The perfect Gift

With Valintines Day just right around the corner, I thought I'd post about love.

I am not a material person; I could careless if I have a fancy car to drive. I am blessed if I get up and it starts and makes me through my day. I'm not into jewelry, if I get it I wear it, but it is not something I have to have. I love the simple gifts, the simple acts of love. How often do we sacrifice for other people?

I love the gifts my children make me at school. They come home hiding it from me so I don't see it until they want me to. Half the time I haven't a clue what it is, but they took their time out of there day to think of me. They sacrificed there time at school to draw me a picture or write me a poem. I love those gifts!!!
Don't we all just want to be loved by someone? To have someone cherish us so much that we know it beyond everything else. This reminded me of God's love. He sent His only son into this world to die on the cross for our sins. He loved us before we loved Him.

Here are some thoughts about love

Love does not hurt. Physical and/or emotional abuse are not a part of love.
It sure seems like we hurt the ones we love most.

Love is not manipulative, it should not be used to get others to do what you want. You should never give in to demands based on the, "You would do it if you loved me!" tactic.

I think teen girls fall into this line more than anyone else. I know I did!

Love is an intense feeling of caring for another person. It can take many different forms (romantic, friendly, familial) but it is always about caring.

I think our example is what did Jesus do for us on the cross. He gave His life for us.

If somebody asks you to do something that you don't want to do in order to "prove" your love they do not love you the way you might think they do. When you love another person you don't ask them to sacrifice a part of themselves in the name of that love.

Our example is still what Christ did for us on the cross.

It is very easy to confuse lust for love. The true measure of romantic love is commitment and trust not physical attraction.

See below for what the Bible says about love.

Sex is NOT love. Love is NOT sex. Sex can be a part of romantic love but it is never mandatory.

I won't touch this right now. This will be another daily devotion.

Romantic love can (and often does) fade. When it goes there is not always a reason. When somebody falls out of love with you it does not reflect upon your value as a person or your desirability.

This is also something else I won't touch right now. How can we fall out of love? This is another great daily devotion./span>

This is what the Bible says about love

The English word "love" has many different meanings. It can have affectionate, benevolent, strong liking, romantic, or sexual implications. The Hebrew word aheb, most commonly used in the Old Testament, had a similar range of meanings.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV, Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

That love was to be shown by serving God and obeying His commands (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Joshua 22:5).

The Israelites were also commanded to have sincere good will for each other:

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (NIV, Leviticus 19:18)

New Testament

Two different Greek words are translated as "love" in the New Testament, and they have more specific meanings than our English word "love."

Agapao (verb) and agape (noun). This is the "Christian love" of the Bible. It means affection, benevolence, good-will, high esteem and concern for the welfare of the one loved. It is deliberate, purposeful love rather than emotional or impulsive love. Almost all of the New Testament references to love are agapao or agape in the original Greek. The King James Version of the Bible sometimes translates agape as "charity," but charity has now taken on the meaning of assistance to the poor rather than benevolent love.

Phileo (verb). This means to love in an impulsive and emotional way. It is seldom used in the Bible, but there is a play on words (lost in English) in John 21:15-17. Jesus says to Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love (agapao) me?" Peter answers, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you." Philadelphia is a related word meaning the love of brothers or sisters (e.g., Romans 12:10). It is often translated "brotherly love."

God's love for mankind
Love is one of the attributes of God and an essential part of His nature:

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (NLT, 1 John 4:16)

Our relationship to God is like the loving relationship between a child and parent. Like a loving parent, God knows and cares deeply for each of us:

Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NAS, Luke 12:6-7)

Like children, some of us return God's love, and some do not. Nevertheless, He loves all of us. God's gifts of love and salvation are freely offered to all, even to those who choose the path of wickedness instead:

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NIV, Matthew 5:45)

Related verses : Matthew 6:25-30, 7:8-11, Luke 15:4-7, John 3:16-17, 16:27 (phileo), Romans 8:38-39

Love the Lord your God
Jesus said our most important responsibility in life is to love God:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' (NIV, Mark 12:28-30)

We demonstrate our love for God by obeying His commandments and Jesus' commandments (Luke 11:28, John 14:21-24, 2 John 1:6), putting our trust in Him (John 14:1), maintaining a humble attitude (Matthew 18:1-4, Luke 18:9-14), and by prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 18:1-8).

Related verses: Matthew 6:24, Matthew 7:2, 10:37 (phileo), Luke 6:46-49, Luke 11:27-28, Luke 18:15-17, John 6:28-29, John 6:66-69, John 12:44, John 14:15

Love your neighbor
Our second most important responsibility in life is to love other people. Jesus went on to say,

The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:31)

In His Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explained that we should consider all the people of the world to be our "neighbors." Just as God loves all His people, so should we. Jesus calls us to extend our love even to our enemies!

You have heard that the law of Moses says, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT, Matthew 5:43-48)

The apostle Paul said that Christian love is the greatest and most essential of all the spiritual gifts. Even faith is worthless without love!

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Paul went on to describe the nature of true Christian love in this beautiful passage:

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end... And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)

In another of his letters, Paul said loving our fellowman is the way to live by all the commandments:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (NIV, Romans 13:8-10)

God is the source of all our love. Loving God and loving other people are so interrelated that we cannot have one without the other:

We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (NRSV, 1 John 4:19-21)

Related verses: Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:21-24, 5:38-39, 6:14-15, 18:21-35, 22:34-40, 25:31-46, Luke 6:27-31, 6:38, 10:25-37, John 13:34-35, 15:9-13, Romans 12:10 (philadelphia), Galatians 5:13-15, 5:22-23, James 2:8-9, 1 Peter 4:8-10, 1 John 4:7-21

Peace with God

My daily Devotion

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1

An artist might choose to portray peace by filling his canvas with his rendering of a lovely rose garden where children are playing quietly, or perhaps a pastoral scene with sun shining and animals grazing.

Since life is not always lived in such a picturesque setting, perhaps the artist would choose to depict a storm scene where, beside a rain-swollen stream, a gnarled old oak tree stands with limbs hanging firmly over the raging water, and in a small cleft of one limb a sparrow has made her nest. Neither the sparrow nor her brood seems to be aware of any danger.

The calming of the storms of life, the settling of our minds and emotions, the quiet comfort that assures us that all is well, come from our connection with God. The heartfelt knowledge that we are saved brings a calm assurance that gives beautiful definition to real peace.

We are all called upon to endure storms during our lifetimes, and some are quite severe. They may include sickness or serious injury, family troubles, financial reverses, or other heart-breaking problems. Sometimes the consoling words of Jesus, “Peace, be still,” do not come immediately. We are often required to “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).

As the sparrow nestled in the branches of the tree, we can nestle into the arms of Jesus, and experience perfect peace with God!

A little more about me!

This is a picture of me singing in a "Praise in the park event". I have been singing for the last 17 years on my churches Worship team. I also sang with my daughter and a very good friend of mine in a trio, I sing with two males and a female friend of mine in a Quartet, I also sing duets with my daughter and many others in my church, (whoever will sing with me) : ) and I sing solos. (I prefer singing with a group of people and not so much by myself) As you can tell I enjoy praising God through the songs that I sing. I like many different styles of music; I love the old hymns, I sing a lot of Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian music. I am a member of a non-denominational church. (It is a Bible believing, close to Baptist beliefs church) I have been a member there for the last 20+ years. Through the years; I have worked in Awana, I have taught Sunday school to children, I have been in charge and worked in the Nursery, I have been a Deacon/Elders wife, I was the director over the Children's choir, Discipled many women, Lead Women's Bible Studies. I love serving in whatever area God has for me to serve.

A little about Me

This is a picture of me and my handsome husband on our wedding day almost 22 years ago. I was 22 and my husband was just a baby at 19. We meant while working at McDonald's together. We were good friends for over a year, before we started dating. We dated on a dare, (I was a manager and was not suppose to date my employees) we were already friends, but it still seemed a little strange. It didn't take long and my husband proposed to me, the rest is history.


This picture is of Joshua (Our baby that died of SIDS at 3 months) my oldest son is holding Joshua (now almost 30) and my nephew (now 28).

We had a rough first year of marriage, but God gave us 5 more beautiful children after the death of our son. God gave me Joshua for three wonderful months. If I had it to do all over again, and
WI knew that I would only have him for such a short time, I would do it in a heart beat. He brought a lot of love into our lives. At the time of his death I was a new believer. I won't say I didn't go through some very trying times, trying to figure out why Joshua was taken from me. I grieved for many years. I finally gave the pain and sorrow over to the Lord. I looked to His word for the only comfort I could find.

My changing point came when I went to a group which consisted of parents that had lost children to some kind of death. We walked into the room and women were sobbing like they had just lost their children to death. It was a sight that will remain in my head forever. When we went around the room and introduced ourselves and explained why we were their, the woman that was really sobbing hard told us her son had died 20 years ago. At that point I knew I had to turn this over to God for healing. I could not mourn like this for 20 years, it would eat me alive. I would have died an old bitter woman, hating God and life itself.

God got a hold of my heart at that very moment. I could see that God gave me my son to love and enjoy for three wonderful months. I will never regret that time in my life. I look back on it now knowing that I am the person I am today because of that little boy God gave me. Every year on his birthday I get his baby book out. I look through all the pictures we have of him. I sit and wonder what it would be like if he hadn't died. What he would be doing right now. Would he have been a football player like his brother or a wrestling like his dad and brothers. I am only human, but I don't feel sorry for myself or look at God in a bad light. I give thanks to God for allowing me to have the joy that is in my heart today, when I think of how that little boy changed my life.

Living for the simple things in life: Joshua's Story

When I get low or just have a bad day. I like to remember the blessings that I do have and how God has worked through my life to bring me to the place, that I'm at today.

The Shoe Box

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other, except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

"Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?"

"Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess."We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. " The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.Then tears started to stream down their cheeks Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. (I love a sweet hug)

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..

I pray you all have a blessed week

The answer IS...

The story will have to wait until I have time but the answer is: Drum roll please boom, boom, boom


The Answer is:

7 girls equals 14 legs

49 backpacks (Backpacks do not have legs, hee, hee)

343 big cats equals 1372 legs

2401 little cats equals 9604 legs

10990 Legs altogether

You had to count all the legs:
each girl has Two legs,
each girl has Seven backpacks (backpacks do not have legs hehe,)
in each of the seven backpacks are Seven big cats (4 legs each,)
for every big cat there are Seven little cats (each little cat has 4
legs.)

Are you up to the Challenge? I wasn't!

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

There are 7 girls on a bus

Each girl has 7 backpacks

In each backpack, there are 7 big cats

For every big cat there are 7 little cats

Question: How many legs are there in the bus?

I'll post the answer tomorrow and tell a little behind the scenes moment. I was ROFL at myself for hours over this.

"Word'of Wisdom"

Christian

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow

by Maya Angelo

My Step-Dad is home for the Hospital

My Step-dad came home from the hospital yesterday.

He is still on oxygen but at least he is home. As soon as I find out anymore information I'll post it.
(Mom please update)

Thank you all for your prayers and your wonderful comments on my Marriage Monday post!

My Mom left this update for all of us

HI Me here,

I am so sorry I did not even get a chance to call you today.
Yes we are home and Praise to the Lord for His Goodness. I really thought this time he might not be coming home, he was so bad the day he went in. Yet, within one day he was so improved. Not totally better but improved!

What a Blessing!

I too Thank all of you including my Lori for the Prayers. That is what made him better.I need to share one more thing, they gave him medication that could have been fatal due to a CT Scan, what a scare to find out they gave it to him after we were told he could not be put back on it for 48 hours. So as you can see GOD IS SO GOOD And HE needs the Praise.

Please continue to Pray for him, he still has a ways to go. He is home on oxygen, is being treated for pneumonia, he does have a lung disease, yet, I still know God is the healer and we are in His hands. So we are just on hold for now. HOME though. I know that God has blessed me with such wonderful children and I feel their love and I sure hope they know how very much I Love each of them.

okay I guess I updated. (maybe a little long winded sorry) lol
Thank you again to all and to you my dear daughter.

Love
MaMa
12:00 AM

Mom,

Thank you for the update! I do know you love me. I know how busy you are with Dad and the girls but I thank you for taking a few minutes out to update everyone. I couldn't for the life of me remember everything you told me on Monday. Perhaps old age...

I'm praying for you and dad often every day. If you need anything at all please let me know. I'll do whatever you need for me to do.


Love,

Lori

Marriage Monday 01-07-2008

"Three Things My Daughter Must Know About Her Marital Needs."


What is an excellent wife?

How can she be recognized?

What is she like?

What does she do?

How can she put her husbands wants and needs before her own?

My husband has supported me and all my ministries, for the last 21 years. He sacrifices all his time to take care of our children so I can be on the worship team, work in Awana, teach Sunday School, Lead the Jr. Choir program, make meals for people, organize our singspirations and the list goes on. I couldn't do all of this having six children to feed, run around to all there sporting events, help with school work, if it wasn't for my wonderful husband. He never complains about having to run the kids and stay home with the kids. I want to now give back to him.

How can she make her husband want to come home to her at night? My husband always comes home to us but I want him not be able to wait to be with me.

These questions might seem silly to some people but they are questions I have asked myself many times lately.

Many of these questions are answered in Proverbs 31:10-31. My home life has radically changed by me applying these and other Scriptures. God gave me a heart to obey His Word and will for my life, I am becoming the godly wife that He wants me to be.

I am reading and going through the following books:


This truth is so important to God that He has clearly and completely revealed it in His Word, the Bible. Indeed, the Scriptures alone are sufficient to provide the wisdom wives need for living the Christian life. One of the most important Scripture passages concerning God's will for the Christian wife is Proverbs 31. Iin this chapter of Proverbs are the words of King Lemuel "which his mother taught him" Proverbs 31:1 (emphasis added). In verse 10, King Lemuel asks the question:

"An excellent wife, who can find her" For her worth is far above jewels."


"The Excellent Wife" here


"God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband" (Genesis 2:18). After a wife's own personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing else should have a greater priority. Her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipient of what may be left over at the end of the day. Whether her husband is a faithful Christian man, or an unbeliever, God wants every Christian woman to be a godly wife-an excellent wife.
from the author of the book "The Excellent Wife"

I wanted to know what men were saying they want from their wives. I do understand being a Godly wife is of utmost importance! I wanted to read a book that showed what men were saying they look for in their wife. This next book was not written by a Christian author. This author has taken what she has learned from men and wrote this book. Like I said she is not a Christian so read at your own discretion. I just wanted to get a feel of what husbands were saying they need from a wife.
The proper care and feeding of husbands

I just popped over to view a few blogs and found this at It's Marriage Monday; she has some great news about her daughter Congratulations E-mom!

I want to mention one more sweet gal that I think you all would love The Most Exciting Thing We've Ever Done She is in the process of adopting a very sweet baby girl.

Last but not least daughter's; Here are a few things I've learned about men so that we can have a happy healthy marriage.

A man needs to feel strong and needed as a protector for women-basically, to conquer the beast and rescue the fair maiden.

What every man wants is for his woman to make him feel that he is strong and the head of the household. I am not talking caveman-style, dragging the woman around by her hair, but just as the leader of the family.

A man wants respect, kndness, and love from his woman.

A man wants to be put on a pedestal, not so that he can look down on everyone, but to show him that he is the most important thing to his woman.

A man needs his woman to show him that she needs his strength to help her through life.

The man should be the major breadwinner in the family. Every man needs a battle or war to win to prove to himself that he is strong and capable of conquering any and all dragons that life throws his way. Taking care of his family by working and provding are his battles.

A man needs his wife to show some interest in his interests, especially when it's an activity she may not "get" or like. Just being there is important.

A man needs his wife to greet him after work with love and enthusiasm.

A man needs his wife to care about the day he's had.

A man needs his wife's encouragement in order to be a man.

A man needs enthusiastic approval, appreciation, and respect from his wife for being a competent man, husband, and father.

Genesis 2:18 "It is not good that man be alone,I will make him a helper...Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife and they shall become one flesh"

Instead of waiting for him to earn your respect, behave respectfully and watch him grow into the man God designed him to be.

Ephesians 5:33 “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband”

You are all such a blessing to Me

Thank you all for your prayers, keep praying please. My Step-Dad is better and my spirits are up again today. As soon as he gets out of the hospital, I'll update all of you.

My brother, DJ (my nephew) and I, spent last night at the hospital with my Step-dad and mom. They think my dad has Pneumonia. He is having a lot of trouble breathing still but he is much better then he was. His temp was down and he ate all his dinner when we were there.

Aaron and Bec have been very good to me since they left. I have received many text messages, emails and phone calls from them. I sure needed that to make it through the last few days. I love having the kids home but I cry every time they leave. I am very proud of both of them; they are both doing really well. I’ll just miss my babies...

I have been busy this morning getting the house all cleaned up and back in some kind of order. I'll be working on getting the rest of the Christmas decoration down on Monday. I think things should get back to normal after that. Winter Vacation is almost over for my three youngest children. I let the twins go to their best friends to spend the night last night and my grandson, Josh, spent the night here with Bo. It was sort of the last bit of fun before going back to school.

The holidays were wonderful around our house; I have much to be Thankful for.

Your prayers are needed again!

My Step-dad has been sick since Christmas with the flu. He and my mom came over on New Year's eve so they could see Becca and Aaron before they went back home. He was really sick so they left early. How sweet of them to come but I feel bad that he is now really sick. My mom thought he was getting better but late last night they admitted him into the hospital. He is running a high fever and having a lot of trouble breathing. He hasn't been well since his heart surgery. I am so very worried about him; Please pray for my mom as well, she is really upset.
Aaron and Rebecca both left yesterday to go back home. I miss them so very much!
We had such a good visit and I hate feeling sad but I just can't help myself. I miss my babies already. I'm not sure when I will be able to see them again. Aaron will be on a Navy ship for almost a year after his A school. Bec has a great job and will be starting to do hair soon. It was a very hard day!

What does your name mean? A trip to the Dentist

I have been to the dentist this morning... enough said! I thought I'd visit blogs and pray the throbbing in my mouth goes away soon. ADVIL!! I spent an hour and a half with my mouth open, and they wouldn't even let me talk. Hee, Hee

I can never understand why dentists try to talk to their patients while they're working on their teeth. Do they honestly expect an intelligible answer? You're laying there trying to hold your mouth as widely open as you can, and you can't close it more than about a cenitmeter before they tell you to keep it open, how do these people think you're going to pronouce words of the English language if you can't move your mouth? Apparently they don't actually expect you to, and there are now classes in Gargle at dentist school. (Just kidding) At least I'm guessing that's how they do it, because my dentist has been able to hold conversations with me while I'm laying there for the last 10 years.

Today, we were (He was) discussing working-out; He works out on his treadmill every day. His assistant swims at the Y every morning. I think the New Year brought all this on. I grunted out my answers the best I could but I have no idea how they understood what I said?

Moving right along...

I found this on someones blog and decided to try it myself. Sorry, but I don't remember where I seen it?

Lori seems to mean many different things and given the day, they all seem to fit. : )

I think that must mean I have many different personalities.

**What Lori Means***


You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?
Whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/

My Christmas Pictures

Christmas was wonderful! Here are some of the pictures that I captured of our day.
This is our gifts under the Tree, Christmas morning.
Bo, John and Jimmy opening their gifts.
A. J. and brothers
My Mother-in-law withthree of our boys
I'll write about my gifts in another post but this is a ring my boys picked out for me. They would spend hours on the computer looking for the perfect gift for me. My husband said they showed him this Mom ring and asked him if he would take them to the store to buy it for me. He said, they came up with this all on their own.
My husband and his new sweat shirt.


at 1:00 p.m. we went to my son and daughter-in-laws to eat Christmas dinner with and open gifts.
Bret & Jessica's Christmas tree
My baby Ethan
This is a picture of my brother-in-law (He is in the corner) and Jessica's dad.
My son, Bret, opening his gifts.
My daughter-in-law, Jessica
This is my beautiful Grand daugher, Jenna.

We will now be moving on to my Mom's house.
This is a picture of my little brother, Matt (he is holding the cell-phone) and his wife, Jen, plus my son and daughter-in-law.
This is my brother and his wife
This is a picture of my sister, her husband, and three of her children.
This is a pictures of all of my nieces, nephews, grandchilden, great nieces and nephews.
More nephews
More family! There was 63 of us altogether at my Dad and Mom's house Christmas night.

Merry Christmas from our house to Yours!

I just got home from work, the kids are up looking through their stockings waiting for Grandma to come over at 8:00 a.m. so we can open their gifts. We will be heading off to my son and daughter-in-laws today at 1:00 p.m. and over to my Mom and Dad's house at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy Christmas with the family.

I pray all of you have a wonderful Christmas.

The Birth of Christ

Christ is born
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to the city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the House of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."

Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name, Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

So this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, saying: "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emanuel, which is translated, God with us." Then Joseph being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And called His name, Jesus.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirnius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up out of Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and of the lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea on the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who had been born the King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered together all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So the said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the Prophet: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel." Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found him, bring back word to me, the I may come and worship Him also." When they heard the king, they departed; and behold the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

And when they had come into the manger, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, the presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, the departed for the own country another way.

Now there were in the country, shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, the angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring great tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. Now when they had seen Him, the made widely known the saying which was told to them concerning the Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told them.

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, And the government shall be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, from that time forward, even forever."

A nice greeting from Aaron

Hey Sis, Mama, and all my blogging friends,

Here is a warm greeting from my handsome Sailor. We have been a bit busy finishing up our shopping tonight. I am so happy to have my baby home for a few weeks.

I thought our Christmas tree was large until I see Aaron in front of it.

I always love the smile pictures.

Dear Becca,

I know you are sad about not being able to be with us Christmas morning. I sent you those Jingle Bells so you would remember home and your silly mom every time you hear them. I want you to remember even though you are not with us in bodily form you are in our hearts. I love you more than I can tell you.

Leaving Michigan was a big step for you. You left everything you knew; Your family (Your wonderful, beautiful, loving mother) your friends, and a very good job. All to start a new life and bring joy to your grandfather. You have made your Grandpa such a happy man, every time I talk to him he is on the verge of tears. He said, "you have brought youth back into his life".

He loves you dearly Bec.

I knew you wouldn't be able to see the tree with all it's gifts until Wednesday so I thought I'd post this little post for you.

Remember, home is where the heart is, you know you are loved by all.

I thought the tears would flow while writing this letter to you princess. No tears, they were all used up last week. I am just happy to see how my children have grown and matured over the years.

Merry Christmas Princess, you will always be my baby girl.

I love you with all my heart, miles and time do not erase love.

BTW-If your brother sees these pictures I posted of him. He will kill me! : )

A Big Happy Birthday to my Grandson Ethan!

Happy Birthday Ethan! Nana loves you and I miss my little buddy lots and lots.

My baby turns Five tomorrow; he loves to see his picture on his Nana's blog. I will be swamped with things to do starting at 1:00 p.m. today and ending on Wednesday. I love the holiday's but they can keep me busy. I didn't want to forget to post a Birthday Blessing for my grandson so I thought I'd better do it a day early.

He is in Florida right now and won't be back until Christmas Eve. We won't be able to celebrate his Birthday until next week. His daddy has his laptop with him so hopefully he gets to see this tomorrow. I can't wait to see them all at Christmas!

I'd better run, worship team practice at 1:00 p.m. work at 3:00 p.m. I'll have enough time to get church clothes out for tomorrow and maybe a little nap before heading off to work again at 11:00 p.m.

Oh Holy Night by David Phelps

The flu bug has spread its ugly germ through our house the past week and a half.

I came down with it on Sunday. As we all know from having the flu, you really can't go far from home when this bug hits. I'll leave that alone!

In my down time I've been wrapping the rest of the Christmas gifts and listening to the Gaither Vocal Band Christmas DVDs.

One of my all time favorite Christmas Carols is "Oh Holy Night"

David Phelps and Josh Groban come in very close to being my favorite male singers.

I get chills when I hear David Phelps sing this song.

Have a blessed weekend!

I have to post one more post on Christmas morning. I told my daughter I would take a picture of the tree with all of the gifts under it before we open our them on Christmas morning.

BTW- My Sailor made it home safe and sound last night.

Why God made Mom's

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in
the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in th e world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.


Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.


What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that .
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.


WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING --
SEND IT ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS And anyone else who has anything to do with kids or just needs a good
laugh!!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

I would like you'll to meet our newest family Member

We have a new addition to our family!
Scroll down!










What did ya'lll think?

I'm a little to old to be having anymore children. My son, Aaron and daughter, Becca, are both way to young to be getting married and having children. My oldest son, Bret and his wife, Jess, are finished having children.
Blogging friends, everyone, I would like you'll to meet our newest Christmas member, Rudoff.

I got up this morning and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but this very lovely reindeer. My husband asked one of his co-workers to make it for me. How SWEEEEEEET! He thought it would go perfect in our Living room. OH, how right he was! I think he's getting in the Christmas spirit. Hee, Hee

BTW-Did ya'll notice I figured out how to put my kids names on the stockings? I had my niece and family over last night for dinner and hair cuts. I got glitter out for my five year old great niece to play with. I wrote her name with glue on a piece of paper and we put the glitter on. We walked into the living room and she asked me if I could wait until she came over again to put my kids names on our stockings. DUH, why didn't I think of that.

I also received another wonderful blessing today.

I cleaned an office building for a few months back in the summer months. One thing lead to another and I never got paid! I just wrote the money off in my head and thought I would try to be smarter about who I worked for in the future. Guess what was in the mail today? Yes, a check for almost a $1000.00. What better time of year to receive such a blessing.

Ho, Ho, Ho and a Merry, O, Christmas!

Last but not least;

It was my sisters 46th Birthday yesterday! "Happy Birthday Cinda" My sisters children asked us all to meet at a restaurant tonight for a surprise Birthday party for my sister. There were 40 of us altogether. It was my two brother and their families, my parents and family, my sisters children, and me and my boys. It was a lot of fun!

I love being with family!

The Christmas Cantata pictures and more Home Pictures It's Christmas time at Lori's Place.

The Cantata is over; The children did such a wonderful job. Here are some pictures I took at our dress rehearsal. Boaz is the boy standing to the left of the three girls in the center stage. He played Happy Christmas. I wish I could put the DVD of the play on this blog for you'll to see but due to copy right issues, I don't think it can be done.
Don't mind my mess all over the floor!



I received these roses and a gift card to Lonestar from the Jr. choir children and parents for my help with the Cantata.
Yesterday, I worked really hard and got our kitchen decorated for Christmas. This is my kitchen sink.
Our sliding glass doors is where I put I tape Christmas cards.
This is a little plan, I think it needs something.

I added a little touch to our living room walls.
The finished Christmas Tree.
The count down to Christmas!
Last but not least, this little thing was passed down from generation to generation. My grandma made one of these for all of us kids growing up. After I got married, I wanted my children to have one. My mom was kind enough to make one for our children. Boaz had suckers handing from it but they kept falling off. My grandma would tie hard candy to this; I loved butterscotch. Down below is what is written on it.

December first till Christmas is the longest time of year
seems as though it will never get here.
How many more days till Christmas its so mighty hard to count.
So this little candy ribbon will tell the exact amount
Untie a candy everynight when you finish your evening meal.
Start at the bottom of your ribbon only one then stop.
Now when you do this daily Christmas Eve will be here by the time you reach the top.

Every year at Christmas when I pull this out; I remember my Grandma and what Christmas is really all about. The love that she brought the closeness I always felt, is something I will never be able to write down on paper for all of you to know what is in my heart.

Once again, "Merry Christmas" to you all.

Baking Christmas cookies with my dear friend!

This post is dedicated to my "Best Friend" Jessica. My lovely Daughter-in-Law. She set up a special time for us to bake Christmas cookies today and tomorrow. She is busy raising three children, yet she cares enough about me to want to be with me for two day.

True friends are friends that are not embarrassed of you, true friends want to be around you. Jessica is this true friend to me. Thank you and I love you Jess and your wonderful family. "Which so happens to be my loving son and my three beautiful grandchildren. You are always there when I need you. You have been there when my Becca moved and Aaron went into the Navy. You were there to listen when I needed a friend! Thank you for always being there for me even through many tears that I have shed lately, even through some very hard times in my life.

As I sat and read God's Word this morning and went over everything God has given me, I think the best thing I have in life besides of course, my salvation, is my family and friends. Some friends have walked out of my life; I will miss those friends forever. Some are, I am sure here to stay. I think of the people I am around each day, people that bring joy to my life. I think of friends that have moved away that I am not in contact with anymore, friends that have touch a deep part of my soul, friends that come to mind often, that I miss. God puts people in our lives to love and cherish. I have so many wonderful friends that do so much for me. I also have friends that something I have said or done have put a wedge between us. I do have to say, in each situation I have been in, I have tried to make it right, by God graces He has chosen to take those people out of my life.

I thank God for all of the people He has brought into my life, the ones that have gone on and the one that are here to stay.

Living for the simple things in life: The gift of Love

I think I will do something special for a friend today.


Friends Forever

Friends are friends forever together 'till the end.

You promised me that you would always be my friend.

One day something changed I'm not sure what it was.

I lost you on that day and the reason was because

it was a late dark night and we had a stupid fight.

And for some reason, I don't know why, we couldn't make it right.

We went our separate ways.

This went on for days and days.

I made new friends and you made yours,

but that hole in my heart could not be filled for that hole was only yours.

Times got really tough,

my road of life was, oh, so rough.

I needed friends, not the kind you see from day to day,

but the kind that will always and forever stay.

Memories were all I had

and just the thought of them made me sad.

I cried every night wondering how to make it right.

I wish you could erase that day and that fight.

Would you please forgive me? I don't know where to start.

It hurts me so bad to have this hole in my heart!

I don't want our friendship to totally end.

I need you! You are my best friend!

So can we make a promise to stay together 'till the end?

A vow to each other to ALWAYS be BEST FRIENDS?

by: Marcie Reed

If you have wrong a brother try to make it right today.

~ FRIENDS ~

I can't smile without You

By Barry Manalow

As we walk our path of life,
We meet people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, some are sent our way.

These become special friends
Whose bond we can't explain;
The ones who understand us
And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.
So, even we are apart.
Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near.

CHORUS:

You know I can't smile without you
I can't smile without you
I can't laugh and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you're sad
I feel glad when you're glad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile without you

You came along just like a song
And brightened my day
Who would have believed that you were part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away

And now you know I can't smile without you
I can't smile without you
I can't laugh and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you're sad
I feel glad when you're glad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile

Now some people say happiness takes so very long to find
Well, I'm finding it hard leaving your love behind me

And you see I can't smile without you
I can't smile without you
I can't laugh and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel glad when you're glad
I feel sad when you're sad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile without you

Humor

Talking Parrot

submitted by:
Monica, Portland Oregon

A burglar was going through a condo, he came across a parrot, and the parrot said, "God is watching you." The burglar just ignored it.

The parrot said, more loudly this time, "God is watching you, and Jesus is coming!"

The burglar asked the parrot, "If you're so smart, then what's your name?"

The parrot replied, "Moses."

"What kind of moron names a parrot Moses?" laughed the burglar.

The parrot replied, "The same fool who named his two pit bulls God and Jesus."

An Arm and a Leg

submitted by:
Tommy - Grand Rapids, MI

The first man, Adam, was relaxing in the Garden of Eden when God said, "Adam, how would you like someone to prepare your meals, clean your house and wash your clothes, someone that loves and adores you and will obey your every wish?"

Adam said, "That sounds pretty good, but how much will it cost me?"

God replied, "An arm and a leg."

Adam thought about it for a little while, then asked, "Well, what can I get for just one rib?"

Redneck Jokes

Redneck Love Poem

submitted by:
Roy Butler - Athens, TN

Collards is green,
my dog's name is Blue
and I'm so lucky
to have a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk
a-flapping in the breeze.
Softer than Blue's
and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass,
which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales
but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry
jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff"
right out of the can.

You have some'a yore teeth,
for which I am proud;
I hold my head high
when we're in a crowd.

On special occasions,
when you shave under yore arms,
well, I'm in hawg heaven,
and awed by yore charms.

Still them fellers at work,
they all want to know,
what I did to deserve
such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape
yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles
and fix what you can.

Yo're as cute as a junebug
a-buzzin' overhead.
You ain't mean like those far ants
I found in my bed.

Cut from the best cloth
like a plaid flannel shirt,
you spark up my life
more than a fresh load of dirt.

When you hold me real tight
like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete;
Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection,
like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years,
yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie
with a RC cold drank,
we go together
like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate
for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart,
it's romantic that way.

Some men git roses
on that special day
from the cooler at Kroger.
That's impressive," I say.

Some men buy fine diamonds
from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever,"
they explain, suave and couth.

But for this man, honey,
these won't do.
Cause yor'e too special,
you sweet thang you.

I got you a gift,
without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds......
IT'S A NEW TROLL'N MOTOR!!

Once again! It's marriage MONDAY

A Christian Marriage

The Bible teaches us that God is the Creator of marriage. As the Designer of marriage, God can best teach us how a husband and wife should live together

Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.

I Corinthians 7:3-4 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

God's plan for marriage is to provide companionship, to prevent sexual immorality, and to provide children with loving parents.

Marriage can provide a home where Christianity is practiced. In the Christian home God is considered in every decision. The husband, wife, and children are encouraged to live as Jesus wants us to live. The Christian home serves as an example to non-Christians who want the same kind of happiness they see in the home of Christians. If you want a better home, then learn to live as Jesus means for us to live.

If we are going to have a Christian marriage, I think the key word here is “CHRISTian”. The Bible tells the husband to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. (Eph. 5:25). The key here is to love her as Christ loved the church. This is the way Christian men should love their wives.

In the same way, you wives, need to be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior 1 Peter 3:1-2

To keep our marriage strong we have to keep Christ in the center of it. We need to pray together, respect and honor one another, we need to be slow to speak and quick to listen, COMMUNICATION, we need to choose to love are mate each and every day.


When I think of my husband I think of this;

He works long hours, with little or no time for himself. He puts up with my mood swings even when I can hardly stand myself. He is full of energy, he has a great imagination, he is very intelligent, he’s understanding and very flexible. My husband is the leader in our home, he leads with love and kindness. He is my protector, supporter, provider.

1 Corinthians 11:3 “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."

If we want a Christian marriage, Christ must be the center point in our lives!
Plus, lots of hugs and kisses doesn't hurt! : )


I hopped over to e-Mom's blog and found a great post on marriage. Maybe ya'll could hop over and take a look! Just click on the button, and it will send you over.
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