When I Fall In Love...

...It will be forever! I always knew that to be true in my heart. I thought that I I had known real love and when it was lost my heart ached. After that, every date I went on, something in my "gut" told me in the first five minutes that he was NOT "the one". It wasn't that I had a lot of romantic ideas about what love or marriage were like. I knew all too well what a bad marriage was from my growing up years. I also saw that a good relationship took a lot of work and I determined that when I married, if I married, it would be truly with the intent to be together forever.

By the time I was 30 it seemed God had other plans. I wrestled with God and tried to make my way work while ignoring His. Well, you all know how well that works! But 11 years ago TODAY, I was browsing through Christian single pen pal listings through a now defunct group on AOL (defunct because all the organizers kept getting married off! LOL). I saw my hubby's listing and figured that he had to be a kind person to be working in special education. He also listed photography as an interest, so you know that got my curiosity. Two days later, in the middle of a real blizzard, we talked for the first time. A friendship grew, but that was all. We were both dating people who were not right for us.

Thirteen months later, January 1998, I finally listened to God and began cutting off ties to people I no longer should have in my life. And I began planning to pay off my debts and go to Capernwray Bible School to see where He would lead me. Lo and behold, Hubby began seeing his relationships in different lights too and our friendship grew. Then in May we spoke on the phone for the first time and I KNEW. I KNEW. I KNEW. I KNEW. I can't say it enough to convey how completely I knew. I didn't want to scare the poor guy or embarrass myself but it soon became clear that it was a mutual feeling. In July of 1998 we met for the first time. Then on July 13th we became engaged over the phone. CRAZY! That's what people called us. "What if he is an axe murderer?" they asked me. Valid concerns. I would have the same if I saw you behaving like this. But the God of all the Universe had spoken to my soul and I had no fear. When His path is clear in front of you, it's a good idea to take it! :o)

So, 9 years ago today (and 2 years from the date I first chose his name off the list), we shared our love with our family and friends and took our vows. We made a Covenant with God and each other to love each other forever. 9 years is a drop in the bucket of forever. Most people our age have been married at least twice that. But, I choose to look at the bucket half full! In those 9 years we have each lost a parent, grieved the loss of a grandparent, made a major move, gone through infertility, the shock of having twins without even trying to get pregnant, financial struggles, emotional struggles and lots of hard parenting with 3 VERY ACTIVE children. And still He draws us closer. Am I still giddy in love? Well, at 41, I don't think my feelings are giddy, but they are rooted and he is still the one...still the one I look to for love, guidance, companionship, fun and all the "giddy stuff" too! :o) I am so thankful to God that He brought us together. It couldn't have happened without Him.

As we begin our tenth year of marriage and the 12th of year of friendship, I want to remember the verses that we chose as a foundation of our relationship:

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

I Love You Honey! I'm looking forward to Forever with You! Happy Anniversary!

(And for those following my wellness/wholeness journey...I made my goal...I'm wearing my wedding bands on my left hand today!)