Bonus Post - Happy 18 Year Wedding Anniversary!

3 years ago, we renewed our vows at 15 years in. Now, we're looking towards 20 years in just two more years! But we've known each other far longer than that!

We need matching T-shirts! "Anthony and Mandy, Rockin' it since 1996!"

Marriage is hard heart work. It never stops being important to choose your partner every day. You remain committed to the marriage even when you don't feel committed to each other (because falling out of love does happen). Divorce is for the weak and hard-hearted. We've been through hell and back, and we're still going strong. Absolutely NONE of that would be possible without God at the center of our marriage.

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

+Matthew 19:6 (AMP)

We don't always do things well. The Lord knows we've had our share of disagreements and fights and even looked towards divorce a time or two. And we thank God that our Christian friends and family held us up in prayer and reminded us that divorce is not an option.

This is NOT a place to debate. This is a place to celebrate what the Lord has done. He has done so much in our lives since we goofy kids first met in Mr. Fulton's US History class in 1996 (and started dating in Spanish class in 1997).

It takes immense faith to step into a wedding dress and say "I will" when your heart has been shattered by everyone who was supposed to protect, guide, and love you. And it takes immense faith for a man to love a woman who has been so badly broken, trusting that her heart will heal to the point where she can embrace his love and return it.

I am both captivated and amazed by all the Lord has done in and through us. Here's to many more years of God's amazing miracles!

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 13 - Church is Far More Important Than You Think It Is

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 13 - Church is Far More Important Than You Think It Is

Dear teenage self, 

Church is far more important than you think it is. Stick with it. Stick with the friends who pray for you and encourage you through Bible Scripture. They might be a little "nutty" to you, but you're not exactly the picture of health right now. Take a moment to listen to what they're trying to tell you. In 20 years, you'll wish you had. So do it now. 

Friends can lead you astray or hurt you. Most of the people you call friends are overwhelmed by what's going on in your world. They can't help you. They don't know how and it isn't fair to ask them to. 

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 

+Psalm 62:5 (ESV)

In your quiet moments, seek God. Bring before Him your hurting and broken heart. In the moments at church, bring your hurting and broken heart before Him and the congregation. In the moments with your friends, just relax and enjoy the goodness of God. I know that is easier said than done. Try. Focus on their laughter, their joy, and find a way to adopt it for yourself. 

You are creating a future for yourself right now in this very moment. You cannot in any way ruin the plans God has for you, however, you can choose to enjoy the journey or focus on the things that hurt you. I know it's hard, and we'll address it more tomorrow. For now, I just want you to breathe and focus on church, prayer, finding good Christian friends, and reading the Word of God. 

Your daughter, getting baptized at the same age you were when you tried to commit suicide. Look at the goodness of God! Embrace it! Praise Him! 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, You have plans for all of our lives that are so amazing that we cannot even conceive how miraculous they are. Thank You for holding all the days of our lives in Your capable hands. Lead us all to churches that worship You and teach Your Holy Word as You wrote it, adding or subtracting nothing in the process.  In Jesus' Name. Amen. 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.