Another Woman

Well, after almost thirty-six years of being married to my best friend, having the most beautiful daughter in the world, and the two most beautiful and smartest grandaughters anywhere by an awesome daughter-by-marriage, it happened! I have fallen in love with another woman. Well, we haven't exactly met yet and she's not exactly a woman yet... What? Read on.

Last Friday while running some errands and listening to my XM Radio, I heard a song I had long forgotten, "Isn't She Lovely?" by Stevie Wonder. The lyrics, in part, read:
"Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?
Isn't she precious?
Less than one minute old.
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she.

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I am so happy
We have been heaven's blessed.
I can't believe what God has done.
Through us He's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love?"

Somehow God used those lyrics to introduce me to another woman, the newest love of my life, Grace and E. J.'s little Ensley Kate Wood. She's not even a minute old, in fact, she has about four months to go before any introductions can be made but she has already stolen my heart; and Stevie, you had it right when you asked, "Isn't she lovely!?" She most certainly is!

When We Had Much Less

This week-end our three children, 2 children-in-law, 2.5 grandaughters, and 2 granddogs will be Alabamy bound. This means a great deal to Zannie and me because to have them all together just does not happen but maybe at Christmas. We have had much less time with our family than we would like so we appreciate what we do have greatly!

I remember the time when buying a full tank of gas or eating out was a huge deal because things were just so tight financially. Now that we have more, we appreciate it a lot because there was a time we just didn't have much.

I wonder if when we get to heaven and see all its splendor we will appreciate heaven and say, "You know, this is so wonderful because on earth we just didn't have that much that really mattered and now we have EVERYTHING that matters."

I don't know but it's just a thought for today.

Are You Offensive?

Good Friday! No, let's celebrate "Spring Holiday" instead; that 's the cry of some city officials of an Iowa town. Silly, just plain silly! Good Friday is offensive! Easter is offensive! Jesus Christ is offensive! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive! Why are we so surprised? As long as Christians are a part of this world in such a way to make a difference, we will be offensive. Of course, I am not encouraging being offensive for the sake of being offensive but offensive for the sake of the Gospel.

As I type these words a team of workers are doing some minor repairs on my home. I wait for them to finish so I can share the Gospel with them. Will they be offended? I hope not but, in either case, I know that any offense is not directed toward me but toward Him. It's His Gospel, His Good News, but the news is only as good as the recipient wants to make it in his own appropriation. Yes, it is good regardless but personally good as applied.

For yourself, are you offensive? Not obnoxious, mind you, but offensive because you choose to share the Good News to a world which desparately needs to be "offended." It's just a thought for today.