fifteen years

Celebrating fifteen years of marriage to the man I love! It all began eighteen years ago, we had met just three weeks earlier on a mission trip. One evening we sat outside by the pool...talking, sharing with one another our hopes and dreams when he reached out for my hand. He cupped my hands in his and asked if he could pray.

One of the most tender, heartfelt prayers I had ever heard...somewhere in there he thanked God for having our paths cross and committed us to Him...if that was just a friendship or if we would grow old together, serving him...rocking side by side in our rocking chairs some day. When he finished praying, I looked up to see a tear coming down his cheek. In my heart, I was already saying "I do."

It was three years later that I got to say those words before our family and friends, confessing that covenant of marriage before our Lord.

Thankful for a faithful God who has held two sinners who love one another.

My nose in a book!

For the first time, in quite a while, I have picked up some great fiction novels for the summer. Lynn Austin's Gods and Kings series has me walking the dusty roads of Jerusalem alongside kings and prophets of the Old Testament. Loving that my feet are getting dusty with this series.

While determined to read only for fun & enjoyment this summer - meaning that I would not jump right into my regular reading of ministry, leadership, church. Well, maybe just one won't hurt - I have Alan Hirsch's The Forgotten Ways on my kindle! Admission - while taking the summer for rest, I also find enjoyment in learning more of how God's church can best bring Him glory!

"No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, poet

coming undone

"I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Over the past year, especially the last six months, God has brought our family through a ministry valley. God called us to be a part of something, pour much of ourselves into it...for His name sake. Directions shifted, changes were made...and there were days when I felt like a tightly stretched rope, frayed, hanging on by a single strand. We all will have these times in our lives, especially if we are walking in obedience to the Lord. Our response is what will make the difference.

Learning (sometimes the hard way) to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves or others.

Knowing that God's grace is sufficient, and his mercies are new every day.

Submitting to my husband brings joy beyond measure. He has been a rock.

Teaching our children to be steadfast in their faith, by watching us be steadfast in our faith.

Experiencing friendships that comfort, stand in the gap, speak truth, & are trustworthy.

I do know that on the days when I felt the stretch, more of the coming undone...

that single strand left that kept me from snapping altogether was my trust in the Lord.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."

Proverbs 3:5-7

These two scriptures I have shared with many, children and their parents, along the way. God gave me new eyes to see them & heart to understand them while walking the valley - certain that if his hand could hurt from my squeezing it so tightly it was! Often times both in the valleys and on the mountain tops it is worship through song (David was so onto this, thankful for the Psalms) that keeps our eyes on the Lord.

Laura Story's song Blessings has been a sweet balm during a difficult time. Something tells me that you will relate. While your heartaches, circumstances, and even joys are different...they can be mercies in disguise.