13 years ago....

13 years ago today I married the most amazing man in the world!

Last night, thanks to my mom, we were able to go out for a special date.  With some unexpected expenses this week, like having to fix our car, we needed to get creative with how to celebrate.  I must say, it was one of the most special times we've ever shared.  We went to eat at one of our favorite restaurants and instead of getting gifts, I surprised Jason and brought along our "love box".  We had a night of reminiscing.  You see, 13 years ago I made a love box for us which contains all of our love letters, notes, cards and special pictures we've shared together over the past 13 years, even from when we dated.  It was such a special time as we sat at our table and read these notes and special memories together!  At one point, the manager, who was a guy, came to our table and asked how our meal was.  We told him great and then he asked what the big box was.  We were able to share with him what it was and what it meant to us.  He replied "that is the sweetest thing I have ever seen!".  We asked if he was married and he said not yet.  We got to share for a moment our marriage, love for one another and love for God.  He not only congratulated us but with a very sincere heart said that he was totally inspired by our love.  As we left there, we felt so blessed.  The thing is, we are not blessed by our good deeds but by God's love for rescuing us!  1 year after getting married, we made the decision to become disciples of Christ.  We made the decision to put God first in every aspect of our lives.  With that came putting our marriage second to God.  We strive every day to do this!  It's amazing though how Satan can so easily distract us with worry and fear.  Worry and fear that if we put our spouses above our children, they might fail.  Worry and fear that we wished our spouses were different.  Worry and fear that our blessed lives will be disrupted by trials.  Jason and I have dealt with each of these worries and fears and I'm sure will continue to.  We've had many times where we've had to put each other back at the top of the list.  Many times we've had to focus on our good qualities and not the negatives.  Many times that we've been disrupted by life altering trials and tragedies.  But through all of this, we bring ourselves back to the vow we made many years ago....to always live a life for God putting him first!

Thank you God for rescuing us and thank you Jason Carroll Bewley for loving me!!