This past Friday was my 16TH wedding anniversary. I am amazed that as time passes our love for each other continues to grow. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but choosing to marry Autumn Rogers was not one of them. I do not believe in the cliche "soul mates." That is modern bunk. I do, however, believe you can choose the right spouse for you. Yes, you need your heart to guide you with love. You also need your God given mind to lead you in making the decision.
Before Autumn and I married, I ask God to bring the right person in my life. I became impatient with God and began dating someone that was not right for me. By God's grace, He gave me the wisdom to get out of that relationship. Shortly after this poor judgment, my eyes were opened to see Autumn as more than a friend. She and I had known each other for about a year and a half. We always seemed to be dating others. Once the light went on in my heart, it was not long that I knew this young woman was the right person for me.
Autumn was very beautiful to me. She was a very devoted follower of Jesus Christ. We had a lot of fun together as friends. Her family was close and very kind and loving people. We complimented each other. These realities continue to this day.
It has not always been easy for us. Take two sinners with different ways of seeing things (add hard heads), you will always have confrontation. Through God's mercy and our maturing as Christians, we have an awesome relationship. Autumn was, is and always will be my best friend.
As a Chaplain in the Army, I get to help marriages stay together. I also see a lot of marriages end. Many in life do not use their head only their heart (sometimes not even the heart!) to choose whom to be with forever.
God did not tell us to marry the ones we love, only to love the ones we marry. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 emphasis mine)." Thank God for the wife the Lord provided me!
Autumn, I love you very much. Happy Anniversary!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Family Joy
Do you have a good family?
Not everyone does! I visit and counsel many individuals where a good family or home has slipped away from them.
I thank God that He has given me something that so many do not have in this life, a Christian family. This gift is by grace, because I have not earned it. Of course, the greatest gift the Lord has provided me is salvation from God's judgment. I have been forgiven by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ my Lord. Yet, God has given me another gift in this life. No, not quite of the same significance. A gift however that I am so thankful for every day. The Lord of heaven and earth not only redeemed me from death and sin, but He redeemed my entire family. The covenant promises given to me in Christ have also been shared with my immediate family.
What joy to know that your family is right with God, the maker of heaven and earth.
Saturday night, I spoke with my wife and son. They both were doing well. At this time, they are healthy, relaxed, and happy (No demon possessed cars, nor barbs in the hand, nor bad weather, nor . . . those that know them understand.) It has been a slow week for them. They enjoyed time resting and playing at the pool. When I spoke with them, they were about to go on a "date" out to eat and purchase school clothes. They bring such joy to me. The stories they tell are so funny. Simple things get turned into comedy hour with the two of them.
Autumn and I both miss being with each other. We look forward to returning to our dates to Cafe Espano. Elijah and I look forward to fishing (And actually catching fish!). When I come home on my R&R, we plan to go to the Great Wolf Lodge. After this deployment, we are planning a big family trip that is a surprise to Elijah (He probably already knows).
I miss them both so much. Thank you for all the joy you bring me.
Also, Elijah you have a boggart under your bed!
One final note, today is my Mom's birthday. She would not like anyone to know that she is 61 years old. I want to tell the world. God has graciously given her this long life. I am thankful for my Mom. She is a wonderful and godly Christian woman. She was and is a great Mom (I mean look how good her son turned out!). Happy Birthday Mom!
Without Christ at the center of your life, you nor your family will ever know how good God can make this life. Even through the difficult times, God provides a joy that surpasses all knowledge. May the Lord continue to bless our family with joy, peace and Love. Of course, the greatest of these is the divine love of God.
Love God and live life to the fullest!
Not everyone does! I visit and counsel many individuals where a good family or home has slipped away from them.
I thank God that He has given me something that so many do not have in this life, a Christian family. This gift is by grace, because I have not earned it. Of course, the greatest gift the Lord has provided me is salvation from God's judgment. I have been forgiven by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ my Lord. Yet, God has given me another gift in this life. No, not quite of the same significance. A gift however that I am so thankful for every day. The Lord of heaven and earth not only redeemed me from death and sin, but He redeemed my entire family. The covenant promises given to me in Christ have also been shared with my immediate family.
What joy to know that your family is right with God, the maker of heaven and earth.
Saturday night, I spoke with my wife and son. They both were doing well. At this time, they are healthy, relaxed, and happy (No demon possessed cars, nor barbs in the hand, nor bad weather, nor . . . those that know them understand.) It has been a slow week for them. They enjoyed time resting and playing at the pool. When I spoke with them, they were about to go on a "date" out to eat and purchase school clothes. They bring such joy to me. The stories they tell are so funny. Simple things get turned into comedy hour with the two of them.
Autumn and I both miss being with each other. We look forward to returning to our dates to Cafe Espano. Elijah and I look forward to fishing (And actually catching fish!). When I come home on my R&R, we plan to go to the Great Wolf Lodge. After this deployment, we are planning a big family trip that is a surprise to Elijah (He probably already knows).
I miss them both so much. Thank you for all the joy you bring me.
Also, Elijah you have a boggart under your bed!
One final note, today is my Mom's birthday. She would not like anyone to know that she is 61 years old. I want to tell the world. God has graciously given her this long life. I am thankful for my Mom. She is a wonderful and godly Christian woman. She was and is a great Mom (I mean look how good her son turned out!). Happy Birthday Mom!
Without Christ at the center of your life, you nor your family will ever know how good God can make this life. Even through the difficult times, God provides a joy that surpasses all knowledge. May the Lord continue to bless our family with joy, peace and Love. Of course, the greatest of these is the divine love of God.
Love God and live life to the fullest!
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