Celebration & Reflection

Last week we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and Mother's Day. Sometimes it takes a milestone or holiday to reflect on who we are and how far we've come. I've now been married for a decade, which is almost a third of my life. It's hard to believe all the storms we've weathered and the celebrations we've enjoyed. As I think about my husband's best qualities, like patient, loyal, and loving, I am reminded of Jesus' love for his bride, the church. Spouses serve as a reminder of God's affection and companionship. Vows are a reminder of our faithful devotion and God's beautiful promises. Marriage is a reminder to have a humble heart and serving attitude. Of course our marriage isn't perfect, but I am grateful for the life we've built and the continual progress we make. May I be blessed to say in another decade that I've been married for almost half of my life! I see all around me just how important marriage is for families and generations to come. Three of our four parents have been diagnosed with cancer in the last six months. I've witnessed such amazing support in their relationships and I hope we always model that for our children. Our parents have been good examples for us to learn from and model our marriage after. Showing God's love through our relationships is the meaning of life!

This year I was honored to celebrate Mother's Day with two sweet sons. As I think about the journeys that led me to both of them, it wasn't easy but it was well worth it. Having two toddlers now means very little sleep and lots of mess. Sometimes I feel like I am consumed with cleaning up and trying to sleep. When will it end? All too soon I suppose. Soon my boys won't need me as much and I will miss their attention. Being a mother of young children is wholly different than any other stage in life. But we should still find ways to serve God in the minutiae of the daily grind. In the meantime, my daily devotion usually involves reading my Bible at work, listening to KLove in the car, falling asleep praying, singing endless children's songs, and caring for two of God's precious children. Motherhood is definitely the most frustrating, rewarding, challenging, exciting, intimidating, and incredible job on this earth. Nothing is more adorable than their faces or sweeter than their kisses. We are all blessed that God chose our Mothers and children just for us!

Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold

Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old

Your love is enduring through the winter rain

And beyond the horizon with mercy for today

Faithful You have been and faithful you will be

You pledge yourself to me and it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

You Father the orphan

Your kindness makes us whole

And you shoulder our weakness

And your strength becomes our own

Now you're making me like you

Clothing me in white

Bringing beauty from ashes

For You will have Your bride

Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame

And known by her true name and it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

You will be praised You will be praised

With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord

And it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

Ever Be, Bethel Music