The house is pretty clean. Caleb is still napping. Genevieve is happily playing on the floor. And I want to share a few more thoughts about how God is using our upcoming baby to change my way of thinking...
I like to plan.
I like to know what's going to happen next. I like lists and dreams. I like calendars and schedules. I almost always know exactly what time it is. I'm very aware of times and plans and schedules.
There is nothing wrong with any of these things.
God has plans. He gave us time. He has a schedule and an agenda. He is very purposeful. He has divine appointments with people.
The trouble starts to happen when I value my plan- my agenda, my dreams- over His.
Our 3rd pregnancy is bringing the truth of that into plain sight.
Before we got pregnant, we knew the choices we were making were not 99% accurate that we could not get pregnant. And I liked that. When close friends asked me about having more children, I told them that I wanted to give God more room to work than that. I wanted my heart to be open to His timing.
And He worked. He gave us a baby. And I almost feel like this is a test.
"Ok, Dru-Lynn. You said you were going to trust me if this happened. Are you, really?"
This was not my plan. But it was His. And even though I don't completely understand how everything is going to work, I know He's here. I know He's going to help.
One of the crazy things, to me, is how obsessed our current American culture is with family planning. Think about it. When was the last time you were asked- or you asked someone else- one of these questions:
How many kids are you going to have?
How long are you and your husband going to wait before you have kids?
When do you want your baby to come? Avoid the summer at all costs!
You're done having kids, right?
It's like everyone assumes that everyone else is taking pills religiously or using an IUD until they think it's the "right" time to have a baby. And then, you stop using whatever it was, and you magically become pregnant, exactly when you wanted to.* And you do that each time you want a baby. And when you think you've had enough, your husband has a vasectomy. And every child fits perfectly into your little plan.
I don't like that. I may be a critical part of the life-giving process, but I'm not ultimately the life-giver. It can be very scary trusting Him with all of this, but I know that He is far wiser than me!
Isaiah 55:8
"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways," declares the LORD."
*(It works the other way, too, you know... You may plan a baby and God says, not now or not ever. I have friends that have been trying for 3 years to have a baby. Or people that want 3 or 4 and can't have more than 1 or 2- for all kinds of reasons. Then there are the girls that aren't married and yearn for children. All of that requires a great deal of trust, too.)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Our 17-Week Secret
Happy New Year, dear friends.
I had not realized that I hadn't blogged in over half a year!
No wonder so many of you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth...
I have something that I need to tell you all.
I've been thinking through how I wanted to tell you for several weeks now.
Did I want to be all sentimental or poetic... Did I want to break it to you slow?
I've decided that blunt is best.
We are pregnant.
And not a "little bit" pregnant.
I find out next week if our baby is a boy or a girl.
We are due approx. June 10th.
This is exciting news. (Babies are blessings!)
This is scary news. (I already have 2 babies. And the oldest is 2!)
This is must-trust-God-in-all-things news.
To be completely honest with you, I was shocked, surprised, and scared when we found out.
I didn't want to tell anybody... and I wanted to tell everybody.
I wanted to scream and cry. I couldn't believe it was all happening so fast.
I have so many beautiful friends that supported me along the way.
Carlene- who I told first and just let me pour out my heart. Who said that God was big enough to handle all of my raw emotion.
Sharon- the lactation consultant who graciously listened to all my concerns and told me to keep nursing Genevieve without worry and who reminded me that a new sibling was a precious gift to my children
Natalie- who did this same thing (3 under 3) about 10 years ago and who encouraged me to give myself plenty of grace and plenty of space (for example: napping instead of blogging or being of FB)
Cari- who was SO excited when I told her the news- not shocked, not surprised- but elated. Her response was such an encouragement to me!
And so many others- who have reminded me that God's plan is good- especially when it surprises us.
There have been a few others (I knew there would be- and I was afraid of them...) who made the usual comments: "You need to get cable"..."They have things to prevent that... pills, purple condoms" "You are crazy!!!"
I'm trying to keep myself focused. The task ahead of me is huge. Monumental. Undoable on my own. So thankful that God walks alongside me every step of the way. There may be some times He's going to have to carry me...
One verse that I have always loved, but means so much more to me now is Ephesians 2:10. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I am God's workmanship. He created my body to create, carry, deliver and nurture babies. Lots of little ones is my good work. He prepared this work for me to do before time began. And I will trust Him.
I had not realized that I hadn't blogged in over half a year!
No wonder so many of you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth...
I have something that I need to tell you all.
I've been thinking through how I wanted to tell you for several weeks now.
Did I want to be all sentimental or poetic... Did I want to break it to you slow?
I've decided that blunt is best.
We are pregnant.
And not a "little bit" pregnant.
I find out next week if our baby is a boy or a girl.
We are due approx. June 10th.
This is exciting news. (Babies are blessings!)
This is scary news. (I already have 2 babies. And the oldest is 2!)
This is must-trust-God-in-all-things news.
To be completely honest with you, I was shocked, surprised, and scared when we found out.
I didn't want to tell anybody... and I wanted to tell everybody.
I wanted to scream and cry. I couldn't believe it was all happening so fast.
I have so many beautiful friends that supported me along the way.
Carlene- who I told first and just let me pour out my heart. Who said that God was big enough to handle all of my raw emotion.
Sharon- the lactation consultant who graciously listened to all my concerns and told me to keep nursing Genevieve without worry and who reminded me that a new sibling was a precious gift to my children
Natalie- who did this same thing (3 under 3) about 10 years ago and who encouraged me to give myself plenty of grace and plenty of space (for example: napping instead of blogging or being of FB)
Cari- who was SO excited when I told her the news- not shocked, not surprised- but elated. Her response was such an encouragement to me!
And so many others- who have reminded me that God's plan is good- especially when it surprises us.
There have been a few others (I knew there would be- and I was afraid of them...) who made the usual comments: "You need to get cable"..."They have things to prevent that... pills, purple condoms" "You are crazy!!!"
I'm trying to keep myself focused. The task ahead of me is huge. Monumental. Undoable on my own. So thankful that God walks alongside me every step of the way. There may be some times He's going to have to carry me...
One verse that I have always loved, but means so much more to me now is Ephesians 2:10. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I am God's workmanship. He created my body to create, carry, deliver and nurture babies. Lots of little ones is my good work. He prepared this work for me to do before time began. And I will trust Him.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sacrificing Sleep
One of the things that I learned when Caleb was an infant, was that it was okay to not attend social events because of his schedule. Nap time became nearly sacred. If he didn't rest, then he was grouchy. If I didn't rest, then I was an emotional wreck come dinner time. Nap time was super important. So I protected it, even if it disappointed people. A dear friend told me not to worry about it. "They don't have to live with the consequences," she said, "You and Ross do. So do whatever is best for your family."
And I follow that advice. Sorry, but if you want to meet up with me, it needs to be in the morning. You are welcome to come to our home anytime, but if it's around 2 pm, no one's going to be awake : )
The past week, though, has been full of important once-in-a-lifetime events. Weddings, graduations, out-of-town guests. (I pray visiting with them happens again in this lifetime : ) it just only happens every few years...)
So I sacrificed precious sleep to be with people during the special moments in their lives.
And it was good.
And it was exhausting.
But we've mostly recovered : )
So I haven't been blogging because I've been running around the valley. (Almost literally. I've been from El Mirage to Gilbert... I drove though, I didn't run : ) )
But it's been a good lesson for my heart.
Saying no to people can be hard- but it's a good lesson in not fearing man.
Saying yes to people can be hard- but it's a good lesson in flexibility and trusting that the LORD is going to honor my sacrifice of sleep and give me the strength to make it through.
I'm happy to announce that He did just that : )
P.S. I have some cool opportunities to give the gospel messages at VBS this year and to co-lead a girls' bible study through Ruth. I'll blog when I can, but I have lots of lesson planning to do!!
And I follow that advice. Sorry, but if you want to meet up with me, it needs to be in the morning. You are welcome to come to our home anytime, but if it's around 2 pm, no one's going to be awake : )
The past week, though, has been full of important once-in-a-lifetime events. Weddings, graduations, out-of-town guests. (I pray visiting with them happens again in this lifetime : ) it just only happens every few years...)
So I sacrificed precious sleep to be with people during the special moments in their lives.
And it was good.
And it was exhausting.
But we've mostly recovered : )
So I haven't been blogging because I've been running around the valley. (Almost literally. I've been from El Mirage to Gilbert... I drove though, I didn't run : ) )
But it's been a good lesson for my heart.
Saying no to people can be hard- but it's a good lesson in not fearing man.
Saying yes to people can be hard- but it's a good lesson in flexibility and trusting that the LORD is going to honor my sacrifice of sleep and give me the strength to make it through.
I'm happy to announce that He did just that : )
P.S. I have some cool opportunities to give the gospel messages at VBS this year and to co-lead a girls' bible study through Ruth. I'll blog when I can, but I have lots of lesson planning to do!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A Truth About Marriage: Part Three
Truth #3: Don't forget who you are fighting for and who you are fighting against.
So as God perfects us to be more like His Son (Truth #1) and as He uses hard things to bind ourselves together (Truth #2) He brings glory to Himself. Lots of glory.
People look at strong Christian marriages and they ask questions. How come she doesn't nag you all the time? (Because God is developing patience in her heart.) Why is it so easy to get your husband to commit to a local church? (Because God is building him up to be the spiritual leader in our home.) When you two disagree, you do it so respectfully. How do you manage that? ( God is teaching us to honor one another and to cultivate peace in our home.)
I could go on and on with examples. When two people who love the LORD honor him and each other through marriage, it sets an example of the gospel- and people notice it. Most see it as a beautiful thing. The LORD certainly does. It brings Him much joy.
But there is one person who hates it very, very much. Can you guess who?
Satan.
The last thing he wants is for God to receive glory and for the gospel to be honored. So he fights hard against it. He lies to us. He discourages us. He sends more challenging trials our way. He keeps pointing out our spouse's faults.
And if we are not careful, we can start listening to him. And sometimes, we can start to believe that the man that God made us one with, is our enemy. This leads to all kinds of trouble... anger, strife, all kinds of fighting. We are fighting the wrong person!
We must not let this happen. We must know Satan's schemes and have plans to defeat them. He only has a few tactics, but I'm sure he uses certain ones on certain people.
He loves to tell me that Ross really doesn't love me. Because if Ross really did love me... he'd say it more. And when he did say it, he'd say it more passionately. And he'd be more romantic. And...
And I just have to tell Satan to shut up.
But if I don't do it fast enough, I start questioning Ross and feeling disappointed and hurt about A BUNCH OF LIES!!
And how do we defeat Satan's lies? With the truth. The truth about our husbands- but most importantly- the truth about our Savior. We ask Jesus for help. We ask Him to guard our hearts against the lies.
I've done that several times. Satan's favorite time to lie to me is late at night when Ross has just fallen asleep. (If he really loved me, he wouldn't fall asleep while I was talking to him... SHUT UP!!) Sometimes, I'm just too tired to fight, and I just ask Jesus to fight off Satan for me. "Please guard my heart. Stand in the gap and fight for me, please!" And He does. And my heart is filled with peace and I can go to sleep.
When I shared all of this with Marisa- the bride-to-be, I encouraged her to pray, pray, pray for her marriage, for her husband, and for her heart. To pray the truth of Scripture over them. The word of the LORD sends Satan running. Here are the Scriptures we prayed for her. I encourage you to pray them over your marriage as well.
Proverbs 5:15-18- Pray for sexual faithfulness and satisfaction within your marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-24- Pray that the wife would have a submissive heart.
Ephesians 5: 25-27- Pray that the husband would be loving and a spiritual leader in the home.
Psalm 127: 3-5- Pray for the blessing of children!
Titus 2:4-5-Pray for older women mentors and for a heart that loves their husband and children, that's self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind and submissive.
So start fighting the good fight- against Satan- with your husband- not against him!
So as God perfects us to be more like His Son (Truth #1) and as He uses hard things to bind ourselves together (Truth #2) He brings glory to Himself. Lots of glory.
People look at strong Christian marriages and they ask questions. How come she doesn't nag you all the time? (Because God is developing patience in her heart.) Why is it so easy to get your husband to commit to a local church? (Because God is building him up to be the spiritual leader in our home.) When you two disagree, you do it so respectfully. How do you manage that? ( God is teaching us to honor one another and to cultivate peace in our home.)
I could go on and on with examples. When two people who love the LORD honor him and each other through marriage, it sets an example of the gospel- and people notice it. Most see it as a beautiful thing. The LORD certainly does. It brings Him much joy.
But there is one person who hates it very, very much. Can you guess who?
Satan.
The last thing he wants is for God to receive glory and for the gospel to be honored. So he fights hard against it. He lies to us. He discourages us. He sends more challenging trials our way. He keeps pointing out our spouse's faults.
And if we are not careful, we can start listening to him. And sometimes, we can start to believe that the man that God made us one with, is our enemy. This leads to all kinds of trouble... anger, strife, all kinds of fighting. We are fighting the wrong person!
We must not let this happen. We must know Satan's schemes and have plans to defeat them. He only has a few tactics, but I'm sure he uses certain ones on certain people.
He loves to tell me that Ross really doesn't love me. Because if Ross really did love me... he'd say it more. And when he did say it, he'd say it more passionately. And he'd be more romantic. And...
And I just have to tell Satan to shut up.
But if I don't do it fast enough, I start questioning Ross and feeling disappointed and hurt about A BUNCH OF LIES!!
And how do we defeat Satan's lies? With the truth. The truth about our husbands- but most importantly- the truth about our Savior. We ask Jesus for help. We ask Him to guard our hearts against the lies.
I've done that several times. Satan's favorite time to lie to me is late at night when Ross has just fallen asleep. (If he really loved me, he wouldn't fall asleep while I was talking to him... SHUT UP!!) Sometimes, I'm just too tired to fight, and I just ask Jesus to fight off Satan for me. "Please guard my heart. Stand in the gap and fight for me, please!" And He does. And my heart is filled with peace and I can go to sleep.
When I shared all of this with Marisa- the bride-to-be, I encouraged her to pray, pray, pray for her marriage, for her husband, and for her heart. To pray the truth of Scripture over them. The word of the LORD sends Satan running. Here are the Scriptures we prayed for her. I encourage you to pray them over your marriage as well.
Proverbs 5:15-18- Pray for sexual faithfulness and satisfaction within your marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-24- Pray that the wife would have a submissive heart.
Ephesians 5: 25-27- Pray that the husband would be loving and a spiritual leader in the home.
Psalm 127: 3-5- Pray for the blessing of children!
Titus 2:4-5-Pray for older women mentors and for a heart that loves their husband and children, that's self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind and submissive.
So start fighting the good fight- against Satan- with your husband- not against him!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Summer Cookin'
Here's the menu tonight at our house:
Skilled-cooked boneless pork chops (they're on sale at Sprouts for $2/lb!!)
Homemade rice pilaf (a million times tastier than a box... and really not much more trouble.)
Steamed broccoli (for good health : ) )
And while that sounds and smells delicious... my thermometer is reading 102 degrees outside and 84 in.
Summer cooking in Arizona can be so... very... sweaty. (Ick!)
So here's my question for you:
What yummy dinners do you like to prepare in the summer that require very little heat?
One of our favorites is chicken salad sandwiches (I am blessed to have a husband that likes "girl food").
As I wipe my brow, I'm wondering why I'm not making it tonight. Oh, well, perhaps next Tuesday??
Skilled-cooked boneless pork chops (they're on sale at Sprouts for $2/lb!!)
Homemade rice pilaf (a million times tastier than a box... and really not much more trouble.)
Steamed broccoli (for good health : ) )
And while that sounds and smells delicious... my thermometer is reading 102 degrees outside and 84 in.
Summer cooking in Arizona can be so... very... sweaty. (Ick!)
So here's my question for you:
What yummy dinners do you like to prepare in the summer that require very little heat?
One of our favorites is chicken salad sandwiches (I am blessed to have a husband that likes "girl food").
As I wipe my brow, I'm wondering why I'm not making it tonight. Oh, well, perhaps next Tuesday??
A Truth About Marriage: Part Two
Truth #2: God is working to make you and your husband one. He does this in weird ways...
On our wedding day, when we promise before God and a bunch of people, that we will love our spouses always and be faithful to them, God immediately makes our hearts one. So oneness is an immediate state- but also a perpetually growing state. It's a lifelong process.
We'd like to think that the things that develop intimacy between man and wife are fun things. Sometimes they are. Ross and I have ongoing conversations about things that are important to us. If you were to jump into one of them, you might be lost- because we've already spent hours and hours thinking through things together. Physical intimacy is a fun thing to develop. Ross knows my body like no one else does. And all of that discovering was always super fun, right?
Or did some of that intimacy- that oneness- come from not-so-fun endeavors? Every couple has some experiences where someone felt pain or disappointment. Someone may end up crying or blushing. That's when true intimacy happens.
And a lot of intimacy happens outside the bedroom- in similar, not-so-perfect circumstances. Sure, oneness comes as you celebrate a promotion together- but it comes way faster when someone faces unemployment. Common friendships bond hearts- but the loss of a common friend can create a permanent tie.
I can think of three couples, off the top of my head, who have lost children at very young ages. Praise God that both spouses knew the LORD and trusted Him. While such a situation in a non-Christian marriage, almost always leads to divorce- these couples know an intimacy that the rest of us lack. And that precious intimacy came from a horrible, tragic, heartbreaking event.
And that's how our good God works!
Satan sneaks in, ready to steal, kill and destroy and God says, "Thank you very much. I will take this awful thing, use it to bind their hearts together and bring much glory to myself."
Remember this the next time something hard happens. When you and your husband are pulling your hair out trying to discipline your children. When money is too tight for a night out alone. When you find out one of you is terminally ill.
Don't run away from those trials. Hold hands tight and run to Jesus together. Then be on the look-out for the intimacy He develops in your hearts. He will do it. For your good and for His glory.
On our wedding day, when we promise before God and a bunch of people, that we will love our spouses always and be faithful to them, God immediately makes our hearts one. So oneness is an immediate state- but also a perpetually growing state. It's a lifelong process.
We'd like to think that the things that develop intimacy between man and wife are fun things. Sometimes they are. Ross and I have ongoing conversations about things that are important to us. If you were to jump into one of them, you might be lost- because we've already spent hours and hours thinking through things together. Physical intimacy is a fun thing to develop. Ross knows my body like no one else does. And all of that discovering was always super fun, right?
Or did some of that intimacy- that oneness- come from not-so-fun endeavors? Every couple has some experiences where someone felt pain or disappointment. Someone may end up crying or blushing. That's when true intimacy happens.
And a lot of intimacy happens outside the bedroom- in similar, not-so-perfect circumstances. Sure, oneness comes as you celebrate a promotion together- but it comes way faster when someone faces unemployment. Common friendships bond hearts- but the loss of a common friend can create a permanent tie.
I can think of three couples, off the top of my head, who have lost children at very young ages. Praise God that both spouses knew the LORD and trusted Him. While such a situation in a non-Christian marriage, almost always leads to divorce- these couples know an intimacy that the rest of us lack. And that precious intimacy came from a horrible, tragic, heartbreaking event.
And that's how our good God works!
Satan sneaks in, ready to steal, kill and destroy and God says, "Thank you very much. I will take this awful thing, use it to bind their hearts together and bring much glory to myself."
Remember this the next time something hard happens. When you and your husband are pulling your hair out trying to discipline your children. When money is too tight for a night out alone. When you find out one of you is terminally ill.
Don't run away from those trials. Hold hands tight and run to Jesus together. Then be on the look-out for the intimacy He develops in your hearts. He will do it. For your good and for His glory.
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Truth About Marriage: Part One
At last week's bridal shower, I had the opportunity to share 3 truths with the bride. I told her that I was so glad that I had that opportunity- because I needed to remind myself of a few things as well!
Isn't it so easy, when you are married, to fall into lies and discouragement? I hope this post (and the two to follow, hopefully :) ) will bring hope to your heart!
Truth #1: God did not create marriage primarily for our happiness, but our holiness.
Satan lies to us from several angles in this regard. When we are little girls, we hear fairy tales where Prince Charming comes, marries the girl and they live (say it with me now...) "Happily Ever After!" When we're older- a small part of our heart is convinced that if we could just get a man to commit to us... we'd be happier.
Yet, at the same time, Satan's telling men that marriage will weigh them down. That it won't be any fun. Girls are sitting around waiting for marriage so their happy life can start. Men drag their feet, because they're convinced as soon as they do, their happy life will end.
But the truth, my friends, is that marriage IS a happy establishment. God saw that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. Life in the perfect garden with the perfect God- was still a little lonely. God gave Eve to Adam as a gift- a gift of happiness.
I told Marisa last week that marriage is full of happy moments. If you are married, take a minute to think of them. The joy of your wedding day. The sweetness of late night conversations. The moments when you know what each other is thinking. The simple pleasure of a quiet dinner together. The exhilaration of love making. The excitement of delivering a baby together. Marriage is a happy thing.
Sometimes.
While God did mean for marriage to be a glorious, happy institution- that's not all He is concerned with. Mature Christians know this full well- my happiness is not his top priority.
He is, however, extremely concerned with my sanctification. Am I becoming more like His son Christ Jesus? Am I producing fruit? These questions are in the forefront of His mind.
And marriage is the perfect institution to develop character and fruit.
If you are married, take a minute to think of the last time you had to be loving towards your selfish husband, or joyful while doing what he wanted to do, or peaceful when you just wanted to scream, or patient when he wasn't doing things your way, or kind when he had just hurt your feelings, or good when you wanted to be bad, or gentle when harsh words filled your mind, or faithful when surely it would be more fun to be married to anybody else or self-controlled when you wanted to explode in anger.
These are some pretty vivid examples, but I'm sure you're nodding your head at at-least one of them. (I'm working hard on the patience one...)
Now take a minute to think of what you would have been nodding your head to when you were first married. Are things any different now? Has your character been developed? Even just a little more patient, or kind or loving or gentle?
See. God knew what He was doing. Isn't He good? He's at work. Rejoice as He perfects you. Character is developed in lots of different ways- in lots of different situations. Christians grow through trials and persecutions. While walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
I'm thankful that I can grow a little bit, each day, as I hold hands with my best friend. And I'm thankful God is at work perfecting him, too... as he deals with sinful little me!
Isn't it so easy, when you are married, to fall into lies and discouragement? I hope this post (and the two to follow, hopefully :) ) will bring hope to your heart!
Truth #1: God did not create marriage primarily for our happiness, but our holiness.
Satan lies to us from several angles in this regard. When we are little girls, we hear fairy tales where Prince Charming comes, marries the girl and they live (say it with me now...) "Happily Ever After!" When we're older- a small part of our heart is convinced that if we could just get a man to commit to us... we'd be happier.
Yet, at the same time, Satan's telling men that marriage will weigh them down. That it won't be any fun. Girls are sitting around waiting for marriage so their happy life can start. Men drag their feet, because they're convinced as soon as they do, their happy life will end.
But the truth, my friends, is that marriage IS a happy establishment. God saw that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. Life in the perfect garden with the perfect God- was still a little lonely. God gave Eve to Adam as a gift- a gift of happiness.
I told Marisa last week that marriage is full of happy moments. If you are married, take a minute to think of them. The joy of your wedding day. The sweetness of late night conversations. The moments when you know what each other is thinking. The simple pleasure of a quiet dinner together. The exhilaration of love making. The excitement of delivering a baby together. Marriage is a happy thing.
Sometimes.
While God did mean for marriage to be a glorious, happy institution- that's not all He is concerned with. Mature Christians know this full well- my happiness is not his top priority.
He is, however, extremely concerned with my sanctification. Am I becoming more like His son Christ Jesus? Am I producing fruit? These questions are in the forefront of His mind.
And marriage is the perfect institution to develop character and fruit.
If you are married, take a minute to think of the last time you had to be loving towards your selfish husband, or joyful while doing what he wanted to do, or peaceful when you just wanted to scream, or patient when he wasn't doing things your way, or kind when he had just hurt your feelings, or good when you wanted to be bad, or gentle when harsh words filled your mind, or faithful when surely it would be more fun to be married to anybody else or self-controlled when you wanted to explode in anger.
These are some pretty vivid examples, but I'm sure you're nodding your head at at-least one of them. (I'm working hard on the patience one...)
Now take a minute to think of what you would have been nodding your head to when you were first married. Are things any different now? Has your character been developed? Even just a little more patient, or kind or loving or gentle?
See. God knew what He was doing. Isn't He good? He's at work. Rejoice as He perfects you. Character is developed in lots of different ways- in lots of different situations. Christians grow through trials and persecutions. While walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
I'm thankful that I can grow a little bit, each day, as I hold hands with my best friend. And I'm thankful God is at work perfecting him, too... as he deals with sinful little me!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)