Happy Anniversary!

Let us spur one another on toward love. 

– Hebrews 10:24

Today is my mom and stepdad’s first wedding anniversary.  Join me in toasting Bobbie and Norm!  Last summer. after years of dating and traveling the world together, they and the families of their five children gathered on the Maine coast to take part in their wedding – just one day shy of Norm’s 80^th birthday.

Several years ago, our daughter Abby, then eight years old, called Norm over to the couch and motioned for him to sit beside her.  With Norm’s undivided attention, she made her case for why he should ask Bobbie (her “Mimi”) to marry him.  Besides the fact that they were in love, she pointed out, if he married Mimi, he’d also get three more awesome grandchildren.  (bumping up the total from six to nine).  Who could pass up a sweet deal like that?  At the time, he did.

Eight years later, in the middle of the night, Norm dreamed that he was back on that couch, hearing his granddaughter’s proposal again.  When he woke up, he decided to take her advice. 

A year ago today, Abby got her wish for more cousins and I finally got the sisters I’d wanted since I was a little girl. In fact, twenty-two of us, including Bobbie and Norm have been joined together.  I’d always dreamed of a big family and love made that happen.

God’s word is simple: He is love.  When we love others we are spreading God’s greatest gift.  He asks each one of us to spur one another on toward love.  

As we race through our days, it’s easy to take family for granted.  We assume they know we love them.  Today, let’s stop for a moment and thank God for our families: our parents, siblings, cousins, in-laws, and spouses. Let’s cherish our family and let them know they are loved; by God and by us.  

So pick up the phone, write the text, and give the hug.  Today let’s all toast “Family!”

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement