Puddledum with Roman

Update: this is a little something I wrote back when Roman and Caitlin were courting. I don't know why I never published it.

It was a lovely Saturday evening. Roman to dinner, sunny weather, a nice day...a walk was in order. So we all headed down to Swan River Nature Trail to work off our dinner of barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, stuffed mushrooms, and sourdough bread.
It was beautiful. Roman picked flowers for Caitlin, and we went down to the river, which is going fast right now:


We found a big rock in the sunlight. Happiness.

And then the pranks started.

The first one was pretty. Mother picked some little white flowers and told me to put them over Caitlin and Roman. I sprinkled them over. They looked lovely in her hair...not so much in his. So he picked them out and set them gently on Caitlin (don't worry, he did not touch her), and gave her a Romeo (I did not a misspell that!) look. All happy and tingly. I think everything else fell away.




With all the rain lately, there's been a lot of puddles. Roman started walking real close to Caitlin as we passed a puddle, forcing her towards it. She avoided it, but his evil grin said that there was more mischief in store.

Big puddle and courting couples spell danger. Roman jumped full in like a little boy, intending to splash Caitlin....and got me soaked. Oh, Caitlin got a little wet, but that's it. Caitlin jumped in a later puddle to get back at Roman, and got me wet again.

Once more, as the walk was almost over, the last puddle in sight, of course I jumped full in...and got my self soaked once more.

Moral: Stay a good 10-20 feet away from courting couples taking a walk. You never know what could happen.

In Christ,

Jillian

Contending

"I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered for all the saints."

Jude 3

The calling of any Christian is to live in such a way as to stand out from the world, and to walk as a Christ walked. For Christian women it is set forth that we are to represent the Bride of Christ. In this capacity we are to contend for the faith. Our faith is that Christ will return and take us to live with Him, that we will attain the fullness of the salvation of God. Then He will judge if we have lived in such a way that He was the center of every action, every decision, every area of life. He will judge if we have contended for the faith.

As a single young woman it has been my goal to glorify God in every thing I do, and to follow the instructions of 1 Corinthians 7 that young women be concerned about the things of the Lord, that they may be holy in body and in spirit. (verse 34) I have spent time studying His Creation through gardening, studying different theology books available that I may have a ready answer for those who ask about why I do what I do. I have endeavored to proclaim the gospel to the employs of my work, and share the beauty of music in praising God. with piano students. I have sought to learn more of the history of the world by pursuing a college degree in history, and this has brought new areas of study and ministry to me. In all this I have never left my parents home. Never went on a mission, never stayed in a dorm, never had a boyfriend. I simply tried to contend for the faith in the areas of my daily life. In doing laundry, weeding, planning costume parties, and working in a restaurant. The Lord calls us to do it all for Him.

Next week my life will change to a new direction. I will no longer be single, but the wife of Roman Mallery. I will have a new way to contend for the faith. To honour marriage in a culture where it is slighted. To love a husband in an active and real way, not based on feelings, but a daily decision of the will. I have been prepared by my mother to be a homemaker, and by my father to be a faith contender, and by my Lord to take all these duties into the building of a new family.

To all other handmaidens out there, singleness is not a time for inactivity. Marriage does not mean greater ministry. We are all in unique circumstances, but the one thing that is the same is our calling to contend for the faith. To give an answer for the hope that lies within us. May each young lady see that she is doing well, when she is doing daily what God has asked her, cook a meal, write a paper, play an instrument, or change a diaper. May you all contend for the faith by daily seeking to glorify God.

The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.

~George MacDonald

Something Fun

There are a great many things people do to express affection and admiration. We should all seek to regularly show how we love our family in ways other than verbal. We can do simple things, such as helping with a task, give treats, and leave notes. There are also many ways to be creative. Plan an outing, hide a gift, write a song. Or you can give an unexpected hug, with a smile and compliment. Everyone loves to hear that they are loved and appreciated by the ones they love.

My soon-to-be husband gave me a delightful expression of his affection. I finally got a picture of it to share. This will be a regular reminder to me of the creativity God has given this wonderful man.

Rainy Day Blessings

It is raining, has been all day and it is still a lovely day, because the Lord has made it.

When it rains I enjoy playing the piano, moody, romantic pieces, orderly, classical ones, and the inspirational hymns.

It is perfect weather for tea by the potful.

And pumpkin muffins as a little treat.

The bit of sunshine in my day comes from this sunny bouquet from my good friend Roman.

He brought them into work for me the other day. I am enjoying courting him and thank the Lord for this added blessing to brighten the gray days.