Sunday, July 6

Jogging Thoughts...

While jogging this afternoon, I was thanking God for blessing me with such a thoughtful and adoring husband. This man works hard 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. And, on Sundays, instead of sleeping late like he deserves, he gets up early with the kids and lets me sleep in late. Then, it struck me that my priorities in life are completely wrong! Instead of putting the importance on sleeping in late on Sunday mornings, we need to start focusing on getting our family back into a worship service. It was a much easier transition while living in Manila. We found a great church near our condo unit that had a wonderful children's ministry program. We enjoyed the singing and the sermons and the fellowship. Once we moved to Subic, we knew finding a church home would be more difficult. There are a few Christian churches nearby but we have only visited one a few times. It was quite a different experience, but after our first visit, the kids said they wanted to go back. So, we did. Then, the novelty wore off for all of us. There are no organized children's classes, which made it all the more difficult for my kids to enjoy attending. After the few times we attended, we gave up and never visited again. Instead of trying a different congregation, we took the easy way out and just quit making church a priority altogether. My goal is to change that. Starting Sunday!

In the meantime, I downloaded a few sermons from our home church back in Richardson, TX to listen to on my jog today. I listened to one from our friend & spiritual formation minister, Houston. And, two from our preaching minister, John. All three lessons were refreshing and uplifting. I felt as if I were back home amongst familiar places and faces. I'm so grateful that Richardson East uploads their Sunday sermons online so that I can stay connected in this way. Thank you guys! It was exactly what I needed to hear today!

Back to my amazing husband... today, after tearfully admitting a character flaw of mine that I try my best to keep hidden from him and everybody else, he reinforced for me the reason God chose for him to be my spouse. Not only did he build me up and assure me of his love and admiration for me, but he took partial responsibility for my feelings of inadequacy. Which was completely unnecessary. This man, whom I pledged my life to over 10 years ago, continues to bless me daily with his unconditional love and support. He proves to me that I can be real and honest in all situations and he will still be the husband to me that God called him to be. Thank you, Sam! I love you & I am grateful for your love in return!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

What a sweet post, Amberly...and a sweet husband. I hope the church search goes well for you guys too. I'll bet it is hard to find a place but I'm glad you were able to be uplifted by the sermons online! That's what they're for, I guess!

Lynn Leaming said...

While I think there is great value in a faith community, if you cannot find a church to connect to perhaps you all can find a way to do worship together as a family, communion and all and be blessed by that time. My mom and dad have not been able to go to worship for over a year because of my Dad's health and my mom says their communion time together is more meaningful than anything she ever did in corporal worship. There is no scripture that prohibits children from taking communion and you just might find that is precious family time. Praising God that Sam is the husband that God wants to bless you with!!

Gulley Gang said...

What a wonderful, spiritual, loving post! I really enjoyed reading this one. I also love the picture of the two of you! You are both glowing in it, and the beautiful sunset behind you is a special touch.

Anonymous said...

Amberly,
This post made me a little tearful. It was so touching you and Sammy are very Blessed to have each other because you are both wonderful people! I love the picture of the two of you, you look great!Know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers!
love,Cynthia