In today’s session of Completing Him, the theme and challenge is centered around where it all started – the wedding:
Like any new bride, I entered this day thinking fairy tale thoughts of a beautiful wedding, flowers, cake, an adoring husband and a new “fun” role as wife!
The newness of marriage is fresh and exciting and as the wedding vows are recited, they are said aloud, but not really fulfilled until they are lived out.
I, take you, to be my beloved (husband), to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.
Vows require action. They gain strength through being tested. Honor is gained when the choice is made to defer to him instead of demanding our own way. Standing beside someone in sorrow, joy, good times and bad times is tough. It takes faithfulness, it takes commitment, it takes diligence and can be plain old hard work! Through sickness and health…steadfast care can be a challenge. Nurturing through illness, looking for ways to keep each other healthy and strong are commitments that are lived out each day. Yep, these vows can be tough!
But as we promise our hearts, forever, for us, that meant no turning back. There was no other option. It meant digging in and sucking up the bad times. It meant finding a joy and purpose in the role as wife and keeper of the home. Through this hard work, it bonded our two hearts into the highest earthly relationship. What a treasure and what a blessed gift from God marriage is. What a blessing to review these vows and purpose to continue on, knowing a lot more now than when they were first recited. They are still just as powerful and still just as precious. Loving him, always and forever.
BEAUTIFUL photos! What a gorgeous bride you were! Keep the spark alive!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
Love your post! Beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story and pictures!
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Deborah
Homemaker Honey
It's such a blessing to read about your solid marriage... and its beginnings! You were stunning as a bride!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! Y'all make a wonderful couple!
ReplyDeleteLove your wedding photos!
ReplyDeleteYou two look so happy! It's also great when I still see those smiles years later!