The Man in My Life

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:8-13 ESV

I don’t think I could be more proud of the man my husband has become. Not only has he been and continues to be a wonderful husband, he has proven to be an awesome Daddy. He strives to do what is best for our family and makes every effort to ensure we are all happy. He loves his job and goes above and beyond as he feels necessary at work. I am thankful he has learned to balance his work like and home life, for the most part (everyone can have a one-off day, right?). Most importantly, he keeps his eyes on God. He prays for his family and keeps his heart, mind, and soul in tune to what God wants for his life as well as our lives.

All of that being said; he received a call yesterday afternoon from the Chairman of Deacons at our church. He actually didn’t answer the call because his phone was on silent and didn’t hear it, but he was called, by the deacon, to let him know that the church voted to add him to the Deacon Nomination Ballot for final voting later this year. While I am very excited for him, I only want him to make the decision that he feels God is leading him to do. He is just not sure yet. This is definitely not a decision that he wants to take lightly. I pray that he understands that I will support him in either decision he makes. If he does decide to be added to the ballot and he is voted upon to become a deacon, I know he will handle the job well.

I am excited for him and this opportunity. I am so proud to call him mine and thank the Lord everyday for giving him to me. I will continue to pray that the Lord will provide a clear leading in the decision that he has to make. I am sure that he would covet your prayers as well.

The Challenge: Day 30

Day 30 Prompt: React to this term - Letting Go.

I don't consider myself a "copy-cat" but as I was reading the blog posts that have been posted recently from my blogger friends, I just happened to come across this phrase. I have been trying to find the right words for today's post and that phrase just fit. So, I am using it too. Crystal, I hope you don't mind.

My last post created a lot of emotion and I did lots of thinking and praying. I want to let all of you know that just a few short days after my post, I had that conversation with my Dad. I asked him to meet me at my house one evening so that we could talk. Turns out - my emotions really had been getting the best of me and letting my worries grow greater than they should have been. My Dad really wants a relationship with me as well and he told me to ALWAYS call when I needed him - even if I had to call kicking and screaming at him for something. We were both able to talk though some concerns we had as well as have a bit of laughter and genuine conversation. After about 2 hours, 12 misquito bites, and J-Man worrying the tar out of us, we finally ended on a good note and decided to both do what we could to continue to make our relationship work.

In the midst of the anxiety I was having as the days, hours, and moments led up to our conversation, I had a lot of prayer. I just wanted God to give me the right words to say. I didn't want to make my Dad upset, but I also wanted to make sure that I said what I needed to say - still respecting the fact that he is my Dad. I, by no means, wanted to hurt him or make him upset so chosing my words wisely was very important to me. Turns out, as it always does, God was right there with us. He allowed us to open up with each other and neither of us were torn down by words.

I am so thankful that I took the step to call him over to the house. I am thankful that I have a God that both of us can turn to in everything in life. I am thankful that I let go of my own emotions and worries and let God oversee the situation. I am thankful for my Daddy and love him very much.

Our Nation

On this National Day of Prayer, there are so many words of praise that I have been lifting up to the Lord. He is awesome. He is great, mighty and just. His ways are perfect and his blessings for you and me are more than I could have ever imagined.  His guidance through the daily events of life is freely provided. It is humbling to know and recount the life Jesus lived and His sacrifice for all of us. We are so not worthy!

Through all of this praise, though, is the constant and earnest prayer for our nation – the United States of America. What trouble we are in! We have turned our backs on God and Satan is in the midst of a hay day. How did we get so far to the left – so far in sin? How have we become so distant from the God that our forefathers founded this nation upon – the God that just wants us to keep His commandments and desires the most personal relationship with each one of us? Daily I hear of current attempts to belittle or take away that religious faith called Christianity in all aspects of this nation. Most recently – a move to court marshal any military personnel who profess to have a Christian faith.  

It burdens my heart deeply to see the actions taken by people of all walks of life in this nation.  Political leaders, religious leaders,  Hollywood,  the ordinary person whom you may call your neighbor or even a close family member are all taking steps away from where this country should be heading. We, as Christians, need to take a stronger stand. We need to bow down on our knees daily and cry out to God about this nation. Request His help.  Help that only He can provide.

I love being able to call America my home. I am grateful for everything God has blessed me and my family with. However, my heart aches for those who could care less for these same blessings; those who would rather claim the wrath of God than to be on His side. I, honestly, am appalled that those same people are bringing so many others down with them – forcing such immoral ideas into everyone’s lives. We need to stand up and love those that are hurting without God. Love them just as God loves each and every one of us as Christians.

I hope you will take a few moments to lift up a prayer for our hurting nation today. Tomorrow. Every day.