Nineteen & Counting

I don't remember what thoughts rushed through my head as I prepared for the day. The ceremony is a blur. Memories of the reception have long ago faded into the recesses of my mind. I do know I spent a lot of time planning the perfect day, not thinking much about the years that would follow. 

How could I have known what this lifetime would bring?

For more than two decades, I've loved him. For 19, I've been blessed to be the wife of  a man who...

~has never - if memory serves me correctly - complained about dinner
~makes me laugh more than anyone I know
~is a true companion
~is humble, compassionate & faithful
~daily demonstrates his servant heart
~spoils me and our girl
~watches endless re-runs of M*A*S*H and The West Wing with me
~grills the best hamburger I've ever tasted
~appreciates my love of sports
~is a devoted father
~inspires me to be more caring
~holds me when I cry
~challenges me to do hard things
~encourages me to serve the Lord
~doesn't mind my reading habit
~works hard & sacrifices for our family
~embraces our differences
~loves me for who I am
~loves me too much to let me stay that way

Happy Anniversary to my man. I'm so thankful for our lifetime together. I pray our marriage has been a testimony of the Lord's goodness and grace.

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.

~Song of Solomon 6:3

What's On My Nightstand: May

It's been a while since I've participated in What's On My Nightstand, but I've read so many good books lately that I wanted to share:

Finished:

The Murder at the Vicarage (Miss Marple Mysteries). This is the first Miss Marple book, and it's a delight. I'd forgotten how sharp Agatha Christie's wit is.

Village School (The Fairacre Series #1). The first Miss Read book I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was disappointed to find my library doesn't have more of this series, but I hope to find them somehow. I'd love to visit Fairacre again.

I Capture the Castle. In a month of good books, this was probably my favorite. I loved this rich story of Cassandra and her family.

 Currently Reading:

The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World. Full of convicting truths, this book is a must-read for women - even those who think they don't struggle with discontentment.

According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. I'm reading this along with the Book Club at Desiring Virtue. I need a good introduction into theology.

Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love. I'm using this as a basis for Sunday School lessons with my Jr. High girls.

The Distant Hours. I've seen a lot of bloggers talking about Kate Morton, and couldn't resist any longer.

Up Next:

A Woman's Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything. After reading rave reviews of this one, I knew I needed to read it.

The Thirteen Problems.The second book in the Miss Marple series, and it looks like fun.

Be sure to check out others' lists at 5 Minutes for Books.

Thankful Thursday

This week, I've been particularly thankful for:

~My loving husband.  He's held me while I've cried and called me on negative attitudes.  More importantly, he made me defend my position on something because he doesn't want me to be swayed. I must admit, I didn't take that as gracefully as I should have, but in retrospect I'm very grateful that he cares that much for me.

~Friends near and far who prayed me through last weekend

~Grace upon grace

~An answered prayer

~Miss Marple.  I'd forgotten how much I adore her!

~The time, energy, and motivation to continue to simplify our home. The more I purge, the more I want to purge!

What are you thankful for this week?