This was taken when we were both around 20 years old. Yes we were kids.

I look back at this and what seemed to take me forever to figure out many seemed to see early in our relationship.

I LOVE THIS WOMAN!

We have been married now for nearly 11 years. Not long, but, I realize more and more how much I love her. She is my best friend. It is not simply that I “can’t” live without her… it’s more like I DON’T WANT to live without her.

Our relationship was not always easy or roses. At times I’m sure she wanted to shoot me. She may say even today the thought crosses her mind. But, we are TOGETHER! We are not going anywhere.

What is our “secret?” When we said “I do,” we meant it. Maybe we are crazy but we believe marriage between 1 man and 1 woman, “till death do you part,” is what God intends. He gave us to each other and we honor that. Through good and bad, sickness and health, rich or poor… we make it work as HE guides us.

Marriage is WORK. It is sometimes TOUGH. It sometimes makes you want to punch a brick wall bare handed. But, when guided by God and the commitment you make to the one you love… when you realize it is not a fairy tale… not a Disney movie… not a “happily ever after romance every day” fancy… you find something better… true love. You find that deep, abiding, committed, secure, uplifting love that whatever comes in life, whatever happens, you KNOW your love for each other is there.

Take a few minutes to watch and listen to this video. This is what the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13 says that REAL love is.

Sadly, marriage in the country is failing. We need MEN to stand up and LIVE their wives no matter the cost. We need WOMEN to honor what God has created men to be and lift them up. And vice versa!!

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”

Colossians 3:18-25