Who's The Bride?

In Ephesians 5:31-33 Paul states to the Ephesians church, “ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh: This is a profound mystery but I am talking about Christ and the Church. However each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband.”

Every time I read that passage I’m amazed by Paul’s wisdom. Also, every time I read this verse I’m encouraged to become better. A better Man, & a better Fiance' (soon to be Husband.) The more I understand that I’m a part of the church ( Christ's Bride) and I see how he treats his bride (me) the standard I set for myself rises that much higher on how I should treat my Bride. To his Bride he’s always gentle, compassionate, patient, humble, encouraging, and forgiving; he makes his bride pure. That’s the kind of Husband I inspire to be like, I want to be like Christ. I want to treat my Bride the way that Christ treats us; I believe anything else is missing the mark. Although, I know it’s easier said than done I’m willing to try. Every time I’m offended by Candace I begin to hear a small voice in my head that says,“Why or how does she do that to me?” But not even a split moment later I also get a conviction in my Heart from the Holy Spirit that states why and how do you do that to me. Instantly I know I must forgive her and Love her with all my heart. Even though, I still don’t respond as speedy and prompt as I should, this is where I’m growing at in life.

“Although I’m nowhere close to where I need to be. I strive to treat my Bride to be, the same way Christ treats the bride in me.”

How do you want to be like Christ?

~Tommy

“I like you”

Hi, I can’t believe our wedding is less than 59 days away. It is absolutely amazing to see the transformation God has done in us over the last 2 + years.

I don’t think it’s actually hit me yet that I’ll have the marvelous responsibility of being a wife, and some day mother, but this week I want to share with you some of the things God has revealed to me throughout our courtship.

During this 2+ years, I have grown to understand a little bit more about how selfish I can be at times, and truth be told, I don’t think you know how selfish you really are until you have to share with someone else. Tommy has learned the importance of how to speak truth in love, and how to express his love for me in a way that I can receive it, whether that be through affirmation or a hug.

And truly, the list goes on. And I’m sure we will continue to grow, shed layers, and be molded by God into the best woman/wife/mother, and man/husband/father He wants us to be in the coming years of marriage.

Another thing that I have realized lately is just how much fun I have with Tommy. We have these really crazy laughing spells sometimes that we just can’t control. I mean, if there’s one thing I love to do, it’s to laugh! And what a pleasure it is to be able to experience such joy with your friend and soon-to-be spouse. Now as ya’ll know from our previous blog entries, it’s not always laughs, but as the book of Ecclesiates says, there is a time for everything, and I’m glad we get to experience both sadness and laughter. I appreciate so much more the times when we are in our “Happy Place” as our marriage counselors call it.

In addition God has reminded me just how nice of a person Tommy is and how fortunate I am to have him as a friend and a future husband. I mean, one day we were on the phone together and I just had this Ah-ha moment of, “wow, you’re just so nice, I just like you….I mean you’re fun, and just so nice. “ LOL and for those of you who know Tommy personally you know he’s a man of few words and replied, “…thanks…?”

Well, to wrap it up, I just want to say thanks for traveling with us through our journey and I can’t wait to share more with ya’ll as we near the big day. And if there’s one thing to take away from this entry, it’s to take some time and just think about where you’re at in life and where you were just a few months or years ago, and how different things are (hopefully). God can really do some great things in your life if you just allow Him to be Sovereign and lead you; now you do have to put in your part, but don’t ever forget who the true director in this story of life is.

Love ya’ll,

~Candace soon-to-be Claiborn IV