Sunday, January 17, 2010

Chocolate Kissed Memories

(a vintage love photo :)

Tucked in a yellowed envelope, I discovered a treasure.
Before we left to serve on the mission field, I packed a small box of memories.
Memories of a courtship, first years of marriage, two precious blessings of sons ...

In amongst the love tattered cuddly and hand knit baby blankets,
A simple envelope crammed with love and notes.
Mingled with words from our wedding
Drenched in a young wife's adoration of her prince
I uncovered my words from 12 years ago ...

May you have his kind of love for each other
Getting excited when you open the car door for me
Eating crunchy rice and mashed potatoes with too much pepper
Giving me eskimo kisses
Dancing with me under the moon

Love is the very nature of God, and this love can only come from God
Dressing up like a scarecrow with me
Surpising me with hot chocolate in the morning
Sneaking up on me and kissing my neck
Telling me my eyes reflect who I am

It is this kind of love that drove the creator down from glory to take upon himself the form of a man to die in our place
Bragging about me
Warming my side of the bed for me
Crying when I hurt
Buying me my first pumpkin

It is this kind of love that has brought Ryan and Sarah together this day in marriage
Coming to me when I need you to hold me so I can cry in your arms
Holding me until I fall asleep
Eating chocolate to give me chocolate kisses
Being my husband, lover, encourager, constant support and best friend

It is this love flowing from within them which will keep them together both now and for the rest of their lives.

God's love for us is real. I am beginning to fathom and truly receive His love. A love that brought us back to the United States, brought us out of our dream ministry, to restore us. To enable us to truly receive His love again for who we are and not what we do. A love that is restoring our marriage when we didn't even see the cracks crumbling around us. A love that is worth fighting for.

May we know your love, Abba, overflowing, saturating, and splashing all that we are.

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18 comments:

Audrey said...

His love is glorious! His work is marvelous! He is good all the time!!

Bina said...

Beautiful!!!

Debbie Petras said...

Sarah Dawn, I was so excited to see your comment on Heart Choices. I felt inside like Sarah is back; woo hoo. I know this was a time you needed to be still and I'm so glad that you did and obeyed. I love the words about you and Ryan's love for each other. May the Lord bless you wherever you live and what He has planned for you and your family. Rest in that. He is full of grace for each one of us along this journey.

Love you friend,
Debbie

Ra Ra Bazaar said...

what beautiful words you wrote for your husband. Thank you for sharing them with me. May God continue to bless you both!

Unknown said...

Sarah Dawn,

May God continue to open your eyes to see who He is and the enormous love He has for you right here, right now - being still - serving Him in a whole new way.

May God continue to bless you and Ryan in ways you never imagined possible between husband and wife.

And as HE does this may your heart overflow with the power of His love!

Sending tender hugs to you both! Prayers over the restoration happening in your hearts and home!

Love,
Jill

RCUBEs said...

I'm so glad He restores, mends, heals...Praying for the Lord's love, rich blessings, protection and healing cover you and your family.

He & Me + 3 said...

His Love is amazing & so perfect. Your words always inspire. May your family be blessed & always feel His love.
Hugs,
Mimi

Yolanda said...

Fight for that love Sweet one, fight!

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Beth Herring said...

Consider me splashed today my friend,

Beth

Rachel Beran said...

You're right, you did find a treasure! And God knows just what we need and when we need it. He used your own words to minister to your heart. How cool is that?! :)

Thanks for sharing!

Linda said...

It is a wonderful thing to be so lavishly loved, it is quite another to be able to fully receive that love.
I struggle too, Sarah, to truly know how very much the Father loves me. The faults and failures often mar my vision and I cannot see Him reaching out to me.
I am so glad He has done such heart-work in you. Your joy just shines through.

The Pastoor Family said...

Sarah Dawn!! I was so surprised to hear from you....I have missed you! If you have time, I would love to catch up with you and hear how God has been working in your life...how the adoption is going and about your move!

Many blessings my sweet friend =)

christy rose said...

It is just unfathomable the extent of His love! But God continues to reach out to us and remind us over and over again so that we can grow and bloom in His sweet love for us.
This was just beautiful! I am excited to see where god is leading you by His guiding love as well. :)

Sarah said...

Sweet sister,

May the love between you and Ryan continue to grow and grow. May Jesus' love continue to fill you to overflowing. May you rest and be refreshed each day in His sweetness.

Many blessings,
Sarah

AtlantaMama said...

sweet

Alison said...

Your last 2 posts have been so sweet! Thanks for sharing!

Andrea said...

Thankful GOD is healing and restoring your hearts. HE is Awesome!!
Hugs, prayers, and love,
andrea

Christy said...

That was tearfully beautiful! Thanks for sharing.