Getting married on the back porch should have been my first clue…
Oh I had my suspicions, but it has now been scientifically proven that I live in a house full of idealistic, open minded, creative and passionate introverts. (We’re two INFPs and one ISFP if you’re into personality testing lingo) Stranger still is I’m the most outgoing of the bunch further supporting my theory that one can be an introvert with extroverted tendencies. On the down side, the results revealed we are also a little impractical {case in point, Niagara Falls}, two of us tend towards taking things personally and we all share a general dislike for dealing with data.
But you have to take the good with the bad.
Even though the husband and I share the same descriptive factors, our strengths and weaknesses in each are varied. I scored higher in intuition and feelings- but that wasn’t really too much of a surprise- old people, kittens and random acts of kindness can all bring me to tears. Actually the surprise of having the dishes done inspires weeping on a day when I’m weary, so I guess we’re not created totally equal after all. When it comes to any relationship, we all have quirks and sometimes it’s a journey to find common ground. Knowing how you’re both made eases the learning curve and helps us grow in grace.
We’re in for the long haul.
For better or worse.
Digging deep into family history revealed these two above – married twice to each other and divorced twice from each other. Twenty years too late to ask our matriarch the full story, we’re left to fill in our own details of what we believe to be true whether right or wrong.
Nothing and no one is perfect. We all have our issues and if we were to lay ourselves bare and vulnerable, we’d see just how many perfectly imperfect characteristics we all possess. Yet they all work together in a strange way even when things don’t make sense.
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:10
For richer or poorer.
In it’s intended form, marriage is a picture of Jesus’ relationship with the church. The pursuit and commitment. Faithfulness, respect and honor. Cherishing and abiding. Both institutions are strengthened when we practice grace – laying aside our best laid plans and overlooking the faults to focus on the greater good.
It costs us nothing to believe the best.
I make myself rich by making my wants few. ~ Henry David Thoreau
When all seems dark, it helps to remember where the true light comes from. It’s not from our own efforts to obtain enlightenment- to push our agenda or to have our own way- but from Christ in us.
People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed. ~ Samuel Johnson
Tucked away are pebbles and shells. Ticket stubs and musty pictures. Reminders of the good beginnings – affirmation and encouragement at just the right time when I’m struggling to believe. Just because I might not see the light in some situation or person, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Three truths to hold on to:
It helps to remember God and forget all offenses.
Realize who your enemy really is.
And revel in who you really are- chosen, loved, called and equipped.
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. ~1 Peter 5:12b
Families and churches will never have the power the Lord intended unless we stop reaching for good and start relying on God. Stop our feeble attempts to attain, attract and attack problems head in our own weakness and just ask for His way.
Until next time, a blessing for when your belief seems blocked:
Though leaves block my view, small troubles line my path like pebbles- tripping me up and threatening to tackle me and take me down- help me remember that it’s all temporary and you are here Jesus. You’re working even when I cannot see you. I will remember that this is a season and seasons change. Soon the leaves will disappear and in your timing, change will come. In your precious order of growth, hibernation and rebirth, you make all things new and you make all things work together for my good.
♥
P.S. I struck a chord with a fair amount of people in my last post… And I was greatly humbled by all the comments and sharing. Thank you from the bottom of my little heart. ♥
P.S #2. I’m working on some more reminders of truth for you friend but I don’t want you to miss out on reading about what’s in store! If you’ve already signed up for the newsletter, you’re all set! If you’re not sure or have never signed up click here to get the scoop and a set of printable scripture cards! ♥
Thanks for being here!
Linking up with these lovely ladies:
Heather,
What a cute photo of you — and oh, what a gem that your grandparents (in the photo?) were married and divorced and were remarried to each other — what an amazing story! And what a heritage to inspire you when your differences shake you to the core but you come away stronger, with your faith sure that God will provide the grace you need. Although I can’t speak from experience, I can only imagine that the trying times build a wealth of pure gold to draw upon when you come through it together, changed but still sparkling. Thinking of you! xo
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Yes young love… LOL! Yep those were my grandparents- never knew my dad’s dad, but Gma Alice who died in 1996 taught me to sew ♥ Thanks for your prayers as always! Grace is definitely worth pursuing! A treasure straight from heaven that I’m still working on! But I think we all are : )
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believing the best is something I’ve noticed to be of God in my relationship with my man-in-plaid, so I’m thankful for bringing me back to this this fine morning in CA. I don’t always allow that thought to sneak in when feeling puny.
great post! sue
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It absolutely is a God thing right?! ♥ Opening my puny mind here with you Sue! xx
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Heather, you brought me to tears with your wonderful words that I so needed to hear. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and talents with the rest of us.
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♥ You’re welcome– for the words- sorry about the tears…! xo
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Oh I love that wedding photo – sooo sweet. A perfectly timed post Heather – such good God breathed truth. Its been quite a month or so around these parts in the “for better or worse” dept so your words really hit home. We come out stronger on the other side of your differences and really its only by the grace of God. Those three truths you shared were spot on. Thank you Xx
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Thanks girl! xo.. Praying for you! I’m learning it’s all about seasons… and letting God have His way (as much as I would like mine sometimes…it’s not always good!! LOL!) Much love your way dear Tracey! God is good ♥
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Thanks for sharing these truths, Heather. Love this one especially: “It costs us nothing to believe the best.” One of the gifts I try to give my husband is assuming the best instead of the worst when things start to go awry. 😉
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yes ma’am I know I could benefit from giving that gift more often too! Thanks for popping over Lisa and for leaving your thoughtful comments ♥ Have a terrific Thursday!
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I like this: “It costs you nothing to believe the best.” So helpful for marriage, and for any relationship. I love remembering to give the benefit of the doubt.
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Amen Betsy ♥ It certainly helps to believe the best rather than the worst… a hard lesson but it’s nice to know we have company on the journey ♥ Thanks for being here!
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Heather, I love these 3 truths you shared! I hope it is okay but I would like to share and credit you and link back on my social media? I love the blog updates as well!
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Thanks girl! {insert blushing…} I’d be humbled to have you share…♥ No need to ask. xo
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this, a beautiful ode to marriage, to love, to living out commitment.
thank you, friend …
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Aww Linda… you are so welcome… thought I might not be the only one who could use some reminders! ♥
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I love the story of your grandparents because it just shows that marriage can be hard work. I wrote a similar post today. I’m visiting from mission all women.
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Hello dear Valerie! I can’t wait to read your take! Happy to link up with you in that community today! So may lovely writers- yourself included! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have an awesome weekend!
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So, so true. We’re typically AWESOME at finding the faults in our spouses, but forget how broken and imperfect we are. I thank the Lord for a tolerant husband who loves me in spite of my faults and I want to always give the same grace in return.
Enjoyed it!
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Thanks for being here friend! We are perfectly imperfect too… may we never forget… ♥
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I love those photos and like you I have a few of them. Wish I had more and yep I was 20 years too late asking questions while I was having children and then they ones I needed to ask were gone.
Love your 3 truths and I believe the enemy is totally involved in all that is going on in our world today.
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