“I Like a Challenge!”

I don’t recall the disagreement, but I’d had enough. “I’m not staying where I’m not wanted!” I shouted at my new husband.

In a flurry of anger, I set out in the dead of winter, marching down Algoma Blvd toward the college campus. It was Sunday … I was pregnant … and I had no clue where I was going.

Though a student at Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh, I suddenly recalled the campus was all but shut down for the weekend. My family had moved out of state two weeks after Jim and I married. But wait … the Neuman Center would be open. Yup. That’s where I’d go. Never back to that man!

But I didn’t know my husband.

A few blocks later, a car pulled over, and the passenger window rolled down. “Hey, lady,” a guy inside said, “ya wanna ride?”

Who did he think he was fooling? I knew that voice. And that car. I stuck my nose in the air and marched on.

The car pulled away. A block later, it was back with a repeat performance. I gave Jim a repeat performance of my own. Though I’ll admit I was disappointed when he and the car disappeared again. And didn’t return.

Well, I’m probably better off without him. Though I wish … oh, what difference did it make what I wished. I’d had two chances and blew them.

Now nearing the campus, I approached a corner with neatly trimmed bushes edging the property. Out popped Jim with welcoming arms and a big grin.

I collapsed into laughter, and he took my hand. “Let’s go home, Beauty.”

If you’re thinking Jim had his hands full with me, you’re right. Down through the years, my faithful husband had other occasions to rescue the day with humor.

Oh, and in case you’re tempted to feel sorry for him, don’t bother. I once told him I felt sorry for him. He was indignant. “I like a challenge!” he insisted.

All right then, sweetheart.

PLEASE SHARE: Do you have a humorous story to tell on yourself?

Don’t Quit!

Only a month after our wedding, Jim and I faced each other in the living room of our tiny apartment. Sadly, we admitted we’d made the biggest mistake of our lives.

How could it be, when we had started out loving each other so very much?

I swallowed hard and looked to my strong, handsome husband. “What do we do now?”

He thought for a moment, and then quietly delivered his conviction. “We stick it out.”

God must have been proud of us for making our momentous decision. I know, years later, we remained glad we did. Yes, we faced struggles and disagreements through our 47 years of marriage, but we also enjoyed the rewards of choosing to love. Of learning to be patient, kind, and forgiving–no small fete! Of growing deeper in love while wrestling with every challenge that came our way.

Our family also grew–two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who are very dear to us. We experienced the love and fun and kindness of extended family on both sides. What a rich, full life we would’ve forfeited if we had decided to quit, rather than “stick it out.”

God says, “Love never fails.” ~ I Corinthians 13:8 (The Holy Bible, New International Version, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984). Meaning, love chooses not to end.

Your Turn: Please share your own particular circumstances where you’ve been glad you chose not to quit.

Tagged!

It’s been a long time since I last posted and kindly beg your pardon! But now my friend, Susan Baganz tagged me, inviting me to join the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers. So, thank you, Susan, for nominating me to this fun challenge!

First, the rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Put the award logo on your blog. 
3. Answer the 10 questions sent to you.
4. Make up 10 new questions for your nominees to answer.

Susan’s 10 questions:

1.  It’s a new year. Do you make resolutions or do you do the ‘one word’ concept? Care to share what either of them are?

No New Year’s resolutions, Susan. My success rate with those is miserable at best. Though I guess I’m attempting the one word concept: Obedience. A toughy for me. My parents must have had their hands full trying to raise me. (I could tell you stories of my goofy escapades.) It all started when I was a toddler and discovered if I wheeled my doll buggy to downtown Appleton, I’d get free candy from the kind candy store owner and ice cream from the nice policeman who took me home . . .

2. If you could revisit any time in history, where would you go? What is happening?

The birth of our country in the late 1700’s. I have a strong love for this God-birthed nation and its amazing Constitution. Our forefathers didn’t get it 100% right when they buckled to pressure and retained slavery after heated debate. But other than that, they were on the right track. I would have liked to know those courageous patriots who loved God and sacrificed so much to bring the United States of America into being. I would have liked to be a part of that effort.

3. Favorite beverage?

Other than water and milk? Birely’s orange.

4. What’s your favorite social media? Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or something else. Why?

I enjoy posting on my website and my Facebook page and responding to comments on both. I also enjoy commenting on others’ blogs and Facebook postings.

5. What is your favorite day/time of the week and why?

I love early morning. All is fresh and new. I can catch a splendid sunrise and talk with the Lord as I read my Bible and pray.

6. If you listen to music as you write, what is it?

Gospel music, especially the Gaither’s Homecoming DVDs. So happy and uplifting. So full of God’s truth about life and his saving grace.

7. It’s time to celebrate your birthday, what do you plan?

I don’t. I just thank God for good health, loving family and friends, the joy of writing, and bringing me safely to “another year closer to heaven.” However, I also enjoy the joint family celebration with Mom and other family members (Ron, Mike, Mary Jo, and Macy) who have birthdays in October.

8. What is your most important role in life?

Being an encourager in my personal relationships and in my writing. I do want others to know how wonderful life with the Lord is and how he means for everyone to enjoy a loving, personal relationship with him.

9. Are you a Princess or a Tomboy?

A bit of both! LOL I loved climbing trees right up through the years when my boys were building tree houses in the backyard. I still love exploring a woods, trekking to a waterfall, or something similar.

10. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind with your writing?

A legacy of trusting God and doing my best to live true love–the kind of love that chooses to do the right thing no matter how hard the circumstances. The kind of love revealed–actually defined–in the Holy Bible’s 1 Corinthians 13. God didn’t leave us to guess what real love is. I appreciate that.

MY TEN QUESTIONS:

1. Of all the pets you’ve had, which was your favorite and why?
2. Would you say your life now is good? Why?
3. Of all the places you’ve lived, which did you like the most?
4. What’s the best job you’ve ever had?
5. What’s your favorite memory of growing up?
6. What event in your life has had the greatest impact on who you are today?
7. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
8. What one word or phrase would you use to describe yourself right at this moment?
9. What’s your favorite book and why?
10. Who is your hero or heroine and why?