Sunday, May 20, 2012

Celebrating 17

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary.

For the last 17 years God has allowed me the privilege of learning to be more like Him, by learning to love Nathan unconditionally and serving him.  Today more than ever, I am convinced that marriage is the earthly representation of God's covenant love for us.  My marriage to Nathan is more than a name change.  It's more than a contract or a relationship.  It's a covenant.  It's a vow.  It's truly "Until death do us part".  My heart is acutely aware of the importance of the words I spoke to Nathan in front of God and the company of witnesses 17 years ago today. 

We have overcome so much these last years.  Truly without the loving mercy of my Heavenly Father, I would be another statistic.  My marriage would have ended in divorce and my children would be forced to play the custody game.  We have overcome some serious issues and have worked HARD to salvage our marriage.  Counseling, Celebrate Recovery, prayer, personal work, accountability have all been part of our journey.  I have an AMAZING marriage.  Nathan and I can communicate about anything.  We often hurt each other's feelings, but we keep short tabs.  Hurts, tears and frustrations are talked about immediately and problems dealt with promptly.  There are still unmet expectations, but most of the time we set our boundaries and learn to respectfully love each other.  God is our primary love.  I love God more than Nathan.  Here on earth I don't want to be apart from Nathan longer than is necessary, but ultimately my heart longs to be with Jesus. 

There are things about Nathan that still frustrate me after 17 years.  I know that I have many character flaws that drive Nathan crazy.  Yet, we still hang in there.  I will NEVER be able to change him.  I can however help him to grow and change in Christ.  I can pray for him and over him, serve him, submit to him, respect him, honor him, LOVE him.  I keep looking for the good in Nathan and that's what I keep finding, even after all this time.

This weekend was relaxing.  We had great food, great conversation, lots of sleep (nice to wake up at 9 instead of 5:30am) and time to work together on the house.  It was the perfect gift and I'm grateful. 

Nathan will never read this blog.  He hates the Internet.  He only uses it for eBay, YouTube and diesel forums.  This blog is for me.  It is a place that I can let myself and the world know just how much I love Nathan Roy Flint and how grateful I am to share my life with him.  To God be the glory! 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Law Vs. Covenant

So yesterday I had the pleasure of voting.  Two of my children came to the polls with me and actually helped me read the amendment that I specifically went to vote in favor of that day.  My daughter helped me fill in the circle darkly and we talked again about how important it was to exercise our American right, freedom and privilege to vote.  The amendment passed and in the state of NC marriage is defined as one man and one woman.  This is important to me for MANY reasons.

However, this post is not at all about this law.  It isn't about the hatred that I saw spewed on Facebook today.  It isn't about how my heart breaks when people are unkind, downright mean and judgemental.  This post isn't to discuss how it appears to me that some Christians don't have a respect for God's Word, law or authority, but value THEIR rights and freedoms above all.  We could debate, talk, discuss and hash all of these points intelligently or harshly on any given day. 

THIS post is about a covenant.  God defines marriage as a covenant.  It's an earthly representation of the love between God and us.  The groom woos and pursues his bride.  He sacrifices ultimately for her.  He gives himself to save her.  It's the greatest love story ever told.  I was reminded of this covenant love today in a video that I simply must share.  I am aware that all "one man, one woman" marriages as defined by law in the state of NC are NOT this kind of marriage.  I would be foolish to think so.  I just want to share this video as a representation of my heart so people can understand the value of covenant in my life and in the lives of many others.  I thought it was worth protecting yesterday by casting my vote.

Please know that I have gay friends.  I have gay friends with domestic partners.  I love them.  I talk to them.  I don't shun them or try to keep my kids away from them.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  This is mine.  I pray that you are touched, blessed and encouraged by this post and this video.

http://vimeo.com/38033654