For better or worse...

Today I celebrate 14 years of marriage with my wonderful husband. We have known each other for 16 years and been together for 15 years....and where does time go????

Now if you know us, you will know that it hasn't been all wedded bliss...There was a point in our marriage where we were actually separated and lived apart for 6 months. It's not something I am proud of, but I am very open about this with anyone when the topic comes up and this is why.

We all have rough spots in our marriage. Times when we aren't close, times when we want to throw in the towel, times when we feel like maybe someone else would be better for us...If you disagree then either #1 - you are deceiving yourself or #2 - it just hasn't happened to you yet.

I am sad to say that during that time of separation, my relationship with Jesus, wasn't what it is now. But, I am happy to say that we made it through two very rough spots, and we are closer to God, and have a stronger relationship because of it.

The other thing that helped us through was the support and love from our family and friends. We couldn't have done it without any of them. They were there to listen (again and again) and encourage us to not give up on each other. They were good examples of marriages for us to follow.

When we share about our past, people often ask us how we got past all the anger, hurt, and living apart. We are honest and tell them that it was a long time after those troubles where things were still not good. I would be trying and Todd would be done, and then vice verse...But our answer simply remains the same...in the end, it was nothing but the Grace of God that got us through....

I can only hope and pray that we will get to celebrate at least another 3 rounds of 14 years together....

Hosea 2:19
"And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy."