Making Time For Each Other

There needs to be time for some fun.

With each other. 

The Holy Bible says "a time to laugh and a time to weep."

Yes, there'll be plenty of times when things are tough...that's part of living.

Those times you share with each other when you laugh together are precious.

They turn us into more understanding people. Without any humour  life would lack colour. Doctors tell us that a good laugh releases endorphins which give us a sense of well-being. We all need a good dose of that, preferably every day. A good hug and a kiss do the same for us. It tells the other person you care enough to enjoy their company and a little lighthearted fun goes a long way to draw you closer together.

So, no matter what life throws your way, ask the Lord to help you take one day at a time as Jesus advised, and look for ways to find that hidden laughter deep inside.

That's all I have to say. May God touch your heart and lighten your load and teach you to smile today.

NO DOWRY

Sarawat and Asanee are a vibrant couple we met in Han Ka in the Chai-Na Province of Thailand.

Ajun (pastor) Sarawat found us on the internet and invited us through Ajun Somchai Soonthorntoorasuk who interprets for us. We were privileged to visit local schools, besides the church adjacent to his home. We thoroughly enjoyed Sarawat's sense of humor and Asanee's wonderful hospitality.

As usual I asked how they met.

Some years before, Asanee was the secretary of the director of a Buddhist Government  school and also the youth director in her church. She caught Sarawat's eye because she was so committed to serving the Lord. He finally got the courage to ask her on a date. But as they grew to love each other they were concerned about the possibility of marriage.

The fact he was a pastor who did not have a large income was the stumbling block. Both are Chinese and it is expected for a man to give the parents of his intended bride a good DOWRY. They both prayed about this, asking the Lord to make their path clear. However her Christian parents waived this custom because of their respect for his being a pastor.

Now some thirty years later, they are both involved in reaching their area, and Canaan Church has been the spring board to this mission field for the past four years. We were so blessed to become friends with this dedicated couple.

A BRIDE's LETTER

A bride read this letter to her husband on their wedding day.

 

'I am only right here and right now because you could see all that God created me to be and all

that I will be because of your immense love for me.

You are:

•the most patient

•the most considerate

•the most compassionate

•the most kindest

And above all the most forgiving human being I have ever come to know.

Your perseverance, persistence and patience combined with the belief that I would be completely yours one day has come to fruition.

I don’t know of any other man that would have lasted this kind of waiting period apart from my father.

You have won my heart and now I am yours completely.

You bring me security, inspiration and encouragement. Because of your love I can stand confident.

Your faith, hope and love transcends beyond this world and I now can say have had a glimpse of heaven.

Because of you by my side now my life is so fulfilled and complete.

You are Amazing!

You are my King Solomon.

A man who is a limitless visionary! A man who knows what he believes in and what he

stands for. And because you know where you are going I want to go with you right by your side no matter
what life throws at us.

I will never falter in giving you honour, love and respect. I will hold you and carry you for the rest of my life until my dying breath.

I truly love you!'

South Africans in Thailand

I first met Herman and Charmaine Grundlingh in Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand.

They are South Africans who are serving the Lord there. I asked about how they first met and was it instant attraction?

They laughed as they explained it was anything but! At the time both were attending theological college and majoring in performing arts. Charmaine was in her first year while Herman was in his second year.

Neither liked the other, but in the wisdom of their lecturers, they were told they would just have to learn to get along together. And that was that. Perhaps they had misconceptions about each other, but as they adjusted to the normal routine of drama etc. they discovered a mutual respect.

Their campus was part of a farm and they went on to tell me that one night they were asked to help out and stay while one of the cows was giving birth to its calf. Apparently it was a long labour and as they waited, they talked together. Perhaps that was the reason the leader asked them both...knowing this would give them uninterrupted time to get to know one another.

Charmain said that's when their relationship was truly born. They found they had so many beliefs and ideas in common. Herman had a difficult time in his teens. His father left home and he became part of the drug scene, but when he came to trust in the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour things changed. That was one reason why he attended college...to learn more about his faith.

Charmain planned their wedding which was held in a rural area. Her bridesmaids gave a lovely presentation by dancing ahead of her as she walked to Herman on her father's arm. The ceremony was was as simple as it was beautiful.

I expect to hear news of their first born any time now.