Celebrating 12 Years of Marriage...A Testimony of God's Faithfulness

The following is a video that I made about a year and a half ago. It went along with a testimony that Brent and I gave at Faith Evangelical Free Church for a Valentine Banquet.



WOW! Has the last year and a half brought even more change, trials and joys to our journey in life together. We moved from our home in Grand Forks, sold about 85% of what we owned, had our 4th baby Abby Grace, moved across the country, faced our 4th neurosurgery, have had huge financial challenges and are trying to balance life and seminary! And God has continued to carry and sustain us every step of the way. It is only by His grace that we are celebrating our 12th Anniversary today.

I truly want anyone who reads this to understand that without the Lord Jesus Christ changing our hearts and our lives we would not have much to celebrate today. We stand in awe of our King who has transformed our lives and is currently in the process of turning a marriage that was once filled with pain, deceit, idols and addictions into something truly beautiful. We have great HOPE for the future...because God is not finished with either of us yet. As I said we stand in awe of our King. And what Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 is certainly true of Brent and I...

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus, might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe one him and receive eternal life."

And we are SO very thankful. Thankful that God intervened in our lives 6 years ago, forever changing our hearts and the legacy that we will leave to our children. Thankful for our dear friends at Faith Evangelical Free Church that reached out in love, that taught us the truth, and that supported our family in the medical trials we have faced. And thankful for all of our family and friends that have prayed for us, loved us, encouraged and supported us over these last 12 years. We are so very grateful!

And now 1 Timothy 1:17 goes on to say...
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be the honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Amen indeed. And I also want to tell any of you who may read this that think your marriage is hopeless...I have been there. And I have seen God work a miracle in my marriage. He can do the same for yours. I am by no means saying that it won't be painful, it has been hard work talking and walking through the things in our past. It often still is. But I believe it will be worth it and I have seen that our marriage is stronger now than I ever would have though possible. Pray, pray, pray and trust God and watch Him work a miracle in your own life...in His perfect way and His perfect time. I hope this gives you HOPE. Jesus is our Rock...He can be yours too!

Happy Anniversary my dear, sweet, man! Thank you for the beautiful and delicious breakfast you made for me this morning. Thank you for arranging childcare and for borrowing the beautiful linens. I love you. I look forward to the rest of the years the Lord gives us together. I am looking forward to our dinner together tonight too! Thank you for making it a special day.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory..." Ephesians 3:20

Thank you Jesus!