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Saturday, April 25, 2009

My Question, God's Answer


Just a bit over thirteen years ago, I asked the Lord a question I'll never forget, and the weight of His answer is still with me today. "Lord, is it okay if I marry Danny?" It was not a casual question as the language may imply, nor was His answer. He answered me with 1 Peter 1:22. I think in my mind I thought I would hear a simple "yes", or perhaps a "no." It was, as it usually is with the Lord, much deeper than that. "Love one another with a sincere heart." (A "yes" heavily laden with instruction!) The New American Standard Bible reads, "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,"

Wesley's Notes say: 1:22 Having purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit, who bestows upon you freely, both obedience and purity of heart, and unfeigned love of the brethren, go on to still higher degrees of love. Love one another fervently - With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart - Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.

The night of my question was a face to face with my Father- my Heavenly one. I felt the seriousness of the matter settle in on me. As I write I recall joy after joy after joy of Danny and I's life together. Yet, as another year begins my eyes well up with tears when I think of my careless, thoughtless, selfish habits and tendencies. Then I remember the Covenant! God's Covenant! The Covenant of all covenants that gives me hope and grace to embrace and enjoy the years yet to come. The Covenant that rings loudly with forgiveness! The Covenant that sealed the deal- His own sacrifice! His promise to me. His promise to us. He has demonstrated what He requires!

Danny, because of Jesus, because of His great love for us, because He is resident in me and in you, I go before Him again, and ask Him to help me fulfill 1 Peter 1:22 for the rest of our lives. My beloved, this day, April 26, is our Anniversary! Happy Anniversary! Heaven applauds and the great cloud of witnesses cheers us on in our walk as husband and wife before the world, each other, and before the Lord. I dearly cherish this day. I cherish you.

12 comments:

Mary Lee said...

Happy Anniversary!!!! And welcome home :)

Kathy said...

Thank you!!!

Susan said...

This brought tears to my eyes, Kathy. How beautiful your hearts are.
Susan

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and many, many more.

Kristi said...

Happy HAPPY Anniversary! Many more indeed!

Kathy said...

Many, many more indeed....anniversary's, BIRTHDAYS!!!! Happy Birthday Kristi. I hope you had a fabulous, "Momma to a baby-boy sooner than we can imagine" day!

TraciG said...

May God Bless you both on another year! I often wonder how people who aren't on the same spiritual wave-length do it. What a blessing to be able to share your relationship with the Lord with your husband!

kymber said...

((Kathy))
That was so beautiful! I can hear your great love for your man through your words. Happy Anniversary!!!

Marriage is an amazing journey! One that can be wonderful and yet incredibly hard at times. The Lord teaches us so much through the path we take with our beloveds. You started your journey on the right path - all three of you are walking hand in hand through it all... You, your husband and the Lord. Because of your simple act of trust - you will not fail!
God's richest blessings to you and your husband on this your Anniversary day!!
Kymber

Kathy said...

Kymber, I think sometimes the bumps surprise us, but they're there, and they are part of God's sharpening and pruning. Part of His process-makes us shinier!!! : )

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful! I hope you guys had a wonderful trip and many more wonderful years together! We love you guys...

Homeschool Mama said...

HAppy Anniversary!! I love your story. :) God is so Good!

Beth said...

Crying again at another of your posts. Thanks for sharing your heart so deeply, my dear sister in the Lord. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Kathy said...

You too, Beth. Can't wait!