Every time I write the date, March 23^rd, it takes me back a few years.
On March 23, 1985, Tim and I had our first date. (We were juniors in high school.)
On March 23, 1991, Tim asked me to marry him. (Of course I said, “Yes!”)
So when I woke up this morning and knew the date, many years of memories came flooding into my mind.
I am a blessed girl.  Yes.  I have a man whom I love and he loves me.  He makes me laugh, keeps me in line, supports me, and encourages me along life’s way.  Tim is a godly man.  He is my best friend.
Is each day the best-day-ever for me and my man?  No way!  Do we get frustrated with each other?  Absolutely.  But we have each other’s back and love each other unconditionally.  We work through it all.  God willing. We even sometimes drive each other crazy, but that’s not always a bad thing. (wink wink)
I know that marriage is work, and if you don’t, well…think again.
I have a friend who is going through the early stages of divorce now, but they have hope and are trusting in God in all circumstances.  I know of marriages that after 27 years ended.  I know couples who have persevered and their marriage survived extramarital affairs with a stronger marriage because they worked hard and gave it all to God.
My friend, who is going through a hard time now, shared these quotes with me:
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French poet.
“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa
I discovered another quote I thought I’d share:  “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”  Amy Carmichael, missionary in India
Colossians 3:18-19 in The Message translation says, “Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.  Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them.”
I pray that you will have a marriage that exemplifies God as its foundation and be in love with each other deeply.
Tim, I LOVE YOU! Thank you for putting up with me the past thirty years. (What? 30? Wow!)
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie