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}
Thank you for being such a great example .
These words are beautiful. I trust that your relationship and bond grows stronger each day in Jesus’ name
Amen.
Manashantii
Only a wise wife/person would express her self the way you just did. Congratulations on your marriage and relationship with God. It is amazing that at such a young age the two of you know of God and seek more of HIM everyday. And yes only with God in the center of your life, not only does marriage work but so does everything else. Thank you for being an example for the young generation. Today’s world needs more young people like the two of you. Keep up the good work! May God continue blessing your marriage and your lives. Stay strong and fight your battles like a true soldier of God. Remember it is all about finding peace in the middle of the storms. And with God everything and without God nothing. May your marriage stay true and strong. God bless you!!! : )
This is really beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing, inspiring and encouraging, you two!
xoxo
This letter is just beautifully written! I am still so amazed by how you two are so mature and wise at such a young age. Thank you for being so real and vulnerable and for sharing your life with us. It is such an inspiration to me. I just read your post on singleness and this letter and feel so refreshed and encouraged that good things are worth waiting for 🙂 May The Lord continue to bless you and Jeff with many more years of heaven on earth as you grow stronger and closer in your walk with Him.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your relationship. Its is something I look up to, and I can feel the Lord along with your love in those heartfelt words. It brought me to tears! And makes me regret leaving my home and church for a man that does not follow God…in hopes he will see the light in me and grow deeper with God.
I follow both you and Jeff on Facebook, you guys have been a blessing! Thank you so much!
That’s so sweet of you Alyssa, you are an inspiration. GOD will protect your marriage for many more years to come, and HAPPY MARRIAGE.