This phrase has been on my mind all day today. Fourteen (yes, 14!) years ago today, I awoke Sondra Kaye Si***ton- enjoyed a gorgeous, wonderfully happy day- and went to bed Sondra Si***ton West! Whoa. What a difference a day makes.
When my handsome hubby called me this morning. Yes, called because he is OUT OF TOWN!! I shared this pearl of wisdom with him. We laughed, we got a little choked up and we wished for the weekend. What a difference a day truly makes.
I have had a few other days of note. One, when I was 12. I awoke a stray lamb and went to bed washed in His blood. A few years later, I awoke a hungry Christian, seeking God's presence and slept that night peacefully being filled with the Spirit. I also rested that night a little deeper in His will- having a glimpse of what He asked of my future. Since I got a wonderful wedding gift in the form of an adorable little boy- I became wife and mother in one day. But on another day, I awoke the Mom of one and slept that night in happy delirium as a Mom of 2 precious souls. Five years later, I hardly slept at all when the responsibility of yet another future man of God was laid in our arms. What a difference a day does indeed make!
I have known other days, when sorrow made the difference, but that is another post. Today is a happy day. I am so blessed to be loved by the one who LOVES me. He is a wonderful husband, friend, inspiration, lover, confidant and father. Some say I got it all- the perfect package (home, husband, child) but nothing comes without a price. Our life isn't all rosy or without sorrow, but for TODAY it is!
Today we celebrate what we vowed to God before those who loved us the most. I pray every day that we honor those vows as seriously as we did that Saturday. Sometimes I forget how sacred they are, sometimes my marriage just seems like something that is 'supposed' to be. But it isn't promised to me and I know it. A few years ago, the videographer at a wedding asked different ones to tape a statement to the Bride and Groom. Weeks later, when the DVD was delivered, I watched as MY husband stood in front of the camera saying his congratulations and then his eyes watered, his voice caught and he said, "Cherish your marriage, protect it, fight for it. In the end is the most precious thing you will ever have." I felt so very small. He tells me he loves me numerous times a day. He works very hard and provides for us. There is nothing, when I look around my home, that I can ask him to do-it has already been done. He prays for us and with us. But hearing him tell a happy couple to fight for this precious gift opened my eyes. That is the only way I can explain it. Through all our ups and downs we have enjoyed the precious gift of marriage. A lot of this is due to him knowing how to fight for it. (I'm a slow learner) I am thankful, honored really to have such a great one. I have never gone to bed (even while he was away) wondering where he was or who he was with. Sure, I want to be whisked away to an island for a spa weekend (hint, hint) but that isn't what makes a great marriage. Deep dedication, deeper love and a devotion to the One Who is the lover of all of us. These might scratch the surface to the secret.
So, Happy Anniversary to US! I am so thankful to have experienced a day that made such a wonderful difference!
Love to all,
the MRS. Larry West ;)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Praise for a Powerful Weekend!
This past weekend was our 2nd Youth Retreat at the church. It was AWESOME. I dare say, better than last years. (And I didn't think it was possible)
Bro. Michael Switzer preached Friday night on "Living Without The Anointing". It was a timely sermon and I truly, do NOT want to live ONE day without knowing God is in my life. I can't imagine the people who have walked away from the Love of God. While I was praying Friday night for different kids in the altar, my mind went to some that I know who did not walk away on their own. I thought of those whose parents had made that choice for them and my heart was broken. Lately, I have had 4 people talk to me about missing what they were raised with- a good, spirit filled life centered around Christ. Those who walked away on their own- I pray that God calls to their rememberence every time they felt the anointing. For those children and teens who had no choice- I pray God puts people in their paths who will witness to them and lead them Home. I prayed that this weekend and tonight (Tuesday)- met ANOTHER person who fits that description! Isn't God good?
Saturday morning, bro. Michael preached on "Being A More Than Average Christian" Oh, it made me want to go that extra mile. As an adult, I thought of all the people who had influenced my life FOR CHRIST when I was a teenager. I recalled pastor's and their wives, fellow friends and other adults in my church. When I was growing up-I went to revivals, Campmeetings and just fun trips with many other people. I want to be THAT PERSON to other young people. I want to be not just another average Christian. It is funny. Average in school is a C. I stroke if my kids bring home a B- so why am I settling for less in our spiritual walk?
Oh, the fun stuff- our teen's blacklight show was OFF THE CHARTS!!!! We played volleyball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, slid on the slide, rode hayrides and ran our mouths!!! It was awesome, good old fashion, bonding FELLOWSHIP. And it was just what our kids needed. I think everyone left better for it.
Sunday morning before we even got to church, I felt the Lord while praying. Larry did, too. So we got to church and He was there! "When We All Get To Heaven" got real for us and boy what a day of rejoicing Sunday became. We had several in service with us who have not made that statement of faith and don't worship like we do, but I looked up one time and saw tears streaming down 3 of their faces! Praise God! I am so glad He finds the time to show us that He cares. He hasn't forgotten one single person who seems to have forgotten all about Him.All morning, I just felt like my heart was screaming-"I AM SO THANKFUL TO BE SAVED!" I can imagine all kinds of horrible sin, but the truth is none of us knows where we would be without God. One family who came didn't have a vehicle and were calling their friend to borrow hers. The little boy said, "Where does she live? I will run to her house and ask her so we can go to church." How precious is that? God loves tender souls.
So-that's my praise.
God is moving.
God has not forgotten one child whose parents' walked away.
People are hungry for peace.
I want to show them His Love.
Do you want to help me?
Love***Sondra
Bro. Michael Switzer preached Friday night on "Living Without The Anointing". It was a timely sermon and I truly, do NOT want to live ONE day without knowing God is in my life. I can't imagine the people who have walked away from the Love of God. While I was praying Friday night for different kids in the altar, my mind went to some that I know who did not walk away on their own. I thought of those whose parents had made that choice for them and my heart was broken. Lately, I have had 4 people talk to me about missing what they were raised with- a good, spirit filled life centered around Christ. Those who walked away on their own- I pray that God calls to their rememberence every time they felt the anointing. For those children and teens who had no choice- I pray God puts people in their paths who will witness to them and lead them Home. I prayed that this weekend and tonight (Tuesday)- met ANOTHER person who fits that description! Isn't God good?
Saturday morning, bro. Michael preached on "Being A More Than Average Christian" Oh, it made me want to go that extra mile. As an adult, I thought of all the people who had influenced my life FOR CHRIST when I was a teenager. I recalled pastor's and their wives, fellow friends and other adults in my church. When I was growing up-I went to revivals, Campmeetings and just fun trips with many other people. I want to be THAT PERSON to other young people. I want to be not just another average Christian. It is funny. Average in school is a C. I stroke if my kids bring home a B- so why am I settling for less in our spiritual walk?
Oh, the fun stuff- our teen's blacklight show was OFF THE CHARTS!!!! We played volleyball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, slid on the slide, rode hayrides and ran our mouths!!! It was awesome, good old fashion, bonding FELLOWSHIP. And it was just what our kids needed. I think everyone left better for it.
Sunday morning before we even got to church, I felt the Lord while praying. Larry did, too. So we got to church and He was there! "When We All Get To Heaven" got real for us and boy what a day of rejoicing Sunday became. We had several in service with us who have not made that statement of faith and don't worship like we do, but I looked up one time and saw tears streaming down 3 of their faces! Praise God! I am so glad He finds the time to show us that He cares. He hasn't forgotten one single person who seems to have forgotten all about Him.All morning, I just felt like my heart was screaming-"I AM SO THANKFUL TO BE SAVED!" I can imagine all kinds of horrible sin, but the truth is none of us knows where we would be without God. One family who came didn't have a vehicle and were calling their friend to borrow hers. The little boy said, "Where does she live? I will run to her house and ask her so we can go to church." How precious is that? God loves tender souls.
So-that's my praise.
God is moving.
God has not forgotten one child whose parents' walked away.
People are hungry for peace.
I want to show them His Love.
Do you want to help me?
Love***Sondra
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