love... true love...

I love the movie The Princess Bride (in fact, it has been a while, I think I need to put the movie in and watch it again)!  The characters are awesome, the story line is engaging and funny, the ending is perfect.  There is romance, sword fighting, magic and mystery.  The whole message of the movie is that true love always wins!

An uplifting message, for sure.  The thing about that is that a lot of people mistake romantic love for true love and the movie, in fact, portrays romantic love for true love in many ways.  Now, don't get me wrong:  I love a good romance, and love stories are definitely my favorite.  As I get older, though, I can recognize that true love isn't necessarily romantic love.  It's fierce, it's loyal, it's enduring.  True love is something you do; it's a choice you make.  While the romantic part may be fleeting, the true part remains.

I think that in Christ we have hope that true love here on earth as humans is possible, and that with God nothing is impossible.  I am humbled frequently by the grace and mercy of our God in everyday life, in everyday struggles.  I definitely realize that without Him, I can't do it.  Life situations, sometimes, are just to hard to bear by myself.  With faith, though, I am able to fight the good fight... for myself... for my children... even for my husband.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Happy Valentine's Day, and Love Week!

rough waters

It seems that there is never lack of non-perfection at casa de schroeder.  You know that phrase: "If it isn't one thing, it's another!"

Well, it is just so true! 

I think the attitude "Roll with it" is one of the best attitudes to have... that, and: "laugh, because it's better to just laugh than to fall apart and cry"

Although, falling apart and crying does have its merits.

So, I don't want to be all negative or down.  That is why I'm going to write about faith.  I know God works all things to our good.  I know He rewards the faithful.  I've read two books this week that have spoken to me about faith.  The sermon at church last week was about faith. I've seen quite a few facebook posts about faith...

I've been trying to hears the small, still voice of God, lately, but I keep musing that I'm not hearing it...

Until last night at midnight (maybe right before midnight, and actually it started coming to me a little earlier in the day as I awoke, in that brief moment of clarity you have before you have to start your daily tasks...) this epiphany came to me... it's faith... and, guess what?  I've been reading about it for weeks!



FAITH

It's not about things happening on my schedule or the way I think they should happen (I can't hear Your voice...)

It's about how things WILL happen according to HIS schedule in HIS way  (Your answer shall be clear... and guess what, you have been reading about it, silly goose!)

Noah, David, Solomon, Esther, Ruth, Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul.... I mean the list just goes on and on and on.  Desperate circumstances, but God provides.  He comes through.  Every time.

wonderful

While I imagined a very quiet, non-dramatic type of birthday (why should I make a big deal out of forty?), my friends and family had better ideas. 

My friend, Lori,  from the dance studio managed to organize a ladies night out for me with only three days at her disposal. OK... it wasn't just for me, but a birthday is a great excuse to get out of the house and have some fun!  Remarkable indeed, that even with only three days notice, nine people came out to celebrate a night out without children and husbands and pets... and they brought presents... all wrapped in pink, fabulous wrappings, or cute fabulous bags, or in something sparkly!!!  I feel loved, and blessed, and reminded that there is happiness all around.  Thank you to all the birthday wishes, my friends!!

My children cooked me brownies for breakfast.  Let me tell you, warm gooey brownies are just right first thing in the morning (probably not a great habit to get in to, but fun every once in a while!).  Danielle wrote a birthday poem.  Tommy did a sword dance demonstration, and Danielle and Katie performed a sword dance duet.  I also had a home made streamer/ banner.  Love, Love, Love!!!

My parents took me out to dinner!  We had very yummy Ruby Tuesdays meals.  It's always nice to go out to eat... and even nicer this year was that my birthday did not fall on Superbowl Weekend.  This was a trend for most of my twenties, and some of my thirties.

I came home to my house - "ballooned"... Festive, fun balloons in my yard, on my porch, on my light...  laughing and giggling, and smiling the whole time... Thanks to the anonymous person who did that!!!  I have my suspicions...

I am truly overwhelmed with happiness.  Words can't even express how appreciated and loved I feel.  It's like the voice of God reminding me... "You are loved, You are loved"