Happy one-year anniversary to my hubby! Crazy, I can’t believe it’s already been one year. This year has been quite the adventure! Traveled around the world, moved twice, became parents to our sweet puppy, started a candle company, both wrote a book, attended 6 weddings, and are currently traveling the U.S. on your book tour. And all the while, transitioning and learning how to be married. Whew!
I can’t imagine it any other way. Being married to you, Jeff, is an adventure, and I’m so thankful that I get to follow you and do life with you for the rest of my life. It’s precious, and out of my comfort zone, and causes us to seek Him and stick together more than ever. I love the story God has written for us, and I can’t wait to see it continue to play out.
Jeff, even though it’s been a year, I feel like I already know you so much better than when I said “I do. Yes, I know your “jeffisms” and how you think and react to situations better, but even more so, I see the depth of your heart more and more. I see you constantly growing in the Lord; seeing the Lord mold and shape you to be more like His Son. I’ve seen you grow even more in humility, wisdom, discernment, and grace. You are always the first to ask for forgiveness, the first to make things right, the first to shower me with grace. I understand God’s lavish gift of grace so much more being married to you. You are ambitious and a dreamer- and although I have to hold back the reigns at times- I love that about you! I love that you dream big, vision frequently, and think outside the box. And you are my biggest supporter; you get more excited than I do with what God is doing in my life! Thank you for uplifting me and serving me with the intention of wanting me to flourish.
Oh yes, we’ve had our tough times this year. Our fights, my tears. But in those moments, marriage has become deeper, richer, and we have become closer. Understanding one another. Fighting to stay one. Fighting to obey the Lord. Forgiveness, grace, and humility are the three key things in marriage. I’m so thankful to be learning that with you by my side.
And through this year, I’ve seen that marriage only works with Jesus at the center. I know everyone tells us that. But-for.real. He is still our everything, our portion, our Rock, our Guide, our Comfort, and our satisfaction. Thank you Jeff for being close to Him, for pointing me to Jesus; for abiding in and seeking Him daily alongside me.
Jeff, I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for choosing me, each day. Cheers to today, and many more ahead!
{photo credit: http://www.carlylovesamos.com}
Congratulations Alyssa and Jeff! What an insane year you two have had. I know when I reflected on my first year of marriage, I was overwhelmed with the changes we went through and the depth of our experiences together. Marriage is such a precious gift. Praying for you both in the years ahead.
Absolutely love this! My husband and I are coming up on our first anniversary – I love hearing other people’s sweet love stories, as well!
Can I just say this is beautiful. I recently decided not to date until i meet my husband, and ive been in a hard time where its tempting to give up, but after reading this.. it showed me what i have to look forward to. Thank you.
Just beautiful!!!!! I hope to one day have a marriage as the one you describe!!! Happy Anniversary you two!!!! God bless you both always!!!!! 🙂
Beautiful words, Alyssa. Your marriage sounds like the epitome of Ephesians 5:21-33. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us over the last year. They have been such an encouragement to me and I have found peace in knowing that Godly men actually do exist! I pray for continued blessings on your marriage as you and Jeff grow closer to Christ and closer to one another!
Congratulations to you both, Alyssa & Jeff!!! ♥ Such a beautiful letter to Jeff, Alyssa! You’re both so very blessed to have found each other. 🙂
Joy, joy, joy! Sending you both much aloha on this memorable day of promises made and on this first year of promises kept.
Congrats, you two. I love this post so much! And what a beautiful picture.
My husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary back in July and I feel the same sentiments you express in this post. Above all you are completely right that marriage only works when Christ is at the center of it all.
This is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. You help me see the truth of God in marriage and I’m so thankful for that.