Marriage in the Park :)

"See! the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of the doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms it's early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Songs 2:11-13 (NIV)

I know just how Solomon's lover felt! The winter is finally over, and it's beautiful outside. Let's go enjoy it together! Mark and I took a long walk, probably a little over seven miles today through an awesome park. The Mountain Laurels and Honeysuckle were so beautiful. Certain sights and smells still spark romance in this old lady's bones! :)

In fact as we walked I began fantasizing about how wonderful it would be to have a wedding in God's awesome outdoors instead of a stuffy building. You can't imagine the detail He puts into the flowers beauty and fragrance, unless you take the time to admire His creation for yourself. Why spend fortunes on pomp and circumstance while this natural beauty of Springtime cries out, "Bring your lover, enjoy God's perfect romance outside! Our Awesome God provides sights, smells and sounds that no human can even remotely create."

I wish I had realized this 28 years ago. Mark and I would have been married in a park, and honey mooned in the same setting under the starry, starry skies. :) Why do people waste so much time and money on a ceremony? Shouldn't we be in awe of our creator who loves us, and focus more on the happily ever after, that should last a lifetime according to the vows we took?

Keep Christ in the center of your life as a captain. Keep Him in the center of your marriage for a unity that will last a life time. When Christ leads your family, the journey will be much sweeter.

As you're blessed with the pitter- patter of little feet, remember they're taking everything they see and hear at home to heart. The first glimpses of Jesus will be reflected through your actions. In other words is there a difference between Mom and Dad who believe in God, and the family up the street who never go to God's house? I hope so, because if they can't see the difference, all your trips to church will be in vain. Jesus belongs at the core of our lives. Maybe the best place is to start is with a wedding geared around Him, instead of all the bling and things. :)

"A deacon must be the husband of one wife and must manage his children and his household well. those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy3:12 (NIV)

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

(You and I were made in God's image we have a body, soul and mind, which will either go to heaven or hell when we die. You must really believe and accept Christ as your Savior in order for His Holy Spirit to dwell in you. Christ in you is the hope of glory which will make the positive difference in you.)