On your wedding

Now that you’re married, Jack, this will be the last time I tell you what to do… [Do you believe that? It’s true]

Cherish your wife, Jack. A wedding is publicly committing to marriage before family and friends, and before God. But truly cherishing is unseen and in your heart and something Bridget will feel and know if you:

-Listen to her – hear her words and take them to heart

-Encourage her and adopt her desires, hopes and dreams as your own.

-Set your goals with her in mind

-Never miss an opportunity to lighten her load

-Tell her and show her your appreciation for even the smallest things

-Treat her like the sweet soul she is who is deeply and thoroughly loved by God.

I tell you this because your first day as a married couple won’t be the most important day. The most important day—I pray, the most glorious day in your marriage—will be your last day together on this earth. I want you to be holding hands with Bridget thinking about your happiest moments, about all the challenges you overcame that made you stronger. I want you to look back on your wedding day and also the amazing life you built together.

If you do these things, my wish for you and Bridget will come true… that you grow old on one pillow.

Empowered

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When I’m overwhelmed, uncertain, stressed or doubt my abilities, I remember this verse:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

It helps me remember that God empowers his people. He’s done some of His most awesome work through the most unlikely people and in the most unusual places.

God chose a shepherd boy named David and made him one of the greatest kings in history.
God’s son Jesus (David’s descendent) made His first appearance in a manger in a stable.
Jesus’ mother Mary was likely 13 or 14 years old when Jesus was born.
The 12 disciples Jesus chose to assist Him in ministry were young men in their twenties.
Before Saint Paul the Apostle spread Christianity throughout first-century Asia and Europe, and wrote multiple books in the Bible’s New Testament, he was a modern-day terrorist and passionately persecuted Christians.

God doesn’t choose the most powerful people, He empowers His chosen people. We may not be the most knowledgeable, experienced or influential, but God will still use us to make a difference in the world around us.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

All things for good

When I was growing up, your Grandma used to say, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.”

It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in the Bible, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” Romans 8:28a

Think of baking a cake… Individually, you wouldn’t want to eat any of the ingredients on their own (raw eggs—yuck!), even sugar all by itself is hard to swallow. But mixed together, baked at the right temperature, and served at the right time, you get something sweet and enjoyable.

That’s what God does with our experiences in life. They aren’t all going to be good. But God uses even our failures, disappointments and heartbreaks to teach us, prepare us or guide us towards the blessings he ultimately has in store for us.

He will also sometimes use them—through us—as a way to bless others.

A former coworker asked me to lunch. She wanted to thank me for some advice I gave her during a difficult time in her life that changed her perspective. It was a lesson I learned during a painful time in my life. I realized then that God used my painful experience and gave me the words to comfort someone else, which is one of the greatest blessings of all.

The key is to find the silver lining; our hardest times often lead to our greatest moments.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Did you know that Andrew was Jesus’ first disciple? One of the twelve chosen men around your age to follow Jesus and be part of his ministry. He and his younger brother Peter were fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called upon him. Andrew was the first called by Jesus and the first to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

You are blessed, Andrew, not only because of your name, but because you are a child of God—just like Jesus. You are precious and loved beyond all comprehension.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 38-39

Art: The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew by Duccio di Buoninsegna. Hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Gratitude is good for you

Turns out that being grateful is like medicine. Gratitude decreases stress, improves sleep and reduces the risk of depression. Consciously noticing the good things in your life not only chases away the blues and generates a more positive outlook, but can make you more proactive in addressing issues and solving problems. Research actually shows that grateful people are even more physically active and engage in healthier activities.

Three ways to practice gratitude daily or weekly:

Count your blessings. You’ve heard the term. Okay, maybe not in a while, but it’s a practice that has stood the test of time because it works wonders. Before you go to sleep at night, while driving or waiting in line, think of three things or people that you’re grateful for. Breathe deep and experience a sense of peace.

Express gratitude. Tell a friend or family member something that you appreciate about them. Even a sincere thank you to a stranger has the power to improve their mood and yours.

Look on the bright side. More challenging is finding good in a not-so-good situation. For example, I had an unexpected expense that literally drained by savings account. Rather than dwell in the stress and worry I felt, I decided to be grateful that I had the money in the first place. It totally changed my outlook.

Take one step further and thank God for the things you are grateful for.

One of my favorite passages in the bible applies here:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Photo: Matt & Paxton at Grandma & Grandpa’s house