Love Letters

 

I was looking for something I really didn’t need in the closet and found these letters. In the fall of 1976, Janet left Chicago and returned to Dallas to attend Roosevelt High. In that age of no internet or cell phones, we began writing letters to each other. I was paranoid that her hometown and childhood friends would “woo” her away from me. To be honest, I was a nervous wreck my entire senior year of high school. I kept writing, she kept writing, and we tried to reassure each other that our day at the altar would happen. We briefly hooked up in the summer of 1977 which was the greatest summer any teenage couple could have. I left for SIU-C and Janet returned to Dallas. The letters intensified but not the uncertainty. I didn’t know God but I knew a piece was missing from our picture. I accepted Christ at Rock Hill Baptist Church in Carbondale Il. Then I packed up my worldly possessions and drove nonstop to Dallas Texas. I am still writing love letters. I love you, sweetheart! Glad the tomb is empty

Marriage Is Hard

I need to apologize. I have not been completely “honest.” Marriage is HARD! If you looked at the “x-ray” of our marriage you would see the bruises and brokenness that 6 years of courtship and 41 years of marriage can bring. You would see how broken we were. You would see the selfishness that caused the bumps. The sin that caused the bruises. You would see the individual egos that masterminded unnecessary conflict. I know this is not the popular story to tell but it is the real one. Looking at the totality of our life I can really say we appreciate the journey because it brought us to the “sweet spot” that we live in now. You looked at the x-ray. Check the results of the blood test. It will show the blood of Jesus injected into ours during times of trials and turmoil. You will see the holy spirit navigating our road trip through life. You will hear the word of God explaining the covenant we agreed to. You will see our love grow from “puppy love” to agape love. This transition could only happen when we both recognized His desire to move and transform our lives from two to one. We gave that one life to Him. Marriage ain’t for the weak and faint of heart, but if you give yourself and your marriage to God He will clear a path to a sweet spot that I can attest to is so so amazing! I love you sweetheart. Glad The Tomb Is Empty

The Truth

Fall of 1975 my brain took control of our relationship. It decided I did not need a girlfriend at 16 years old. Most folks said you good, it was only “puppy love”. Looking back, I can remember being heartbroken. However, I could not find a way to bring myself back to you. I stumbled miserably through our junior year because every time my heart reached for you or wanted to call out to you, my mind took those words and feelings and sent them into a loop of confusion. My mind was determined to “outsmart the truth”. The truth was that “me and my heart” were deeply and passionately in love with you. That was the truth then and it is the truth now. Subsequently I have learned to always think about you with my heart because that is where you reside. I love you sweetheart, then and now! Glad the tomb is empty!

41st Wedding Anniversary

This video was actually shot a few years ago during a photo session.

Of course Janet is a natural! Love you sweetheart!

This Thing We Have

 

You know I’m really loving this “thing” we have. Spent the weekend together... but apart. We both ran our errands apart from each other. Janet usually runs with the girls. I am usually a “lone wolf”. Whenever I am away from her, she drifts through my thoughts. It helps me concentrate on the task so I can get back. If you know me, you know I don’t do well by myself. The evil one tried something new on me. “What if she stops loving you?” My mind ran the numbers before my heart pulled the plug! Found myself driving and rejecting this notion. There is not a person that I am more comfortable with. Janet knows and loves the "me" that even I run from. She tamed him with her love of God and the answer to a prayer. Throughout our life together when the world was unkind she pulled “him” back. Okay then “What if you stop loving her?” For real… I laughed and heard myself say “Janet I will never not love you and never is a long time.” I love you sweetheart! Glad the tomb is empty.

One Heart

Recently had some late night\early morning prayer time when I couldn’t sleep. Gave the standard thank you LordJesus (in my house it’s one word) for my family, health, and well-being. I paused as I heard Janet breathing softly and stirring as I moved. Didn’t want to wake her. Continued my conversation. I felt the need to reiterate that I should be on the schedule to go home first, like “we discussed”. I revisited all my reasons for this request and was approaching the “in Jesus' name” moment when I thought I was experiencing heart palpitations and slight shortness of breath. I backed off the amen conclusion and asked God if heaven could wait while we talked about our “agreement”. I felt my heart flutter again. “My son what you felt was her heart beating in your chest. No matter what “I” decide, know that these two hearts will always beat as one. Rest peacefully my son.” Amen. Slept like a baby knowing that God has us... I love you sweetheart! I think we’re covered. Glad the tomb is empty.
 

She Knows Me

 

Just my thoughts… Janet probably knows more about me than I would probably want to admit… out loud. I am okay with this. She knows things about me that I haven’t had the courage to tell her about. She has this uncanny way of somehow feeling the pain I try to hide from her. She finds a way to heal what I never exposed. In the past, I would try to “spare” her the burden of my issues. Then I remember God instructing me to let her love me. This meant trusting Him that we could grow together in and through these worldly issues that I subconsciously try to solve. I love the way Janet (metaphorically) snuggles up next to me and buckles up for the ride. We love road trips… I love you sweetheart (6-27-81) Glad the tomb is empty