5 Years & Counting!

Look at the first picture, what do you see? I see a very attractive picture of my husband. He looks very handsome and by his nice smile he seems to be kind and very genuine. All of these are true. But what I love the most about my husband is seen more in the second picture. I know this picture seems very squirrelly but that's how he is. He was imitating Mr. Rogers for Morgan. Now, I don't know too many men who would come home from lunch and imitate Mr. Rogers for their 2 year old, let alone allow me to take a picture of him doing it, but Justin wouldn't think twice. I love his heart, his spirit and his enthusiasm so very much. If that handsome man in the first picture was scarred beyond recognition I'd love him the same because I know the heart and spirit of what's behind his appearance.

We've been married 5 years now and it's hard to believe. What's even harder to believe is that we have moved 4 times and have 2 children. I never would have dreamed that 5 years ago. I will be honest it hasn't all been peaches & cream and 5 years of unbelievable wedded bliss but what it has been is journey to a greater understanding of each other and of what God intends for us in marriage and I wouldn't trade any of our experiences for anything in the world.

I'm in the middle of a study by Elyse Fitzpatrick called "Helper by Design" (highly recommend!)and it has taught me so very much in a such a short amount of time. At first, I thought for sure I would be learning about how to be a submissive wife, keep the house tidy, let him make the decisions, and sit back and be a lowly "helper" to my husband. Instead I've been empowered in the role that God has intended for me as a wife! She compares being a helper to our husbands in the same way that God is a helper to us (He protects us, supports us, & surrounds us). I feel so privileged to be a helper for Justin. God is the potter and we are his clay, He's molding us and making us into the husband and wife he wants us to be. I'm so fortunate to be married to a man who loves the Lord above all else. It makes it so easy to be a "helper" to a man who I know is living his life for the glory of God. I realize that this is such an enormous process and would hate for anyone (especially Justin!) to think that I think I've got it all figure out! The good thing is that my eyes have been opened to what God intends for me to be and I couldn't be more grateful for the husband He has blessed me with.

Thank you, Justin, for loving me as you are called to love me. Thank you for being so easy to love (most of the time)! And I look very forward to many more years of being your wife! I love you!