Teresa and I recently returned from our first cruise as a couple. Some years ago, Teresa's side of the family, including our 7, were a part of 40 plus in our group on the first cruise experience I have ever had. But, this was different. It was a blessing from God, as He provided the funds over a period of time, the opportunity, and the people resources to do it. Teresa's amazing two sisters came to her birthday party and then stayed into the following week to watch our 5 children!
Of course, it didn't take long to remember, by just listening to the questions Teresa and I were asking, that we happen to be a "little" different:
Teresa: How late can we sleep in and still get to the ship on time? (she didn't really say this, although she certainly could have. She was very kind in leaning my way on this issue)
Greg: How early do we need to get up so we can be first in line to get on the boat (we were, by the way - victory!)
Teresa: Where's the sun? (so I can soak it in)
Greg: Where's the shade? (so I can stay away from the sun)
Teresa: What are my salad choices for dinner?
Greg: What are my dessert choices? (after the steak!)
Teresa: Where's the beach? (so I can lay out on it)
Greg: Where's the beach? (so I don't accidentally go to it)
Teresa: How much can we dress up for dinner? (I love to dress up!)
Greg: Can I just wear this shirt and swimsuit? (actually, I did lean toward Teresa's preference on this one, if I do say so myself!)
It was really a special blessing to be on this cruise with my wife and to enjoy one another for an extended period of time. We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible for us. Who knows if we will ever go on another one; but we have this one to remember. Vacation is great, and taking a cruise is a lot of fun. BUT...the "real life", the daily challenges and opportunities with family, with the things God has made us steward of, with ministry - now that is something to be grateful for, every day. May we all see the blessings of today, and praise God for them!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
My Wife is turning...
another year older; and a number of years that might cause extra stress for a woman, for anyone. She is approaching it with grace. Growing older is not easy, but it offers the opportunity to bring perspective. It reminds us of the truth of Scripture, as it relates to the brevity of life. Of course, it is really a personal challenge for every person. To those in their 20's, we are pretty old; and to those in their 60's, we are pretty young. The key is how we view ourselves, in the context of what God says about us. We have no guarantee of another year, let alone another day, or hour, or minute. Each moment is a wonderful blessing from God; and we both want to make the most of it, for His glory.
When I look at my wife, I don't see ____. I see the most beautiful woman in the world. I see the greatest mom, the greatest wife. I realize that not everyone would agree; and she might roll her eyes at my comments. But, I know it is true. God has incredibly blessed me with Teresa, as we are in our 18th year of marriage. She has demonstrated the love, grace and mercy of Christ. She is always giving of herself. I love her and could not be prouder of her. With every passing day, I see a woman who is getting closer to her Lord, and desiring to please Him in every way. I LOVE that about her. She is a great example for me.
So, babe: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May God give you another blessed year; and always know that
I LOVE YOU!
Greg
When I look at my wife, I don't see ____. I see the most beautiful woman in the world. I see the greatest mom, the greatest wife. I realize that not everyone would agree; and she might roll her eyes at my comments. But, I know it is true. God has incredibly blessed me with Teresa, as we are in our 18th year of marriage. She has demonstrated the love, grace and mercy of Christ. She is always giving of herself. I love her and could not be prouder of her. With every passing day, I see a woman who is getting closer to her Lord, and desiring to please Him in every way. I LOVE that about her. She is a great example for me.
So, babe: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May God give you another blessed year; and always know that
I LOVE YOU!
Greg
Friday, January 6, 2012
NOT GUILTY!
Think of the emotions that these words bring. If you are the victim or a part of the victim's family, you wail, cry and mourn this verdict. If you are the accused, or a part of the accused family, you cheer, exult and hug everyone. Depending on which "side" you are on, you are either excited or depressed. Regardless of which role you play, there is normally very high emotion. If you have ever been in the place, in particular of the accused, then you know the emotions you feel as you wait for the verdict; and when you hear it.
That brings me to the fact that all of us, and I mean all of us, are guilty before God and deserving of Hell. Even for those of us who are followers of Jesus, if we look at the facts of our lives, and our daily sins; and then place ourselves before a holy, just God, we are guilty. We are undeserving of the gift of life; and only deserve God's wrath. We are GUILTY, in regards to the reality of our sin.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, he knew this was a church full of sinful, professing Christians. They were a mess; and by all accounts, if anyone was going to lose their salvation, it would be them. I can relate. And that is why, this is one of my favorite passages of Scripture:
I Corinthians 1:7-9 - "So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, GUILTLESS in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
What was the final verdict going to be for these straying, sinful believers? NOT GUILTY! Isn't that awesome? When the time comes, even if we continue to struggle with sin (and we will); and even if we struggle with it to the extent of the Corinthian believers (and I do); the FAITHFUL GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, who is my advocate, will pronounce the final verdict, and it will bring me to tears and result in great rejoicing:
NOT GUILTY!
That brings me to the fact that all of us, and I mean all of us, are guilty before God and deserving of Hell. Even for those of us who are followers of Jesus, if we look at the facts of our lives, and our daily sins; and then place ourselves before a holy, just God, we are guilty. We are undeserving of the gift of life; and only deserve God's wrath. We are GUILTY, in regards to the reality of our sin.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, he knew this was a church full of sinful, professing Christians. They were a mess; and by all accounts, if anyone was going to lose their salvation, it would be them. I can relate. And that is why, this is one of my favorite passages of Scripture:
I Corinthians 1:7-9 - "So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, GUILTLESS in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
What was the final verdict going to be for these straying, sinful believers? NOT GUILTY! Isn't that awesome? When the time comes, even if we continue to struggle with sin (and we will); and even if we struggle with it to the extent of the Corinthian believers (and I do); the FAITHFUL GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, who is my advocate, will pronounce the final verdict, and it will bring me to tears and result in great rejoicing:
NOT GUILTY!
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