Isn't it a wonder.

This morning I was in the office doing what I do every morning... checking my morning messages. Every morning I receive a "FamilyLife" devotional. Pandora.com is playing a mix of praise musicin the background. I begin to read.

September 17
One Home at a Time
"A smoldering wick He will not put out, until He leads justice to victory. "
Matthew 12:20

The story goes on to talk about this general ... the screaming eagles of 1944 WWII ... and though the efforts of the squad weren't seen on mass scale (it was a tactical disaster) yet lives were save and touched. Then it goes into marriage and family.

General Dees's story reminded me that each home is important in the battle for the family. Your small courageous choices--to stand for truth, to remain committed to one another and to raise a family that honors Jesus Christ--will yield a victory of some kind. Don't give up. Just like that little Dutch girl and her dad, the next generation is at stake.

Discuss:Even if your efforts to strengthen your marriage and family haven't visibly made a difference lately, what little victories is God enabling you to win?

This was a beautiful reminder. As many of you know Aaron and I have been together for 13 years. We've been married for 10. The road has not been easy but I believe it has been beautiful. Beautiful?? Yes. God's grace paints a beauty over suffering and heartache replacing it with hope and joyful memories. Moments of laughter and simple touches are amplified... standing firm like a mountain range.... always point up to the sweet Provider. It's a hope that enriches and strengthens us. I do not give up nor do I see divorce as an option. There's no "opt. out" clause in our covenant.

I often wonder ... who in our generation understands that through the struggles we grow stronger in our marriage if we put our selfishness and bitterness aside?

The other day I was shopping with my friend Judi (jlomowriter of zany life + crazy faith ...here in blogger world ) and she made a statement... the generations today don't know what a covenant is. Marriage is seen as a "contract" not a "covenant". They do mean pretty much the same thing however.... when you enter into a covenantal vow with someone you are willing to sacrifice** yourself for you are creating a "treaty, a pact" {dictionary.com}.

**(that means you are not laying out your expectations of them you are telling them what they can expect from you... and nobody does it perfectly. It takes two to enter in ...only one hard heart to exit.)

When things aren't working I look at myself first because pointing fingers only gets my fingers bent. When it comes to him... well, honestly... I pray. God created him so I ask him for the wisdom and understanding. I also seek council from his parents becuase his dad and him have similar traits. His mom gives me a different perspective.

Anyone who knows me knows that my love for my husband is white hot passion. They also know I believe it is a matter of choice to be in that kind of love. My marriage has taught me selflessness, compassion to another degree, sacrifice... with it we have received blessings, submission ... no it's not a bad word... it's the willingness to concede so that God can handle the rest, dependence on the Lord and resting in him.... most of all how to live my life full on... out front and real in the light of saving grace. I have more victories than I can count usually and for that I am so very greatful.

"Take this life and make it yours. Here I am Lord what are we upto today." That is my constant prayer.

I encourage each of you to see what quiet victories are being won today. Thank you for taking the time to read my journey. :)