Twenty.

Twenty years ago, I married my superhero.  I still love the guy- in fact, I think I love him more every year.  That's quite a cause for celebration! 


This evening, someone asked me why I think we've been able to make it when so many people bail out of marriage before they make it to their 20 year anniversary. I told him the truth- it's all Jesus. If not for the grace of God, there is no way we would be able to survive. I am not going to say it's always easy- but it certainly has been FAR from being always difficult. We've laughed, loved, and learned along the way. In honor of our Twenty Year Anniversary, Jason and I are sharing 20 lessons we've discovered over the last two decades:

1. Put Jesus first.
2. Hold hands.
3. Keep accountability- no spending time alone with the opposite sex.
4. Celebrate anniversaries! Really celebrate! 
5. Treat marriage like a covenant- not a contract.  This is 'til death- not 'til I feel like you're not holding up your end of the bargain.
6. Stay on the same team- never let the kids know they outnumber you
7. Go on dates without the kids. often.
8. Find hobbies you enjoy doing together- and some that you enjoy doing separately. 
9. Admit when you're wrong. Apologize.
10. Forgive.
11. Attend Church together.  Make the time.
12. Spend time with friends who support your marriage- who won't let you rip on your spouse for too long, and who encourage you to love your spouse more, and to spend time with your family.
13. Discuss all big purchases with each other.
14. Remember that even a quick text can let the other know you are thinking of them
15. Consider the needs of your spouse above your own.
16. Be grateful- tell God AND your spouse how thankful you are for him/her
17. Don't pray that God will change your spouse- pray that He'll change your heart so either you'll be ready for a changed spouse or content with what is.
18. Wear attractive pajamas. Bedtime is no time to be looking your worst.  There are plenty of comfy jammies that don't look like they belong on a child, an elf,  the 'donate' pile, or your great-grandmother.
19. Say "I love you" every day- no exceptions.
20. Kiss. Often.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:31-33

anniversary shots from days of yore

I'm sure I could come up with a wittier, more romantic post if I really tried, but I am beat, exhausted, soooo tired.  If you are so inclined, you can see more anniversary posts here:

16th anniversary  17th anniversary  18th anniversary  19th anniversary