Marriage Should Exhibit Mutual Support and Encouragement

This weekend, I was reminded of the beauty of God's gift of marriage to us. 

It rained on the farm... No, you don't understand.  When I say rain I REALLY MEAN RAIN!  We received just over 12 inches of rain over the past weekend.  Last week our little farm looked like paradise on earth.  Sheep lazily grazing, chickens chasing bugs and laying copious eggs, vegetables growing all over the place ... beautiful!

Then it rained, and rained, and rained, and rained.  The winds gusted to 50 miles per hour and a leak developed in my office.  Vegetables were tattered and torn and now are disease-prone.  Our barn floor looks like a lake.  Animals had to be moved to higher ground.

I was discouraged, downtrodden and depressed.  Yet, in the midst of it all, Kay takes my hand and says "Let's pray".  She prays for our farm but also fills me with encouragement and hope by reminding me that God is ultimately in control.  We've been through the valley before and we can make it yet once again if we set our sights on the mountaintop. 

Later in the day, I had the opportunity to give her some support as she was looking over the deluge of water.  I was reminded of God's strength because she reminded me earlier.  I was able to wrap my arms around her and tell her that it will be OK. 

Isn't that what marriage is all about?  Having a life-long friend and companion to walk hand-in-hand through the trials and the successes of life.  When was the last time you took time to really bless your best friend... your spouse?  Do it today!

Why is God's Direction Sometimes So Foggy?

My heart is somewhat subdued this evening. Just not quite up to par.

My wife has recently taken on a career in a mission field. We are so excited that she is able to reach children around the world for Christ in a tangible way. It is with an incredible outreach organization that provides so much to so many in dire strates. We feel that the 'pay' is rewards in heaven and that God will provide. This may sound naive to some who don't trust fully in God but we have (and are still learning) to do so.

That is great but the organization has her going through training at a snails pace. Is this satan attacking through others to try to get her discouraged? He certainly has been known to work this way. I am working on encouraging her but I pray that God will move in a mighty way soon. I ask that you all pray as well.

Please also pray for my 21 year old daughter. It sounds like she may be close to getting a job but hit a bit of discouragement also today when an interview did not materialize. All we want is God's direction.

Why is that so foggy sometimes?