Happy Anniversary Best Friend... =)

Today is our 34th Anniversary! In some ways, I can't even remember when we were not married. We have been through so much together......and I am so thankful for your leadership and love!

I have been working on a devotion for an upcoming bridal shower. It has actually been kind of an emotional task, but I love going back through scriptures and books and readings and it has made me examine my own marriage and walk. When you have been married as long as we have, you come to realize how trivial a lot of things can be. We have survived a lot of trials and blessings.

One of the most profound readings was this section by C.J. Mahancey on a series on marriage titled According to Plan. He writes: "The key question is this: Will we approach marriage from a God-centered view or a man centered view? In a man-centered view, we will maintain our marriage as long as our earthly comforts, desires, and expectations are met. In a God-centered view, we preserve our marriage because it brings glory to God and points a sinful world to a reconciling Creator.

More than seeing marriage as a mutual comfort, we must see it as a word picture of the most important news humans have ever received--that there is a divine relationship between God and His people.

If I believe the primary purpose of marriage is to model God's love for His church, I will enter this relationship and maintain it with an entirely new motivation, one hinted at by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: "So we make it our goal to please Him" (2 Cor. 5:9)"

Gary Thomas, in his book "Sacred Marriage" goes on to say, "For the Christian, Paul couldn't be any clearer---hi s"comsuming ambition, the motive for all he does, is to please God. When something is the motive force behind all we do, it becomes clear: The first question we should ask ourselves when doing everything is "Will this be pleasing to Jesus Christ?"

Wouldn't or shouldn't that make it so much easier? If my actions and reactions all stemmed around that question I would have done and will do and say things a lot different.

I do not remember what year early in our marriage, but I remember it was after finally coming to terms that I needed to stop being so strong willed and wanting my way .....................that I want to be the kind of wife.....that if something ever happened to me....that he would have a hard time ever finding another "me". Not only does that please my husband, but it pleases my Lord. I have thought of that "deal I made with myself" many, many....many times over the years and still hold by that. It is a joy to be able to work together with your husband. I think as a farm wife it is pretty easy to see what God meant by a wife being a helpmate. It is not that I always enjoy driving a tractor or truck, but I know it helps...

Well, I still have several weeks to put the devotional together...but those are some of the thoughts as I jot down notes.....

We will celebrate this anniversary, much like we have celebrated many others....trying to finish planting our crops!! =)

The little boys are coming out this afternoon to spend the weekend. Rylie is coming on Sunday-Tuesday, and we will have a picnic at Andy & Anna's so the cousins can all play together on Sunday..............so we are finally going to get a grandbaby fix!! yea!! =)

graphics by Michelle Coleman