My Freshly Brewed Life: Celebrating 22 Years!

(Please forgive the poor picture quality.)

Today Lynn and I are celebrating 22 years of marriage. We met while we were both youth leaders at our former church. One day he asked me to attend a Christian Concert Day at at our local amusement park. I said Yes. And that's how it all began on fall Day in October ~~2007~~ 1987. (Thanks Jill for the heads up on the wrong date :-). After that initial "get-to-know-you-better" date, the very next day we went sailing with his parents on their boat. From then on we spent a lot of time together talking and getting to know one another. I remember after our 5th date or so, I came home and told my grandmother that Lynn was the man I was going to marry. I was so in love! He loved the Lord, was kind and considerate, passionate about ministry, he new how to cook and do his own laundry, and he loved to teach me about God's Word (I had only been saved about 3 years when I met him). He was a true romantic and would often bring me flowers and write me love letters, many of which I still have today.

Two and a half months later on Christmas Eve he proposed. We had expressed our love for one another and talked about marriage, but I had no clue it was coming so soon. He proposed by having me over to his apartment to open gifts. When I got there, Phil Keagy was playing in the background, the lights were dim, and he had put long stem roses all throughout the Christmas Tree. (Apparently, he and his roommate had worked for hours getting the setting just right.) After he opened his gifts (I think I bought him 5 or 6 things), he handed me a card and a large teddy bear. The card was so romantic and at the end he wrote, "will you marry me"? I didn't say anything at first. I think I thought he was asking that as a "will you marry me someday in the future" question. He drew my atention back to the teddy bear, and in it's paws I noticed a small box. I think I freaked at that point. There in that box was my beautiful engagement ring. We were married eight months later in August of 1988.

(Wasn't I cute?)

We have had our share of hardship, but I will say that we love each other more today than we did 22 years ago. There is something about walking through the tough seasons together that draws you even closer. We've weathered some storms, but we've had some amazing days too. I believe the best is yet to come!

(My handsome groom!)

I adore you, my love, my best friend. Thank you for sweeping me off my feet so quickly and for being the best husband a girl could ever have. I love the way you take care of me. You are kind and gentle. Compassionate and sincere. Quiet yet deep. You are my "steady rock". Thank you for the way you see me through God's eyes and for helping me realize my true worth and beauty. I appreciate you so much. You are the best father to our children. Patient, loving, fun, full of strength and wisdom. They adore you too!