borrowed blog

There is a portion of my family that I have never met. I am so grateful for the technological age that we live in! I have been able to connect with some relatives on my father’s side that I have yet to embrace in person.

One example would be my cousin Amanda. It turns out that we have more in common than just being part of the Ryan clan…she is a homeschooling mom and a Christ-follower. I love how God uses facebook as His tool for encouragement.

Amanda started a blog not too long ago, and I was especially blessed by this post:

A Fresh Perspective

Last night as I was lying in bed waiting for sleep to overtake me, my mind was reflecting on my many shortcomings and weaknesses. I said to Kevin, in a rather discouraged voice, “I am so weary of dealing with my flesh.” Once more we lay in silence, until Kevin, tongue in cheek, said only this, “I like your flesh.” We laughed together and enjoyed a special moment of shared tenderness.

I am so blessed by a husband who loves me without reservation, who is my spiritual leader, and yet, at just the right moment, gives me a fresh perspective and helps me to laugh at discouragement. In Christ, we ARE overcomers. Because of this TRUTH, we can laugh at the hopelessness of becoming holy, because it isn’t us that does it. We can rest in Him.

Thank you, God, for the blessing of a husband who is just plain FUN to be around, and who keeps this serious-minded woman from caving in on her own seriousness.

I love the thought of laughing at hopelessness and discouragement. Because of what Christ has done for us, we really can have this kind of joy and freedom. Thanks for sharing, Amanda!