Let us love one another, for love is of God.” I John 4:7, NKJV
Long to be more loving? Begin by accepting your place as a dearly loved child. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1, NIV).
Want to learn to forgive? Then consider how you’ve been forgiven. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).
Today, I pray that I will be more loving toward those around me and see them as Christ sees them.
On May 4th, we said "I love you" to each other, sitting on an ice chest outside his flooded house. And for many weeks, every evening ended in that manner. It became a period of time we cherished as an escape for all that was going on. Since that time we would see each other everyday, trying to get our arms around what happened, but also seeing our relationship growing into what we knew would be a lifetime of standing by each others side.
On June 11th, we went out to the house to check the mail and see how the drying was going (running the dehumidifier around the clock). After making a routine check, we were reflecting on the flood and all that had happened over the last 40 days. He pulls out the ice chest and asked if I wanted to sit on the ice chest with him for a few minutes. We talked about the house and all the memories that he had in it over the last 10 years. We talked about the power of God to destroy the earth by water long ago, which was more real how that could happen, after seeing Nashville on that horrible weekend in May.
As we continued our conversation, he said I don't want that flood to be my last memory of this place... he pulled out the ring... and said will you marry me? I said, "of course, I will"!
But....the story doesn't end there, he tells me this on the following day...
During the 40 days after our flood, you demonstrated how you were at my side the whole way and proved that you will always be at my side, as I am at yours. So fitting that on the 40th day after our flood, we start our new beginning, from the very place where the water receded from my old life.
The rain stopped after 40 days. God saved the survivors from the flood, the water receded, and then there was a new beginning.
So we are on to a new beginning.... can't wait to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and the most amazing guy in the world!
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
— Psalm 90:2, 4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
So many things about our life are uncertain. This one thing, however, is sure: no matter where, when, or how long, God will be there and will be with us and for us.
My Prayer...
Everlasting Father, I find great comfort in knowing that I cannot be in a place or time where you are not. Stir my courage through your Spirit that I may be more bold, by your power and presence, to share the Gospel of Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the love of my life
- dinner with friends
- good laughs
- uplifting conversations
- sunshine!
- good nights rest
Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
— Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Who are you waiting for? Can you think of anything more exciting than to wait for Jesus to come take us home in his glory!
My Prayer...
Majestic King of the Ages, may your Kingdom come in all its fullness and every knee bow to your Savior, and may you grant that it may come to pass in our generation. Through Jesus I expectantly pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- happiness for friends!
- the love of Christ
- that warm and fuzzy feeling
- new months
- new beginnings
- the beach (so I can take a trip there this month!)
- wonderful friendships
- hot, sunny days
- renewed friendships
- hugs
- the words 'I love you'