9th Anniversary

Today marks nine years of marriage for Geoff and I. 

What a journey we have been on.

These past nine years have stretched me in ways I didn't even know were possible.

More accurately God has been the one to do the stretching. Since we know that God is good and that He only gives good gifts then we can accept that this stretching, though painful at times, is for our good.

Maybe one day i'll have the words and the courage to write out and share more of our story.

Right now i'm just going to say that mixed in with the ups have been a lot of downs. (Like every other marriage I am certain) 

But I don't think we could learn that above all else God is enough with out a little pain.

 "No pain, no gain", isn't that what they say? :)

"No long-term marriage is made easily, and there have been times when I’ve been so angry or so hurt that I thought my love would never recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something has happened beneath the surface. A bright little flashing fish of hope has flicked silver fins and the water is bright and suddenly I am returned to a state of love again — till next time. I’ve learned that there will always be a next time, and that I will submerge in darkness and misery, but that I won’t stay submerged. And each time something has been learned under the waters; something has been gained; and a new kind of love has grown. The best I can ask for is that this love, which has been built on countless failures, will continue to grow. I can say no more than that this is mystery, and gift, and that somehow or other, through grace, our failures can be redeemed and blessed.” - Madeleine L’Engle

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." -Ecclesiastes 3:11

This was a promise that God gave me years ago and that has always given me hope and encouragement. 

It reminded me that we can't always understand what God is doing but He IS working and though His timing for things doesn't always work according to our liking it is always for the best and that He WILL make everything beautiful in it's perfect time. His time.

I've seen this come true in our marriage. He is making something beautiful out of us. And it's though His grace and work and nothing that comes from us.

I am married to an amazing man.

So today I'm so thankful for where God has brought us. 

He has richly blessed us with these two amazing sons.

("When are you going to have a girl/another baby?"  I hear that question all the time. While there's nothing i would love more Geoff and I decided before we got married that we would let God determin our family size and so far He has seen it best to give us these two kiddos. And what many people have no idea is that we have lost three babies. So while we would love to have a daughter we are trusting that just like i said above, we can trust God's perfect timing and that He knows best. It really is a freeing thingto be able to let Him decide. I would always doubt myself and wonder if i was making the right decision but with Him there is no doubt. He is always right and He is always good. I believe that with all my heart.)

I want to encourage other marriages that there is ALWAYS hope, don't give up. 

Remember to give God time to work.

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to read Ann's excelent post on Ways to Live the Ultimate Romance

My friend Sherri put this little collage together today. Love it. Thanks Sherri!