Beauty...

BEAUTY
John Masefield

Have seen dawn and sunset on moors and windy hills
Coming in solemn beauty like slow old tunes of Spain:
I have seen the lady Deidre bringing in the daffodils,
Bringing the springing grass and the soft warm April rain.

I have heard the song of the blossoms and the old chant of the sea,
And seen strange lands from under the arched white sails of ships;
But the loveliest things of beauty God ever has showed to me
Are her voice, and her hair, and eyes, and the dear red curve of her lips. 

Letter's To My Wife | 9 Years...

9 years ago I nervously stood and waiting for my bride to come down the aisle.  It was the culmination of close to 4 years of emails, phone calls, voice mails and video conferences.  It was the apex of nervous firsts, arrogant seconds,and relaxed thirds.  It was the punch line to jokes that only we got.  It was the climax of something that we could only dream of.

When God said that, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord", he was talking about the woman pictured above.  When Solomon wrote, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies..." he wasn't exaggerating.

I didn't really understand life until that day.  I didn't really understand God until that day.  Love was an abstract concept until that moment.  

I knew I could make it because you have been there cheering me on.  I have been humbled because of your forgiveness.  I have been stopped because of your submission.

Our children are better because of you.  Our family is what it is today because of what you contribute.  My prayer for you this year is that you would continue to be used by God as a wife, a mother, and a teacher.  My prayer for us this year is that we would continue to experience God's refining fire as we grow in oneness.  I know that the last year has been challenging for us but we are committed to what God is doing in our marriage.

I look forward to at least 75 more years together.

Happy Anniversary

Your Husband

Letters | Praying the Word Over You pt 1...

Psalm 119

    א Aleph

 ¹ Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
   who walk according to the law of the LORD.
² Blessed are they who keep his statutes
   and seek him with all their heart.
³ They do nothing wrong;
   they walk in his ways.
⁴ You have laid down precepts
   that are to be fully obeyed.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were steadfast
   in obeying your decrees!
⁶ Then I would not be put to shame
   when I consider all your commands.
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart
   as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸ I will obey your decrees;
   do not utterly forsake me.

   ב Beth

 ⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
   By living according to your word.
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
   do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.
¹² Praise be to you, O LORD;
   teach me your decrees.
¹³ With my lips I recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
¹⁶ I delight in your decrees;
   I will not neglect your word.

   ג Gimel

 ¹⁷ Do good to your servant, and I will live;
   I will obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes that I may see
   wonderful things in your law.
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth;
   do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰ My soul is consumed with longing
   for your laws at all times.
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
   and who stray from your commands.
²² Remove from me scorn and contempt,
   for I keep your statutes.
²³ Though rulers sit together and slander me,
   your servant will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴ Your statutes are my delight;
   they are my counselors.

   ד Daleth

 ²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;
   preserve my life according to your word.
²⁶ I recounted my ways and you answered me;
   teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
   then I will meditate on your wonders.
²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
   strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
   be gracious to me through your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth;
   I have set my heart on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
   do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
   for you have set my heart free.

   ה He

 ³³ Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
   then I will keep them to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
   and obey it with all my heart.
³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
   for there I find delight.
³⁶ Turn my heart toward your statutes
   and not toward selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
   preserve my life according to your word.^[b]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
   so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
   for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
   Preserve my life in your righteousness.

   ו Waw

 ⁴¹ May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
   your salvation according to your promise;
⁴² then I will answer the one who taunts me,
   for I trust in your word.
⁴³ Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
   for I have put my hope in your laws.
⁴⁴ I will always obey your law,
   for ever and ever.
⁴⁵ I will walk about in freedom,
   for I have sought out your precepts.
⁴⁶ I will speak of your statutes before kings
   and will not be put to shame,
⁴⁷ for I delight in your commands
   because I love them.
⁴⁸ I lift up my hands to^[c] your commands, which I love,
   and I meditate on your decrees.

   ז Zayin

 ⁴⁹ Remember your word to your servant,
   for you have given me hope.
⁵⁰ My comfort in my suffering is this:
   Your promise preserves my life.
⁵¹ The arrogant mock me without restraint,
   but I do not turn from your law.
⁵² I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,
   and I find comfort in them.
⁵³ Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
   who have forsaken your law.
⁵⁴ Your decrees are the theme of my song
   wherever I lodge.
⁵⁵ In the night I remember your name, O LORD,
   and I will keep your law.
⁵⁶ This has been my practice:
   I obey your precepts.

   ח Heth

 ⁵⁷ You are my portion, O LORD;
   I have promised to obey your words.
⁵⁸ I have sought your face with all my heart;
   be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ I have considered my ways
   and have turned my steps to your statutes.
⁶⁰ I will hasten and not delay
   to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
   I will not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to give you thanks
   for your righteous laws.
⁶³ I am a friend to all who fear you,
   to all who follow your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
   teach me your decrees.

   ט Teth

 ⁶⁵ Do good to your servant
   according to your word, O LORD.
⁶⁶ Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
   for I believe in your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,
   but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and what you do is good;
   teach me your decrees.
⁶⁹ Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
   I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
   but I delight in your law.
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted
   so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷² The law from your mouth is more precious to me
   than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

   י Yodh

 ⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
   give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
   for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
   and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
   according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷ Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
   for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸ May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
   but I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹ May those who fear you turn to me,
   those who understand your statutes.
⁸⁰ May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
   that I may not be put to shame.

   כ Kaph

 ⁸¹ My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
   but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
   I say, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³ Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
   I do not forget your decrees.
⁸⁴ How long must your servant wait?
   When will you punish my persecutors?
⁸⁵ The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
   contrary to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commands are trustworthy;
   help me, for men persecute me without cause.
⁸⁷ They almost wiped me from the earth,
   but I have not forsaken your precepts.
⁸⁸ Preserve my life according to your love,
   and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

   ל Lamedh

 ⁸⁹ Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
   it stands firm in the heavens.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
   you established the earth, and it endures.
⁹¹ Your laws endure to this day,
   for all things serve you.
⁹² If your law had not been my delight,
   I would have perished in my affliction.
⁹³ I will never forget your precepts,
   for by them you have preserved my life.
⁹⁴ Save me, for I am yours;
   I have sought out your precepts.
⁹⁵ The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
   but I will ponder your statutes.
⁹⁶ To all perfection I see a limit;
   but your commands are boundless.

   מ Mem

 ⁹⁷ Oh, how I love your law!
   I meditate on it all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
   for they are ever with me.
⁹⁹ I have more insight than all my teachers,
   for I meditate on your statutes.
¹⁰⁰ I have more understanding than the elders,
   for I obey your precepts.
¹⁰¹ I have kept my feet from every evil path
   so that I might obey your word.
¹⁰² I have not departed from your laws,
   for you yourself have taught me.
¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste,
   sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ I gain understanding from your precepts;
   therefore I hate every wrong path.

   נ Nun

 ¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet
   and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
   that I will follow your righteous laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much;
   preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
¹⁰⁸ Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
   and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
   I will not forget your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have set a snare for me,
   but I have not strayed from your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your statutes are my heritage forever;
   they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² My heart is set on keeping your decrees
   to the very end.

   ס Samekh

 ¹¹³ I hate double-minded men,
   but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield;
   I have put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Away from me, you evildoers,
   that I may keep the commands of my God!
¹¹⁶ Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;
   do not let my hopes be dashed.
¹¹⁷ Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
   I will always have regard for your decrees.
¹¹⁸ You reject all who stray from your decrees,
   for their deceitfulness is in vain.
¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
   therefore I love your statutes.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles in fear of you;
   I stand in awe of your laws.

   ע Ayin

 ¹²¹ I have done what is righteous and just;
   do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²² Ensure your servant’s well-being;
   let not the arrogant oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
   looking for your righteous promise.
¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your love
   and teach me your decrees.
¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me discernment
   that I may understand your statutes.
¹²⁶ It is time for you to act, O LORD;
   your law is being broken.
¹²⁷ Because I love your commands
   more than gold, more than pure gold,
¹²⁸ and because I consider all your precepts right,
   I hate every wrong path.

   פ Pe

 ¹²⁹ Your statutes are wonderful;
   therefore I obey them.
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;
   it gives understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant,
   longing for your commands.
¹³² Turn to me and have mercy on me,
   as you always do to those who love your name.
¹³³ Direct my footsteps according to your word;
   let no sin rule over me.
¹³⁴ Redeem me from the oppression of men,
   that I may obey your precepts.
¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant
   and teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶ Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
   for your law is not obeyed.

   צ Tsadhe

 ¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O LORD,
   and your laws are right.
¹³⁸ The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
   they are fully trustworthy.
¹³⁹ My zeal wears me out,
   for my enemies ignore your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
   and your servant loves them.
¹⁴¹ Though I am lowly and despised,
   I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is everlasting
   and your law is true.
¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have come upon me,
   but your commands are my delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your statutes are forever right;
   give me understanding that I may live.

   ק Qoph

 ¹⁴⁵ I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD,
   and I will obey your decrees.
¹⁴⁶ I call out to you; save me
   and I will keep your statutes.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help;
   I have put my hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
   that I may meditate on your promises.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
   preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
¹⁵⁰ Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
   but they are far from your law.
¹⁵¹ Yet you are near, O LORD,
   and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² Long ago I learned from your statutes
   that you established them to last forever.

   ר Resh

 ¹⁵³ Look upon my suffering and deliver me,
   for I have not forgotten your law.
¹⁵⁴ Defend my cause and redeem me;
   preserve my life according to your promise.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,
   for they do not seek out your decrees.
¹⁵⁶ Your compassion is great, O LORD;
   preserve my life according to your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many are the foes who persecute me,
   but I have not turned from your statutes.
¹⁵⁸ I look on the faithless with loathing,
   for they do not obey your word.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your precepts;
   preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.
¹⁶⁰ All your words are true;
   all your righteous laws are eternal.

   ש Sin and Shin

 ¹⁶¹ Rulers persecute me without cause,
   but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶² I rejoice in your promise
   like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and abhor falsehood
   but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
   for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they who love your law,
   and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I wait for your salvation, O LORD,
   and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your statutes,
   for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your precepts and your statutes,
   for all my ways are known to you.

   ת Taw

 ¹⁶⁹ May my cry come before you, O LORD;
   give me understanding according to your word.
¹⁷⁰ May my supplication come before you;
   deliver me according to your promise.
¹⁷¹ May my lips overflow with praise,
   for you teach me your decrees.
¹⁷² May my tongue sing of your word,
   for all your commands are righteous.
¹⁷³ May your hand be ready to help me,
   for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, O LORD,
   and your law is my delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you,
   and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶ I have strayed like a lost sheep.
   Seek your servant,
   for I have not forgotten your commands.

Letter's To My Bride | Unbreakable...

One of my brides "favorite" movies was Unbreakable.  She "enjoyed" this movie so much that we have had many discussions around the merit of this film.  With a little creative license I am borrowing the title of, what she feels is a "quality" film.  In the book of Matthew chapter 19 versus 4 through 6 we see

“Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
You and I, darling, were created by God for each other and no man or woman should ever come between.  God also gave a great illustration of how our marriage, when it is united with Him is truly unbreakable.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep arm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecc 4:9-12

No man can separate what God has bound together.  Let's continue to seek God and meet each others needs.

 

God Loves You and So Do I,

God's Man

Letters To My Bride | Longing...

My Dearest Bride,

 

I was sitting here at my desk and I was longing for you.  My day drags on in the morning after we separate for work.  My focus gets broken frequently by this Longing.  It causes me to thin about you.  It captures me and slowly lets me go.  This longing makes my heart race and my breath quicken.  I go from moment to moment trying to get to the afternoon.  At that point the days begins to speed up.  I am excited because my longing will be satisfied soon. I can't wait.  Nothing will stop me from seeing you now.  The Longing is so strong that it allows no other things to cross my mind.  Can it truly be?  Is it that time already.  Yes!  Time to go satisfy my longing.

May your fountain be blessed, 
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 

A loving doe, a graceful deer— 
may her breasts satisfy you always, 
may you ever be captivated by her love Proverbs 5:18-19

See You Soon

Your Husband

You are Beautiful!!!

You are an Awesome Wonder and and Amazing Beauty.

 

I know that you do not feel that way, being sick right now, but see yourself as I do.

 

You are the woman who captured my heart and held it even from 3000 miles away.

You showed me the true meaning of love

You are the woman who captured my mind with your intelligence, quick wit and drive.

You kept me on my toes in every discussion

You are the woman who has captured my body with your sensuality and grace

You make my pulse race and my breathing quicken.

You are the woman who makes me smile when you operate in your strength

You know what you want to do, how it needs to be done, and you do it

 

Your Husband loves and cherishes you.

Your Children adore and respect you

Your Friends admire your opinion

 

You are Amazing...

 

Your Husband...

Letters To My Bride | Joel 2:28-29...

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.- Joel 2:28-29

 

God has poured out His spirit on us and now is the time to answer His call.

MY Thoughts For You Today...

God loves You And So Do I?

Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. -Song of Solomon 2:1

You are Amazing

Letters To My Bride | Overcoming Exhaustion...

I love this photo by Dalla over at Flikr.  It had me thinking about my last letter What to do when you are exhausted.  Here is some more thoughts from God's Word.

When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.  - Psalm 138:3, 7-8

When you begin to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, put upon remember to call on the Lord.  Reach out for help.  He will protect you.  Know that God loves you and So do I.

 

God's Man

Letter To My Bride | What To Do When You Are Exhausted...

What To Do When You Feel Exhausted - Day 1

Dearest Wife,

I have noticed over some time that you have been dealing with being/feeling exhausted.  As I prayed for you this is was given to share with you.  This is taken From Psalm 37:34-40.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

I know that things are very hectic for you right now.  I am sure between me, the kids, church, and work you are being pulled in so many different directions.  I hope that I have been able to help you by taking some of the tasks that had fallen on your shoulders.  Outside of that I hope that you will take the beginning of this passage to heart.  When you begin to feel exhausted look to God to help you prioritize.  When you do that you will be surprised how he is there to handle the rest.  Don't let the "greener" grass pull you down.  You are doing an amazing job as a wife, mother and leader.  Don't let the expectations that others want to project on you add extra weight.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Reach out to your mentors and those who love you (Me).  Where it is safe; share.  Where you cannot than take it to God.  He will order your steps and provide you the strength and if necessary the rest to make it through.  I am so glad that we are walking together.

Love,

Your Husband...

Letter's To My Wife | Using the Weak

 God Uses the Weak To Baffle Those Who Think They Are So High And Mighty

... God has chosen those whom the world considers to be puny and powerless - even laughable.  These are the very ones God will use to confuse, frustrate, and baffle the political powers of the world! - 1 Corin 1:27

My Prayer For You Today
Lord, help my bride see herself with the full potential she has in Jesus Christ.  She is tempted to see herself according to her past, but starting today I ask You to help her see herself through the promises of Your Word.  She knows that with Your grace and power, she can rise above any weakness or infirmity that has hindered her in the past.  Help her to turn to Your grave and I ask You to release Your power in her so she can step into the reality of the person You have made her to be!  I pray this in Jesus' name!

My Confession For You Today
I confess that my bride is NOT substandard, second-rate, low-grade, or inferior.  She is filled with the Spirit of God, and she has the call of God on her life.  Even if her gifts and talents seem small in comparision to others, she has all that she needs in order to do what God has asked her to do.  God wants to use her to baffle the "know-it-alls" and to bewilder people who are more talented than she is but who do not trust in the Lord.  God wants to get glory because of what He does through her!  I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

Questions For You To Consider

1. If nothing could hinder you from fulfilling your dreams, what dream would you most want to fulfill in your life?
2. Do you really believe God can help you fulfill such a mighty dream?
3. In what ways do you need to change the way you think about yourself in order for you to become the kind of person who carries out this kind of dream?

-adapted for my Bride from Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner

Letter's To My Bride | My Prayer For You Today Psalm 33...

Psalm 33

 ¹ Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; 
       it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

 ² Praise the LORD with the harp; 
       make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

 ³ Sing to him a new song; 
       play skillfully, and shout for joy.

 ⁴ For the word of the LORD is right and true; 
       he is faithful in all he does.

 ⁵ The LORD loves righteousness and justice; 
       the earth is full of his unfailing love.

God I sing joyfully to you and ask that you would revive the Joy that is in Deidre's life.  She needs to see your Glory right now.  Restore her with your love.

 ⁶ By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, 
       their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

 ⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[a] ; 
       he puts the deep into storehouses.

 ⁸ Let all the earth fear the LORD; 
       let all the people of the world revere him.

 ⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be; 
       he commanded, and it stood firm.

Thank you Lord for the reminder that your Word has Power.  Power to change any situation.  Power to impact lives.  Power to change the landscape.  Let Your Power flow in my wife and let it flow from her to change the atmosphere around her.  Calm the tensions, heal the broken, and release both her and those around her from the lies of the enemy.

 ¹⁰ The LORD foils the plans of the nations; 
       he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

 ¹¹ But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, 
       the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 ¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, 
       the people he chose for his inheritance.

She loves you God because you stand as a guard around your people.  I ask that you would be the shield around my wife today.  That you would bless her as she belongs to you.  Take her into your dwelling place and surround her with your love.  Stand against those who would cause her harm.

 ¹³ From heaven the LORD looks down 
       and sees all mankind;

 ¹⁴ from his dwelling place he watches 
       all who live on earth-

 ¹⁵ he who forms the hearts of all, 
       who considers everything they do.

 ¹⁶ No king is saved by the size of his army; 
       no warrior escapes by his great strength.

 ¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; 
       despite all its great strength it cannot save.

 ¹⁸ But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, 
       on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

 ¹⁹ to deliver them from death 
       and keep them alive in famine.

I know that, because of who You are she is able to stand.  Her strength comes from you as does her resources.  Deliver her from the hand of the one who would see us fall.  Give her eyes to see, ears to hear, and the strength to stand for you.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD; 
       he is our help and our shield.

 ²¹ In him our hearts rejoice, 
       for we trust in his holy name.

 ²² May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, 
       even as we put our hope in you.

Lord, thank you for being the reason why we can have Joy.  Never worrying because You are on the throne.  Continue to shine through my wife and be the smile that is on her face.  You are amazing Lord, and I thank you for bringing her into my life.

In Jesus Name I Pray

Letter's To My Wife | The Esther Challenge...

I have been holding onto this for a few months and have been trying to avoid it because, frankly it scares me. Late last year while I was studying I was taken to that well known passage from the book of Esther Chapter 7 versus 1-2.

So the king and Haman went to dinner with Queen Esther. At this second dinner, while they were drinking wine the king again asked, "Queen Esther, what would you like? Half of my kingdom! Just ask and it's yours." - Message Translation

I always wonder what was it about Esther that made the King want be OK with giving up everything. Was it her beauty? Was it her intelligence? Was it her skills in the kitchen? Was it her skills in the bedroom?

Whatever the reason, Xerxes was comfortable with whatever he thought Esther might ask that he gave her a blank check. So I am going to go out on a limb and take a chance just like Xerxes and offer my bride something different. I am also issuing a challenge to any of the husbands that visit here or over at my other blog God's Man. I know that there are are a few changes that my bride would like me to make and a few that she has not told me. This year I am offering my to take on a change of her choosing.

Starting on February 1, 2010, if she is willing, I will share what my bride has asked of me and my plan to make her request a reality.

Any husbands out there that are interested in taking the Esther Challenge with me?

Letter's To My Wife | Being Like Minded...

What it means to be in love

There isn't really anything that I can add to this... 1st Corinthians 13:3-7 (Msg)

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.