12 Years Ago Today Was The Start of the Journey

The title of my blog is "The Journey of a Happily Married Man with Two Kids." Well, this journey started 12 years ago today. On February 16, 1997, I had my first date with Shelley.

This was a very dark time of my life and I had no idea what this date would turn into. I was going through a divorce with the one I thought was my "soul mate." I thought I had the perfect life until about 4 months previous when she said "I want a divorce." I still remember hearing those words and just dropping to my knees. I felt like my life was over at that point.

At this point in my life I wasn't a Christian and didn't have a relationship with Jesus. I felt that you just needed to be a good person and going to church was what people did to make themselves feel better.

But I remember clearly one evening having a "discussion" in our kitchen. I was trying to convince her that we needed to try and save our marriage and I suddenly had a question pop in my head, "What does God think about this?" We had gotten married in a church by a preacher and in front of God but up to this point that was just because that was how you were supposed to do it. Now I found myself wondering what God would think if we broke those promises we had made in front of him.

This was the first crack in my heart that was opened to let God in. Now I didn't drop to my knees and accept Jesus at that point. The truth is it took me several years but this was the beginning.

Shelley and I went on our first date a few months later and I was taken by her beauty, intelligence, sense of humor and "spunkiness." But I was just looking for someone to keep me company and help take away some of my lonliness, it wasn't supposed to last.

Shelley was a Christian but had drifted so we were two lost souls. We weren't right for each other but we were filling a need each of us had. I believe this gave God the time he needed to work in our lives.

Through a series of events, Shelley found our church and started attending. I started going but it was just so I could be with her. Shelley resumed her walk and then started working on me.

When we got married we were "unequally yoked." I agree with everyone that this is a recipe for a disaster and it was almost for us. We were on a path of potential divorce until two things happened. The first and most important was that I accepted Christ as my Savior. I will always be thankful to Shelley and her persistance along with Ed Young and Fellowship Church. The second thing that happened is we started going to a Christian counselor.

Today we have an awesome marriage, two wonderful boys and are growing in our walk with Jesus. And this journey all started 12 years ago today.

My Incredible Wife

On this Valentines Day I am so thankful for my incredible wife. I don't have the words to describe her but it can't be said any better than in Proverbs 31: 10 -31.

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Valentines

This morning Seth made me a Valentine card. A little later he came up to me and asked where it was.

I told him it was on my dresser so I could take it to work with me.

Seth - Are you taking it to work with you tomorrow?
Me - Not tomorrow, I have to go to San Diego today and won't be in the office until Tuesday.

A little later he brought me another valentine and said:

Seth - Here is a Valentine you can take to San Diego so you won't forget me.

That made me melt and I just gave him a big hug and told him I will never forget him.

My Hugger

Last night I gave Chase a kiss on his forehead and he immediately wiped it off as he always does when someone kisses him.

Chase - I don't like kisses
Me - Well, what do you like?
Chase - I like hugs!


This is true. He has always liked hugs and he is a very good hugger.