I've Got Her!

Charles Spurgeon with the thoughts I have on this my 13th anniversary of marriage to the most beautiful and godly woman I know:

"Matrimony came from Paradise, and leads to it. I never was half so happy, before I was a married man, as I am now. Let the husband love his wife as he loves himself, and a little better, for she is his better half. He should feel, 'If there is only one good wife in the whole world, I've got her.'"

-Quote on page 13 of Date Your Wife.

12 Love Songs: Every Little Kiss

Jeanna, Happy Anniversary. Here is the video I made for our 10 year anniversary that captures some of this breathtaking journey we find ourselves on.

12 Love Songs: If You Could See What I See

Jeanna, you were created by God as the perfect one for me. I pray my love could be worthy of the One who gave His life in love for us.

12 Love Songs: Tale as Old as Time

Jeanna, you are more beautiful than anything I've ever seen with my eyes. You make everything else in this world look black and white.

It's not so much this song as it is this scene in the movie that makes me grateful you love a beast like me.

12 Love Songs: A Page is Turned

Jeanna, this song reminds me of our wedding day and all the anticipation I had and how grateful I was that God orchestrated our lives. I'd marry you 10,000 times over again.

12 Love Songs: Celebrate You

Jeanna, you are a priceless treasure from Heaven. I'm sorry I haven't told you that often enough.

12 Love Songs: When I Say I Do

Jeanna, I meant what I said 12 years ago. I do...

12 Love Songs: We Belong Together

Jeanna, we belong together. I cannot imagine life without you.

12 Love Songs: I See The Light

Jeanna, I can't make all your dreams come true. But, I'll die trying. You are my princess.

12 Love Songs: Shine on Us

Jeanna and I had this sung at our wedding. Because we need grace.

12 Love Songs: How Do I Love Her

This song is the ring tone on my phone when Jeanna calls. I need God's help.

12 Love Songs: Dancing in the Mine Fields

Jeanna, I don't know how to dance but we're dancing in the mine fields. And, I love it. His promises are true.

12 Love Songs: I Will Be Here

In anticipation of our 12th wedding anniversary, I'll be posting 12 love songs over the next 12 days for my love, Jeanna. Sorry that some of them will be cheesy. But, they all express different facets of my deep love for my wife. If you are married, I hope they serve to inspire and encourage romance in your own marriage (send your spouse a link each day).

Jeanna, no matter what the future holds, I'll be right here.

A Poem for My Wife on Valentine's Day

My very first attempt to express my love for Jeanna in a simple poem:

Glorify the Lord with Me

You are my sweetheart, my only one,
You are a precious gift purchased by the Son.
I love you more now than ever,
I will never stop loving you, never.
Thank you for your gracious care,
A great wife like you is extremely rare.
My affection for you is deeper than I can write,
When you walk in a room, things get really bright.
Glorify the Lord with me, together let us exalt His name,
May our marriage make much of Jesus and bring Him fame.

Resources for Marriage

Marriage is a good gift from God that exists to display the glory of Christ. Good marriages show the relationship of Christ to His Church. Thus, if you are married, strive and pray that you would have the most God-glorifying marriage possible. Here are some resources to help you along the way:

For Husbands and Wives:
What Did You Expect? by Paul Tripp (book)
What Did You Expect? by Paul Tripp (DVD)
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
When Sinners Say "I Do" by Dave Harvey
Love that Lasts by Ricucci

For Husbands:
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God by CJ Mahaney
The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott
"Husbands, Love Your Wives..." article by Lister

For Wives:
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Husbands, Love Your Wives...

Here is an incredibly wise article for husbands. Be sure and bookmark this link and utilize the practical questions suggested on your next date night. And, pass this along to the other married couples in your church. This is pure gold.

10 Years Ago Today...

10 years ago today, I married the most beautiful, godly, and amazing woman I know. These have been the best 10 years imaginable on this earth. Jeanna, marriage to you, life with you is a loud expression of God's kindness to me. Not once in 10 years have I desired anyone other than you. I can't wait to spend another 10 years as your husband and friend. Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together!

Paul Tripp on Marriage (DVD)

Paul Tripp has a DVD series on marriage called, What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. It contains 10 25 minute sessions.

Here are a few recommendations for this study:

-Use this in a Sunday School or small group. You can download a discussion guide to go with it.

-Go through it with your spouse. Take a personal marriage retreat and discuss the sessions with your husband or wife.

This Momentary Marriage: 2 New Piper Books

John Piper's new book on marriage is now widely available: This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanance. It has only been available through Desiring God's website until now. It is a fantasic book for both married and single people. Be sure to watch the video clip on the WTS site of Piper preaching on the main point of the book (fantiastic!).

Piper also has a new book of poems available: Velvet Steel: The Joy of Being Married to You.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come Soon

Deeply saddened and outraged by this story: Woman married 23 times.
She needs someone to introduce her to a pure, gentle, and glorious Savior, who died so that sinners can have an eternal relationship with the Father and never be lonely again.