In reference to marriage The Father says that what He has joined together no one should separate. The clear implication of that statement is that it is Him who puts people together. It is just another example of His incredible sovereignty. In His plan for me, almost 15 years ago I sat down at a table at OBU across from a girl I didn’t know. As His plan unfolded it became clear that He was putting me and this girl together. A few years later we were married, a few years after that we had two children. In all of those times it became clearer and clearer just how perfect Father’s plans are. In all our time together it is apparent how incredibly gifted my wife is and how Father engages those giftings to perfectly match His desires and the journey He has us on.
About 6 months ago this journey took another turn as we moved to a new part of the world far away from home. In this new and very different setting my wife’s giftings have flourished in beautiful new ways. The most evident is her amazing ability to pick up language. It is truly a gift. She is always humble, but her language far exceeds mine. (Not that my language is a good measuring stick.) Her teachers say that she is the most gifted student they have ever taught and are amazed at how fast she picks things up and puts them into use. I sit and listen to her have conversations in the local language that completely blow me away. I often look at her and say, "How did you know how to say that?" Her reply is almost always, "I don’t know" accompanied with a thin grin and slight shrug of the shoulders. Yet an even greater gifting than her remarkable skill at language has been revealed.
Numerous times we’ve been on crowded busses, in cramped taxis, in noisy restaurants, on dirty streets or any number of other places and I’ve listened to her share His story with such natural grace. Nothing is forced. Nothing is contrived. And she always seems to have her listeners captivated by the story she is sharing. Whether in our language or the local language she is truly gifted at telling others His story. Father’s work in her is extravagant, beautiful and on full display. She is truly far better at this job than I am. I stand back and watch and am overwhelmed by His work in her. And I am exceedingly grateful that He put both of us at that table 15 years ago.
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I've said, many times and in many places, tha Phil and Krista are examples of father's perfect selection process! Alicia and you are equally glowing indications of that reality!!! And you told me first!!! She's a PEACH!!!
And we have been blessed as a result of your blessing. We knew from the way you talked to us about your relationship with Alicia in those earily days of your dating that this was the real thing--the "girl" for you. We have not been disappointed. The longer you are together the greater the manifestation of that reality is made clear. She is one of those "women of excellence" the scripture speaks of. Father truely blessed us in giving her to you and to the world. I'm glad to get to say she is a member of our family. We love you Alicia.
Oh that's so sweet. You two were so perfectly matched..It is amazing to see how Father's plans for us are unrevealed..Look at me 10 years later with the same man and 3 kids later (yes, I said 3)! Miss seeing you guys!
love that girl!
and to have your inlaws say such beautiful things...what a blessing!
rob's right, you know...you are one incredible, humble, kind, loving, genuine, gifted, loving person.
and now that i'm reminded of all that, i miss you more than ever!!
I was sharing with Kristen White about some of your experiences so far, and her comment about Alicia was "it sounds like she's anointed." I think so.
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