I married a good man. I don’t know how many of them are left out there, but it seems that “good” is hard to come by these days. I’m certainly glad that “good” found me some thirteen plus years ago and decided to take a chance on my heart. I shudder to think of how my life might be living right now if I didn’t have all of Billy’s goodness close by to shelter me in this time of storm.
Along those lines and as a way of honoring that love, I ordered Lisa Leonard’s snowflake ornament to adorn our Christmas tree. As you can see, its inscription indicates the fondness I have for my husband. Truly, he is my heart and a continual reminder to me of the grace of Jesus Christ. Together, we share a beautiful life and love that has been carefully guarded and nourished over these past thirteen years. Ours has been a deliberate love–a relationship built on intention… on purposefully choosing each other over all others, even when our feelings/emotions lagged behind.
It’s just a little something… this ornament. Just a small way I can benchmark this time in our lives so that years from now, when a next Christmas comes around, we can hang it together and feel the depth of what this season has birthed in us, both collectively and as individuals.
A Hallmark moment, Lisa Leonard style!
I’d like to give that kind of moment to two of you. Accordingly, Melanie and Terri’s names were chosen from the comments on my last post. Ladies, I have e-mailed you the details and will get these to you as soon as they arrive at my doorstep.
In addition, I have two copies of Chris Tomlin’s Christmas CD, Glory in the Highest to give away. The winners of this CD are Noreen from Life Blessings and Kimberly from A Child of the King. It’s one of my favorite Christmas “listens”; I hope you enjoy it as well. If you already have this particular CD, feel free to pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it.
As this week comes to a close, I am ever mindful of and grateful for the life we share together via our blogging. I can’t begin to express to you how much I’ve needed you these past few months. The road has been lonely and isolated at times. It blesses my heart to know that within a few clicks of a mouse, I can connect with so many of you on a personal level. You, my friends, are good people, and I am the better for having you in my life.
May the joy, favor, and love of our Father rest upon you, each one, as we move ever closer to Bethlehem to behold the sacred light and witness of the manger. As always…
Peace for the journey,
~elaine
Thanks again, Elaine, for the opportunity to win this beautiful ornament.
Wow! What an honor to be the recipient of a winning name draw. And a Christmas CD at that.
Thank you Elaine! God bless you.
Elaine,
What a beautiful way to memorialize all that God has done and will continue to do in and through you this year….and in your marriage. I might have to grab this idea and copy it, if that is ok? We are blessed women aren't we….so much to celebrate in the midst of the suffering. God is good.
I pray that His strength is resting heavily upon you today as your physical strength is diminished, may He make you stronger in the inner places of your heart.
Much love in Christ- journeying together,
Stacy
What a perfectly wonderful idea the ornament is…I LOVE it…I love that you have that kind of relationship with your husband. You are blessed indeed. I honestly don't know where I'd be without mine. Oh the storms we have gone through together, AND the times we have danced with such joy, cannot be compared. Have a wonderful week-end. HUGS
Hello, beautiful friend. I am missing you. Your name has been on my lips in prayer, but my time online has been scarce. I follow along on FB and marvel at your grace. This post also points me in the right direction…thank you for reminding me to be thankful for my man!
Love to you this Advent.
Dear Elaine, Do you realize what a blessing this c.d. is and how very thrilled I am. Thank you so much; your life is such a light to so many and I am blessed to share bits and pieces here on your blog.
Big huge hugs to you today.
Noreen
HI Elaine, I wanted to send my address separately-
Noreen Taylor
123 Rock Bridge Drive
Windsor, Co. 80550
I have missed being in touch with all of my blog friends… I am trying to be better and get back on here. It really is such an awesome community!!
Congrats to all the winners!!!!
What a beautiful way to pay a living tribute to Billy, your husband for the journey. I know what it means to have a deliberate love for each other when it is so easy to become a covenant breaker for the slightest reason.
You will both weather the storm together and emerge the richer for it.
Have a blessed Advent season, both of you and your whole family.
Keeping you close,
Lidj
Love how you now have an ornament to commemorate this particular season and your love for Billy. I was just looking at my ornaments this morning and enjoying the memories that each brings.
(Btw, I'm doing a little Christmas giveaway right now — something right up your alley, I think 🙂 )
Enjoy the season! As ever, praying for you!
what a sweet way to raise your Ebenezer of where thus far the Lord has helped you…in marriage and life. He is so faithful! These are great treasures…and so are YOU!
And such a worthy "hallmark moment" it is!
I love that you have sequestered your relationship – you and Billy. No wonder it's remained vital & vibrant; a source of great joy to both of you.
You bless me/us more than you know.
Kathleen
A beautiful ornament to remind you year after year of the beautiful marriage you purposely choose to live out! Happy Friday Elaine…may your weekend be filled with great family moments!
Beautiful tribute to your beloved Billy! I too praise God that he is walking close beside you through this stormy time. I just went over to Lisa's and ordered the ornament for a young couple in our lives who have suffered job loss this year. They will love it! And congratulations to all the winners and your generosity is amazing Elaine!
Beautiful Elaine. You and Billy are very special. The love you have for each other is evident and blessed by God. May you continue with this love for many, many years as you grow old together.
Beautiful gifts….I can tell I have been out of the blog loop.
Hope you have a wonderful week
Dear Elaine,
Praying that you are feeling God's comfort, peace and joy. You come to mind often… and so I pray for you. Wishing I was there to hang out with you… at least in spirit.
I too have a wonderful husband who shelters me and spoils me…a constant reminder of God's extravagant grace!
Praying for you sweet friend.
May Advent Blessings abound with healing in your body.
((HUGS))
Congratulations to All the winners…what wonderful gifts of love!
You Elaine, are amazing!!!
Dear Elaine,
What a beautiful post. It is truly a gift from God when we are blessed with a true man of character in our husbands. I also have one of these gems to call my own, so I know how much you must treasure your marriage. I am so happy to read that you have been given such a wonderful partner in life. Keeping you in prayer…
Elaine, I just came upon your blog this morning and wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading it. I'm also very Blessed to be married to a truly "good" lady whom I love dearly. Either way, thank you for sharing with all of us, and have a Blessed Day!
Congrats to the winners! And yes Elaine I am also grateful for this wonderful blogging community. I've felt so encouraged and loved by many. Sending you some love and hugs today.
I have a good one too. We are blessed. Praying you are feeling okay with your treatments Elaine. I see 'peace' ornaments in stores often and think of you. b
Elaine, this is such a lovely ornament!!Perfect for this season in yours and Billy's life.
Been thinking about you lots girl! I actually spoke on Friday at a nearby church…first time to ever be asked to speak! It turned out well…God's peace was truly amazing! Let me know if you think you'll be up to speaking in the winter/spring or would you rather wait until the fall. We are flexible!!!
Love you bunches!
Susan
Greetings Elaine:) I was thinking after your last video how sweet your husband is to you and how much he loves you. He has been there for you throughout everything you have been going through. To video for you and be a sweetheart. Bless you both much in the Lord!:) I think the ornament is beautiful:)
Blessings,
katiegfromtennessee
katiegfromtennessee