Keeping the Flame Alive

    Seth and I attended a marriage conference that stated healthy couples dated once a week.  Up to that point, we may have been dating once a quarter, maybe.  So, we found a great program for our kiddos (Awanas, it's amazing!) and decided while the girls were being filled up with Jesus, we would be filled up with each other.  And that is how Wednesday night date night began.  Many a night we would be dressed casually, just excited to get out for a bit, but this night I decided to look nice for my man.  So, I brushed my teeth and hair, freshened up my make-up, and got a little dressy.  As I walked out of the bedroom, Seth's mouth dropped open and with awe in his voice he stated, "You look like an angel!"  All I could do was giggle.

    Five words.  Five simple words. But they meant more to me than Seth will ever know.  That night I felt beautiful.  I felt loved.  And I knew that I was cherished.  The flame that had been lit so long ago was fanned ever brighter, our marriage strengthened by a word.  
    Can I challenge you-Speak the word.  Whatever it needs to be.  "I love you."  "I'm sorry."  "You are beautiful."  "I need you."  Keep your flame alive. 

Living in the Moment

     Walking down the street with our church clothes still on, Zoie did not want to be walking.  She was lagging behind, dragging her feet, wishing there was a short-cut home.  Her sister tried to encourage her by reminding her of the park at the end, and the chocolate cake awaiting her back at home.
     Isn't this the mindset of so many of us.  Focus on the goal!  Just wait till you get to the end.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  But what I know, after having the same mindset at times, is that it's not about the goal, but the journey.  If we are always focused on the goal, we will miss out on life.  We will miss out on joy.  But, if we can focus on today, what God is doing in this moment, we will KNOW how blessed we are, we will see Him all around, and we will experience a joy that is amazing!

     I paraphrased this to Zoie by asking her what she could find to be happy about in this moment, and a few cracks in the sidewalk later she turned around and said, "I'm with my family!"  The park and the cake were still ahead, but now there was skipping, laughter, holding hands, and smiles.  Zoie chose to see the joy in the now.