Today Natalie and I celebrate 9 years of marriage. What an incredible journey this has been so far. There has been alot that has happened in the last nine years. I have learned so much during this time and even though many of the lessons have been difficult to learn I am thankful for everything that God has taught me about myself, Natalie and His grace. Here are 10 things that God has taught me over the last nine years.
1. Marriage takes work. It is easier to obtain than it is to maintain. Anyone can get married but it takes two people totally committed to maintain a healthy marriage.
1. Marriage takes work. It is easier to obtain than it is to maintain. Anyone can get married but it takes two people totally committed to maintain a healthy marriage.
2. Marriage is a covenant between two people that is based on commitment NOT feelings.
3. Natalie is the most nourishing person I know. Maybe this is an instinct that all mothers have but I have seen her commitment to loving and protecting our kids and I know that I am blessed. She stayed in the hospital for a week or longer with Caleb without leaving the room several times last year to take care of him.
4. Natalie is truly my helpmate. Ministry is tough and I could not imagine doing it alone or without her support. There are times that I get called away late at night and don't get home when I am suppose to and even though it is never a convenient time she is always understanding of my job and what God has called us to do.
5. Natalie has an incredible attitude about her disability. As most of you know Natalie has a disorder called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Many of the issues that this causes her are seldom seen. She lost her licenses about a year and a half ago, there are nights that she has severe chest pains and her heart races to very high rates and the heat is very difficult on her. Yet, through all of this she maintains a great attitude about life and our family.
6. Time flies!! It seems like yesterday that we found out that Natalie was pregnant with Gabriel. It was over 6 years ago. He will be finishing kindergarten next Friday. Where has time gone? I am still learning how precious theses moments are. I love to sit in the rocking chair and hold one of the kids until they fall asleep. Priceless Moments!!!
7. God's Grace is absolutely stronger than anything that any marriage can face. Many couples get to those points where they wander what they ever liked about each other and why they fell in love in the first place. Natalie and I have faced very difficult situations in nine years and I could tell you that without Jesus Christ being the center of our relationship there are times I am not sure we would have made it, but because we both understand God's Grace and allow the Holy Spirit to make us who He wants us to be He has drawn us closer to Jesus and in doing so we have drawn closer to each other.
8. With three kids it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep a house clean, let alone spotless. I have a confession, I am OCD. Most of you knew that already. I cant stand the house to be out of place. It is so bad that when I vacuum my vacuum marks have to be in line. I know I need prayer, but I have determined that with three kids the house isn't going to be spotless. I said I have determined this not that I have come to accept that. Gabriel and Caleb can build tents, hide outs, tunnels, cities, farms, etc any where and the house can be turned upside down in 3.2 seconds, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
9. I have a huge responsibility to lead my family spiritually. God is really stretching me in this area right now. Our family prayer time at night is the highlight of my day. I love to hear Gabriel quote scripture and Caleb to talk about Jesus coming back to take us home.
10. Having a little girl is so much different than having boys. I want Gabriel and Caleb to be tough, so when they fall down or hurt something, we make sure it is not broken, then we try to get them to suck it up and move on. I pray every night that God will make them Godly men and will use them and I know that He will. I need them to help me protect Rylee because she will not date until she is 40. NO JOKE! Yea, everyone said it would happen and it has, she stole my heart and I will be prepared to go to prison if a little boy breaks her heart. jk. Maybe! I pray that God is leading another mom and dad to teach their children the way Natalie and I are teaching ours and that in God's perfect timing He will bring our children the mate that He has chosen for them. By the way parents, it is nver to early to pray this for your kids.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NATALIE! I LOVE YOU, LOVE LIVING LIFE WITH YOU AND CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT NINE YEARS HOLD.
