Passion and Fire 9-1-09

Stephen is such a sweetheart! He is more than I ever dreamed of having in a husband. I am so grateful the Lord saved him for me and brought us together. He is the best papa for our children, taking time with each of them from the moment he gets home, and continues to do so until the moment he walks out the door to go to the fire station. We are always with him when he is at home working around the farm. He makes things so fun, and is continually thanking me for the things I do for the family (even though I don't deserve it, and always want to do more). He doesn't get flustered (like I do) when things don't go like we originally planned. He just adjusts, makes the best of it, and goes on having a great time. His cheerful heart is definitely like good medicine. When he disciplines the children, he does so in such a loving manner and takes the time to make sure he still has their heart. He always asks for forgiveness when he has responded sharply. And when he gets frustrated about something, he gets over it so fast and within 5 minutes wants to play again.

He loves me so dearly, and treasures me. I can feel it. He makes time for us to be together and is always looking for an opportunity for a "date". Most of the time it is after the kids have gone to bed, and we will sit and talk and dream for a while and drink coffee or eat ice cream or read together. That is one of my favorite parts of the day! He always knows when something is wrong, and as hard as I try to hide it, he lovingly pulls it out of me. Then, he is ready to play again. I, on the other hand, need a little more time to process things.

One day, after he got home from work, he gave me a surprise. He looked at me, pulled one hand out from around his back with a dozen deep red roses wrapped in green tissue paper, and said, "This represents the passion with which I love you". Of course, I am 'aw-ing' and about to cry. Then he pulls his the other hand out from around his back, hands me a beautiful red pepper plant, and says, "This represents the fire for which I desire you". I was totally shocked. It was such a sweet, deep, sincere expression of his love for me. I am so grateful for him and the precious deeds he does for me, the time he takes for me, the words which he encourages me... Like I said, I am so blessed to have him!

Let me just say also that not to long ago (about 1 month or so) he bought me a 2 pound bag of Hershey's chocolate candies and a dozen roses. He gave sweets to his sweetie. He is so precious to me and shows his love in so many ways. What a precious, wonderful husband!

The Fire (red pepper plant) and the Passion (red roses).