My Valentine

I've joined "Be My Valentine" a marriage challenge over at Women Living Well where for the next four weeks leading up to Valentine's Day I will join women in expressing our thankfulness and appreciation to our husbands.

We are in Week 1 which is: "Look for ways to praise your husband verbally. Praise him in front of the kids, friends, family, co-workers, on facebook, tweet it – get praise out anyway you can! Try to mention something noteworthy he has done – in his role as provider, father, husband, lover, or friend. If the thought of trying to come up with one terrifies you, then pray right now that God will give you new eyes to see your husband as God does. Then open your mouth and say something kind and uplifting to your husband today and tomorrow and the next day until Valentine’s Day arrives!"

I think this is a very cool challenge. For so long I think Valentine's Day has been all about us women...the chocolates, the roses, the special dinner. I'm excited to accept this challenge and take my focus off of me and put it on Phil, My Valentine!

God has been writing our love story for over 15 years now. This April 5th we will celebrate 16 years of marriage. This is what I've come to love and appreciate in my dear husband:

* He loves God.
* He is a spiritual leader in our home.
* He prays with me.
* He is an encourager.
* He is a great listener.
* He loves me.
* He makes me laugh.
* He works hard as the provider of our house.
* He makes time for our children.
* He makes time for me.
* He is giving.
* He is tender.
* He is my best friend.
* He is disciplined.
* He has great faith in God.

Interesting...15 qualities from 15 years of marriage! This must be God's cute way of showing me there is much more to discover and appreciate in the years that lie ahead of us!

We have shared many grace-filled-moments in our marriage. I'm thankful for them all! They have made our marriage what it is today. The inscription I had placed inside of Phil's wedding band was from Song of Soloman 3:4

"I have found the one whom my soul loves."

Another scripture that was part of our wedding day was from Ecclesiastes 4:12

"A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

God is woven all throughout our marriage. I wouldn't have it any other way. The one whom my soul loves has been found and our covenant of marriage is important enough to keep the cord of three strands tightly knit together!

I love you Phil...My Valentine!