What to Do With Today: 2009

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Our Anniversary

Today is our 31st anniversary. We weren't able to celebrate because Garry became ill with food poisoning the last night all the kids were here. He was so sick! He is extremely weak and exhausted today, so we just layed low and I took down all the Christmas decorations in the kitchen, family room and den...the living room is stuffed with Christmas things waiting to be put up. So what can I reflect on today? It all begins with how in the world 31 years passed so quickly. It only seems like yesterday when we were dating...our wedding came and went in a blur like so many other important events in our married life. What I love the most about our marriage is that we have remained friends and do not like to be apart...at all! We have weathered events that would tear many marriages apart, but God alone is our refuge and strength and we are blessed to have the same outlook on life. We both know that we serve a risen saviour and that whatever life brings, He is in control and knows us so well He even knows the number of hairs on our head! He knit us in our mother's wombs and ordained our marriage. He allowed blessings and heartaches alike. We are safe in each other's arms just like we are safe in our Father's arms. We both told each other in the cards we exchanged today that we were looking forward to the next 31 years. That would make us 84 when that landmark arrives. Well, who knows. We intend to make it the 31 best yet! I love you, Garry!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas Message - my reflection on today's Utmost reading

December 25, 2009
His Birth and Our New Birth

His Birth in Me. "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you . . ." (Galatians 4:19 ).

What a profound statement! It is interesting that God gave women labor pains after Eve's disobedience; yet, He chooses "labor" as a metaphor to show the depth of His love for us! He has been wrestling with us from the beginning, hasn't He?
In Genesis 8:21, Noah built an altar to the Lord after he and his family survived the flood. The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done."
Even though we are 'evil from [our] youth', God chooses NOT to give up on us, but labors on our behalf to bring us to Himself. This is the Christmas story...that he gave us His Son towards that end. Wow.