CHRISTIAN LOVE STORIES?

I titled this blog "Christian Love Stories," meaning the romantic love stories between men and women. My stance is, everyone loves a love story. "Love makes the world go round," as the old saying goes. Look how many marriages there are. Most of them started with a love story. So I think it's a wonderful thing to write them, especially Christian love stories.

"Christian love stories" can be expanded upon. This weekend, I participated in two Christian love stories that I believe pleased the Lord. Saturday morning, bright and early, dh and I met some of our parishioners at church (we pastor a church) and participated in The Church Work Day, you know, the day (should be at least annually, and maybe semi-annually) the parishioners meet together and work on the Lord's house. Saturday, we dejunked, decluttered, disposed of, cleaned, polished, organized, pressure washed, pruned, and more. "We'll work, till Jesus comes, we'll work," the old hymn goes, and I found the song on my lips a few times.

As I worked, I offered up my labors as unto the Lord, following the Word's instruction:"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). And I did it cheerfully: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23). And I did it as a show of my love to the Lord: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed..." (1 John 3:18).

I believe every Christian needs to be involved in a local church. Why? It'll keep you saved!! You may laugh, but it's like this: if you want to play the piano, you have to take lessons and then play throughout life. Otherwise, you lose your touch. If you want to be a member of a country club, you go to the club and get involved in its various activities. If you don't participate, you're no longer a part. Same with God. Being involved in the Lord's work will make your faith grow. That's why the Bible says, "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as is the manner of some" (Hebrews 10:25). The writer knew that it's strengthening to be with believers, whether it's studying the Bible, or hearing a message preached, or working in various places in the church.

When I left the church on Saturday, I had a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. I had a renewed sense of calling and purpose, a new pledge in my heart that I would do more for the Lord, a new hunger to grow deeper in Him, a new thirst for Him and His Word.

Then, we dashed home, did a few things around the house, and got ready for a Hawaiian luau. DH and I dressed in matching tropical shirts, and we drove to a church member's beautiful home on the water, where they were hosting a 50th birthday party for a beloved member of the church. This lovely, talented woman (singing and playing the organ and piano) has early-onset dementia and some dire physical problems. Many gathered for this festive occasion to honor her, and we enjoyed each other's fellowship as we ate delicious food and chatted inside and out (on the banks of the water--such a picturesque setting). After we ate, we gathered inside for an old-fashioned hymn sing as the guest of honor played the organ (expertly!) and her mother played the piano. We sang The Old Rugged Cross, Till We Meet Again, Are You Washed in the Blood?, and a host more, our hearts so in tune with each other and the Lord, it was purely sweet in there.

That evening, we blessed this church member, and in turn, we were blessed!

Ah, Christian love stories...