Goings On

I had a whirlwind of a weekend. Friday we drove 10 hours to Kansas City for what I affectionately refer to as Roger's hippie reunion. :) Back in the early 1970's, he lived at a Christian I-hesitate-to-call-it-a-commune-so-I'll-call-it-a house. From what I gather, it was run by Christians and it housed wayward souls, or Christian young people, or just young people in general, for whatever reasons. Apparently, anyone could rent a room there like you would any other room or apartment. This was back in the day of the "Jesus Movement," and since I'm 4 1/2 years younger than Roger, I only vaguely remember the "Jesus Freaks" and I wasn't really part of that whole thing. Actually, this House of Agape, as it was named, became so large (people-wise) that it outgrew the big 3-story house, and they begin to hold Bible studies and services at the Second Presbyterian Church, or as they call it, "55th & Oak." I understand it was quite the ministry back in its day. Several months ago, through what was no doubt God's providence, Roger connected with some Agape people via Facebook, and discovered there was going to be a first-ever reunion on September 11. He wanted to go, and it proved to be a good decision. Without going into details that I'm not at liberty to divulge, I think Roger experienced much-needed healing, restoration and closure that was good for his soul. It was a great reunion, and I even got to sing some old hippie praise and worship songs that I *do* remember from my junior high days. :) Really corny by today's standards!

I also had the privilege of meeting one of my friends with whom I've been blogging the past five years! What a treat. She lives in Kansas City, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally meet. I'm always to grateful to fellowship with the people of God. :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Today is Roger's and my 24th wedding anniversary. In many ways, the time has absolutely flown by at breakneck speed. It's hard to believe we're now in our fifties (him being the aforementioned 4 1/2 years further into said fifties than myself!), and staring into the horizon of retirement. Well, at least I hope we can retire... Our son is 21, and, true to form, it seems like only yesterday he was but a baby. ::sigh::

Many of you reading know our story. Many don't. Suffice it to say that God's hand has been clearly present in our lives every step of the way. He has done a mighty work in our hearts and has rescued us from the brink of destruction. It's been far from 'easy street' for us, but I can live with that. The years have brought with them exactly what God intended, along with His intended purpose - that our lives are transformed and we are more conformed to the image of Christ this very day than we were 24 years ago - or even ten or five years ago. I've learned this: God does exactly what He wants to do in each of His children's lives, for His glory and their good. Some He prospers more than others and some endure more suffering - no doubt we fall into the latter. But God has brought me to the place where I can confidently say that I will gladly take the suffering over the 'prosperity' if it means I stay continually and utterly DEPENDENT on Him, and that I do not look to myself or others to sustain me.

Twenty four years ago today, God provided for each of us the exact spouse He wanted us to have. He knit our hearts together as husband and wife and as fellow believers in Jesus Christ. As the commercial says, "it hasn't always been a perfect picture, but there were (are) a lot of perfect parts." :) God has faithfully grown us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, and has moved us from much selfishness to more selflessness over the past 24 years. Of course, there is still much work to be done, as we know our sanctification has yet to be complete. But God is faithful and we trust in Him, knowing He will finish in us the work that He began.

So I say Happy Anniversary, Po! I love you with all my heart. :)