“…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
~ Ephesians 5:20-24 (ESV – emphasis mine)
The above passages I really had to pick apart to understand the way they should be (the submission part especially). Oh, it was so worth it, girls.
My beloved and I are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary today (May 20th). I think that during the first 22 years of our marriage I was still dreaming that I could change my husband somehow. Ha – only in my dreams. I wanted Mark to be more romantic; you know little gifts here and there (like flowers, dinner…). Hm, but that was not him.
5 years ago I read Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ book “Love & Respect” – oh how that changed my perspective. If you believe it or not, but my hubby is romantic – in his own way. See the photo? That is him fixing our Evap cooler this month. He ran around town to find a pump to make it work. It works so good I have to wear a heavy bathrobe at night 😀 . He made sure that we didn’t have to give up our savings for a new cooler. How romantic is that?
You see, it might take some time to get used to each other, but girls, it is so worth it. Don’t get me wrong – our marriage is not all smiles and happy-happy, but I am so in love with my man. Sure, we still have differences, but it is not worth to get all worked up about it and walk out (almost been there couple times).
I am thankful for Mark; his love, his devotion, his hugs. I couldn’t image life without him (and I don’t want to either). Happy anniversary, sweetheart!!!! I would take the plunge in all over again with you!
What are you thankful for this week? Please visit my friend Laurie at “Women Taking A Stand” to link up with other TT bloggers.
Thanks for stopping by today. Remember: marriage is not easier, but it is well worth staying together for a life-time.
Happy Anniversary to both of you! Wonderfully wise words Iris.
I am thankful for you!! You have blessed me from the moment I began this blogging adventure. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and all you continue to do dear heart.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Thankful Thursday, Iris!
Happy Anniversary! Blessings to you all!
Isn’t it perfect that on this Thankful Thursday it is your anniversary? Happy anniversary, Iris! The book you mentioned, Love & Respect, is wonderful! Have you listened to the CD? It is full of great information just like the book — and so entertaining, too!
By the way, I just have to say that you have one romantic man to climb up on the roof to fix the air cooler to keep his lady comfortable! I loved you sharing that picture! Have a fantastic anniversary!
Such a wonderful post sweetie. Happy Anniversary, enjoy your day.
Happy Anniversary, here is to 27 more years!! And knowing you live in Phx and how important cooler is I SO GET IT!! =)
Ah, i loved this post Iris! Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! I think wedding anniversaries are one of the best things to celebrate! And I so agree with you… i have definitely re-defined romance 🙂 Hope you two have a wonderful day with one another!
Happy anniversary Iris! Hope you have a beautiful day.
I love the last message you share in this post you are so right
Congratulations on your anniversary. Our 9th is coming up in June, I guess I’ll just have to blink and it will be 27 for us!
Have a lovely weekend.
Hi Iris,
I’m late but Happy Anniversary to you and your husband Mark.
Wonderful message you shared!!! Marriage is a beautiful covenant and one that is a ministry in and of itself and needs to be cared for with love and respect.
Thanks for sharing…
Love you.
Happy Anniversary to you both! I say that is a pretty sweet blessing!
happy aniversary I love your post you are so right I can remember crying my wedding night because I wanted to go home but now my hubby and me are best friends and face the world together thanks for writing such a great post
Oh! What a great post! Yep, that book (and prayer and God’s healing hand and several other books and counseling) saved our marriage and it’s becoming something so exciting and romantic like I couldn’t imagine. Thanks so much for posting about the Love and Respect book. Our culture is working so against God’s great plan for marriage it’s great that there are resources out there like that book and the Five Love Languages, Romancing Your Husband(Debra White Smith), Love Must Be Tough(Dobson), Boundaries in Marriage, etc etc etc
Thanks for posting!!!
Visit my site about how God changed me for the better and saved our marriage! wahoooo!!!!!!! http://peaceandjoy.websiteanimal.com
Sorry to be so late….but much congratulations. In this day and age of throw away marriages you have made it to 27. Blessings on all the years to come. We will have made 41 years come June 8th. I agree with every word you said…and amen each and every one. Many blessings from the Lord on your married life and your ministry here on your blog.