#perfectlove. (AConfidentHeart Blog Hop Thursday)

My husband had the opportunity to participate in a "pulpit swap" this past Sunday.  He preached at another church in our denomination and the pastor from that church preached at our home church.  It was fun to get to meet some other brothers and sisters across the river.  Joe picked one of his favorite topics to preach....the Gospel.  The Good News.  The Salvation Story.  #perfectlove.  I have been a believer in Jesus for a long time; since I was quite young.  Sometimes it is easy to forget exactly what God did for me on the cross.  He sent His Son to die for sins I have committed.  If you are a parent, would you ever consider having your child punished for sins of another?  And that punishment is death?  That is exactly what He did for me and you.  He sent His Son to die so that I may live.  I get so caught up in day to day living that my eyes shift from Him to others around me.  I worry about what people will think of me and begin to doubt if I am enough in a variety of ways..  This week I have been gently reminded by my Father that He is all that really matters.  And He has already shown me how much He loves me by saving me so that I can have life.  And I can have that life right. now.  I don't have to wait for "future eternity".  I can experience his #perfectlove daily by seeking Him and relying on Him.

Watch out squirrels.....

If any of you are familiar with my family at all then you are most likely aware that "the bullhorn" is an avid hunter.  I have always been the supportive hunter's wife. It honestly has never bothered me.  I grew up around hunting and the frugal in me appreciated a hobby that could also put food on the table. (Can you eat a golf ball?) When we were first married I joined Joe and his dad on an early morning of squirrel hunting. I enjoyed my hike through the woods and learned somethings along the way....how to watch for swinging branches, how to be "stealthy in the woods", and, most importantly, when to talk (pretty much never a good time to chat it up).  Then we moved, jobs and seminary consumed our lives; then we moved again and young children consumed our lives.  Joe has frequently commented on how nice it would be to enjoy the woods together. Life kept interfering with his dream...until this weekend.  We were discussing our date night options and I suggested maybe we go squirrel hunting. The weather has been unbelievable the last few days and I wanted to be outside. I knew the Bullhorn had been wanting to get in the woods as well.  Well, that suggestion threw my husband into a flurry of activity to make it happen.  There was a license to purchase and evidently clothes to buy (what girl doesn't enjoy her hubby suggesting she get some new clothes!). So it was off to Bass Pro after church yesterday.  Here's a pic of my new duds....

I got a great pair of pants and a shirt. If you can't see the difference between the shirt and pants that is a good thing. By the way I had no idea how many different camo patterns there were. There is Mossy Oak and RealTree (and I am sure others) and then variations of each of those. I got RealTree AP (stands for all purpose). So the next time your man teases about the different variations of red lipstick you can simply point out the variations of camo gear.

So with clothing on, hinting license tucked safely in my pocket, we were off to the woods in search of squirrels.  I think the squirrels heard a newby was coming and decided to go into hiding. I saw 2 and  got a shot at one. It fell out of the tree, but it was more of a leap then it was a fall of death. All in all it was a fabulous date in the woods with my man even though we didn't come home with any food.          

A word to all you wives out there, if things have gotten routine in your marriage lately and you are fresh out of date ideas, may I suggest a date doing whatever your husband enjoys most. Whether it is golf, fantasy football, or even hunting give it a try. You might see a big smile emerge on his face and you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.