us with 21 years of marriage.  We look forward to watching your hand at work through the next 21 years.  

God's Plan

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

Today is my 300th blog post.  I hardly can believe it.  I began this journey last September, and it dawned on me today, that in all this time, I haven't specifically written a blog praying for my children's sexual purity.  I think about it all the time, and so it seriously surprised me as I searched through my posts.

So, I don't necessarily have an story to share, or a lesson to give, except that God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for Alyssa and Kyle.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day. 

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!
 

Chicken and Roses

"Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 9:9

I attended our annual church Women's Retreat this last weekend.  Oh what a blessed time with God.  So, so thankful!

When I came home from retreat I was delighted with so many little touches of love. 
 Roses on the table.
Chicken in the crock-pot.
Laundry washed and folded.
Floors vacuumed.
And a happy, happy family. 

I am one richly blessed woman, that's for sure!  I'm so thankful for my husband and all the little ways he shows me his love.  Romance is a nice touch, but even more than that, however, is his thoughtfulness and sacrifice in so many little ways.  Daily he finds ways to show me how much he loves me. 

I'm praying that our son is watching and taking some good lessons, because if he is, his future wife is going to be one lucky lady too. 

Lord, you have given me a wonderful man who shows me love, in so many ways, and on a daily basis.  Help our son to take lessons from his father or grandfathers on how to be thoughtful, self-less, giving, and even romantic.  I believe you have a special woman just for Kyle, and you are growing her and preparing her for a man who loves you, lives for you, and will take care of her in beautiful ways.  Continue to make Kyle the man you want him to be.  Draw him closer to you, dear Jesus, and help him fix his eyes on you as the author and perfecter of his faith.  Teach him to give sacrificially, love deeply, and forgive easily.  May he become a wonderful man of God, who loves his family, and serves you for the rest of his life.  I trust you, Jesus, with Kyle's life and believe you are moving in and through him in wonderful ways.

They're Watching!

 Grammy & Papa, married 42 years

Grandson Luke Taking Note

Today's verse:  "This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."  Ephesians 5:32-33

I was honored last week because someone asked to meet with me to talk about marriage.  She's struggling in her marriage, and wanted to "gather information" on how to have a good marriage, and she saw Ken and I as a couple who appeared to have it all together.  I was honored.  I do love my husband.  Though I had to admit to this woman, that as with every other married couple, we do have our struggles and bad days.  We've just committed to working hard, and staying together forever. 

What a reminder though that people are watching.  They are looking for people who are happy and successful in their marriages, to be examples of how it "should" be in their life.  We live in a world where it's easy to give up, change our minds, and break commitments.  Marriage, too often, is not a sacred covenant to be kept and worked at. 

Even greater, our children are watching.  They are keeping an eye out for how we work through conflict, show love and respect, have fun together, communicate, and help one another.  Every day becomes a lesson on what marriage can be in their lives.  What pressure sometimes. 

I love that my children have two sets of grandparents who have worked hard, and stayed married through thick and thin.  I'm even grateful that their parents have chosen to work hard at our marriage, and have 20+ years under our belt.  Though these marriages aren't marked by perfection, Alyssa and Kyle have beautiful examples of how God designed marriage to be.  Forever.

Oh Lord, this is the day you have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I'm thankful for another day to draw closer to you, and closer to my family.  I'm so grateful that you are the giver of love and marriage.  You designed it to be a life-giving, joy-filling, supportive, and a forever relationship in our lives.  Your Word shows us how love and respect are the characteristics you designed God-filled marriages to be marked by.  In our own selfishness, love and respect, are sometimes hard things to live by.  Lord, as parents, who our children are watching every day, help us to reflect how to show love and respect every day.  May they see in our marriage what it looks like to have a healthy, fully-committed relationship.  I pray for our children's future spouses, and the marriages that they will have.  I pray that they find a spouse who follows you, and wants to live a marriage with you at the center.  I pray that our children want to hold on to the example of working hard through each high and low in their marriage, never giving up too easily.  Lord, I truly pray for spouses who bring abundant happiness, lifelong joy, and abiding love.  Though it is sometimes hard work, what joy marriage can bring to one's life.

Happy Valentines Day!

Today's verse:  "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

Valentine's Day is the perfect day to celebrate the love of my life!  God has truly blessed me.  We met 22 years ago, and have been dancing together through life ever since.  Of course, in the 20 years since we've been married there have been ups and downs, but with God by our side, our love has always remained.  Here's to another 20 years.  I love you, Ken!

In reality my kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage, and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!

Valentines Day is a good day to reflect on past memories, celebrate present love, and hope for a strong futures...ours and our kids!

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side.