Two years in and a lifetime to go.

Today marks my two-year wedding anniversary. I can recount every emotion from that day — getting my hair done, hanging out with my mom, sitting with my best friends in anticipation of my pronouncement as a wife and seeing my soon-to-be husband for the first time as we paraded around the plantation grounds taking photos and talking of what would be our life together. I never imagined it so good.

Our first look.

I give glory to God that my husband is the epitome of a Biblical husband. He is patient and kind, always willing to serve. He is committed and diligent. He is hard-working, honorable and selfless. He rises early every morning to commune with the Father. He always looks for ways to serve me better in order to show me Jesus.

I am grateful every morning. I don't want to take my days with my husband for granted because I know so many who would give anything for just one more day with theirs. And I don't want to see the days rush by in hopes of something better to come. But mostly, I don't want to allow my affections for him to place him as a Savior status in my heart.

Bridal party.

The minute I begin relying on John for my every need and want, I have set him up for failure. You see, that is not what God created him for. Jesus is my Savior. He is all I need. John is the sweet gift of grace in my life that shows me just a glimpse of Christ's great love for me. I'm so thankful God has granted me the promise of eternal life and that my earthly life is lined with graces and mercies. I am so thankful John is my bridegroom, leading me to the foot of the cross.

Here's to celebrating two years of marriage complete and entering our third! I pray God will continue to keep our marriage in His hands, knowing it is only by His great work that we are able to live, move and have our being.

Check out our wedding highlights video and enjoy being a part of the best day of my life.

Bear With One Another

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another... (Colossians 3:12-13)

 

Believer it or not, Brittany and I spend a lot of time ministering to new and immature believers. At times, it can try our patience when we talk with middle and high school students who don't seem to be growing in their faith. But, by God's grace, the Holy Spirit is working in the heart of every Christian.

 

We must bear with one another in the characteristics and attitudes mentioned in verse 12—with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. To “bear,” means to help carry another’s burdens or pain. This could be a physical or monetary burden, or even the heartfelt, emotional pain of sin in this world. Paul commands the Colossian believers to carry each other along in patience, understanding and empathizing in the burdens of others. Bearing something extra as you physically walk up a hill will slow you down. You aren’t as free to run quickly or to move side-to-side. The burden you are bearing forces you to be focused on reaching a particular point. Thus, when backpacking, hikers are often very singularly minded when hiking together. They are not worried with playing hopscotch or kicking around a soccer ball as they walk. There is no leisurely walking involved in backpacking, but rather a focused walk that is guided by the lead hiker. So it is with believers in the church. Mature believers can never run on ahead in life, leaving behind new Christians that are hungry to understand how to be more conformed into the image of Christ. The body of Christ is designed and ordained by God to grow and mature as a whole body—not grow stronger in a way that is entirely unbalance and useless to the Father’s plan. God has commanded us to encourage and uplift the weaker brethren, and to serve the helpless and hopeless. Through this the body of Christ is unified, and we grow together in our purpose of being transformed into His image. We must be driven to love each other regardless of what we receive in return—we love because the Father first loved us and gave His son for us!

John