Seven (Ten) Years With Joshua
Tomorrow (August 12th), Josh and I will celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary. How cool is that? Some friends have asked if we’re experiencing the “seven year itch,” and I’d have to say no unless you count those that come with pregnancy and stretch marks.
It’s cool to be married for seven years and still really really like the person you’re with. What a joy. What a blessing. I often tell Josh that marriage has been so much better than I ever thought it could be.
Oh, and at the end of this month, Josh and I will acknowledge that this time ten years ago was when we met! I still remember going to the freshman dessert before freshman year started at Bethel and sitting with Pete Nelson (because I knew him from high school). And there, across the table from me, was Josh. I’ve liked him ever since. He was cute, but mostly I liked that he seemed very sincere and “together,” unlike most of the other freshman guys. And he was funny and kept my attention. Anyway, friendship led to fondness led to marriage (and soon to a baby in a baby carriage!).
And what better way to celebrate 10 years of friendship and 7 years of marriage than the birth of our first child? It seems crazy and sends me reeling with joy when I stop and think about it. I often stop and feel like I don’t deserve this kind of bliss, but who am I to question the blessings the Lord gives? I don’t question them anymore than I would question the hard times He’s sent my way. They are both gifts from Him, and they are both received with reverence.
Anyway, I love you Joshua and I hope the Lord will continue to bless us with abundant joy and love for many years to come! You have inspired the best parts of me to come out and shine and I continually pray that I can be the kind of wife who reflects back to you all the love you have given to me. <3
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Lord, thank you for these many blessings.
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (Psalm 30: 11-12)
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Father God, continue to mold me into a wife of noble character that I may bring joy and confidence to Joshua all the days of my life.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:10-31)