5 Years

5 years ago today, Bryan and I entered into the most important covenant we could enter in our lives. Our marriage is a covenant, a promise to one another. To love and to cherish, to honor, obey, in all ways and all circumstances. Sickness, health, in poverty and in great wealth. To not forsake the responsibility to prefer one another over ourselves.

This truly is a covenant only made through Christ. It is our greatest reflection and opportunity to demonstrate the gospel here on this earth.

We are only able to love in sickness and health, need and in plenty and in exercising the desire to put the other before our own needs because that is exactly what Christ has done for us. 

Christ became man, to suffer as man suffered. To live as man lived. To experience the trials of life lived in a fallen world only to remain unscathed by the lust and pull of the "sin that so easily entangles" (Heb. 12:1). He died the death and placed the penalty meant for us, on his shoulders. He preferred our lives over his own. He redeems His church to himself in the union of the believer. We are His bride. He is our groom. We can wear white because of the purity found in His sinless, righteous life given to those who believe in His name for salvation. Christ redeemed a people to himself and created the glorious union of Savior and Sinner. 

Our 5 Year Anniversary Trip to Daytona Beach, where we meet 7 years ago.

We have found, in our marriage that it is only possible to love unconditionally because we understand our greater union with our Savior that loves us unconditionally. Despite what our sin deserves (Ps. 103:10), He looks at us and sees Christ's righteousness (Rom. 3:22). This is truly amazing. 

Our marriage union was made in a sinful world, where trouble is around every corner looking to "steal, kill and destroy" (Jn. 10:10) our lives. But, we take heart, because Christ has beat the world and its lures.  (Jn. 16:33)

Bryan and I try to love one another, in spite of the world, realizing we are "more than conquerors" in this life (Rom. 8:37). We may have hard days, but the hardest day has already been had. Christ's union with us enables us to do all things, through Him and in His strength. 

When our marriage is founded in Christ we are made complete (Col. 2:10). We are overjoyed to meditate on this glorious union. We are elated to be able to have this platform to proclaim the gospel that saves us. 

In 5 years of marriage, we are still learning these truths. We trust Christ and "lean not on our own understanding" (Prov. 3:5), but continue to let Him lead our lives and our marriage. When He is at the 'head' the world cannot over come us (1Jn. 5:4),  He truly "holds us together" (Col. 1:17). 

This verse was read at our wedding and has been a great meditation for us as we journey together in our marriage: 

 ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 12:9-16a.  

So thankful for these 5 years and how they have taught me, been a great joy to me and helped to sanctify my life. We are hopeful for 5, 25 and Lord willing 55+ more years in this union. Love you Bryan, thank you for helping me to reflect Christ in our marriage.