From our fairy-tale perfect wedding's First Kiss...
to a surprise early-morning wake up wonderful,
it's been an amazing journey.
Amazing not because we are amazing people, and certainly not because I'm somehow suited amazingly as a wife... amazing because we have an amazing God. He has given beauty where there were only ashes time and time again. Over and over, my sin and slowness to forgive has "burned" our marriage to ashes, but because of the Spirit at work in both of us, those ashes turn to a deeper love and trust that is beautiful, and Heavenly.
it's been an amazing journey.
Amazing not because we are amazing people, and certainly not because I'm somehow suited amazingly as a wife... amazing because we have an amazing God. He has given beauty where there were only ashes time and time again. Over and over, my sin and slowness to forgive has "burned" our marriage to ashes, but because of the Spirit at work in both of us, those ashes turn to a deeper love and trust that is beautiful, and Heavenly.
Going back even further, I came to Louisville broken, hurting, and confused. The only thing I knew for sure was that God was good... and that I could land on that, even when I was flat on my face. God took that foundation and built an unimagined home upon it: a life shared by the most gentle and patient man I have ever met, in a church zealous for Truth and resplendent with Love. My friendships have doubled; I am more able to enjoy my family than ever; I have a new family to love and to cherish... and to be loved, served, and cared for by! We have ministry opportunities like we never imagined, and are growing in ways only God foresaw. My home is beautiful, not through my own efforts but through the help of so many people, and the generosity of dozens more, as you all have all witnessed via this blog. I state once again, emphatically, that God is good! His Love for us is our Home, as one of my dearest friends reminded me even this morning. His Nearness is to us our good.
Once again, this favorite psalm is my testimony:
"Come, magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His Name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor [girl] called, and the LORD heard [me]; He saved [me] out of all [my] troubles. [...] Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing (as the older translation says)." [Psalm 34:3-10]
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds." [Psalm 73:28]
Happy not in circumstance but in the One who ordained all things,
--Christina Maria
Once again, this favorite psalm is my testimony:
"Come, magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His Name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor [girl] called, and the LORD heard [me]; He saved [me] out of all [my] troubles. [...] Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing (as the older translation says)." [Psalm 34:3-10]
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds." [Psalm 73:28]
Happy not in circumstance but in the One who ordained all things,
--Christina Maria
Happy anniversary, sweet sister! I was so blessed throughout my engagement and going into my own marriage to read your blog. I was so encouraged to have a dear sister with whom I could relate in the emotions and whirlwind of planning the wedding. May your day be sweet as you reflect on days past and many yet to come!!!
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace~
Val and I were delighted to get your call yesterday and we join in your thanksgiving. Marriage is a sweet gift from a God who blesses us beyond our deserving.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you and Ryan for many more years of happy celebration of the gift of His love.
In His grace,
Chris, Val, Hannah and Noah
Happy Anniversary!! Aaron and I just celebrated three years! It is such a blessing! I hope you have many more years to come!
ReplyDeletechica! NO ME OLVIDE!!! I remebered quite well your first year anniversary! it's just that i haven-t been able to make it to a computer in several days! SO.. here's a ground loud CHEERS to your first year of marriage! I know it-s been one full of lessons and sweet memories! I'm so thankful for Ryan, your knight in shining armour... and for God's goodness to the both of you IN eachother! love you so much sister!!! Happy Anniversery!
ReplyDeleteamy m.