LOC FAF Love Is....

For Faith Art Friday at Layers of Color I wanted to share this layout - yes, that is my Wedding Photo and it is special to me as Monday is our Wedding Anniversary and it got me thinking about marriage.

....but for Adam there was not found a help meet for him.

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 

 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Gen 2:20(b) - 25

'You are flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone' so often we hear this read at Weddings and love all that it conjours up in our minds - how romantic it is to our ears.  I cannot help but be amazed when I see that

God knew when He looked around the garden that although it was filled with beauty, of all the things He created and blessed, there was not one good enough for man.  He then took from close to Adams heart, a rib and created woman.  How amazing is this - it just 'blows my mind' to think of God being so detailed and so concerned about every detail for Adam - including who is to be his partner.  God is a God of excellence and created woman for man - and even went one step further, He presented her to Adam - she was something special and He wasn't about to let him stumble upon her - He wanted to make sure he saw her straight away!

I have heard many theories about why God used a rib and people have questioned whether it really was a literal rib - it is a fact that men have one less rib than women - surely this goes a long way in backing up the truth!! 

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

This verse is saying more than just the physical side of things - such an important key to marriage is to be transparent/naked before one another, not to have any hidden agenda's and secrets but to have a marriage based on honesty and integrity!  As 'idealistic' as this sounds it is the only basis for a marriage that is going to last!  After all it is a holy union before God and union means undivided!

On our wedding day we stand with the one we love, surrounded by our family and friends making promises and vows to one another with every intention of keeping them.  Our hearts are overflowing with love and emotion and it is wonderful!  We are about to celebrate our nineteenth wedding anniversary and as I think about the vows we made on our wedding day, I understand more, that yes, I meant every word but in reality I had no idea what each vow and promise meant.  Now, in hindsight I know what for 'better or worse' really means and am grateful to God for the 'transparency  we have in our marriage!

I am  forever grateful for the understanding that we have, that Love is more than emotion - it is a commitment and a state of the heart' which far surpasses any emotion known to man but one that is not new to God - for after all, HE is Love!! 

This layout is for the following challenges:

Just Inspirational Challenge - Stamped Project

ABC Challenge - F is for Flowers

Little Red Wagon - Something Old/Something New - I am old!  LOL!  The photo is old and the LOC cling art stamps are new!

Dezinaworld Challenge - Feminine PLUS Masculine

Simon Says Stamp and Show - some Metal - buttons on the flowers

Allsorts Challenge - Inspiration from a Song - 'Love Story'

Papertake Weekly - 3 of a kind - white flowers

Secret Crafter - Distressing

I have created this layout using Layers of Color Belle Brocade art stencil, Cottage Rose and  Floral Frame cling art stamp and Butterfly Collector art stamp set.  The Floral Frame cling art stamp is used in conjunction with the Nestiblities Labels 16 - it is exciting now that LOC is a Spellbinders preferred Company!

You can see more of my projects in my Layers of Color Gallery, while you are there make sure you check out the other Design Team galleries there is so much inspiration waiting to be discovered.  You are invited to join us on our SNR Group where there is lots of fun and chatter (No surprises there I know! LOL)  There are also discounts and previews that are exclusive for the Group Members - come and join us!!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with me today, I love know you have been and appreciate the comments and encouragement you leave me - it makes my day!  God bless you!

{{{hugs}}}