A God Thing From The Beginning

To celebrate our upcoming 8th Anniversary in March, Carol and I decided to do a special blog series. This series will be a little different than anything we’ve done before. Before we were married, and even before we met in person, Carol and I messaged each other on Facebook for several months. It was through these messages that we learned about each other and about how God was working in our lives. It was through these messages that we discovered we shared a faith, a common purpose and began to fall in love. We want to share some of those messages with you. In about a year of messaging each other, we wrote over 115,000 words. Because of the enormous volume of the messages, what you will read in this three-part series are excerpts from some of the many messages. The next part of the series will be posted in early March, and the final part on March 17th, our 8th Anniversary. My messages to Carol will be in black and Carol’s messages to me are in bold blue. We hope that you will enjoy reading our conversations and that they will bless you in some way.

The Early Facebook Messages of Carol and Larry – Part One of Three

September 17, 2013

Hi Carol, I’m Sherry’s cousin, Larry Smith. Sherry suggested that we might have some things in common and that I friend you. She also encouraged me to message you. I am really cautious about approaching people online that I haven’t met, but I trust Sherry and thought I would just introduce myself and say hello. She thinks a lot of you and told me that you have a solid relationship with God, which is awesome! She said you are really doing good in Mary Kay, and that’s great too. Anyway, I am sorry if I invaded your privacy by messaging you. I would love to talk more if you want. Not a problem if you don’t. Blessings…Larry

Hi Larry, Sherry has said many nice things about you too! She informed me that you had come out of a painful relationship and was not interested in anything romantic only friendship. This sounds perfect because I am in the same place emotionally. I believe that God has me in a season of planting my feet in to a life that is surrounded by spirit filled people and I am loving every minute of it!! Sherry has bragged about you singing for the Lord and I would love to hear you sometime. I pray this all makes some kind of sense to you and would like to chat again…b blessed Carol:)

Hi Carol, glad you wrote back. Yes you do make sense about where you are at. It’s pretty much true what Sherry told you about my last relationship. I just don’t trust myself right now to make good decisions about relationship. I want to learn how to truly put God first, how to truly hear His voice. I thought I was doing that going into and during that last relationship. But I realize now that it’s pretty easy for someone (me) to hear the voice of their own desires and call it the voice of God when it’s not. LOL…when I read back what I just wrote it sounds kind of “weird.” Oh well. The bottom line is that I realized that there were parts of myself that I really hadn’t given to Him. If we really put God first that means giving Him our all, not holding back anything. So, in relationships and friendships and everything else, I’m going to try my best to honor Him and follow Him. If there ever is to be another relationship, and there doesn’t have to be, it has to come through Him and not interfere in any way with walking with God and continuing to grow as a Christian. I will not seek anyone but Him and don’t want to play any more games with God or with people. I know without a doubt that God is real and Jesus is the Messiah. I know that He abides in me. Would love to talk to you more and hear what’s going on with you. Tell me about your family? Ask me about anything, and I’ll try to tell you about whatever it is. Well, sorry for being wordy. I am a writer by nature and can go overboard sometimes. take care…Larry

Larry, 1st I want to say I appreciate you being open and honest about who you are and what God is doing in your life. I find it refreshing to hear someone glorifying Our Heavenly Father in such a humble way! To tell you a little about myself hmm… where do I begin? I was married for 17 years before he passed away in 2005 from a heart attack. I have a daughter 20 and a son 18. About 6 months ago God started dealing with me and asked if I was being ‘true’ to myself about my relationships and church? That is when it got real. And I had to start on the journey of following my Lord and Savior whether it was fun or not! Well, guess I have been ‘wordy’ enough for now!! Tell me whatever you would like about your past, I would like to hear all about you. Have a blessed evening:) Carol

Thanks for writing back.  It hit home when you mentioned being true to yourself about church as well as relationship. Would love to talk to you more about that. The thing is that we are the church, the body of Christ. A congregation, theoretically, is a group of people who come together with a set of individual attributes, skills or gifts that allows them to operate collectively in serving and worshipping God. i guess what i am trying to say is that God has a place for everyone that is the “right” place for that person. I haven’t totally landed at my final resting place yet, but God has allowed me to be part of a couple of good churches in the last few years. Anyway, I’ll message you on FB sometime tomorrow and tell you more about my job and every day life and stuff. I’m glad to be talking to you and have you as a friend. Thanks for making this a nice evening. God bless. Larry

September 18, 2013

Good Morning Larry, hope you are having an awesome day in the Lord! Its kind of weird when I read what you wrote last night lol. I totally agree with what the church is, I realized that ‘religion’ got in the way of true worship. waking up and realizing God had placed me in to the loving people field! Well, I have definitely rambled on too much!! Have a good day and smile for Jesus:) Carol

Hey Carol. Good to hear back from you. Hope you are having a great day so far. Yeah, that’s what I am asking God to teach me about…true worship. Maybe we can talk more about it in person, but for me sometimes I just go through the motions. Especially in church when everyone appears to be engaged in worship, and I am going along with it but not feeling it. So I’ve been asking God for a while to show me what worship is. Part of what he is teaching me is to make every effort to seek Him in all things, to acknowledge Him in all things and to Declare Him in all things. And feelings aside, to give Him the credit and the glory and to focus on Him not on other things or circumstances. I think it is really important to spend quality time with Him, to pray and to get to know the bible. In 2009 my dad died from cancer. At first, and for a long time, I was pretty much the only caregiver. He lived about 6 months after being diagnosed. I promised him that I would stick with him until the end, and I did. His tremendous faith, even when facing death, deeply moved me and God spoke to me through that. That was the catalyst that influenced me to rededicate my life to the Lord and work toward giving my all to Him. I had been a recording studio owner for a long time. in 2010, I felt that God wanted me to give that up. It was tripping me up in my relationship with him. So I did. Little by little, God is peeling away the layers of my heart and discarding anything still resistant to Him. My ego is no longer chained to it. I don’t have to do that anymore…only if He wants me to. And if He wants me to sweep floors that’s what I’ll do. Well, better go for now. Take care. Maybe we can meet in person someday soon.

Hi Larry, its good to hear from you! Sounds like you have had a very interesting life and its great that music has been such a big part of it. I desire to be able to help everyone not just one, of course I realize that not everyone wants help but with God’s guidance we can reach those that are willing. Well it has been a long day so I will make this short but I hope to hear from you soon. Sweet dreams Larry:) your friend Carol

Hi Carol…Believe me there’s nothing that I do, or have done, in life that didn’t have God’s hand on it. I am mediocre in every way, but He sure has blessed me, and I’ve never been deserving. Every evening I read in the New Testament. I read through it over and over again in different version, one at a time. Also, old testament some. I pray, asking God to speak to me through His word, and He does. Anyway, I’m reading through the message bible now, and it is blowing my mind. I came across this passage in 2nd Corinthians 4, and it reminded me of you because of how joyful and positive you seem in your Christian walk. Paul says: “we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.”

Here is the whole passage: “Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.” 2nd Cor. 4:5-6 (MSG)

I really glad for your friendship. It is a blessing to me. Looking forward to talking more…Larry

September 19, 2013

Good Morning Sunshine! I call you that because you made me smile when I read your message:) God says our spirit will bear witness with one another. And you are one that I have met that I can truly say that Christ flows thru your words! Thank you. I am at a fragile state right now and it is really nice to just have a friend that I can share my faith with. I feel like you know exactly what I mean. When you meet someone that proclaims Christ and doesn’t talk with conviction in their heart its heartbreaking when you have already become attached and God says no. My problem is I get so attached so quickly I battle with flesh hoping we will grow together in our faith and of course God allows me to struggle until I finally surrender to his will. Have an awesome day in the Lord!! God Bless…Carol

Hi Carol. Hope you are having a great day. Yes, I think I do know what you mean. I guess you and I share being at a fragile state right now. There is something about you and I talking that I guess really must be our spirits bearing witness with each other. I feel it. For lack of a better way of saying it, it makes me feel at peace, or something like that, to talk with you. It is weird cause Sherry texted me a few days ago and said that there was someone she worked with that she wanted me to meet. Lately, some friends have been trying to “fix me up” with somebody they know. They “mother” me somewhat and have been encouraging me to date or at least find someone to hang out with. I don’t want to be “fixed up,” so my first thought was “Oh, no…not again.” I didn’t take it too seriously and avoided talking about it. But then she told me that she felt that God wanted her to introduce us. She said she walked in somewhere where you were, and I think you and some people were praying, and it came to her that you and I should meet. She suggested I friend you on FB and kept asking me if I had sent you message. I usually would never directly message someone I didn’t know, but I let her talk me into it, and I’m so glad I did.

It reminds me of something else I just read in 2nd Corinthians, message version. At the beginning of chapter 1, Paul is starting to talk about whats been going on in is travels and persecution and suffering for Christ’s sake. Anyway, here’s something that makes me think of you and I meeting:

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.” 2nd Cor. 1:3-5

I don’t want to sling bible verses around out of context, and I apologize if I ever do that, I try not to. But isn’t it so true that God puts us alongside people who are going through things we have experienced so we can deliver support and comfort and healing to them in His name?

I think I do know a little of what you are going through. I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to share it with me. Honestly, I don’t know if I know how to be a friend and not become attached. But I already do value your friendship, and I hope that in being your friend that I can do something to make your life better and be a blessing to you. I promise to try my best to honor God in our friendship and respect your needs and wishes as far as our friendship. Well, sorry. I meant to write and talk about your dreams. And I want to learn more about your kids Thank you again for sending good feelings and hope my way. I hope I can return that.

Wishing you a good day with God right beside you…Larry

Afternoon Larry, thank you for sharing your heart. As I read your experience there are many parts when I feel like I am peering into my own past!  Anyways, coming back to my true identity God has blessed me with the knowledge that he gives us the serenity, wisdom and strength to trust him and listen to his voice and he will give us what we need always. And I guess that is what Corinthians is telling us; even though we have the trials and struggles he will send someone that can share in what we are going thru. Thank you for being that person during this valley and I pray that I might lift your spirits in some way with what I feel led to say. You have definitely encouraged me in many ways! About my children I guess you could say they are both going thru their own growing pains. My heart aches for them both but God reminds me that I have raised them the way they should go and they will return, I claim this word in Jesus Name! I will go for now have a good evening Carol:)

September 25, 2013

Hope your birthday was great. Been reading in Galations, message bible. Wanted to share a couple of passages with you from chap five:

(6) For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love. Galatians 5:6 (MSG)

And

(25) Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. (26) That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Galatians 5:25-26 (MSG)

Sorry Carol. Looks like I’m back again. Galatians is blowing my mind tonight:

(4) Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Dont be impressed with yourself. Dont compare yourself with others. (5) Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG)

September 26,2013

Hi Larry! I just got home after driving all day and was resting when I thought about you. I was so sick last night I slept all evening and didn’t get to check for a message. So I just read the verses you sent. Thank you so very much I enjoyed them and really need every word! I have been talking with God all day about helping me to get all parts of my life in order and I know he will. I just feel like I don’t focus on the important details enough! Seems like I waste my time and don’t organize my priorities good enough. I don’t know I guess its like in galatians 6 making a careful exploration of who you are… I just feel like I don’t examine myself enough! I think I am really tired and not making any sense!! So I am going to sleep now. Good night sweet friend! Carol

Hi Carol. I’m sorry that you haven’t been feeling well. I’m actually writing this part after writing the rest of my message to you. It is so long that I have to apologize. I didn’t start out meaning to be long.

I know I really don’t know you, and you don’t know me. But in my spirit, I feel the goodness and sincerity of your heart. So I just want to encourage you and say again that I believe in you. Whatever you do, keep moving ahead, hang in there. You can make it, you can reach your goals and accomplish your dreams because His strength and purpose is in you. Thank you for letting me see into your heart a little bit. It is a blessing to me. I don’t amount to much and probably can’t give such a wonderful gift in return, but I will give you what I have which is a wish for God to give you love, hope and joy and peace.

Let me tell you something weird. Last night that part of Galatians is what I pondered as I went to sleep. And I’ve been thinking about it today as well. I’m 59 years old, and I realize more than ever how little I do know about myself. If you read that whole chapter, it is talking about serving and being there for others. In King James, as you know, it is one of the most familiar and widely quoted chapters. Like this part: (2) Bear ye one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Galatians 6:2-3 (KJV)

That’s what I realize now when I look and examine myself. The part of doing that comes from me is incapable of pulling off anything. You’re not the only one who doesn’t focus or organize or prioritize. Hey, i bet I’ve got you beat on all that! What God needed for me to see is that nothing I’ve ever accomplished could be possibly be credited to me based on my effort. My effort has always been pretty shabby, yet a lot of things have been accomplished. I used to think it was me doing it, now I know it was Him. But He wants me to do my part by continuing to work, moving forward “taking responsibility for doing the creative best I can with my own life. (Gal 6:5).” Why? “So I can share all the good things I have and experience. (V 6).”

It’s all about why we do what we do. It’s all about serving. To let Christ live through us is to serve with love and compassion, not because it is a commandment (and loving God and others certainly is) but because we truly care. If we truly love and then move through life walking by faith, success is not a concern because failure is not even an option. True success is accomplished through the freedom made possible for us by Jesus’ sacrifice. And true freedom results from pursuing and living out the purpose of God in our lives. It results when we are “not weary in well doing” for the benefit of others. And yet is never really us doing, it is God through us.

Obviously Paul was telling the Galatians that they don’t need to buy into the head trip someone was trying to lay on them.

Don’t lay a head trip on yourself is what God told me, and I’m passing that along to you sweet and dear friend.

(15) Cant you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do, submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! Galatians 6:15 (MSG)

September 27, 2013

Hello, I pray you are having a really good day because honestly I believe you deserve it! You my dear friend have one of the most beautiful hearts I have had the pleasure of being around in a very long time! What you write to me warms my heart and makes me smile:) I know there are so many people that presents themselves as one thing and become totally something else as they get comfortable. If you are half as caring, spiritual and the man of God that my spirit feels that you are then God has chosen an amazing friend for me to enjoy my faith and spiritual journey with!

I pray for you my friend. I pray our Heavenly Father blesses you with your heart’s desires and all of the spiritual gifts that your heart can contain! I ask that you are blessed double for the blessings that you give others. I ask these things in Jesus Holy Name, Amen…

talk soon my friend, your penpal Carol:)

Hi Carol…Just know that I am praying for you too. Let me know when anything comes up that we need to pray about. You okay now?

Thank you for your prayers. I welcome them and need them.

And thank you for your positive comments about me. Lol…I am not by any means good. I have issues and problems and challenges. I don’t believe in religion, I believe in Jesus with all my heart. I am not a keeper of rules. I am capable of being judgmental at times, but I believe it is wrong for me to judge anyone else. It is not important to me whether or not someone smokes or drinks or dances or whatever. That’s not how I would measure someone’s authenticity as a Christian if I were trying to do such a thing. God speaks to hearts individually and changes hearts individually.

What I am is a true believer. I’m serious in saying that I know that Jesus abides in me. I feel it in every fiber of my being. I not worthy of it, but I really do know Him. And there is a joy that comes out of that. That’s what I feel in my spirit about you, that you know Him and have that inner joy in His presence.

I really enjoy your friendship and think you are pretty cool. I’m thankful that God put you in my path.

Better go for now. You are special to me, and hearing from you made my day. Talk to you later penpal.

Larry

September 28, 2013

Good Evening Larry, I guess you are really busy with all that you have going on today but wanted to let you know I have missed your messages. I pray you are having an amazing time and life is being very good to you:) I have tried hard to rest today and get recuperated for this coming week but it seems the more I try and do nothing the more I find to do!! Lol

Just to let you know I think you are pretty cool too! It seems I haven’t mentioned that but I have thought it. Hope you have a blessed evening and get plenty of rest. Thinking of you my sweet friend, Carol:)

September 30, 2013

Hi Carol. Just wanted to say “Good morning!” Wishing you a blessed day. Will write again sometime later today. Larry

I love the way message bible paraphrases this well known passage of scripture:

(5) Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. (6) He had equal status with God but didnt think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. (7) Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Philippians 2:5-7 (MSG)

Hi Larry, thank you for sharing the word with me! I have never read the message bible so I like the way you twine it in to our conversations it is feeding me as well as giving me insight to your heart. The other day I was reading titus in the NIV about how we should act and carry ourselves as Christians and it may me think of you! Thank you for reminding me God does speak to us where ever we seek him.

I prayed last night before I fell asleep that God was protecting you and bringing someone to bless you as much as you bless others! I believe we may have persecution for Christ in this world but with our confidence in our Savior we will count it all joy my friend!! For we know that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world!!!

Will talk later with you Larry and hope you are taking a little time to yourself while you are there! Take care and be safe. Your friend, Carol:)

© 2022 by Larry and Carol Smith

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 27:9 NIV)

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. (Romans 12:15 MSG)