National Marriage Week
Did you know that February 7 – 14 marks National Marriage Week?
It is a wonderful time to reflect on your marriage and how far you’ve come together as a couple. You can smile and reminisce on old times while building a bright future together. What’s more is that you are looking forward to the golden years when you’re still walking together holding hands and looking fondly into each other’s eyes with love.
Would you say that your marriage is stronger now than ever before? Do you feel closer to your mate? Or, is there trouble in paradise?
To be honest, there will be points in your marriage where you feel and experience all of these things and more. You’ll feel that your marriage has gone through so many things from the very beginning when you first said, “I do …” to the point you’re at now. If you work together, though, marriage can be so wonderful and extremely rewarding.
For me, personally, I can say that my marriage is strong, and we are closer than ever before. I feel it strongly when we’re together, but I also feel this same way when we’re apart during the work day as well. We’ve been through so many things that other couples would just throw their hands up over and walk away. Yet, we’ve vowed to work things out together and are committed to making our love last. Has it always been easy? No! But, I can tell you that it has ALWAYS been worth it!
What can you do to celebrate your spouse?
Are there things in your marriage that you can work on today to help make it and your commitment stronger?
Marriage does take work from both parties, but it is the most rewarding relationship you will ever have in this life. God intended for your marriage to be blessed and filled with love. You have to do your part, though, each and every day.
Don’t just go into this thinking, “Hey, I caught him/her … my work here is done.” NO, it has only just begun! You have to continue doing the things that captured his/her heart before even when you’ve “caught” him/her now. If you keep doing all the things you did in the beginning to woo him/her, there will never be an end.
While everyone seems to be concentrating only on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to wait until that “one” special day a year to show your spouse how much they mean to you. Flowers, candy, cards, and even candles are sweet. But, putting forth effort daily to show your love and commitment to your spouse is priceless and will make all the difference in the world!
Women of Faith
When I think of women of faith, a few come to mind. Almost immediately, my mind goes to this little gray haired lady that sat with her hands folded in her lap holding a lace handkerchief on the far left side of the congregation. Her bible was marked in the margins with words from the pastor that resonated with her, with occasional notes and prayers she’d written concerning her family members as well. Some times, she would even highlight special passages of scripture in yellow, as she did not like bright colors. She’d nod her head in agreement with what the preacher was saying, and every now and then she’d say with authority, “Amen,” when she strongly agreed and felt the moving of the Holy Spirit.
There’s also another lady that comes to mind, much younger, that wears her white mime makeup with fine garments covering her along with the anointing of God. She stands before the congregation as the music begins, and she slowly moves allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct her hand motions as she ministers to the church. Feeling every emotion as the music sweeps over her and into those before her that she’s ministering to, the spirit of the Lord begins to usher the congregation to their feet.
Another woman of faith praises God with her voice lifted high in worship. No matter the troubles or trials she has faced, she never misses an opportunity to praise Him. A sweet Soprano voice is heard among the others as she sings like a songbird on a Spring day.
Yet another woman nearby begins with interpretive movement as she forms beautiful sign language to the powerful words of the worship hymns. They’re so strong, she has to move her body in some fashion. Arms extended out in front, palms and face lifted up toward Heaven, she closes her eyes and feels God touching her heart and soul right where she stands.
Women of Faith come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and denominations. We don’t have to fit into a perfect mold. We all come just as we are. Young, old … it doesn’t matter. We’re all Women of Faith.
Did you know that there are resources available to help with your walk of faith? From the traditional Women of Faith site offering tons of information found here to a supportive Facebook group found here, you will not be disappointed in the encouragement brought forth within the pages of those sites.
Maybe you’re already familiar with Women of Faith, having gone to their conferences or weekend events. After all, this official group has been reaching out to help others since 1996.
This year there is more excitement within the Women of Faith community as they prepare for the Belong Tour. Click here for information on that, as everyone wants to feel as if they belong, and we all DO in Christ!
Something that I am particularly excited about is their movie coming to theaters on February 18, 2016! While I was very interested in the Belong Tour, it isn’t going to be in our area until November. I didn’t want to wait that long … and now I don’t have to because Women of Faith will hit the theaters in just a few weeks! If that has really gotten your attention like it has mine, more information on the movie and theaters near you can be found here.
If all of this is new to you, or if you’re new to your faith, I encourage you to look into the information referenced above. It helps to surround yourself with fellow believers. Even if you do not go out and worship in a building every Sunday, you can still gather online with other Women of Faith for that encouragement, support, and community that we crave.
For me, I am taking advantage of the online support, and I am looking so forward to the movie while seriously considering the Belong Tour as well! Make your plans now to see this movie in theaters. I imagine you’ll laugh, cry, and feel touched throughout the entire movie, and you won’t leave the theater the same way you entered.
Here’s to all of the Women of Faith out there.
May we BE them … may we RAISE them …
Women of Faith!
On A Quiet Morning
On a quiet morning, you will find me sitting in my overstuffed burgundy recliner peering out the window at birds that visit my feeder daily. From regal Cardinals that come to remind us that our loved ones are near to the tiniest little finches that drop by to say, “Hello …” I could get lost for hours right here admiring their beauty and the Creator who formed them with His own hands.
After whipping up a blueberry smoothie to start my day, with just the rhythmic ticking of the clock in the quiet and stillness of the morning, I prepare to open my heart to God’s Word. With my journaling bible in hand, I flip to a section in the bible to begin reading. Filling my cup with God’s promises, I can think of no better way to start the day!
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
