It's my anniversary!!

On this date, three years ago, God blessed me with a most wonderful friend, lover, and spiritual mate. It was a painful journey to this blessed marriage but well worth it. We have experienced so much together-I hope I can capture 50+ more years with him!! We are living proof of God's grace and how He can turn something bad (two failed marriages and divorce) into a work of His art. It reminded me of Psalm 31:7&8 "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place". Instead of living in the bitterness of what was before, we now live in the love, mercy, grace and forgiveness of Christ and in the blessings of a marriage only He could orchestrate. Gods love is so evident in our lives and we are so grateful to be serving Him together!

This weekend, my husband and I will run away to our favorite cabin in no-man's land for a little spiritual retreat and a little time of renewal for the love God has placed in our hearts for each other. This cabin is surrounded by tree's, an acre lake and is totally secluded. We will not only celebrate each other but we dedicate our time to celebrating Christ and what He has done in our life. Though there will be a lot of time appreciating each other, we will spend uninterrupted time worshiping, praying, and praising our God. If the weather is right, we will be soaking up His creation and breathing in the purities of our "Garden of Eve". It is our little taste of heaven and God is there. I can't wait to go! We won't take much-a change of clothes, our Bibles, and a book that will help us build our love relationship with Jesus. What more will we need?

I am honored to love and serve my husband. He is more of a man of integrity then he has ever been. I see God work in and through him and it gives me goose bumps! I watch God speak through Him at our youth meetings-I can tell when it's Joe speaking and when it's God-and I am humbled. I see a man being used by God and I am awed to be his helpmate. Joe tells me I compliment him, I pray that to always be true. Though God is his anchor, it is my prayer that I will be that object that steadies him as he journeys through life. I pray that I will forever meet Joe's needs and be his encourager. I see a man being called by God. He is being transformed for God's ministry and it is my prayer that I never get in the way but only support him to this calling.

A spiritual helpmate, a lover, a supporter, a wife, a mother and step-parent...this is my calling as Joe's wife. I pray God will give me the power and grace to be all these things, all the time, and to stand beside the man He has blessed me with.

Thank you Lord for such a wonderful husband and marriage. Use me and guide me in this marriage. Help me to always love Joe as You have ordained. You loved me and created me for this and it is in You only that I have learned how to truly love. I thank you for all the blessings You have given to us in this relationship, despite who we have been. I love You and I want to love You more. Help me to to also love and care for Joe as You meant when You created Eve for Adam. Guide Joe and I in this calling of service in ministry, and in our blended family-to be Your beacon of light in this dark world.

In Your graces~

Pamela