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7.18.2010

Sunday Snapshot {together ever after}

Eleven years and one day ago, two starry-eyed kids stood in a small country church in front of a gathering of family and friends.  That day they made a covenant before God to walk the road of life together.

The solemn promise they made included phrases like, in good times AND in bad, for richer AND for poorer, in sickness AND in health. 

The years have included all of the above.

There were adventurous months lived in southwest France that included skiing in the Alps nearly every other weekend
AND there was the unexpected death of her father.

There were camping trips to admire the beauty of God's creation
AND there was facing the stress of sudden unemployment ~ three times.

There were years of good health when they almost believed they were invincible
AND there was his brush with death following a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix.

There was the several year time period of earnestly seeking God's will as it related to them becoming parents.
AND the abundant blessings they received when they followed that will and stepped into the role of parenthood once,
twice,
three times over.
Eleven years and one day later, they are no longer "kids."  And they no longer have stars in their eyes.  That's okay though because those stars have long since been replaced by a more mature look of deeper love.

Somewhere along the journey they've found that, partnered with God, they can endure the toughest of storms and savor the sweetest of times, "together ever after"...


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Now get on over to Stefanie's blog to see what others chose to focus on this week.  Sunday Snapshots are some of my favorite times to "blog hop."







Ni Hao Y'all

30 comments:

C.C. said...

Wow, great post!! Happy Anniversary!

Laurie said...

I think that might be my favorite post of yours- ever- and that says a LOT. Of course it's going to make people reflect on their own marriages. I found myself saying my own high and low statements as I read yours. That triangle that includes God makes it all possible. Makes the difficult times less difficult because you have each other, and makes the great times just that much more splendid! Happy Anniversary to you and Ian. Continued blessings!

Amy Murphy said...

happy anniversary! we just celebrated 11 yrs last month. isn't it great! wishing you many, many more!

Pam said...

What a sweet post, Kristi. Happy anniversary.

Anonymous said...

So glad I was able to be part of that day. I still remember the first time me (and my family) met Ian. There was NO DOUBT he would be the one you would spend the rest of your life with. Congrats. And may the stars that have turned to deep love only grow deeper......

happy anniversary..

Beth

Larry and Carol said...

What a great post. I remember your wedding so well. Many many more happy anniversaries to come your way.

Jenn said...

Happy Anniversary!! Hope you an Ian were able to do somthing special to celebrate.
Thanks for praying for Abby Grace today :)
Jenn

Tricia said...

Like Beth said, I'm so glad to have been a part of that day. I think I remember Beth and I trading shoes that day. :) Even harder to believe, I was pregnant with Adam back then.

Happy Anniversary and many continued blessings throughout the years to come.

Tina Michelle said...

awwwwww, awwwww, awwwwwwww! Great post! Love it! You two are so adorable together and those pics of you skiing and that view pic are incredible but I think my fave is the one of you all together as a family!

I have been wondering though if you guys ever thought of getting pregnant or always knew your children would come from China?

Cindy M said...

What a sweet picture of you two! Thanks for sharing that! SEE YOU IN LESS THAN A WEEK!!!

Andrea said...

Happy Anniversary!! What a beautiful tribute to your Christ centered marriage and family written by a very beautiful bride!

Di said...

Happy anniversary! Lovely summary of 11 years together - the highs, the lows, the kids....perfect!

Robin said...

Sweet post! Happy Anniversary!

Blessings,
Robin

Susan said...

Happy Anniversary!

Rachel said...

Happy Anniversary! You are a beautiful family!

Nancy @ Ordinary Miracles & The Crazy 10 said...

Oh this is just so very sweet! Many congrats to you!

Heather said...

So not nice to make me cry. What a beautiful post - beautiful. Happy Anniversay!

Our Journey said...

Happy Anniversary!!! What a sweet tribute to your lives!

Lora V said...

way to make everyone cry Kristi! Great post! I love you guys! You and Ian are such a great example of a Christian marraige. Thanks for being that for Josh and I. Even though you havent spent a lot of time around us as a couple, know that there are many lessons we have learned from you. Happy Anniversary!
Love,
Lora (and Josh)

Annie said...

Very sweet post!!!

Glenda said...

Aww, this post gave me chill bumps. So sweet. You both haven't aged a bit in 11 yrs. Congratulations! Marriage is like a triangle we (the sides) get closer as we get closer to God(the point). Love you both!

The Ferrill's said...

Happy Anniversary you lovebirds, you! Adorable post,Kristi!

Shannon said...

Happy Anniversary guys!What a beautifully written post. Yes, it is that covenant love that will stand the test of time. I am reminded of the Chinese tradition we learned about at the Great Wall, where they lock the lock and throw away the key. When we covenant before God to love each other till death do us part, we lock our love FOREVER!!
Love you guys and your sweet family!!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post!!!

Jennifer Taylor said...

love your post, hope you guys had a great weekend! we have the exact same anniversary!!

Mama said...

What a blessing to have my lovely daughter married to a Christ centered man who cherishes and adores her. There is no better gift from God in a mother's heart.
It has been a pleasure to watch you two grow in Christ and in deep devotion to one another. You both are great role models for your children. Happy 11th anniversary.
I love you,
Mama

Chris said...

This has got to be one of the most sweetest posts ever!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!
(a little late)

:)

Nancy said...

Happy anniversary! What a beautiful post!

Our Journey to China said...

I LOVE this post! What an awesome blessing of the years! God is so good!!! Happy Anniversary!
Love, The Boyds

Melissa said...

Happy Belated Anniversary to you both. God surely knew what He was doing when you both met and were joined together in marriage. You have a beautiful life and are so very lucky to have each other. Chris and I are blessed to learn from your journey too!