Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17: 17 (ESV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…”
I Corinthians 13: 4-8a (NIV)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13: 34-35 (NLT)

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7: 12 (NLT)

It was a more than discomforting comment as we sat in his office—

“It seems to be progressing, so I want to schedule some follow-up testing.”

It wasn’t possible, but the doctor’s words drew me even closer and to a more protective posture of my bride.

As she heroically embraces the battle against a new cancer after overcoming her five-year journey and victory with the Lord, over breast cancer.

“It was no accident me finding you.
Someone had a hand in it, long before we ever knew.
Now I just can’t believe you’re in my life.
Heaven’s smilin’ down on me, as I look at you tonight.”
“The Keeper of the Stars” (Tracy Byrd)

Best friends in high school, and my biggest advocate. Studying together, discussing life’s issues and joys on long walks, dancing to the popular songs from her collection of ‘45s. 

Her family was great, as God intended a family to be. Mine had split up, left me making my own way, and Lynda was there to encourage and walk with me. 

A good guy, but in survival mode, so when God tapped her on the shoulder and suggested to her a few years later that I was the one for her, she would have been justified to say to Him— “Really?”  

Instead, when I asked her to marry me, and after assuring her Dad, I could support her on an Airman 2nd Class’s salary in the United States Air Force, she said— “Yes.” 

As Tracy Byrd continues—

“Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine.
It takes my breath away, just to look into your eyes.
I know I don’t deserve a treasure like you.
There really are no words, to show my gratitude.”

The meaningful relationships of our lives. Precious, gifts from God, from every walk of life. Blessings from the God Who loves us.

Embrace them. Care for them. Love them. Put them before yourself. 

Thank God for them, as Tracy Byrd concludes—

“I tip my hat to the Keeper of the stars.
He sure knew what He was doin’, when He joined these two hearts.
I hold everything, when I hold you in my arms.
I’ve got all I’ll ever need,

Thanks to the Keeper of the stars.”

And make sure to also embrace that ultimate relationship with the God who loves us, the Risen Christ of Easter, Who we remembered, celebrated, and recommitted to, during our recent trip through Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

The God Who blesses us with those relationships of our lives which lift us, walk with us, smile warmly on us, and provide everything we could ever need, including the privilege to walk with them through whatever they face in life. 

Almost fifty-eight years now, and counting. 

Thankful to—The Keeper of the Stars.

In His Name – Scott

You’ll be blessed as you listen to Tracy Byrd sing “The Keeper of the Stars,” and reflect on the gifts of the precious and sacred relationships in your life, including your relationship with the God of all Creation.