Someone Knows you Are There….
One of the things I learned a couple of years ago, about marriage, I find very insightful about life. In the movie SHALL WE DANCE, with Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, and Susan Sarandon, a question was 'asked' that went right into my spirit. We just never know how the Holy Spirit will teach us or who or what He will use…..that sure is exciting!
Susan is Richard's wife (in the movie) and Jennifer is a dance instructor. When Richard comes home late, on a regular basis, Susan hires a Detective to follow Richard. When she finds he is taking dancing lessons, she tells the Detective she no longer needs him……however, in their final conversation she asks him why he thinks people get married. He answers because of love and attraction to that person. Her reply is that we marry so we will have a 'witness' to our life.
There may have been more, but that went into my spirit, thinking how God said it was not good for man to be alone; I am sure for many reasons. And, I realized, one of the reasons, I liked being married so much was that I had another person to think about, consider and love. I was a witness to his life….his joys, his pains, his routine, etc. and it was fulfilling to be a part of that. I also like the idea that the same was true for my husband–he knew and understood me in so much and was kind and patient in the bad times, loving, fun and appreciative in the good times.
Now, that I am a widow and alone there is no witness to my daily life. No one knows when I get up, what I eat or what I do…..there is a vacancy there. My small 5 pound dog, Sparkey, is great company, but it certainly is not the same. I have family and friends who call or see me, but their schedules do not allow for a daily visit….nor should it…..they are very busy and very loving to me. Of course the Lord is always with me, and I am so grateful for that–and feel His presence often–but we do live in a physical world, and association with each other is super important.
I am writing this because if you are married, I how you will take another look at your partner and appreciate even one more gift God has given us in having each other. And, we who are alone appreciate the friends and family no matter how much time we have with them. Having a witness to your life is another reason to bond to that person for the mere sake of down-to-earth well-being. Being alone is definitely not an excuse to feel sorry for ourselves (I tried that and it is no fun) but to recognize the benefil of others and work on being a better mate, friend or family member.
Well, this was fun, and I pray we all have witness to our lives, and we live our lives with gratitude, joy and blessings, a witness to who ever is watching!
Pressing in and pressing on…..
Choosing the Right Mate–72 Days, I Don’t Think So….
In the past weeks the news–yes, I did say news–has been full of pictures and information about two celebrities who had a lavish, expensive wedding and then split in 72 days. Publicity stunt or lack to judgment???????
Thanksgiving day, a discussion arose on marriage. One couple said they married at 22 and that was much too young. Other comment came forth about age,circumstance, etc. I added I have a couple of friends who dated for years. They are attractive, intelligent and social and yet they have never found the right person. in dating each person has unique qualities and after awhile one can want all those qualities in one person and that person does not exist.
When I went home that night and began to thank God for a great day, wonderful family and friends, my mind went back to the marriage question. The Holy Spirit responded, "The person one marries should be someone whose character and nature they honor and respect."
A word picture fell into my mind. When we look past the outer core of a person, into the inner-most being, do we find love, kindness, life coming forth. Or is that person nice when it is convenient and self-absorbed most of the time. In a day and age of electronics and internet it is not unseemly to 'check someone out.'
What does their family and friends say about them? How to they treat their family, friends and oh yes, strangers? How do they treat their employees or Boss? what is their attitude toward God, life and the future? When we can honor and respect a person for 'who they are , in their heart' and love them for that, we can weather the storms of life together–especially the little annoyances that come every day.
Three of the reasons people get married are:
Passion–lust, physical attraction.
Convenience–liking the same foods, activities, sports–having things in common.
Social–long time relationship, family association, mutual friends, fitting into a social climate well.
ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE GOOD AS LONG AS THE CHARACTER AND NATURE OF THE TWO PEOPLE OVERRIDE THOSE CONSIDERATIONS!
Then of course there are negative reasons for getting married, such as, passion without reason, rebellion against parents or just life itself , a need to be needed without boundaries, a social or career move, etc. Even these marriages can make it if the Lord is brought in, to resolve the issues (All things are possible with God) but sure is tough to start on 'shaky ground'….the odds of success and happiness are slim.
THE POINT IS, WHEN WE SEARCH OUT WHO A PERSON IS, NOT JUST WHAT THEY DO, WE WILL HAVE A GREAT PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS IN MARRIAGE AND IN LIFE!
There are no guarantees in life or marriage. But, a super important point from the Bible In the book of John, Chapter 2, speaks of Jesus and His disciples attended a wedding….clear indication, it is a good idea to have Jesus and friends of Jesus at every wedding. Jesus needs to be part of all we do, Holy Spirit leading, guiding and Father God part of our heart, so that we are able to truly love and be loved!
Pressing in and pressing on…..
Who Do You Say I Am?
Recently I heard a sermon that made me spend time thinking about the scripture in the above titlle. It is quoted from Matthew 15:16.
The Pastor, and I don't remember who it was, said, "Jesus is asking Peter, 'Who Am I to you?'" I am very grateful to that Pastor and I know God is blessing him, as it was one of those quotes that linger in your brain for 'good'!
Who is God to me……I have been thinking ever since. Is He an austere far-away God declaring doom and judgment….certainly not for me. I have know for years that the Holy Spirit is with me always. I found it easier to relate to Jesus because we can 'see' Him with spiritual eyes from Scripture. I am learning to know the Holy Spirit more all the time….recognizing how wonderful He is, at all He does.
I found through teaching in the SOZO ministry at Bethel Church, Redding, California, that some of the leaders have personal relationships with God, the Father. As I learned I was so excited to find I too, could have that. It is a little different for each of us, but so wonderful. Just as we relate to family members differently and friends we can relate to the Godhead personally and relationally. They are One, yet each is a person. It is exciting to know them and relate to them individually and together.
It takes faith and a willingness to receive, as we learn about them from the Bible. Jesus came to set us free but also to let us know the Father, as He did only what He saw the Father do, and what the Father told Him; yet Jesus was very much His own person. It isn't easy to understand…..we just believe, accept and receive until we are on the other side of this life and it's problems.
Who is God to me….a wonderful 'Abba' who is kind, loving, and fair…..Creator of the Universe, but just Abba Father to me. (Rom 8:15) How about you?
Pressing in and pressing on….
Jaycee Dugard…..Amazing!
I watched the Jaycee Dugard Interview on Sunday, mesmerized by her story. What a great testimony of resilence, hope and mercy. "Mercy" ? Yes, mercy on her part toward the couple who kidnapped her and held her captive in a back yard for many years.
Her smile, her laugh, her attitude was so captivating as the story poured out…..continually raped, having two babies in a back yard, locked in a place with no windows or view of the outside for years, certainly convicted me of how much I take for granted.
Her captors serving sentences in jail, as they should, are not keeping Jaycee captive to her memories. She is busy renewing her life with her mother, taking care as she always has, the two daughters she has, and as I see it……overcoming evil with good. What the devil has meant for evil God has turned to good.
What does God have to do with this? In my heart I believe He was with her and sustained her through all of this. Why didn't God stop it or save her? Maybe with free will, we all have, man has been given authority and it takes action on someone's part so God can back it up. There are questions in our heart about all tragedies and pain in the world; questions that may only be answered in eternity.
I know, experientially know, God is good, loving and merciful. The fact that I believe Jesus was with Jaycee in all of this does not, in any way, take away all the credit she should have for her courage, her strength, her integrity and character in the face of overwhelming odds. The lack of bitterness in Jaycee can be seen on her beautiful face. What an awesome woman…..she is truly amazing!
