Thankful!

This afternoon and evening, I went to the wedding of a co-worker with my beautiful bride.  Here’s a picture of us before we left.  I’m so thankful for today and for Leanne.

True Companion

Marc Cohn is one of my favorite singer, song-writers.  As I was traveling to and from my men’s group this evening, I heard this song.  I am so thankful for my true companion – my wonderful wife.  God has blessed me for sure.

Lead Me

Life can be real tough sometimes.  Sometimes, being a husband and a father isn’t easy.  I love my wife and my kids more than any words can say.  And I want to be the very best husband and father that I can be for them.  But to be honest, there are many times when I don’t do or say the right thing, and there are also times when I don’t have the strength to carry on.  Life has been pretty challenging recently.  I am so thankful for friends and family who have surrounded me and supported me and my family through these days – but even they cannot fully sustain me.  I’m learning again and again the importance of looking to God for His leadership and His strength when mine is waning.

This song by Sanctus Real speaks to my heart today.

Sanctus Real – “Lead Me”

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying…

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They’re just children from the outside
I’m working hard, I tell myself they’ll be fine
They’re independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying…

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I’m called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won’t You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can’t
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I’ll show them I’m willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone

Father, lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.  Psalm 119:116

Love Is A Flame

Last night, I finished reading Love Is A Flame – Stories Of What Happens When Love Is Rekindled, a book compiled by James Stuart Bell.  The book contains 43 stories about the hope that be found in the ups and downs of marriage life.  Some of the stories talk about keeping the spark amidst the mundane day-to-day efforts of life.  Some of the stories talk about finding forgiveness and grace when a partnership is violated.  And some of the stories talk about dealing with the challenges of life that naturally come along – challenges like health problems, job changes, and raising children.

With some of the recent challenges that I’ve been facing, I could definitely relate to many of these stories.  In some ways, I feel like I could add story number 44 to this collection of stories.  It was encouraging to read about couples who have successfully navigated the mountain peaks and valleys of marriage.

Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for a long time, whether your marriage is clicking on all cylinders or it’s going through a rough spell, I would recommend this book.  It can be a great encouragement, and it can simply be a great discussion starter for you in your marriage.

Promises, Promises…In Sickness and In Health

I’ve been following the happenings of a college friend’s family over the past couple of years as they have been weathering the storm brought on by the discovery of cancer in their young daughter a couple of summer’s ago.  As Nalene, the mom, has made their story public, I have been consistently amazed by their faith as they’ve shared this journey. This morning, I just had to share an excerpt from Nalene’s most recent post.  I resonate with what she shares as we’ve recently faced our own challenges.  I too am more grateful every day for our Strength, Sustainer, Redeemer, and King.   Thanks for sharing!

Two nights ago we finished pre-marital counseling with a couple whose vows are “just around the corner,” and tonight we hosted another young couple for dinner, who are beginning their engagement journey. It caused me to reflect (as my Sweetie helped me clean up the kitchen disaster afterward) just how little we understand those covenantal promises we make on that ONE day that changes our lives forever — when we truly become ONE flesh!

We know with our heads that hard times may come, but we’re full of hopes and dreams, plans for the future. Then, in God’s good providence, He chooses sometimes to send “in sickness and in health . . . till death do us part” moments — sometimes piled upon one another many times over! The knowledge moves from the head to the heart, and we learn in a new and poignant way that our Covenant Lord is the One who truly fulfills those marriage vows for and through us! After the past three years, I am more grateful every day that HE is our Strength, Sustenance, Redeemer, and King.

Dancing in the Minefields

Over 14 years ago, my wife and I promised to be with each other through all the ups and downs of life.  I’m so thankful that we are “stuck” together.  I need her, and she needs me.

This morning, a friend passed along this song by Andrew Peterson that echoes our commitment to each other.

Go There With You

The words to this Steven Curtis Chapman song speak pretty strongly to me right now.

RESPECT

Last night while on our date, Leanne and I were talking about the importance of having people of positive influence in our lives and in the lives of our kids.  As we talked about this, we were reminded of all kinds of people who have had an impact on us as a couple and as parents – people like: Terry and Maria Hanna, Bill and BJ Krewson, Tim and Jill Reber, and Andy and Denise Dovel.

As part of this discussion, I was reminded about something I wrote for our “Supernanny” Parenting Group that I think also applies:

There are many people in my life who I respect for all kinds of reasons.  I respect my parents and my wife’s parents.  I respect by boss.  I respect those in the church who are in leadership.  I respect my teachers.  I respect the political leaders throughout our country.  One person who I respect is Ray Rivera.  Ray was one of my youth leaders at the church where I grew up in New Jersey.  I looked at him as an authority figure, as a spiritual guide, and as a family friend.  Ray and his wife Joann always had time for me if I needed someone to talk with.  While I knew that he wasn’t perfect, I saw him making good decisions and leading with integrity and with a servant’s heart.

It’s wonderful that we have people in our lives like Ray Rivera – people who deserve respect not just because of their positions of authority but also because of their actions.

Who are the people in your lives who have this kind of influence?  Who are the people in your kids’ lives who have this kind of influence?

B&B – Break from Busyness

Last night, Leanne and I journeyed half way across the great state of Pennsylvania to Carlisle. We had the pleasure of staying at the Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast and eating at the Boiling Springs Tavern. It truly was a great break from all the rushing around that we’ve been lately.

We try to make at least one or two of these trips each year; however, we’ve found it more and more challenging the past few years with Leanne’s Sunday work schedule. Recently, Leanne switched over to being the director of our church’s preschool (you can read about her adventures by clicking here). This transition has opened up a more opportunities for us to get away like this.

Even though, we were only away for an evening, it was definitely refreshing. (Thanks to Leanne’s folks for taking care of the kids.)

Until the next post, I’ll be looking forward to more get-a-ways…

Les Miserables

Last night, Leanne and I celebrated our 12th anniversary by seeing Les Miserables at the Walnut Street Theater. We were not disappointed. The WST put on an unbelievable production of the musical which is based on the novel by Victor Hugo.

I was reminded again of the mercy and grace that is there for us. For those of you who aren’t familiar, the story is about a thief, Jean Valjean, who is granted mercy by a bishop. The rest of his life is spent trying to repay his debt of mercy to those around him while at the same time running from Javert, the police inspector. In the end, Jean Valjean is able to grant mercy to Javert. It really is a remarkable story and an incredible musical. (It’s in Philly until August 3rd – if you’re interested.)

Here’s a small glimpse of the funny side that happens in the middle of this wonderful story:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFPsEwV38Q0&hl=en&fs=1]Until the next post, I’ll be singing Les Mis songs to myself…