Presence of Mind = Presents Of Mine!

Today, I'm praying for clarity....for peace.....for a thankful heart full of gratitude and awareness in my life. Not just an awareness, but a presence of mind to truly EXPERIENCE the blessings in my life. A consciousness of my surroundings, actions, words, deeds, the wind, the sunshine, the swirl of music, the soft encouragement of a friend....the smile on the face of the store-keeper given freely, the squeals of delight from the mouths of children, the fragrance of fresh flowers showing off in my own back yard. The ability to just stop and APPRECIATE all I've been given. The power to stop always looking ahead.....always waiting for the next thing.....always setting up tomorrows profit......the power to live in THIS moment and enjoy the thoughts on my mind and feelings in my heart. The gift of undertstanding that "presence of mind" will lead me to and allow me to embrace all of these "presents of mine". Glory be to the Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift. 

MARRIAGE

What does marriage mean to me? It means you've found someone that you like SO much, that you want to spend the REST of your life taking on this world by that persons side. It means that out of the billions and billions of people on this planet and the multitude that may be compatible with me, I want YOU and ONLY you. It means I have stopped searching, stopped looking, stopped wondering......I have recognized you are the best I've ever seen, the sweetest I've known, the culmination of all of my desires and dreams. It means I've made a vow - I've made a vow because I am a grown up man with a grip on reality who understands that life can be hard. Really hard. There are certain to be tough times that test what you, I, and we are made of, but my vow and promise mean that regardless of how difficult challenges and trials become, no matter how strong the winds blow and try to knock us down, I will NEVER EVER EVER give up on this sacred union....this covenant. It means you are my backbone and my refuge, my strength and my comfort, my greatest gift and blessing. It means what God has joined together, NO man can separate. It means we are locked in and committed for life - not grudgingly, but trustfully.....beautifully. It means you can lay your head down and rest in peace knowing I will be here when you awaken for each and every day of your life until we awaken no more. And, upon arrival at the large pearly gates of heaven, it means my first question for God[after "what's with dinosaurs?!"] will be "Lord, I'm not sure exactly how it works up here yet, but if it is Your will and You could find a way, I want to remain married to Melissa for eternity".  Marriage is the best decision I've ever made, and the greatest achievement of my life.