State of Our Union

Tonight we recognize the annual event where the President of these United States speaks to the nation about the situation of our country, otherwise known as the state of the union address. The purpose of the speech is to inform the citizens of how things have been going thus far and to discuss any issues that may need to be resolved, in an attempt to bring the people of the country together to have one vision to move forward and conquer those issues.

Like the discourse we receive from our commander in chief, this is a great opportunity for married couples to get together and have their own state of your union, the marriage union that is. All too often I think couples get busy while going about their various daily tasks that they forget to talk with their spouse about any issues or concerns that need to be addressed. I say let’s take this time each year, with the speech from our president as a reminder, to address our spouses about the many victories in your marriage relationship and move forward together with a united vision for the future together.

My Help, My Shield

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You." -Psalm 33.18-22

Lesson Learned

A few weeks back I had my best girlfriend over to my house for some good 'ol quality girl time. These usually involve lots of gabbing, tasty goodies and on occasion re-runs of 'I Love Lucy' (so funny, I can't help it!). I don't remember how we got on the subject but celebrity actresses came up. My hubby walked into the kitchen as we were chatting and mentioned that he thought one of the gals from the show 'Community' was pretty. We don't watch that much tv, let alone the tv show 'Community', so that threw me for a loop.

The next day, the comment Jeremy made began to eat at me. I know that there are plenty of beautiful women out there but to hear my husband say that made me get very self conscious. How can I even compare to a celebrity who spends hours and hours working out and getting hair and makeup done each day? After feeling bad about myself, I felt mad. Who does she think she is, making my husband like her? :) Jealousy is an ugly thing. My emotions came to a boiling point and I had a little tantrum and let out all my frustration. Jeremy and I discussed the issue and I told him I don't want him to think about anyone else except me. Even if there are beautiful women out there.

I quickly realized that this may be a very small illustration of how God is jealous for us and our affection. Our worship and service belong to Him alone, and when we don't do that, God has declared that to be a sin.

"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me." -Exodus 20:4-5

Elsewhere in scripture, it is said that we must 'love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength.' We are to love Him above everything else in this world. He is our Creator and Sustainer, our Rock and our Refuge. He deserves our love and praise. Much like in my marriage, as a wife, I demand my husband to give me his love and to not share that romantic love or interest in any other person. Jeremy and I have a great relationship and we are able to move past any issues or disagreements. That one went down in the books to serve as a reminder not only in our marital relationship but also in our relationship with God. Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy of it. Praise God for His everlasting love and the relationship I can have with Him and also the marriage He gave me with my wonderful hubby!

Worthy is the Lamb

"And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation." -Revelation 5:9

God in our Goals

At the beginning of each new year I write a list of goals and various things I'd like to accomplish in the coming year. Jeremy and I went over each of ours last night and it was fun to talk about the future and speculate what will happen. But the truth is, we don't know what will happen in this coming year, but in the words of Daniel, 'However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries... (and) what will happen in days to come'

We are reassured that even if the goals we set out to accomplish don't happen, whether from set backs in life or something else, God has plans for us. He is always with us every step of the way, in every day of this new year. What we must do is trust Him and His sovereign plans for our lives.

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' - Jeremiah 29:11

As we enter this new year, my goal first and foremost for my life is that I trust Him each and every day that He gives me in 2011!