A FUNERAL AND AN ANNIVERSARY

It saddens me to use "A Funeral and an Anniverary" for the title of this post. You see, on February 7, 2013, my sister went home to be with our Lord. That morning, my father called me about 6AM to tell me my sister had passed away. Then he gave me the good news, her new daughter, Elizabeth, is alive and at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft Worth.

I had a hard time gathering my thoughts as I walked into our bedroom to wake Dianne up and let her know that my sister had passed away. We drove my parents to Ft Worth to be with my brother-in-law and my two nieces. We met my brother-in-law at the hospital and went to the third floor to see baby Elizabeth. She was 7 lbs 2 oz and 19 1/2" long, had more wires connected to her than Apple Computer's IT room, and beautiful. (She is due to be released in the next few days and proclaimed healthy. YEA!)

Dianne and I drove my parents back to their home on February 10th. (My wife and I married on February 9, 2008.) Yes, we spent our anniversary with my family at a hospital. Not the most romantic of choices. We decided that we could celebrate our anniversary later that month because our family needed us right then. It is not about me, but what can I do for others. Mainly advancing the Kingdom and being the husband and father God called me to be.

Our pastor called early February 7th. He prayed for Elizabeth and our family and assured us the Lifelong Love Affair Simulcast by Jimmy & Karen Evans that Dianne & I were to facilitate at our church on February 8th & 9th would go on and he would facilitate the event for us if we did not make it back from Ft Worth. While Dianne and I were grieving about my sister's passing we knew that our mission on earth is not yet compete. Jesus told us to "occupy 'til I come". The word occupy means to do God's work until Christ returns. All I could think about was there are marriages still hurting and we must continue to help.

God really answered our prayers over the past several weeks. We saw Elizabeth getting healed, relationships grow, and we celebrated another anniversary.

The visitation and funeral for my sister was held in our home town. Over 550 people signed the book at her visitation. The funeral was huge in attendance. My sister's life had touched many people. She left a big hole where she once was. How big will your impact be when you are gone? What are you doing each day to ensure that your legacy will last with your children and the next generation? Make it huge!

What does this have to do with marriage? Or your marriage? Life is too short to be bickering, complaining, fighting or just mad at each other. Do whatever you have to do to have the marriage God designed for each of us. Your spouse and kids will thank you for it.

God Bless you and your marriage. Thank you for your prayers for Elizabeth and our family.

THAT OFFENDED ME

If you are the one person in the world who has never been offended, this post is not for you. However, if you are like the other 7.7 Billion people in the world - let's see how we can work on not being offended.

 

It seems everywhere we turn; someone is getting offended over something. It does not matter whether there was an intended or unintentional offense. I do believe some people us the term, "I'm offended by that" in order to further their own agendas. Most seem to be politically motivated, but what about being offended in your marriage?

 

Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.” (Amplified Bible) I believe this passage says a lot about whether we are offended or not. If we are not offended, then we love God’s word and we have great peace. Not just peace but great peace. Who doesn’t want great peace in their marriage and life?

Most of the time we are offended it was not on purpose. Our spouse says or does something and we take it wrong. Before going down the bumpy road of offense, ask what they meant by their words or actions. Make sure you are not seeking to be offended. Be sure to talk and walk it out with your spouse - your marriage and kids depend on you. Your married friends are depending on you also. Iron sharpens iron.

How many times have you been offended by your spouse? How many times have you offended them? If you have been married very long it may be too many to count. The important thing to remember is to forgive 70 X 7. When Jesus said this, he did not mean to stop forgiving after the 490th time. We are to always extend forgiveness just as God has forgiven us.

We are to forgive our spouse even if they committed adultry or have been caught up in pornography? It is very hard to not dwell on the offense, whatever it was. Satan will bring the offense up to you when you lease expect it. He hates marriage and will do anything to steal, kill and destroy your marriage, family and life. Remember that we have a renewed mind in Christ. Think on the good things and do not dwell on the past hurts.

Purpose yourself to always live at peace with those around you and remember that 99% of the time when you get offended it was nothing. It was only a misunderstanding. Seek to be understood by communicating more and better with your spouse, your kids and others.

We are praying for you and your marriage. God Bless.