Thursday, December 16, 2010

Eighteen

 

Some said we would never make it.  Others said it was a mistake.  Many said we were too young.

There was so much they couldn’t see and didn’t know.

How could they know that you were the one God sent to save me from the path of destruction I was running down.  Or how could they know that the night almost 22-years ago when we stood talking outside after a date was the night I knew I was going to marry you.  They could not possibly know how tightly our hearts had become entwined after four years of dating.  Maybe it was hard for them to understand that a 20-year-old and 19-year-old could truly be soul mates.

Joel and I

They didn’t know, couldn’t know the depth of our love, but we did.

On this our 18th anniversary I want  you, the love of my life to know, that you still are my soul mate.  Twenty-two years of being together hasn’t loosened the attachment of our hearts.  It has only strengthened our bond, welding it tightly, one heart to another.  Strengthening us in love and understanding.  Cementing in our minds that we belong together for life.

Joel and I-2

Hand in hand and heart to heart I look forward to another year with you.  Living this life God has given us.  A life full of love, laughter, stubborness, discussions, understanding, making up, cuddles, kisses, friendship and family.  You hold my heart in your hands and I thank you for your sincere love. I thank you for picking me up when I am down. For making me laugh when I want to cry.  You are my strength and my security.  There is nothing better in this world than to feel your arms wrapped around me, enclosing me in safety and love.

Joel and I

I love you with all that is within me.  You are my ray of light on a dark day.  A gift from our Heavenly Father above.  The discouragers from long ago didn’t harm us, they only fueled our desire to make it work.  Our foundation was strong.  A love that was willing to fight, to strive, to grow into a lifetime of beauty.  This relationship will endure because we both love the Lord and because we knew from the very first spark we would never give up. Together we will continue this journey, building, shaping, molding our lives into a shining testimony of love.

Joel and I-3

So, to you my sweet man, on this week of our anniversary, I give you everything that is within me.  You hold my heart.  May it shower you with love, respect, and comfort you when you feel weary.

I LOVE YOU!

 

 (All photos except the 1st courtesy of Megan)

 

***I’m over AT THE WELL today. My latest article is about the gift of a husband.  Head on over there and then come back here and share the letter you write for your husband. I am putting up a Mister Linky.  I would love to see lots of participants in this.  Let’s lift up our husbands and show them how much they mean to us.

 

17 comments:

  1. Oh that was beautiful Jenn! Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ....and the love story continues. Congratulations and have a very happy anniversary!

    God bless and enjoy each other and hang on for the ride!!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  3. BTW: Your pics were just adorable. Megan did a fantastic job! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats Jenn and hubby! Eighteen years... that is so awesome. I wish you many many many more!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Happy Anniversary!!!
    Saturday the 18th will be my husband and I----28th Anniversary.
    We were 18 and 19 when we married.
    I hope your day is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Okay, first of all, this was beautiful. And second of all, are you kidding me? You look the same as you did all those years ago!! I know you already love me so I don't really need to 'suck up', but come on, girlfriend, you look great! I love the picture with your head thrown back, obviously laughing!
    May God bless you with many more years of joy and happiness!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a heartfelt post:)
    I loved how you began with it...I can relate to this as well. We were young too and it's amazing what God can do over the years.
    So beautiful Jenn. Your photos are priceless! A great thing to treasure with the years to come...that you took the time to capture some memories. The barn is so nice in the background too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a great letter Jenn! Hope you are able to spend some special time together. If the baby decides to come on your anniversary I totally understand if you decide to stay home :) Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful post this was!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful post--it truly shines with the love you have for your husband. You two really are such a cute couple. Happiest of anniversaries and congratulations for showing the nay-sayers just how strong your love is!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy Anniversary Jenn ~ *love* the photos of you the photographer...nice to *see* you!! How fun that you were married at Christmastime. May the LORD give you MANY more years together...for HIS glory!

    And just also want to wish you and your family a wonderful CHRISTmas season and a blessed New Year. Enjoy these precious days together...they are so quickly gone. :)

    In His Love,
    Camille

    ReplyDelete
  12. I scrolled back and realized I hadn't read this post... what?!?!

    How did I miss it?

    anyway, what a wonderful post. And the pics of you two are so sweet.

    Congrats - Happy Anniversary - and many, many more together. Right?

    I can also relate to your opener there about people not understanding. We were old though... it's just because we met through E-Harm*ny. ((gasp!)) ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love it! They took bets on my husbands duty station how long we would be married...29 last October!
    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jenn, that was beautiful!
    Megan did a wonderful job with your photos. Very sweet and loving.
    Happy Anniversary!!!!!!
    And

    Merry, Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Happy anniversary! What a wonderful tribute and special pictures.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog! I love to read your comments so take a few minutes and jot me a line or two!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...