I love a party. This weekend we are celebrating a dear friend's upcoming nuptials. I am not only leaving Paul and Lydia for the night - which will be hard enough - but I will also be facing many temptations. I actually sat this morning and contemplated choosing to drink a glass of wine to celebrate with my friends, rationalizing that as long as I made the choice ahead of time, it would be okay. Especially, since wine is fermented grapes. Simply grape juice, in theory. But my choice to stick to the rules and blog every day throughout this experience reminded me that a glass of wine isn't that big of a deal to give up. There will always be opportunities to celebrate. There will also always be reasons to make excuses to cheat and I have decided that there will no reason big enough to cause me to stumble during these 40 days. With that said, I will be blogging throughout the weekend but it will be short because I would rather spend more time with my family when I can since I will be able much of the time. Please open your Bible to Deuteronomy 16 or just click here.
This chapter is full of celebration and remembrance. The Jews were called to praise God for what He had done and was continuing to do in their lives. The Passover, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of the Tabernacles were 3 different opportunities for God to be recognized for His grace and faithfulness in their lives in the past, present and future. On the Eve of my friend's bachelorette party, I am reminded of all that God did in my own life to bring me the most amazing husband I could have ever hoped or prayed for. At this moment, he is out running a few errands for me so I can write. He shows me love in a hundred little ways every day and as I have said before, I don't feel worthy. But I am thankful. I remember every little celebration before our wedding day. Each was special and also truly a time not just about us but to honor God for what He was doing in our lives. It was most important to us that we bring glory to Him during our wedding ceremony and if you were to ask either of us what our favorite memory, we would say the moments that we took communion together. We got to celebrate. The Lord is worthy of our praise! He allows us opportunities to celebrate the blessings in our lives as long as we remember those blessings came from Him. Whether it's a bachelorette party, a wedding ceremony, a birthday celebration or the Passover, each can be an opportunity to thank God for His wonderful works in our lives! Just as the Israelites were given orders to remember through these different celebrations, may we never forget the Giver of all Gifts!
Father, thank you for providing in so many beautiful ways. Each celebration is truly an opportunity to not only focus on the people celebrating, but on the Reason we even get to celebrate - You, Lord! I pray you bless my dear friend and her future husband in greater ways than they could ever hope for and imagine. Thank you for bringing them together and for giving my friend a man who loves her so well, just as you gave to me! This celebration is a time that I get to remember the blessings that have have received but also praise You for who You are and all that You do. Thank you for creating celebrations! I look forward to celebrating each little victory with You by my side. Keep me strong this weekend while I face temptation - I've got my almond butter, veggies and fruit ready to go - now let's go celebrate! Amen.
Now Choose Life.
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