Satisfy Us With Your Lovingkindness!

I don't really enjoy having my picture taken, but Trent's Mom LOVES taking pictures...which means I've had a lot of practice in the past year and a half. ;)  And actually, I thanked her after taking these the other day.  If she didn't take our picture so often, I would be seriously lacking some good memories.  I like these two especially:

Trent's smile is so natural in this one...I love to see it. :) (And I do not know why my hair looks red.)

And I like how his arm is behind me in this one.  Makes me feel like his lady. :)



Trent is in Psalms on his daily Bible chart, and he periodically sends me quick text messages saying, "Wow...Look at [insert verse]." or, "[Insert verse] really relates to what we were talking about earlier."  The other day he told me to look up Psalm 90:14: 

"O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." 

I was so excited he mentioned It to me!  For one, I have a list (here) of Scriptures to read in the morning.  Psalm 90:14 certainly fit into that category joyfully and well. 

Second, I appreciate the thoughts of our Lord satisfying us with His lovingkindness.  Trent and I have fairly strict rules for showing affection in our relationship, and it is hard.  I'm not going to lie, because (well, because it's sinful for one) and if any young teenage girls are reading this blog, I want them to know that it's OK that we struggle--we just must work diligently to deal with those struggles and resist temptation in a way that pleases and glorifies God.  (I would love to write a book focusing on that whole topic just for teen girls one day...) Anyway, one thing Trent and I work at continuously is filling our hearts and minds with Scripture and spiritual thoughts.  When we allow God to help us achieve this, it leaves little room for inappropriate matter into our hearts and minds.  The Lord truly does satisfy us (in Hebrew, this can literally mean "fill to satisfaction") with His lovingkindness.  It is a huge comfort to me to think about God filling me up with His love so much that it completely overrides any other desires for sin I may have!  His love is THAT satisfying!

Lastly, I've tried diligently for the past several weeks to be joyful.  (For Hannah, goals include:  a.) stop whining /complaining, b.) always look for the good & something joyful in every situation & setting), c.) focus each day ONLY on the day at hand--it may be my last day!--and what I can accomplish for Christ that day, and d.) PRAY & READ like I should!)  When I consider joy, it means much more than mere happiness.  I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:2, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..." Jesus had joy, even when facing the cross, because He knew He would be making a way for us to be with Him for eternity, He trusted God, and He loved God.  I've been trying to have that kind of deep-rooted, persevering joy.  Sometimes it's tested, but for the most part, I have been so joyful, and this verse only made me more joyful.  Reading It reminded me that God is with me as I strive to be a more joyful Christian!

P.S. - Outward appearance is NOT as important as the appearance of our hearts.  But, did you know that when you're happier, your skin stops breaking out so bad?  Well, girls, it's TRUE!  ;)

I sincerely hope you are having a joyful week!