The Marriage is First

Good morning and happy Friday. Ever notice all the stickers on the backs of car windows about the kids of the family and their sport or school activity?  It's cool to let people know how proud you are of them and you support them too. I was one of those parents for a while. But as I look back I see that that became who our family was. The kids and their sports. The marriage was left out as second if there was time for it between games or tournaments. Our children are special and dear to us but that weren't there the day you got married. They won't be there in the house when you're older. The marriage is the beginning and the end. It's always there and should be the foundation the family is built on. We are the bridegroom of Jesus. It's what is coming and the importance is exactly what it is here. Sure we're His children too, but the marriage is coming and it is what matters for eternity. We have to reevaluate the check list of the important things and get them in the right order. God first is a given but we slip up when we generalize family second. It's marriage second and children third. Then everything else falls in after that. Marriages today are splitting up all the time because there's no  time invested in them. What are you losing? You get to see the kids still right?  But what are they learning and how do we teach them to stop the cycle? By teaching them they are second behind the marriage. It doesn't mean neglect them, it means the foundation is strong to raise them up in. Know your place with God and how it plays out when this is over. Keep the stickers and be proud of your kids, but know that the two front seats of the car are what grows them up right. In love always. <><

Restart

Good morning and happy Thursday. Well, back to work from quick trip to Dallas. Get back and the computer has to updated and restarted to get the day going. Isn't it nice that we have the chance to restart everyday?  A bent knee is a very powerful position to be in. God forgives us for the screw ups we are. It's done out of love for you but it requires a devotion to Him that must remain. Out of that devotion we become less likely to screw it up. The more we're with Him the less we leave His guiding ways. The more we don't want to be like the world says is ok to be. The longer we maintain this relationship with Him the easier it is to do it right. It doesn't mean the trials of life go away, we just know how to deal with them better and lean on Him to get through it. So if you haven't lately, I really recommend a restart. Its a chance to start over at this moment. In love always. <>< 

Stuck in a Rut

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Routines. We all have em. I'm in Dallas and out of my routine and everything is behind it feels, but I'm on time so far to everything. But it reminded me of how when I get away from God it feels funny and lost. I like to get to a point like this because it helps me keep perspective on what really matters. I miss the routine but I like the reminder. I miss being home. It's only a day but it's a day to learn from. Thank you God for the things you do to keep us close to you. In love always <>< 

Poor Pitiful Us

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Do you know or are you someone that is in place or funk you can't get out of? They want to move forward but can't. They want to leave it behind but can't seem to. They usually try to do it alone and become isolated in trying. This isn't how Jesus instructed us. Life has some hard times in it. Sometimes it seems like it's not worth living anymore. But that also is not what Jesus taught. You need to rely on others to help but not to become the crutch. You need more water in the tub to help the boat float. No more excuses. No more pity. It's just plain ol' getting on with life. And when people see how you came through, they see Jesus in you. See this life is not about us as much as we would like to think it to be. This is about God. He's wiped us out and started fresh before. The next time is permanent. Wallowing around in our junk isn't helping with the cause. It really shows a lack of trust and faith. We ask for prayers through it but don't mind the Spirit when He talks to us. Don't let Earthly issues keep you from an eternal reward. In love always. <>< 

Integrity

Good morning and happy Monday. Integrity, a trait not found as much as it once was. But it's still one of the most important traits one can have. It will help in those times of testing because it has become second nature to you. it will also mean that people will check your integrity more often. It's a trait that really speaks volumes about your faith though. When in a situation where it is called upon, your integrity shows your faith in God to take care of you. It also let's people see Jesus in you. When they see a situation they would have chose the wrong way while watching you chose the right way, they can witness Jesus doing it right. It all sounds simple and easy, and for the most part it is, but when it comes to being able to put food on the table or care for a child, it may not be so easy. Think like Jesus and be like Jesus and it will be for the better no matter how bad it all may seem. In love always. <><