The Perfect Love Story

By Andrea Merrell

 

Between dating and marriage, my husband and I have known each other for over fifty years. We’ve spent a lifetime getting to know each other. But our love story is not perfect.

They say when the honeymoon is over, everything gets real. Our guard comes down. We no longer feel the need to impress. We don’t go through our days on our best behavior. The true us makes an appearance and settles in for the long haul.

Entering into a relationship means we agree to embrace our differences and accept the bad with the good. Isn’t that what we agree to in our marriage vows? We have much to learn about each other. Even if we’ve been together for years, our thoughts, desires, goals, fears, habits, quirks, and character traits are revealed over time.

Not so when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. He already knows everything about us. He knows us even better than we know ourselves. He knows every thought, what’s in our heart, and even the number of hairs on our head. And He accepts us just as we are—both the good and the bad.

Our part in the relationship is to spend our lifetime getting to know Him. Much like a diamond has many facets, God’s attributes are too numerous to count. Study the names of God. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Know Him as Savior and Lord, but also recognize Him as Healer, Deliverer, Love, Peace, Joy, Wisdom, Strength, Provider, Protection, Friend … the list goes on and on. The good news is we have an eternity to get acquainted with each and every facet of our amazing Lord.

The Bridegroom will one day come for His bride. It’s the perfect love story.

Are you ready?

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and tawatchai.)

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The Bridegroom will one day come for His bride. It’s the perfect love story. Are you ready? via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Are You Seeking a Mate?

By Andrea Merrell

 

“How can I be sure he’s the right one?” the girl asked. “He’s smart and handsome, has a good job, but what else should I look for?”

A valid question when seeking a lifetime marriage partner. Smart is good, but we all know looks can be deceiving. Even the Bible says beauty is vain (Proverbs 31:30). My grandparents used to say, “Pretty is as pretty does.”

Let’s look at a few qualities and attributes that might help you determine your Miss or Mister Right.

How does this person:

• Respect his or her mother
• Act around children
• Treat the server in a restaurant
• Display good manners
• Show generosity (with both time and money)
• Listen (without interrupting or being on a cell phone)
• Show interest in what you enjoy
• Bring out the best or worst in you

Most importantly, know this person’s beliefs and spiritual values? The Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked, yet too many people go into a relationship thinking they can change the other person.

Above all, seek the Lord. He doesn’t see people and situations the way we do. We judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

So, whether you’re seeking a mate or establishing a new friendship, choose wisely and prayerfully.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and lamnee.)

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Whether you’re seeking a mate or establishing a new friendship, choose wisely and prayerfully. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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The Perfect Recipe for Marriage

By Andrea Merrell

 

Give honor to marriage,

and remain faithful to one another in marriage. 

Hebrews 13:4 NLT

Let’s face it, cards are expensive. So are stamps. That’s the reason so many people prefer to send e-cards, texts, or Facebook messages on special occasions.

My husband and I don’t make it a practice to buy a card for every birthday, anniversary, or holiday. But sometimes—when you find the perfect one—you can't resist.

This year, I found the perfect card for my husband’s birthday. He liked it so much he asked if he could mark out the word man and husband, put woman and wife in its place, and give it back to me for my birthday. Not a bad idea, huh? Heart-warming, time-saving, and cost-effective.

This is what the card says:

I love you for being such a good man. I love you for working so hard, loving our family so much, and staying focused on the important things in life. I love you for being such a great partner. For pitching in at home, keeping me balanced when life gets crazy, and for making me laugh more than anyone else. I love you for standing by me no matter what, showing your love in all different ways, and for always giving me new reasons to smile. I love you for being such a wonderful husband. Happy birthday!

Priceless words that perfectly express how I feel. I could not have come up with a better way to describe how a marriage should be or how a husband and wife should view each other. 

The Bible tells us to give honor to marriage. That means we are to honor (respect, admire, highly esteem, take pleasure in) each other in every way. It takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it.

Let's do marriage God's way. I think this is the perfect recipe. How about you?

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Simon Howden.)

(Words courtesy of Carlton Cards.)

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God has the perfect recipe for a good marriage. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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