Married for 13 years...we made it!

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

We made it to year thirteen. Yes, Karen and I have been married for 13 years as of today. I remember the day very well. We had to be married in Gatlinburg, TN because the church of was serving in Sevierville, TN was too small to handle the amount of people that were in attendance. There was a light snow the night before and the mountains were absolutely beautiful. It was a great service and there is nothing like watching your bride come down the isle. My mother and family were all dressed up and gave great support. I did not know Karen's family well then, but they were there all along and it was a start of something good and I know I am a member of the family. I certainly, was blessed that day.

We would honeymoon in Virginia, not knowing that God would open doors for us to serve a church only 70 miles away a year later. We served Gethsemane Church of Christ for 6 years. In those years, we grew together and we would have Matthew and Alice. It was in those years the house would endure storms. Struggles with family, illness, and Matthew's heart surgery would blow against our relationship...yet, with a foundation on God's love we truly have experienced the solid rock. There were some very sunny days in Virginia as well...we became parents.

We have been in Indiana for 5 years and there have been more storms of life. Most notably, Nicholas' death. It was and is the hardest thing we have ever hard to endure...again, God's foundation has remained sturdy and supported us in the storm. There have been growing pains as well. As we grow as a couple, challenges to family and to each other have risen. We look at each other and make a conscience choice to Praise God in the storm while knowing His grace is more than we deserve and His power will sustain us in the great times and the hard times. And yes, there have been some very sunny days in Indiana as well...we became parents again.

Once might ask, how do I get a foundation that is solid? It comes in knowing Jesus Christ on a personal, radical, and relational level. He is the one true God and He will give you peace in every storm. He does not say it will be easy...in fact, Karen and I both would say, "Being married is a very hard thing." Merging two lives is not meant to be easy. The foundation of Jesus in a daily walk of knowing Him, studying the Scriptures, and dedicating oneself to breaking of bread and prayer is the foundation that endures every storm. We can testify to it and recommend it in every marriage.

To you, Karen. I love you and thank you for being my wife for the last 13 years. I am looking forward to another 13 and many more beyond that. You are a blessing and gift to me. I love you.

To the rest of you, build your house on the foundation of Jesus...His foundation will endure every storm. Trust me, I know.

You know I love ya, Don