August 19, 2000

10 years ago today my dear Dad walked me down the aisle to my waiting groom. So much has happened since then, that it seems like a lifetime ago. We've lost a father since then, and in a sense we have lost a mother too. We've said farewell to two more grandparents. Our faith has been tested in these and other ways that we never would have wanted.

But God has been so gracious. He promised never to leave us. Through the sad times He encouraged us through His Word and Spirit, and through the love of His church. He has given us so many earthly blessings that we so often take for granted. He has poured out blessings on us in the form of three healthy, adorable children to raise for His glory. Although we have lost dear ones in our family, since our wedding 10 years ago my side of the family has actually doubled in size, with another little one expected any day to add to our numbers. Kev's side of the family has grown, too. The sweet fellowship that we enjoy in our church and with the friends God has given is a picture of Heaven on this earth. We are so happy where God has placed us.

I think back to what a baby Christian I was 10 years ago, and I am thankful that God brought trials into our married life to bring us closer to Him. We have not suffered much compared to other people, and God has blessed us with so much. I pray that we will be able to praise Him in these easy, prosperous years...but also if everything were to be stripped away from us. I am thankful that God holds on to us, because I know that human strength is weak.

I'm so thankful for 10 years with my sweet husband. I don't think I am an easy wife, but he takes it graciously. I praise God for His plan, for allowing us to be together. There is no one I would rather spend my life with.

"God makes your marriage indissoluble, and protects it from every danger that may threaten it from within and without; He will be the guarantor of its indissolubility.

It is a blessed thing to know that no power on earth, no temptation, no human frailty can dissolve what God holds together;

indeed, anyone who knows that may say confidently:

What God has joined together, can no man put asunder.

Free from all the anxiety that is always a characteristic of love, you can now say to eachother with complete and confident assurance:

We can never lose eachother now; by the will of God we belong to eachother till death.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

This came in the mail this week, how fitting. :)

come over for a visit and I will probably insist you look at it with me. :) I love Blurb books! Amymom, I think I have you to thank (or blame?) for this obsession!! :)