Daily and Weekly Christian Inspiration
I keep the telephone of my mind open to faith, peace, harmony, health, and love. Then, whenever doubt, anxiety or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal – and soon they’ll forget my number.
Philippians 4:7 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things
Is this really February? Well, it is in Phoenix Arizona.The missionary conference is over but will be staying over until Monday. I am so honored to be invited to share my message from the conference again for the church family at Phoenix Assembly on Sunday. Not a hard assignment considering the weather here and the weather at home in Pennsylvania LOL! But seriously covet your prayers for Sunday. Walk with the King and be a blessing!
Happy birthday, Kathleen Elizabeth! You have graduated into a beautiful powerful woman of God! We are so proud to be called your Mum and Dad!
Graduation is not only on the academical level in school and college where we grow up mentally and pass tests but also in the tests of life that God permits that spiritually we may mature.
As we graduate through these lessons of life how proud our heavenly Papa is of his children just as He was of Job “And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and shuns evil?” Job 1:8
Kathleen, as your earthly parents, we are also so proud of you, as is your heavenly Papa through all the testings you have gone through and how you have graduated to be a great wife and awesome mother creating a home of peace, harmony and beauty.
And now as you graduate to another year of your life you have graduated to the Worship and Arts Pastor at LifeAustin. We know with God’s grace and anointing you will excel in that area also as You walk with the King and continue to be a blessing!
I have been sowing some seeds from the fruit of our over 50 years of marriage to inspire others in their marriage. I have already addressed:
1. Keep communication lines open http://margaretmearnsbass.com/out-of-the-abundance-of-the-heart/
2. Keep the romance alive https://MargaretMearnsBass.com/the-spark-of-romance/
3. Be good forgivers https://MargaretMearnsBass.com/be-good-forgivers/
Now today I would like to share my final thought:
4. Be friends
The following quote says it so well
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Friendship of phileo love, unlike agape love which is unconditional, has to be earned as it involves trust. It is earned as we learn to trust one another through communicating from the depths of our hearts sharing our feelings.Trusting our spouses with our deep wounds, our aspirations, passions and dreams. Never leave your heart unspoken for it displays your heart to your spouse.
Your spouse should be your most trusted and best friend. A relationship where you laugh together, cry together, play together and support each other’ dreams.
Do not permit your relationship to deteriorate as Mignon McLaughlin warns us
“Many marriages are simply working partnerships between businessmen and housekeepers.”
Be each others’ best friend by doing fun things together. As a quote states “The only true test of friendship is the time your friend spends on you.” How much quality time do you spend on each other?
Jeremy Taylor writes “Love is like a friendship caught on fire.” So if you don’t have a friendship how will your love stay on fire?
John and I enjoy doing many things together from ballroom dancing to the Texas Two Step, motor cycling, traveling, cruising, entertaining, gardening, going to New York and even dressing up for fancy costume events, playing ping pong and Mexican Train dominoes and of course the work-fun of doing projects around our home.
Enjoy doing things together and have a wonderful love filled Valentine’s Day!
Remembering the love and faith of my maternal grandmother, Annie Reynolds, who passed away on February 14th. 1956 at the young age of just 56. The smell of early spring hyacinths always opens the window of my memory and takes me back as she had hyacinths in her hospital room. I was only 13 when she died but those few years had a huge impact spiritually on my Christian walk and who I am today.
Grandparents, never underestimate the impact you have on your grandchildren. Grandchildren, appreciate the love and wisdom of your grandparents while you still have them.