No Greater Joy

No Greater Joy

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Lessons from Wallpaper

Most of today was spent removing wallpaper from my bedroom walls followed by painting a layer of primer. As I was doing so I was listening to Christian music on my ipod. As I worked I had several thoughts and found myself spending time talking with my Savior as I worked. It may seem a bit cheesy, but as I removed the wallpaper, I was thinking of all the sins in my life and even the lives of others. I thought about how much I disliked removing this wallpaper and having to prime the walls to cover the unsightly appearance. I kept thinking toward the end result when it would be what I finally wanted. How painful was that experience for my Savior to have to die to remove and cover the unsightliness of my life. I am so ugly at the core sometimes that I cannot believe He still loves me. Yet it is because I can recognize that ugliness that His beauty can cover me. One day I will be the finished product He wants me to be if I surrender myself fully to Him. I must be willing to keep taking off my own sinful layers and replacing them with His beauty. His beauty is reflected from me when I obey Him, study His Word, and fulfill the destiny He has placed within me. My destiny holds more than I am aware of right now, but I do know it includes being a witness and testimony to others, being a godly wife and mother, and using the spiritual gifts He has given me. If I can continue seeking after Him, I will be fulfilled and receive my eternal rewards in glory. My ugliness will be completely stripped away and the finished product will be worth it all.


In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:7


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Never too late

I've really spent a lot of time reflecting and praying the last couple of months. I have struggled with failures and not measuring up for so long though much of it is not justified. I have really been feeling so down because of so many marriages I've seen falling apart, especially among people I know. I begin wondering how Satan wants to attack my marriage. I've decided I will not let that happen.

I have really rededicated myself to my marriage. I love my husband with all that I am. I know I haven't been the wife he needs and I am working actively to change that. It is so easy to get caught up in day to day routines and being a mom, working full time, volunteering, etc. However, my first responsibility is to my husband.

Even after we've been married for over 13 years I find I am able to start some things new and lay down the weights that have been holding me down. I have truly enjoyed more time and conversations with my husband. We feel we've reconnected, something we've long needed.

We're in this marriage for the long haul! Till death do we part. I realize I am fighting a battle for my marriage. A battle against Satan and the world. We have 3 beautiful daughters that remind us what's important too.