Increasing or Decreasing?

This is from the daily devotional "Fresh Start" by Andy Richardson.
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The Christian life is the continual expression of a desire for God.  It is the ears of the heart listening for the voice of God.  It is the recognition that nothing in this life really satisfies except the presence of God and His happiness, not ours.  This desire competes with the less noble, but very powerful, desire for self-fulfillment.  John the Baptist understood this well and put it this way, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

• Ask that your desire for God would double today.

It is your job to nurture this desire for God in your life.  No one else will do it for you, but God will help you if you ask.  There are many distractions to keep you from seeking Him this way.  Your job, your friends, and your family all consume much of your time and energy, and because of this you must learn to seek Him even in the midst of those responsibilities.  This is what Mary and Martha argued about, those two sisters whom Jesus loved so much.  Seek Him first, always, and everything else will work out fine in the end.
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The Things I Allow to Compete with God in My Life:
1. My Danny
2. Lauren
3. Daily conversations with Zoe
4. primping
5. Justification that my morning hours are the most "efficient" so I must get stuff done then
6. Checking email
7. Responding to email
8. Other Christian reading
9. Attempts to excercise
10. Comfort of my American life

There's a long list. How will I chose to be a good steward of the hours in THIS day for Him?

When a Man Loves a Woman...

There is something wonderful about when a man loves a woman. Yes, a million love songs have been written over time and countless poems as well. But there is something even better. When a husband leads his wife.

As the Dulins look forward to preparing their 3rd anniversary this June 7, I reflect on our three short (yet significant) years of marriage. Accuse me of bragging, but we have an excellent marriage. But let me brag in the Lord. This marriage is excellent by God's grace, sense of humor, and faithfulness.

When I think about what characterizes our marriage, I think about what happened last night. There was a bit of conflict. Toes stepped on. Frustrations expressed. Frustrations misinterpreted. Strong wills gearing up. Words carefully chosen. Words carelessly spoken. That's right, I said we had an excellent marriage, not a perfect marriage.

It was what the enemy delights in --- an opportunity to divide and conquer God's children, especially those in marriage. It never feels like there is a roaring lion in our home. Ahhhh..... but that's where a godly leader knows that whether it feels like it or not, the signs of the predator are preparing to pounce.

My husband, whether rightfully or not, had his feelings hurt my me. My husband, whether rightfully or not, was feeling defensive. My husband, whether rightfully or not, could have chosen to spend time standing up for himself. But he did the hardest thing it takes to do when you are not feeling warm and fuzzy toward your spouse. He took my hand and said, "I will not let the enemy try and get a foothold and destroy our fellowship."

And maybe my hand was not as eager to hold on at first, and maybe my lips were pursed, and maybe my heart was a little prideful, but those are foolish stands against the prayer of a humble and righteous husband. It is difficult to stay stubborn, when you are forced to hear your husband confess the condition of his heart before God. It is hard to stay stubborn when you hear your husband call out to God for help and for protection and for a change of heart.

It IS wonderful when a man loves a woman. But it is the blessing of God when a husband leads his wife. I've been following Danny Dulin for three years now. I can't wait to see where he leads me this year by God's grace, sense of humor and faithfulness.

Happy 3rd Anniversary.

Happy Belated 43rd Birthday to My Danny

Well, seriously. Talk about too busy to blog. Danny's birthday was April 29 and its now May 12 and I'm just getting around to blogging. Anyway, Michael came home for a long weekend just for his dad's birthday. It was nice to have him around and that Saturday Lauren came home for good too.

Danny had one request for his birthday: chili dogs. Yep, that's the sophisticated man I married :)  Chili dogs without beans to be exact. Well, he got that for his birthday dinner and I managed to find a tiramisu cake for him too (his favorite, but his one was so-so).

My gift to him was not terribly creative, but he has been wanting one for awhile: a panini maker. I know. Is this man just all over the map? Chili dogs and paninis. Got to love it!

It seemed Lauren scored with a surprise autograph from one of the star UNC basketball players Harrison Barnes in her birthday card to him. Hmmm..... did my daughter just use Danny's bday to meet this boy?

The weekend ended with Danny and Michael heading out with some friends to "go shootin'." Danny brought my dad's shot gun and the kick was so bad it left Danny with a nice purple and yellow bruise on his shoulder.

Happy belated birthday Danny --- you are my favorite!