Promises Made on a Wedding Day

A few weeks ago we went to a wedding for our cousins in Fresno. We have attended and been in a few weddings recently, but this was by far different. Having recently celebrated our 25th anniversary, most of our friends have long since been married so this was refreshing and full of young vibrant life's.

The wedding was very nice. Everyone could tell how much the bride and groom truly adored each other. And the ceremony itself was very deliberately focused on God being a part of the union and that with Him at the lead, the marriage would be strong. They actually took shared a time where they each made a VOW to God from each individual to God. It showed their Godly character and Christ being the center.

While sitting in the church, watching the couple exchange vows, a few things came to mind.


The first thing I started thinking about was how great marriage is. God intended it that way. When I heard the vows of “better or worse” and “til death do us part” I remembered the commitment Russ and I made to stick together, with God, despite what harshness life brought. And throughout the ceremony I was reminded that by putting Him and the other person first in the marriage, it can truly be one of joy and peace.

The other thing I started thinking about was on a less positive note (sorry to bring you down). I began to think about all the couples that said those same wedding vows, but really didn’t know what they meant. Those couples went into the marriage thinking that because they were marrying their “soul mate” that things would just work out. But when things got hard, they were able to divorce in less time than it took for the wedding to take place.

When we get married, we make vows (or promises) to the other person and to God. That’s something to take very seriously.

Take out your wedding video if you have one and watch it with your spouse. Try to remember the love and affection you had for your husband or wife at the time and the promises you made to them. If you’re going through a rough patch in your relationship right now, take this as a starting over point and remember every day to put God first, then your spouse over yourself. In doing that you truly can be on the path to experiencing days of heaven on earth.

I pray that this newly married couple and your marriage has a great future!

How Much Do You Love God?

I was talking to God this morning as I was having my first cup of coffee with my devotions, asking Him, “how much time and effort should I put into friendships?” Especially ones that are strained. I struggle with this, because I don’t want to love my family and friends more than God. Yet I know I do, more than I don’t. I am ashamed to say, (but I try to be honest about my walk with God), I probably love my stuff more than God at times too.

I have come to realize lately, the more I get to know God and seek Him, the more I grow to realize I don’t love God as fully I should. You see, God asks us to love Him in Mark 12:30 with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength! It's almost an oxy-moron! You would think the more I got to know God, the more I would love Him? I do believe what is happening is, as I truly see who God is and not my preconceived ideas of Him, I simply see how far from His character and His standard of love I fall! What about you?

God doesn’t expect us to love exactly as He loves, because He is love! Yet, He does expect us as Christians to desire and seek to love Him more and more … (Philippians 1:6)! Let me remind you, only through His Spirit empowering us can we love God and others His way. (Romans 5:5)

How much do you love God? Do you love Him enough to read His Words written to you and to talk to Him? Do you love Him enough to agree with Him about your sin? Do you love God enough to love others? (EVEN those who have hurt you or your family.) Beware, we can’t fool God with how much we love Him - others yes, but not Him. He knows our hearts and our thoughts. So be honest with God and ask the Holy Spirit to increase your love for Him! Read 1 Corinthians 13 & 1 John 4.

Because of God’s Agape Love, Adrienne

Family Love

 

Celebrity Swine Flu Casualty

I am sorry.... If there are young children around.... Cover their eyes..... I just had to post this!

Mother's Day

I had the most amazing Mother's Day ever. I feel truly blessed and loved by my family. Brittany brought me my favorite onion bagel, cream cheese and salmon bagel with coffee, flowers and a newspaper in bed!


When I "rolled" out of bed to get more coffee, Dani was cleaning and polishing the kitchen. It smelled so clean and fresh! She is such a perfectionist that it was simply beautiful.

Ashelee and Isabelle were in the family room and I was able to nap and cuddle with them all day. It was so special to be able to share this day with Ashelee. She is an amazing mom. A beautiful woman and friend. Isabelle now cries when her mommy leaves the room. It is a blessing to see how much a 6 month old loves and recognizes people.



Natalie and Mac came over and shared part of the day with us. Too cute!








But, I have to say that I am the Mother, Mimi and person I am because of the man that God gave to me 29 years ago. I love you Russell!

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom...
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .

May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life.