Date Night & Beautiful Weather

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Many times I see and hear of couples where one spouse is committed to the marriage and is determined to make it work.  While the other spouse is tired of trying and just ready to be done with it all.  After fighting and trying, the first spouse, the committed one, decides they can't keep at it and they give up too.  Their love just stops.  But if love is real, from the love of Jesus, it doesn't waiver or give up when it is not received the way you want.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman for Marriage Monday.
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In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:4-6

As I read the above passage my heart is reminded of two things.  First, we need to be in constant prayer for our ministers and leaders, those partnering in the sharing the gospel.  As a pastor's daughter and pastor's wife, I know how hard the ministry can be.  Whether full time pay, part time pay or volunteer, the work, the ministry, is always full time.  We need to pray over our ministers that God would bless them and anoint their lives, health, relationships, finances, time and ministry.  The second thing I am reminded of when reading Philippians 1:4-6 is that God is not done with us.  He begins a work in us, a work that will not be complete until our eternal life begins.  And all of the pain of this world, all of the hardships, it is going to be worth it.  Do not be discouraged, let Him continue His beautiful craftsmanship of you.

Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

783. My husband safely completing his out of town job.

784. Another week of work for him...in town this time.

785. My husband's hard work at completely cleaning and organizing our garage on his day off.

786. My brother and sister-in-law taking my boys for the weekend.  My boys love their uncle!

787. My daughter getting to spend the weekend with her best friends.

788. Trips to the library with the kids.

789. Shopping and talking with my oldest daughter.

790. A date night with my husband, dinner and a beautiful concert.

791. Sitting snuggled next to him in a booth at a wonderful restaurant.

792. Jeremy completely surprising me with an incredible Christmas gift!  I love it!

793. A beautiful Christmas and Christian concert, The Story.  {Please click the link and check the tour dates.  If The Story is coming to your town  it is a MUST see!  You will not regret it!}   

794. Spending a wonderful night connecting with my husband.

795. Partnering with World Vision and adopting a child to sponsor with our children's ministry.

796. The excitement our church children had about sponsoring this little one.

797. Having a few minutes to put my feet up and relax on Sunday afternoon.

798. An absolutely fun night at our church Christmas dinner and party.

799. Beginning week two of the advent study I am doing.

800. Beginning week one of that advent study with my children.

801. Setting up our Christmas decorations and tree with the kids.

802. The beautiful and unseasonable weather we are having in the Midwest.

803. Windows open in December.  Definitely a first.

804. Fresh air.

805. Time spent in prayer and worship.

806. Feeling a Jesus hug.

What are you praising God for today?  Comment below with five things.

Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Monday Morning Meditations