Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Thankful Thursday


Hello everyone, time to share our thankful hearts once again. I pray you have much to be thankful for this week. Recently, there has been quite a bit of stress around the Oldham home. My health has taken a turn for the worse, I have been really sick. Of course, God is staying close by my side, keeping a watchful eye on me. I give Him much praise for that, He is such a wonderful comfort to me. I have no complaints, I always say when I am not feeling well, consider the alternative. But, actually, when I consider the alternative, woo hoo!! Heaven would be the alternative, to die is to gain for me, thank You Lord. Ok, moving along. One day last week, lovebug was at our apartment Laundromat washing his work clothes. I decided to walk up there to surprise him, he thought I was sleeping. I had been sick, so I had laid down for a little nap. Well, I was the one who was in for a big surprise. As I reached the Laundromat door, I could see there were three people in there, my lovebug, and two women. Both women were in their early 30's, very attractive, and flirting like crazy with my lovebug. Here was the conversation: You sure are cute for an older man, do you live here? Thanks for being so helpful with our laundry. I love your mustang, very cool car. Are you married? My lovebug quickly told them that yes, he was happily married, and he left. I went and sat by our apartment swimming pool, it had been a long, tiring day. I had gotten my lab results, and ultrasound results back, none of which had been any good news. Now, my lovebug is being cornered at the Laundromat by two prowling females!! My heart really began to sink, of course I began to have a talk with myself. I said things such as: Well, here I am, no hair, body that looks like an army tank, 45 years old, but look much older due to my health problems. Who would blame lovebug if he wanted to be with two younger, healthier, far more attractive women than me? He deserves better than me, I am nothing but a great big mess!! But, then a light bulb went off, and I said, YEA RIGHT!! I am his wife of almost 25 years, for better or for worse. I am who I am, by the grace of God. God created me, and that makes me valuable.I may not have the youth, hair, or looks that those two women have, but I have something of immeasurable worth that they will never have, and that is the precious gift of my lovebugs heart. Thank You Lord for my lovebug, I treasure him.

46 comments:

Donetta said...

Steve and I read this together he is here fixing a pencil sharpener. His expression when you spoke down on your self was like what lovebug might of expressed...no...
then you finished it with the truth and the joy we both felt was a great relief.

Samantha said...

Your Lovebug is blessed to have you and you blessed to have him !
Praying for you sweet Denise.

Aunt Angie said...

I believe that Eddie KNOWS the value of his bride---you are right---for better for worse. We are God's children, all of us are different...all of us have a special place in His great big plan...and I for one am so thankful that you are YOU and nobody else! Hair or no hair...you are still a sister to me!

I love you girl!

Melanie said...

Isn't it great how God takes our negative thoughts and turns them around?! So glad God is walking with you and that you are leaning and looking to Him!

Happy Thankful Thursday, Denise!

GranthamLynn said...

Denise what a sweet thankful post. I came by to tell you thank you for coming by today. I entered you in my drawing for the Beth Moore study.
I am praying that God gives you peace and continues give you security. You are loved.
Hugs,
Sherry

Tanya said...

I always love coming to your blog!You are such an inspiration to me!!In my prayers and thoughts,

Unknown said...

My Sweet Denise,

I just break in my soul over your health. I am so sorry to hear you are not well.

Girl, I know that love bug. He is a man of great integrity. He loves you as he loves himself.

Praying for you this night and all week. Hugs.

Daisy said...

Oh Denise! I didn't know you are sick... well, it's always good to think of the positive side of things. And indeed, I was relieved too to read a nice closing...

You will be always in my prayers! May God grant you better health and long life...

Anne Lang Bundy said...

What a sweetheart you have, Denise. You deserve him.

Marsha said...

Sweetie, Lovebug loves you unconditionally, for who you are. And God loves you even more... He doesn't make any junk, remember?!

I love you my sweet friend. I pray often for you.

Pia said...

My lovebug quickly told them that yes, he was happily married, and he left.--- that was so sweet! i long to hear that from my husband referring to me. denise, you are valuable and your husband loves you very much. so do a lot of us here.

i'm still here standing in the gap, believing for you healing my sweet sister. (((HUGS)))

JLaine said...

Oh..you're such an inspiration.. I'm blessed!..

Praying for your health!

rcubes said...

God bless your hubby for doing what's right. You're in my prayers sister Denise. Love you in Christ.

Grammy said...

Denise, you are beautiful just the way you are. I am so thankful you are my friend. I love you too. And you are a blessing to so many.

More Than Words said...

Denise..I'm so glad that you kept your eyes on Jesus. The enemy will stop at nothing to make us doubt ourselves. This could have all been blown out of proportion, and that's what the enemy was waiting for.

God bless you!!

Fitter After 50 said...

I recall reading about those women. Yes, it was in the Proverbs but I just don't remember the exact location. It seems to me your husband must have read about them too in the same Book. :) I'm sorry that you are having trouble with your health. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Rocks said...

Denise, your lovebug knows you are indeed a blessing and a wonderful gift to him..you are so beautiful indeed!

Everybody loves you and of course specially the Lord!!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

You are both blessed by eachother. In a way it was a blessing that you saw that little conversation because it reaffirmed to you your lovebug's commintment.

Beth Cotell said...

God put the two of you together so no flirty little 30-year-olds are going to be able to take you apart!

Love is a wonderful thing...it allows you to see straight inside to the heart and girl - your heart is BEAUTIFUL!

luvmy4sons said...

What a blessing you have in your lovebug! I am so sorry you are not feeling well...and I am as always encouraged by your thankful heart...Just soak up that love from lovebug and our heavenly Father...you are SO beautiful! I know what you mean about thinking on heaven- who hoo. After the biking accident when I hurt so bad there were times I thought that it would have been better if I had just not survived...but we are here to serve and love the Lord and love on those He sends our way. You are such a great servant! Hugs!

A Stone Gatherer said...

Denise, something my husband said to me once is so true for you too. God made your lovebug addicted to only you. When Steve said that it changed me! He was addicted to me! He doesn't see what the world sees! He sees what God has he see and he loves you, so much! God is wonderful in marriage AMEN!

Love Bears All Things said...

I believe that your Lovebug loves you for who you are not for the outward appearance. "Man looks at the outside but God sees the inside". So does a Godly man who has been married to his love for so long. We all change as time goes by. I certainly don't look like I did 42 years ago when Honey Bear and I wed, neither does he. Jealousy is just the enemy trying to stir up trouble and drive a wedge between two loving people of Christ. He knows where we are most vulnerable. Happy marriages go against his plan. I'm happy to see you got right in there and let him know what was what.
Bless you,
Mama Bear

April said...

What a great marriage you two share...you are BLESSED! Feel better soon!♥

teachermomof2 said...

Thanks for stopping by today!

You too are truly blessed with a wonderful husband.

Prayers for your health and healing!

Blessings,
Lisa

Laureen said...

Thanks for the visit and the comment.I'm sure your lovebug loves you so much..and you are always special and beautiful in Gods site..I added you to my blog list..I'll always pray for you also.

Michele said...

You and your lovebug are blessed, and from his answer to the ladies he knows that. Im glad God turned your thoughts around about yourself. You are his creation and Beautiful. You will be in my prayers for your health.

Anonymous said...

May your heart and mind remember those blessings from above and know that He is Your creator. God put you and your lovebug together and he stands and he sits with you, dear Denise.
My prayers are with you and your lovebug.
May your day be filled with thankful moments. ~ linda

Allison said...

Aww :) You are your lovebug are the cutest - and Eddie knows it :)

Bogie said...

You are beautiful in God's eyes Sweetie. :) and He has blessed you with such a loving LOVEBUG!

God bless your marriage!!! I speak Good health to you too.

na said...

Sorry to hear about your health problems. I will continue to pray for you.

You are a beautiful person and I am sure that your husband tells you that all the time. Besides prowling women tend to turn "nice" guys off. LOL

Gretchen said...

So sorry you've been under the weather, friend. Prayed for your peace & healing. It's easy to get down on ourselves when we don't feel well. You are a treasure, Lovebug knows that.

Lipstick n Laddles said...

Thank you for sharing your story. My prayers are with you.Blessings to you & to your lovebug =)

Michele Williams said...

You are both blessed to have eachother! Eddie loves YOU! He told those too young girls too! So it proves he only has eyes for YOU!!!! How precious is that!

We are praying for you...

Guess what!! You won the drawing... You will get the prayer book! How about that?! Please send me your address so I can have your book sent to you.

Love you..

Toknowhim said...

Thanks for sharing today..Your stories encourage many people...

becky aka theRAV said...

I think everything happens for a reason, Denise. I think you were maent to hear him and to see that he walked away from them. It it only natural to feel insecure. We all know he loves you very much. You are blessed. I do hope you feel better.

bp said...

I'm so glad you shared both sides of the conversation you had with yourself and how you spoke truth to yourself. God bless you.

Lindsey said...

That's right! You tell 'em!!!

I will be praying for your health, and I'm glad to hear it has not dampened your spirits!

Debbie Petras said...

Oh Denise, I love how you take the enemy's lies and replace them with the truth of who you are in Christ! You are precious and it sounds like your lovebug is happy right where he is; being your hubby.

Tea with Tiffany said...

You are HIS and He is yours. Lovebugs stay together.

You bless me everytime I read your posts. You continue to think positive and share real life.

Love you

Cheptoek said...

You are such a wonderful source of inspiration. Thank you. I pray that the Lord heals you dear Denise.

devita said...

Bless your heart, sister Denise. Keep the joyful heart and cheer up always.

I love you.

Anonymous said...

I just LOVE his response to the ladies: He said he's happily married! You have a treasure in him, Denise!

LisaShaw said...

Oh Denise, I saw over at Angela's to pray for you and I did and then ran over here.

I'm so glad that at the end the light bulb which I call the Holy Spirit welled up in you and He reminded you of just who you are and Whose you are and that GOD put you and your husband together FOREVER Sister.

I pray healing over you in the Name of Jesus. May your entire body be saturated from head to toe in the healing of our Jehovah Rapha's touch. I pray a hedge of protection around your heart (emotions) and your mind (thoughts) that you would guard them in the Word of God so that you continue to trust in the Lord and declare His word over yourself and your marriage. I pray a hedge of protection around your hubby and his mind and emotions. I pray against every distraction the enemy would try to place before either of you.

I stand declaring that NO WEAPON FORGED AGAINST YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND SHALL PROSPER in the Name of Jesus!

I declare that your marriage has been ordained and sealed by GOD. Your covenant is protected in Him.

May your love for each other grow and abound each and every day as you both continue to grow in the grace, knowledge and love of our LORD.

My arms are around you Denise. My prayers along with so many others are a prayer shawl around you and your husband. My love is extended to you and MOST importantly JESUS IS WITH YOU! He is your rear guard! He's got you covered! I can shout right now--Hallelujah!

I know that your soul and your body is aching but your spirit is strong Denise because you have the power of God at work within you!

I weep as I write but I also am rejoicing as I write because I know in WHOM we believe! Glory to GOD!

Hold on to Him dear sister. I love you and I pray in the precious, matchless, everlasting name of our King! Our Lord and Savior! Our Redeemer! Our Healer -- JESUS...oh the sweetness of His Name....JESUS --- JESUS --- JESUS. Amen and Amen.

I love you.

LisaShaw said...

Oh Denise I wrote a message and prayer to/for you and for some reason I lost it. I'm praying for you now. I love you and JESUS LOVES YOU EVEN MORE.

Rebecca said...

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Our battle is not against flesh and blood! Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Stand firm then. Praying always with all prayer and supplication....Ephesians 6....I am standing, praying, dressed for battle WITH and FOR you!

Daphine said...

Hey sweet friend!
I'm so sorry to hear about your health. I will continue to pray for you. Great choice lovebug!!! And YES, you have some wayyyyy more valuable than those flirty girls...YOU have lovebug's heart and his faithfulness. Blessings to you and your sweet hubby!