Hands were created for holding

We went to a movie this weekend.  The one place we always hold hands.  Sometimes we hold hands as we fall asleep (at night in bed, not at the movie).  Looking at the beautiful photo above, I have the feeling God held our hand in the womb.  Charlie holds my hand more lightly since arthritis has taken its toll.  I'm filled with gratitude as my fingers come across the calluses he's earned as our provider over the years.  And then there's the whole wonder of our unique fingerprints . . .

Private audience with the BIG Cats

Yes, this is a tiger and the tiger lady at Blank Park Zoo.  One day out of the blue a friend of ours called and invited us to go with them on a special zoo excursion including lunch that he had "won" at a charity fundraiser.  It was one of the most interesting, unexpectedly enjoyable things we have done just for fun.  It meant Charlie taking a day of vacation from work.  So the evening I presented the offer to Charlie, he looked up from watching TV with a quizzical look that kind of matched mine.  Within three minutes, we agreed we wanted to not only graciously accept our friends gift, but whatever adventure it would bring was part of what we enjoy as a couple.  In other words, lighten up and embrace the possibilities new experiences bring. 

Our Girls

Today my two favorite daughters Cinnamon Joy and Manda Renee came for some heart-to-heart.  We spent about 3 hours sprawled on my bed so I could enjoy the ceiling fan while they covered up in blankies.  Here they are paddling away at our family's lake vacation last August.  I just have to record in typeset right here how precious they are to me and their Daddy.  When we converse about them, frequently one or both of us ends up dabbing tears because we are so gratefully proud of our girls.  Everyone loves them because they are reservoirs of love, kindness, gentleness and fun.  They are extraordinary mothers.  They readily forgive us for our failures as parents.  They know how to love their husbands well and fully.  And they continue to love Jesus and devote themselves to nurturing the love of Jesus in their homes.  I could write a book about them and what it has meant to us to enjoy them from the time we knew they were hanging out in my womb.   We have our quirks, our baggage, our differences and our version of dysfunction at times, but we are fortunate to say the word family with joy and reverence.

Tears, smiles and hugs

Charlie and I had such a lovely time last night as I described all the details of God's girls.  I smiled, he smiled.  I cried, he cried.  We laughed.  We hugged.  Here's the blessing of a Christ-centered marriage - we enjoy moments of effortlessly cherishing us.  I love that.  God is so good and so wise in His marital advice.

We are different but one

Delite praying with four year olds at VBS

Somewhere in the mass of people at VBS pictured above, was Charlie, security man.  We have done this "together" a few years now.  We consider it together time, even though once we arrive at Hope, we go our separate ways.  To do what comes most naturally to us as individuals.  Give me a quiet corner doing quiet but fun stuff -- praying with the very young other than your own children is something I highly recommend for a big spiritual boost.  Charlie is in perpetual motion, making certain lost children are found and no one is there that shouldn't be.  He hauls water and supplies and says hi to a lot of people.  The more people the better.  On the way home, we swap stories and laugh and sometimes break into spontaneous prayer thanking Jesus for all the joy and love VBS brings.  This is part of the good life as Chuck and Deli.

Us First

What??? Us first??? how can that be correct??? What I should say is, in terms of human relationships.  One thing that marrying at 18 and 19 allowed us was the idea right off the bat that we were the most important two people together who ever walked the earth.  Then we brought Jesus Christ into our lives and we've eventually grasped the truth that He always comes first.  We love how much we love one another.  There's no getting around that.  But we are absolutely thrilled with the impact His love for us has had on us as a married couple.   Here are the priorities we believe God holds for us
#1 our relationship as individuals and as husband and wife with Him
#2 each other, husband and wife
#3 our children and their families
#4 our jobs that provide the resources to live
#5 our church and any other relationships God brings into our lives