Today my husband and I celebrate 10 years of marriage.
The past decade has been filled with both incredible blessings and some very real challenges. Through it all, we’ve grown stronger—not just as a couple, but in our faith and love for God and each other.
A Look Back at Our First 10 Years
Here are just a few of the milestones, memories, and moments that shaped our first decade together:
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We moved four times—each move filled with purpose and growth.
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We survived Lymphoma.
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We survived a Heart Attack.
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We welcomed five precious grandchildren into our lives: Kayla, Trey, Aubrey, Jayden, and Joshua.
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We endured deep grief in 2010, a year marked by the loss of many friends and loved ones—including my dear Aunt Tina (who was more like a sister to me), Shawn’s father, and my brother Herb.
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We faced the painful reality of mental illness, with a diagnosis of major depression and anxiety.
It’s been a mix of highs and lows, joy and sorrow. But through it all, one truth has remained steady in our hearts:
“Marriage takes three to be complete…”
—Beth Stuckwisch, “Marriage Takes Three”
This beautiful poem, which hangs in a frame on our bedroom wall—a gift from my friend Elley—reminds us that marriage is not just between a husband and wife. God must be at the center. Without Him, we wouldn’t have made it this far.
The Foundation That Keeps Us Standing
Life isn’t easy, and neither is marriage. Being Christians doesn’t exempt us from hardship. We’ve weathered storms, and we still face moments when giving up feels easier. But we hold on.
Our foundation is God’s Word. Both of us come from divorced families, so we understand the far-reaching impact it can have. We’re committed to building something different—something lasting.
Speaking for myself, I know I couldn’t have walked through any of this without the strength and guidance of God. His Word continues to shape me, teach me, and transform me every day.
If you’re looking for a powerful resource to grow in your role as a godly wife and woman of purpose, I highly recommend The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer—it’s filled with wisdom, encouragement, and biblical truths that have deeply impacted my own journey.
A Testimony of Hope
We’ve lived through adversity, and it’s made us stronger. And I believe God allowed us to experience these things so that we could be a testimony to others. When we raise our hands in worship, it’s not just routine—it’s gratitude. We are thankful for everything.
And we know the journey isn’t over. There’s more life ahead—good and bad. But we trust in the One who holds our future.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11
Looking Ahead—Together
I am deeply thankful for my husband, Shawn. He loves the Lord and studies His Word. I will never forget the peace I felt when he once said, “I have someone much higher to answer to.” That gave me so much comfort and trust.
I want to grow old with Shawn. I want us to continue being renewed by God’s Word together. That’s how our journey began—and that’s how I want it to end.