Time of my Life

I think back to 3 years ago all. the. time. And especially lately, with so many of my friends getting married. I just think back to how perfect it was for me. July 5th, 2008 was absolutely, hands-down, the best day of my life. And I'm not just saying that because it sounds good or because you're supposed to say that about your wedding day. It really was.

And the weeks surrounding it are right up there too. The week before the big day was full of hanging out with friends and family. Literally, just hanging out on our back porch.

And the week after was my first week as Brad's wife. Our honeymoon was our first big adventure as husband and wife.

It was all so sweet and I find myself thinking back to that time so often - wishing I could go back and do it all over again.

Unlike many brides I know, I absolutely LOVED planning my wedding. Sure, it was stressful at times, but only because I was trying to juggle wedding planning, working, going to school and graduating, finding a full time job, and finding a place to live all at the same time. But really... REALLY... I loved the planning. I'd do it all again and again if I could (back up career choice, maybe?!).

Also unlike many brides, I don't remember feeling stressed or nervous leading up to the wedding. I only remember a little bit of family drama, but what family doesn't have that surround something like a wedding?! All I can remember is having fun! Maybe 5 and a half years coming helped a little with that?!

And then the wedding day came. And it was all I had hoped for!

We had a little rain shower scare right before the ceremony, but I think it was just good luck! The ceremony was beautiful! The perfect representation of Brad and I coming together as best friends, husband and wife, one before God. I love that man. I really do. I love him more now than I did then. And I'm sure it will just get better.

And after we were pronounced man and wife, it was time for the party to begin. And begin, it did. It was the best party I can ever remember attending. And again, I'm serious. It's not just because it was my party or because I'm supposed to say that. It really was amazing having all of my friends and family there dancing, eating, and having a splendid time. I didn't want it to end!

  

So here's to memories. The good kind. The BEST kind. And to making many more with him :)

Lifting My Husband Through Prayer

Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:

♥ You give him strength to lead (Joshua 1:7), time to know his family (John 10:14), and a passion to manage his home (1 Timothy 3:4).

♥ You bless his work and show him daily how to honor You in his attitude and spirit; confirm the work of his hands unto Your purpose (Psalm 90:16-17; Daniel 6).

♥ He will be a wise steward of our finances and all we possess, remembering that all things are Yours and entrusted to us for Your purposes (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:10-13).

♥ He will love You with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and hate evil (Mark 12:30; Psalm 97:10).

♥ He will be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

♥ You protect him physically, mentally, and spiritually (Psalm 28:7-9; Psalm 41; John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).

♥ You give him the desire to teach and model a godly lifestyle for his {future} children (Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 78:5-7).

♥ You will instruck him and teach him in the way he should go (Psalm 32:8); give him peace in the circumstances and integrity in decisions he must face today (1 Corinthians 14:33; Proverbs 11:3).

♥ He would meditate day and night on Your Word, pray without ceasing (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:18,73; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), and stay faithful to Christ to the end (Hebrews 12:1-2).

♥ He would develop strong relationships with other godly men (Ephesians 4:24-25; Hebrews 10:24).

Make me my husband's helpmate, companion, champion, friend, and support. Help me to create a peaceful, restful, safe place for him to come home to. Teach me how to take care of myself and stay attractive to him. Grow me into a creative and confident woman who is rich in mind, soul, and spirit. Make me the kind of woman he can be proud to say is his wife.

I lay all my expectations at Your cross. I release my husband from the burden of fulfilling me in areas where I should be looking to You. Help me to accept him the way he is and not try to change him... I leave any changing that needs to be done in Your hands, fully accepting that neither of us is perfect and never will be. Only You, Lord, are perfect and I look to You to perfect us.

Teach me how to pray for my husband and make my prayers a true language of love.

...the power of a praying wife is not a means of gaining control over your husband... in fact, it's quite the opposite. It's laying down all claim to power in and of yourslef, and relying on God's transforming power. This power is not given to wield like a weapon in order to beat down an unruly beast. It's a gentle tool of restoration appropriated through the prayers of a wife who longs to do right more than be right, and to give life more than get even. It's a way to invite God's power into your husband's life for his greatest blessing, which is ultimately yours, too. You have the means to establish a hedge of protection around your marriage...

Be patient to persever and wiat for God to heal. Keep in mind that you are both imperfect people. Look to God as the source of all you want to see in your marriage and don't worry how it will happen... leave it in His hands.

-FAMILY LIFE Publishing

-The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian