Has it really been 5 years?

It's hard to believe that five years ago yesterday at four o'clock on a beautiful December afternoon, Jon and I committed our lives to one another in marriage!

Have you ever seen the movie, Groundhog Day? In the movie, the guy keeps re-living the same day over and over again. Jon and I always say that if we had to pick a "Groundhog Day" to live over and over again, it would be our wedding day hands- down. Why? We were surrounded by our closest friends and family in a gorgeous church and there we pledged to be God's gift to one another forever. The "theme" we chose for our wedding was "The Gift". We wanted the celebration to focus on the gift of life, love, and commitment we were giving to one another for a lifetime and to serve as a reminder of the most precious gift we have ever received, eternal life in Jesus Christ.

It is no coincidence that our family vision is to "give life". We want to give life to one another as marriage partners, to our children, to our family, to our co-workers, to our workplaces, to our neighbors, to our friends, to ministries that bless and serve others, and to those who have not yet discovered the power and joy of having new life in Christ.

Do Jon and I always do a great job in fulfilling our vision? Honestly, my answer would be "not nearly enough" but we've grown leaps and bounds in five short years. In thinking yesterday about why we celebrate anniversaries, I was led to think of it as a time to reflect and ask ourselves the following question, "So, how are we doing on fulfilling our family vision?" Isn't that what a marriage partnership is truly all about? Yes, of course it is having someone by your side to laugh with, spend time with, travel with, make a home with, have children with, having someone to witness your life, but oh it's so much more really. I was reminded yesterday that it's about making sure you are doing more together for the Lord than you could have done apart to fulfill your vision...ultimately God's vision.

So, why do I share this with you here on our family blog? Because many of you who are reading this were witnesses to our vows five years ago. I'm asking you to continue to encourage us in our endeavor to fulfill the vision God has laid before us as a family. In sharing our dreams and goals with one another last night over dinner, we are excited about what the future holds! There is work to be done, seeds to be sown, love to be shared, and lives to be changed and it's up to us. Jon, I love you and praise God for the wonderful husband and father that you are. I am so blessed. Friends and family, I love you because you have loved us, supported us, prayed for us, and encouraged us!

Jon took me to The Melting Pot for fondue last night! It was marvelous....quiet, romantic, and oh-so-delicious! Here are some pictures of us celebrating...