Set In A Family

Psalms 68 says that He "sets us in families" and Oh.... am I in love with the family God set me in. Each one a treasure that lights up my earth time. Then God decorated my life with so many lovely friends.... they are the jewels that sparkle and glow. Even an old lady can get positively giddy counting her blessings. We're just coming off a very special week. Our 4 children along with their mates and our 10 incredible Grands gathered at our home to put on a celebration for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. The date isn't actually until December but they wanted to do something special when everyone could travel and be involved. What a delightful surprise the evening was and what a blessing of love for those who were able to share in that evening. So what's the secret to 50 years with the same person? Never throw anyone out of your heart…. hang on till Jesus says "lets grow". To assume that our ability to love another person has its source in our own hearts is foolhardy. It's a setup for pain and bitter disappointment. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) The tell tale sign that you are operating under your own strength is anger at your beloved. That's right! If they get on your last nerve and you (in your mind) want to deck em???? you are the one out of control. To love another isn't "you" being the one who is right. As soon as it is about you it's no longer about love.

We're not the example of how to do this thing called love but God blessed us anyway. We're just two imperfect people who came from two imperfect families who birthed 4 imperfect children who married imperfect people from imperfect families and had our 10 most beautiful ever imperfect grandchildren but we have a great big perfect God and it is in Him we seek to grow and love. I might mention we don't exactly do that perfect either.

A pearl to string: Love began when God became flesh and came to live among us. It's in Him we are given both access to love and patterns with which to offer love. Consider Jesus washing his disciples’ feet; consider Him willingly and sinlessly going to the cross for our sins. This is what draws us out of ourselves and into the heart of Love, this place where His mercy meets our unworthiness and still, He loves us. Standing in that place of watching Jesus, the call becomes both clear and accessible. It is then that we are to be willing to lay down our own rights and pour out that same love to the one with whom God has joined us together in covenant. I love you Coach Wonderful. (Focus on the Family)

It's so still and quiet after all the hustle and bustle and laughter goes home. Kind of miss that beautiful chaos. In the hushed tranquility Coach Wonderful and I found ourselves cheering when the dogs barked.

Thank you beloved family and friends for the sweet time of blessing..... we love you
Lyndi