For My Valentine

A sunset.  Has to be my favorite piece of art ever created.  There are never two just alike and no one can come close to duplicating the artists original piece.  And, my life changed waiting on a sunset.

I'll never forget that hot July night.  We'd been in Panama City for a couple of days. Enjoying the sand and the waves. Eating some wonderful seafood. Taking in the sights.  Little did I know he was waiting on a sunset.  The weather had been less than perfect that week.  Cloudy at best, scattered showers.  So finally after days of waiting on perfection, he chose to take a leap.



That night we'd eaten dinner, gone to hear a little music and then went for a walk on the pier. It was late but that ring in his pocket must have been burning a hole because he just couldn't wait any longer. And even though he'll tell you he wished he would have gotten down on one knee, it was perfect.  There was no beautiful sunset, no perfect romantic place.  It was just him and me.  And a yes!

Anthony, after celebrating 9 wonderful years of marriage and the births of 3 handsome, fun boys, I realize that there may never be perfection.  But as long as I'm with you, that's right where I want to be.  Here's to many more years together.  And one day, we'll have that sunset!

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=91BF2MNU

 

Now, Was That Scared...or Sacred?

The boys and I had the opportunity to join my husband this past weekend as he journeyed to the Florida panhandle to serve as the camp pastor for an amazing group of students and adults.  The weekend was for sure busy.  Lots of water...lots and lots and lots of sand.  The weather was beautiful and the boys were wonderful!  Panama City Beach, Florida is a place that holds a very near and dear place in my heart.  In July 2003 while on the pier there in PCB, Anthony asked me to be his wife.  I'll never forget it!

So much has changed in our nearly nine years of married life.  We've moved to four different cities, not including Harvest, Alabama where we were living when we said "I Do!".  Added three beautiful boys to our family.  Experienced a change in Anthony's ministry from youth ministry to lead pastor.  I've had to opportunity to go from working wife and mom to domestic diva and chief operating officer...of the home that is.  We've paid off three vehicles, bought and sold two houses (by the grace of God...literally) and have VERY limited debt.  I say all of this because we've also learned what it means to be helpmates.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” ~ Genesis 2:18

What a thought.  The Lord God looked at Anthony and made a helper, me, who is just right for him.  Wow!  There have been countless days that I've struggled, not seeing my worth because I was looking at all I was not.  And there have been days I've struggled, not seeing the worth in our marriage because of our differences.  Standing on the altar that rainy January day, I was in love.  I knew beyond a doubt that he loved me and had chosen me.  Scared was not in my vocabulary.  Scared I was making a mistake? No.  The boy had taken nearly 2 years to propose.  By this time, I knew what I wanted and I couldn't see my life without him.  Scared he'd leave?  No. We'd talked, many many times, about divorce.  When he proposed, I knew the only way out was death.   Sure we have intense moments of fellowship and we've allowed what should be intentional to become routine from time to time.  But what I'm reminded of is this...

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

There is something sacred in forgiveness.  There is something healing in hearing the words I love you.  There is something uplifting when love is an action and not a feeling, an emotion.  What I'm learning is marriage is the single place I can be exactly who God made me to be...without fear of rejection.  After all, He made me just right for Anthony.  Do I ever get scared?  Sure.  My marriage is sacred to me.  And I'm choosing, even today, to work at it.  To stand with my husband and fight for this relationship because I can see Satan attacking the institution of marriage all around me.  And I understand that my vows to Anthony are a covenant between myself, Anthony and the Lord God.  And when I feel like attacking, I have to understand my battle ground is not my home, it's not my husband.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  ~ Ephesians 6:12

I'm not scared of my enemy and I will hold sacred my covenant vows to my husband.  I am pleading the blood of Jesus over many relationships today.  I pray that the eyes of your heart would be opened to all that God has in store for your marriage.  Decide today to be intentional in loving your spouse the way God's Word describes.

How can you be creative in showing your spouse  you love and appreciate them today?