Essential for Marriage

Just after we were engaged, I began to search for books on marriage. And although we read many, I can honestly say that the one I now recommend to all couples above any other is one S gave me a few weeks ago. It’s called, “When Sinners Say ‘I Do’: Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage” by Dave Harvey. It is the most candid, thorough, deliberate, and gospel-centered book I’ve ever read on this topic.

Some marriage books give neat little suggestions, address how to deal with conflict, talk about sex, and give little bits of information to the husband and wife. But, this is the first book I’ve read that puts the Gospel at the center of two sinners in marriage. Because, let’s face it: that’s who we are.

Prior to marriage, tucked away in the privacy of my own bedroom, it all seemed quite doable. When I had that time to myself and quiet, I had all the patience and love in the world! So what happens to all that love, grace, and patience? The truth of the matter is that our marriage shouldn’t just be based on how much love we think we have, our commitment to each other, or even the vows we have made. Because even those can be broken. Marriage needs to be focused on the truth of God’s Word which never fails and never changes.

God designed marriage for His glory, and I’m thankful that in that plan He also made it for our good. And, it is good! I love being married to S! Every night before I fall off to sleep, I stare at him sleeping and thank the Lord for the gift I have in Him. I know that God joined us together for His glory, and it’s amazing to me that He has used our own sinfulness to draw us closer to Himself and each other. Things that could have destroyed us, things that could have driven a deep nail of bitterness have brought forth repentance, forgiveness, joy, and intimacy. God is so good and kind to us. We’ve come to rejoice that it is “His kindness that leads to repentance”, and His love that brings forgiveness. It is only through His Word, example, and grace that we can understand forgiveness and offer it to each other.

We’re not afraid of sin anymore because we realize that it is sin that leads us to the cross. It is there that we find grace and forgiveness. In Christ, we’ve been forgiven much! His kindness is immeasurable! I’m amazed at how differently I look at others when I view them through the eyes of mercy. Christ looked upon me in all my sin and chose to forgive me. Although I do it often, I don’t desire to be the man in Matthew who was forgiven much and then did not forgive. What an awful place to be! I want to see my sin, my debt, my need, and HIS grace when I look at S. I want to see Him through the love Christ has shown me.

Must go for now, but seriously, check out the book! It will touch all the areas that no one else touches, and those places we don’t often talk about. And, it will point you to the Gospel of grace, which we all need.

Her Big Day- The Two Year Mark

My heart has been bursting with excitement the last few days as we’ve been approaching A’s second birthday. I’m just abundantly blessed as I think back on all the memories we have these last two years. My life is all the fuller and richer because of our daughter!

This morning when we woke A from bed, we sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She said, “Sing again, Mama, Papa?” And, at breakfast as I was reminding her how much we have to be thankful for she said, “So thankful for dinner!” ;-)

This morning was A’s first day in the big-kid room at church! She was welcomed by such wonderful, caring individuals! She learned about Jesus being baptized by John, played with friends, and was invited to celebrate her birthday with a little cake! We’re so blessed by such thoughtfulness! When we asked A what she thought of her morning in the big class she said, “It was interesting!” and then we all laughed!

A’s friend Rosie gave her a pair of her own red tights. She put them in a brown paper bag with a purple piece of paper taped to the outside with her name on it. How dear is that?!

And, as if that weren’t enough to touch our hearts, our landlord and his girlfriend stopped by to see her today. They brought two books as gifts! They know how much she loves books and they wanted to encourage her love for reading. It was just amazing!

In a few hours, we’ll head over to have dinner with both sets of Grandparents and one set of Great- Grandparents. A keeps saying how she can’t wait to see her “friends” tonight. And… to have pizza, of course! HA.

I’m baking some cookies, nibbling on them as I go, and reflecting on the goodness of God in our dear, precious child. Thank you, God! You are so good to us! What a privilege it is to point this precious child to Yourself, what a joy to serve you in raising her. Thank you! We love you!

Big Changes in our Little One

Our little muffin is changing so much. It’s almost as if we have a new child! She’s growing in her curiosity, imagination, and VOCABULARY! For Christmas, we gave her a collection of Eric Carle’s longer stories. She walks around the house saying, “Eric Carle” and then “Read Pancakes” because she loves his story about pancakes. She also goes in to her kitchen to make us pancakes and pizza. We had some friends over for pizza the day after Christmas, and ever since, she can’t stop talking about pizza. We picked up a book at the library a couple days ago about Curious George at the pizza shop and now she requests to read it quite frequently.

The most interesting of all is that in a couple of her books the word “sad” is referenced. One was in a Curious George book when we he realized he lost the bunny and the other in her Eloise Wilkin book which says that God is with us when we are lonely, hurt, sorry, or sad. The other evening when A didn’t particularly enjoy the meal of choice, she looked at me and said, “Mama, I’m sad.”  Oh my! Now she says it when Papa leaves, when she is disappointed, or when she needs extra snuggles. Wow.

She also surprised us today by saying “I’m happy!” after we finished lunch. She then said, “Happy New Year, Ju-Ju!” (Judah is her favorite Lion friend.)

With all these new words also have come many new changes. She was scared and sad going to bed a few nights in a row, seemed to have some bad dreams, became very clingy during the daytime hours, and was rather frustrated at the challenges in communicating with us. Sometimes these words are not the easiest to understand! We are trying hard because we desire to know her heart and thoughts.

This is an exciting time! Words are connecting with her thoughts and emotions, and we are getting to know and understand her in fresh and exciting ways. We’re grateful and excited for this new season!