I Started Life Twelve Years Ago

In August of 1993 I was sitting in the cafeteria of the college I was attending, when I saw a guy walk in that took my breath away. He was so cute! He just had this smile that made my heart skip a beat! He was wearing a multi colored shirt and blue jeans with brown leather shoes. He was PERFECT!! I even told my friends I was sitting with "well there he is!", they said "who?" and I said " the man I am going to marry"! Eleven months later, on July 23, 1994 that dream came true.

WOW! We have already been married twelve years! Time has gone by so fast. Here is the synopsis: we moved 6 times, we have had 8 cars, we have gained ALOT of weight, we have had 3 wonderful children, Sid has had 3 jobs, we have been members of 4 churches and 3 gyms, and I am still in love with my perfect man. Would I do all over again? In a heart beat. So in honor of 12 years here are 12 reasons I love him so much:

1. He brings joy into my life!
   
2. He is a great leader for our family.
3. He taught me how to be strong and know why I believe what I believe.
4. He admits when he is wrong and seeks to make it right.
5. He sneaks little pieces of chocolate in his pocket at work and brings them home to me.
6. He wants me to be the best I am able to be.
7. He gives great back rubs!
8. He helps me any way he can.
9. He supports me and my wild ideas.
10. He accepts my friends.
11. He kills my spiders!
12. He puts the seat down

That was just a little fun and a little list. I could go on and on about the things I love about this man. I thank God He brought Sid into my life. I thank him for the fun times, the still times, the busy times, the bad times and the sweet times that follow. I thank God for making Sid for me. So, I have loved the last 12 years when I really started living and hope we are blessed with 70 more! ( I love you honey! Thank you for teaching me to blog!)

Madshack, Mitchago, and That Other Guy!

This past Sunday when we got home from church, my 5 year old daughter was so excited about her class at church. I asked her what she liked so much and she replied "Mrs. Penny told my favorite story", so I said "and which story was that?", she replied "Madshack, Mitchago, and that other guy". Then she said "you know Mama, those guys who didn't get burned in the fire".

After retreating to the back of the house for a good laugh, I really began to think about what she had said. She had truly enjoyed learning a bible story, not only did she listen and learn, that bible story was now her "favorite". What did she know? She knew these three men were thrown into a very hot fire and were protected by God. Did she have all the names and details correct? Nope. Not even close! But here little heart was still changed by what she heard. She knows that God will protect his own in all circumstances. She saw that story as absolutely amazing and that included an absolutely amazing God.

Several other thoughts came into my mind that day. That is how God wants us to feel about him and all the stories of his might and his people that he gave us. He wants us amazed, astounded, in-awed, by our God! Think about the verse in Luke chapter 18 where it says:

" I tell you the truth, anyone who will not recieve
the kingdom God like a little child will never
enter it. "

So think about it...what is your favorite bible story? Do you have all the details right? Does it matter? Follow the example of a child and don't get caught up in trying to impress someone with all of you great attained knowledge. Take what you do know, and tell someone your favorite bible story and why! Just maybe a life will be changed by your simple adoration for God.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished
on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1