An Expression of Love, Not Duty...

My wife, Angela, and I have been married for 23 years coming up this December.  Our anniversary is a time that I like to try to surprise her with a special gift whenever possible. Some years have been better than others.  I try to listen for clues that reveals something special on her heart.  She had always wanted to take a limo ride, so one year I surprise her with a limo that escorted us to a special getaway. A couple of years ago she had expressed the desire to take a horse & carriage ride. So I contacted a company and had them meet us in our downtown area. I played it cool and acted surprised as we drove downtown that evening (at a prearranged time). Angela noticed the horse and carriage as we drove by. I said, "Let's stop and see if we can get a ride!" I had passed it up and turned around as if I had no idea it was going to be there.  We walked up to the driver and there we see a "Happy Anniversary" banner. We then proceeded to go on our very own 2 hour buggy ride. The horse and carriage were decked out with lights.

Perhaps the biggest surprise I ever gave my lovely bride on our anniversary (and one that I have not been able to top) was on our seventh anniversary.  Our wedding was very simple. What made it very special were all our friends and family. We had no big reception. The reception involved punch, nuts, mints, and cake. The whole wedding cost us $500.00.  But my wife had borrowed a wedding dress from a friend of a friend.  Several years later I contacted the friend of the friend who had the dress to see if I could purchase the dress. Angela had been the last one to wear it and as it turned out the lady had actually divorced her husband and no longer wanted the dress.  I purchased the dress and had it cleaned and boxed.  The evening of our anniversary I presented Angela with the gift (we were staying at the Galt House in Louisville, KY). She carefully unwrapped the paper and opened the box.  She immediately recognized the dress and burst out with a gasp, followed by tears.   

I love my wife and this is why I attempt to give her special expressions of my love to her.  If I were to do these special things because I have to, or out of a sense of duty, then I take the special right out of it.

The same is in my worship to God.  This morning I listened to a devotional that dealt with how we approach God with our worship... is it an expression of love or out of a sense of duty that we worship the Lord? 

Early Morning Thunderstorm...

I woke up early this morning and have watched the lightening pierce the darkness, heard the rumbling of thunder, and felt the cool breeze.  This storm wasn't severe... the thunder didn't "CRACK", it just rumbled.  The rain began to fall, not in a downpour, but a steady, soaking kind of way.  The hours passed and now it's daylight and the rain continues its steady fall.  I like watching thunder storms, and the one this morning is the kind to sit out on the front porch and relax in the rocking chair; smelling the fragrance of fresh... ROAD KILL! Holy Cow! Why do skunks have to attempt to cross the road in front of my house?!

Ah, air conditioning... the crisp coolness provided in my home when the windows and doors must be shut.

In all things give God praise...

Missed An Entire Year...

Wow... Has it really been October 2011 since I last posted a blog entry?! Isn't it amazing how fast life can speed by? Well, allow me to summarize 2012 for me and my family...
We had an awesome vacation in the summer thanks to some good friends lending us the use of their cottage at Silver Lake, MI. Lake Michigan was beautiful! Our oldest turned 16... can't believe it. He is becoming an awesome man of God. Our daughter is expanding her musical talent in the school jazz band. Our youngest son made the decision to become baptized in the summer. He also was finally tall enough to drive the go-carts all by himself while we on vacation.  Our family enjoyed the experience of tubing behind a speed boat (just FYI... make sure your swimming trunks are tied tight before you go... trust me on this one).
We also welcomed an addition to our family... My brother and his family were stationed in Japan for two years (Navy). While they are there we are caring for their dog, Roxie. It has taken a while, but our dog Dixie and Roxie are becoming more and more used to one another and playing well together.
My wife, Angela, continues to do wonderful in her work at the elementary school, and I started back to school to finally complete my Master's degree.  2012 was a busy time for the Harris family and we give thanks to God for his grace to make it through to another year.
Now... hopefully my next blog entry won't be another year or longer!