Tuesday, March 8, 2011

love never quits...

we were both 16 when we met
highschool sweethearts



 He was 
 funny, out-going, fun-lovin', full-of-highschool spirit.

I was 
the bookworm, way-too-serious, shy girl. 


opposites, you might say.


we came from broken homes
but
we were full 
of  love 
and
full of dreams


simple dreams to
fill our (old) home with lotsa babies
and
lotsa love
love for each other and love for our God


The first 15 years were our adventure years.

we had those babies (5)
we lived in those old houses (4 of them)
we began the adventure of homeschooling
we played football in the yard
we began a family-based business to teach our children to work
(we bought, renovated and re-sold more old houses together)
we had chickens, bicycles, gardens, cookstoves
we built a new house to look like an old house...

Those were happy times:
I had  my squared paper...always planning
and he had  his hammer...building.

Our dreams came true.



we served together, we played together, we laughed together  
and 
we loved together.

It was an easy, fun life with wonderful memories.



The second half has been our hard years.
we have had difficult times
our marriage has been tested
there has been much grief.

his. mine. and ours.

If you have ever lived with someone 
while they grieve 
you will know what I am talking about.
the times when you wonder
Where is that man (woman) I  married 
and 
will he (she) ever come back?


These have been the years when the words
for better, for worse
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
when the I do's


were not just words anymore
but 
choices.

I am a simple girl.
I cling to simple promises and simple commands:

 Love is patient, love is kind.
 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
 it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 
 Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.


 my simple-er paraphrase:


Love never quits.

You do not know how much I have relied on this.
  Grace has been given.
Love has been sustained.

I am sharing all of this
because maybe there is someone out there reading
that wants to quit.
Do. Not. Quit.


Let God be your strength, your grace, your love.



You know, the first 15 were fun
but 
these last years?

These are the years that  really mean something.

Are we (is he) healed?

Not yet.

But we're (he's) getting there
and 
God is faithful.

I love my guy
and
he loves me.

We promised each other and we promised God:

until death do us part


Today 
I celebrate   31 years  of
  fun and  struggle
  joy and  pain
laughter, tears, and madder words.



I celebrate a love that does not quit.



photos  from the *barn shoot*...
jamiehudsonphoto.com

108 comments:

Unknown said...

Ahhhh, what a beautiful post.
I am so glad the drought is over and you are posting more..I am always blessed by your writings and pictures.
You two are so sweet together, the love fairly glows..
and that beautiful family you have.
Priceless!!!

ThereseMarie said...

Wow - lovely words, wonderful photos, thank you for sharing this. You two look so in love. Now I see what inspires you in your creativity.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Congratulation on your anniversary. I chuckled as in our 37plus years we have seen a lot of the same emotions. Now, my illness. It is always something, but I love our marriage and our companionship, Your post is wonderful...and I am crazy for those pictures!

theromanticrose said...

Cara Gracie che bella storia d'amore!Io penso che è piu' bello quando si sta insieme da piccoli,si può ricordare insieme il passato.Quando mi sono fidanzata con mio marito io avevo quasi 14 e lui 17.Siamo sposati da quasi 34.La tua storia d'amore merita ancora tanta felicità,te lo auguro di cuore anche se non ti conosco di persona,AUGURI,Rosetta

Patina said...

What a beautiful post Rene. Love your commitment to eachother and God. He is faithful! I Cor.13 is full of so many things to remember when times get tough.
Blessings!
Debbie

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

What a beautiful post to faith in God and devotion to vows! Yes, marriage is a "choice". To daily choose to continue to love, cherish, forgive and honor our husbands/wives. To choose to see all the blessings, even during the hard times! No one ever said it would all be easy, but BOY IS IT WORTH IT!!!
Blessings to you and your Sweetheart!
Cindy

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. We celebrated our 15th anniversary this last summer. I just had our 3rd baby. I know these are special days. Thank you so much.

Holly Abston said...

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. We celebrated our 15th anniversary this last summer. I just had our 3rd baby. I know these are special days. Thank you so much.

Unknown said...

sooooooo beautiful....soooooo touching......sooooooo made me cry! congratulators on your anniversary. God bless you with many, many more.

Jeana said...

What a beautiful post! I am viewing your blog for the first time and have spent the last hour going through previous posts. What an inspiring woman you are! God bless you and your husband with many more years!

mary pernula said...

This post is just beautiful. I adore the photo's you both took, may God bless you both. HUGS MARY

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

Beautiful photos and a great message. Thanks. judy

Sheila Rumney said...

Tears are rolling down... As I feel like I am reading my story in yours. We too met when we were 16. High school sweethearts. It will be 25 years this summer. Not all easy years, but so worth spending them with him.

Congrats on 31 years of togetherness. May God bless you with many more.

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Happy Anniversary!!!
And I understand EVERY SINGLE word you wrote... 35 yrs. & counting here... married at 19 (what were we thinking?? :)
And some of the toughest times (cancer, family addictions, grief) were what brought us where we are now..
The absolute best!!
I would not trade one minute of this journey.

Junebug Furniture and Design said...

One word...Beautiful!!!

XO

Glad & Celia

judi said...

simple, straight-forward, and oh so true. thanks for sharing your heart. we can use our dark times to give encouragement to others.
judi

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

Oh my goodness... I just found your blog for the very first time and I am so loving this post!!! Happy Anniversary! I married my teenage sweetheart too... we have four children, and will celebrate our 21st anniversary this year. I truly believe our trials and tests are just proof of God's care, when we listen to Him. Whom God hath put together, let no man put asunder! ;) I'll be back for more fun reads here!

Sue said...

Thanks. I needed that. :-)

The Vintage Vagablonde said...

This is a beautiful post.......as I struggle with the dissolution of my 2nd marriage......in being honest with myself....My childrens father was the love of my life....we met in 8th grade. we were married 9 yrs and i was hopen for forever.....he found someone else.

I did meet and marry a wonderful man but ......he was not my FOREVER man.....when he died a little over a year ago.....i grieved...my children grieved....he would have celebrated his 42 b-day last Saturday....I never resolved feelings for this man.....and I had to b fair. life is hard....marriage is hard but if u r with ur FOREVER partner...u can work through ANYTHING!!!

Rose M. Rodriguez said...

Hi Rene (use language translator), I have first of all congratulate you and your beloved husband. What a nice post where you shared the most valuable that have both. His life, his enthusiasm, his love, and their experiences. Congratulations on the 30 year anniversary, where many houses have been constructed and their "home" full of wonderful children and grandchildren, blessings added by the grace of God. Marriage is a commitment that when it contracts in progress learn to live our lives with the same values and experiences that just bring us wisdom. Congratulations for build your home on the Rock that is Christ, in all probability have been so blessed with such a beautiful family! The photos are beautiful, blessings for the rest of the many years they are together, a greeting Rose marie

Unknown said...

Well, you've got me over here tearing up. I could have written your exact words, my friend. I'm right there with you. We've kept going, and God is faithful. Beautiful post!
Blessings
Becky C

Gracie's Cottage said...

Beautiful photos...and a marvelous post. "love never quits" indeed; may God bless you both richly on your special day - congratulations!

Jan

podso said...

Wonderful, wonderful post. Such a testimony of God's grace.

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Lovely post ... Lovely pictures... Lovely people....

Diane Mars said...

A beautiful post, thank you for sharing, yes marriage is full of ups and downs we are constantly working on giving and taking forgiveness and unselfish acts. Congratulations~ pretty photos~

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Congrats on the 31 years.
Its the hardships that rock the boat and test the endurance.
Its the love that keeps that boat sailing...
May you celebrate many, many more.
Susan x

Karen said...

Congratulations on 31 years of marriage. That is a wonderful achievement.

It's me said...

O so sweet lovely couple you are !!! congratulations !!!! these pictures are great !! filled with love !!! ....love love Ria....xxx...xxx...xxx.

Unknown said...

Oh Rene, first, congratulations. Secondly, well written. I would called that real love. I will be celebrating 23 next month and there are days were I asked myself, Who is this man I'm married to? That is when I realized God have given me extra love, grace and patience to deal with whatever comes. I suffered for many years because he will not accept God in his life. he still not, and that is the hardest thing. But I don't go about like I used to, I pray silently, I hang in there and believe that he will come some day, not on my time but his and God. I have relinquish control to the One that is able, I can just pray and believe. Marriage is hard at times but I believe true love stand. You will probably be celebrating many more because you are going about it right. God will do, we just have to believe and never loose our joy and faith. Happy Anniversary to you both, blessings, Marta.

Blessed Serendipity said...

I had tears reading this. So heartfelt so real, and so beautifully written. Thank you so much for sharing your hearts. You are both very blessed to have one another. I have been married to my high school sweet heart for over 26 years and I get it. There are ups and there are downs. There are highs and there are lows, but IT IS SO WORTH THE EFFORT. Sending love to the two of you.

xo,
Danielle

bigeyedchick said...

You're so lucky to have a love like this. I do envy you.

from me to thee......... said...

this post was so beautiful, so honest.....love the pictures, thank you, hugs to you, Linda

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a beautiful post Rene...Happy Anniversary! I am going to show my Mr. this post...it will help him to know we aren't the only ones!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!

Mrs. MK said...

thankful for each year He's given....and all that's come along with it!

Destiny said...

Well, you hit a nerve and have brought tears to my eyes. First of all, I LOVE these photos of the two of you. I am currently in my 7th year of marriage and find myself struggling to feel the closeness I felt when we began. I consider "quitting" from time to time, but then realize what a great man my husband is. Thank you for this post. I feel that it was meant for me to read. Now I'm off to find a box of kleenex! I hope times get easier for you as well ; ) ~Destiny

mrsmerriwhite said...

oh, rené how wonderful and how beautiful !!!
in this times it is so good in the heart to meet a couple like you ...
my husband and I, we are 24 years together and since 17 years JESUS came in our live and we go with GOD ...
our LORD bless you !!!
hugs mina

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

First let me say happy Anniversary. Your life sounds so much like ours. We'll be married 31 years too this year, wow! We were two very young when we met, expect the first 15 were hard years and these last few years have definately been trying years but in a way easier and yet not so much. So glad he didn't give up on me and I didn't give up on him. I loved reading your story. Hope you have a great celebration!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

This has brought a smile to my face, joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. Love never quits is a wonderful quote, a wonderful way to live, through thick and thin, growing older together and more in love each and every day.

Happy 31st Anniversary.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

This is, by far, the sweetest post I've EVER read. Love the pics of you and your husband. Such treasures these photos will always be for your children. But the words will be even greater treasures. Every couple that even contemplates getting married should be required to read your post! Thank you so much for sharing your heart! And may God bless your precious family and your marriage for many many more years!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Ido said...

You brought tears to my eyes, it is so beautiful. Congratulations on your 31st anniversary, here's to another 31 more!
God bless!

missshawna said...

I always love your beautiful, inspiring quotes. Congratulations on 31 years together.
ShawNa~

Saralee said...

Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing straight from your heart!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

What a lovely post. I feel like I could have written part of this. We too have been married 31 years. And I'm so glad I ddin't give up or quit. God does His part...but truth be told we have to do our part...and we have to love and be LOVING!
I so appreciate your honesty, your love for each other...the pictures are wonderful. Your post made my day. Happiest of Anniversaries and years to you!
Blessings,
Debbie
Love never Fails.

sherry said...

sweet amens & hearty congratulations on 31 years. so beautiful.

*love is an act of will*

love,
jAne

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

I wish for you lots more sweet memories together. My husband and I are also high school sweethearts and we have been together 27 yrs, married 23 yrs (;

Sandi said...

Thank God for a love that does not quit and stays the test of time. Kudos to you and your hubby!!

One of my children {well maybe all my children, but I am thinking of one in particular} would tell you that in the first couple years of their marriage it would have been so easy to quit, to walk away and not look back, but they took those vows before God and they were determined not to break them. Now they are soooo happy and we all are so blessed because of them. He is now worship leader at their church and we are in awe of their family and in awe of God's goodness!! They are so mature in thier marriage and in their faith and have only been married 7 1/2 years! God is sooooo good!
Hugs~

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Such a beautiful post ~ there are really no words! ~Stacy~

Angela said...

Oh my goodness, I just love those pictures and your story. There are few of us out there that took our vows seriously and have stuck it out thru thick and thin. Congradulations on your marriage. I , too have been married to my chilhood sweetheart for 37 years. It is such a blessing, and oh the memories we have made. I have visited your blog many times, am new to blogging and have now become a follower. Would love for you to visit my blog when you have time. In a february post, I posted my own love story. Would love for your to read it when you have a minute to spare.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Oh my, such lovely photos and tender loving words! Warmest wishes to you both. May you share many more blessed moments!

Victorian1885 said...

Wonderful post! Happy Anniversary....you are a beautiful couple!
Hugs,
Wanda

Gail Griner Golden at Gail-Friends said...

Renee: What a beautiful story and congratulations on 31 years. I admire your commitment and your love. I pray you will have 31 more "easy" years ahead. The photographs are wonderful.

Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

Shalom,
Gail

Tammy/Yesterday's Cottage said...

So beautifully expressed and I can relate so well.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

What an inspiration!!! ...and gorgeous photos!!! Congratulations for those 31 years and best wishes for all the years to come!!!

Prairie Blue... said...

well sweetie.....best post i have read...ANYWHERE!......i hope many read this, step back, soak it all in and realize there WILL be tough times and to tough it out..it is called COMMITMENT!.....been there ourselves....we are #40 this year....and we are blessed as well......blessings~denise

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I read and felt so much love in your words, Rene - and I love your photographs!

Hubby & I are celebrating 30 years together this year, and it sounds like our path has been very much like yours. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Hugs,
Zuzu

Pauline said...

Oh, Rene! I read this with a big ole lump in my throat. Many congratulations to you both. May the Lord be with you always.
Hugs

Ruffles n Raspberries said...

Never have there been truer words spoken.
Love the pictures of you and your husband. Congratualations on 31 years!!

bikim said...

Dear Gracie,
that is just one of the most beautiful posts i have read in a long time!!!!!!!!!! you've made me smile ... and laugh ... and cry!!!
and i thank you for that!!!!!!!!
you're so right!!!!!!!!!!!!! never quits!!!!!
you look gorgeous together and made for each other! a couple made in heaven you use to say!
be happy and enjoy each other as much as possible, from here to beyond the stars!
gorgeous photos!
take care,
Rosa

Debbk said...

That is so sweet! My husband and I have been married 32 years and your post touched my heart. ( I got it!) I have only recently discovered your blog and I love the "warm fuzzy" I get reading and sharing your wonderful pictures!

sweetpea said...

THIS IS WHY I BLOG. FAR AND ABOVE THE BEST POST I HAVE READ IN A LONG LONG TIME. SO OPEN AND REAL, NO FLUFF, NO MINUSCIA. THIS IS WHY I THINK YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL RENE. HERE'S TO MANY MANY MORE FOR YOU AND THE MR. WHAT A DREAM TEAM.

HUGS,

SHELLEY

Anonymous said...

This was one of sweetest things I have ever read..You made me cry but in a good way..Happy Anniversary to you guys ...And those photos are to die for !!! Debbie from vintage soul

Diane said...

Thank you, Rene. You have no idea how much I needed to "hear" those words tonight. Blessings on your marriage and on both of you. Diane

margit said...

Hi Rene,
I'm new here on your blog.
This sites are soooo beautiful and interesting! I'll coming soon!
Greetings from Austria
margit

Rebecca said...

This is such a beautiful post... the Lord will honor your faithfulness.
My blessings to you both and happy anniversary
Love
Rebecca

Dianne said...

Only GOD our Father, and our Savior, can give us a LOVE that NEVER Quits!!!
Thank you so much Rene for your post; honest, heartfelt, and truth, for so many!

Leah C said...

A lovelier post hasn't been written! Thank you for sharing your sweet "love never quits" story; a beautiful lesson for us all:) Happy Anniversary to you & your guy...and may the years ahead be the best ones yet!

Adrienne said...

Congratulations on your years together - and for staying together! For not quitting! Your words ring so true with me. What the years bring so far outweighs the hard times, as hard as they are, and in the end the beauty of your relationship shines through for everyone to see! Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
~Adrienne~

shannon i olson said...

oh how precious. Love story told in truth. We have been married 23 years. ups and downs...oh yes. homeschoolers too
May God be praised in his ability to sustain us, heal us and strengthen us. What wonderful photos. So glad I found your blog, via Vintage Soul.
Have a wonderful day.

Burnt Raisin said...

I am so glad to have walked by your blog.. This post has melted my heart. I come from a broken home too..oftentimes, when I look at my mom (she's 54), I can't help but wish she had someone to call her "guy" too. Too bad Dad didn't see how wonderful it would have been for him and mom to grow old together..

I still love happy endings..even if I'm not in them.

PeregrineBlue said...

touched beyond words. i gave up after 16 years of marriage and have only recently (five years ago) found someone i can begin to accomplish with again.

the photographs are breathtaking in their elegance and simplicity, they say it all.

My Grama's Soul said...

What a beautiful and heartfelt post this is.

Thank you.

Jo

Unknown said...

WOW!

I love this post!

~Liz

Virginia said...

Never underestimate the amazing power of love...Beautiful post.

Dawn E. Brown said...

love this posting.the pictures are awesome,my dear hubby and I will celebrate 31 years on June 7th, and i felt this could easily have been my posting. It is worth it all, keep on going, you are an inspiration to me Rene. By the way, I love the pitcher and Platter I recently purchased from your shop. It is gorgeous,and my soon to be daughter in law will love it too. God Bless you, Dawn E. Brown

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!
You two are a beautiful couple. I am inspired by your love. The hard times peek and valley but love doesn't quit. You are so right. God Bless you and your beautiful family. I love visiting here and being touched by your grace.
Love,
Roselle

FredaB said...

This was a post that has really touched most of your readers. I would say that you have been through and survived what have been probably the toughest years while raising your young family. If you survived all that brings you should have smooth sailing ahead. The next 15 should be special. It certainly looks like you love each other and your family very much.

From a faithful reader of your blog.
Also married 51 years.

Hugs

FredaB

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Rene, Congrats to you! Your photos are just stunning! I love them all and believe as you do, love never quits. My hub and I met in high school when we were 17 and have been married for 32 wonderful years. Also, all of your grandkids are just beautiful! What a wonderful family you have. You have been blesssed. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Have a great Sunday!
~ Julie

Jewellery Bijou said...

Hi,I have been following your blog for a while and I really love it,very inspirational,I have recently started blogging as well,please visit me as well:

www.jewellerybijou.com

Leah C said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jenna E said...

Gorgeous Post!!! Lovely photos!! xo

The Tin Rabbit said...

Congratulations! Your post makes me smile! The loves shines out from both of you! We will celebrate our 35th anniversary in June! God Bless you both~

Teri said...

AMAZING! Thank you!
Teri♥♥♥

PCovi said...

Wonderful loving photos!!!!
Nice love story too ;)

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Rene ~
So very precious ~ Life is
a wonderful thing ~ The Lord does
not promise us that it will be easy
but He does promise us that He
will carry us through all of our
peaks and valleys ~
I cling to this promise ~

Hugs sweet friend ~
Lori

Vicki said...

Beautiful post and so refreshing!
It is wonderful to see such a postive and up-lifting one. I will be back to visit you. Beautiful photos also....Blessings to you and your husband!

Bonnie said...

Beautiful words. I have been married 28 years and know that all that you say is true. Sometimes the other half seems like a stranger and we wonder if we know them at all any more. We need to persevere until we recognize them again! It happens, but it takes time. Understanding the changes that come within ourselves over the years is not something that we were prepared for, but something that we have learned. We are so much better for it.

Legacy of Love said...

Wow, what a post,incredible pictures
and undeniably a really great love story.

What's more to say? You two were meant for each other.

God Bless,

Burnt Raisin said...

Your visit to my blog meant a lot. Your kind words meant even more. Thank you so much. =)

Steinhäuschen said...

What a beautiful post, congreatulation from Austria.
Barbara

Paula said...

Happy Anniversary!!! What a beautiful post and photos sweet Rene! I was so blessed by all you shared! You and your dear husband make a most wonderful, beautiful and happy couple! God is so good and He has blessed your faithfulness and commitment to one another. I can see the love you have for each other, it is beautiful! Love, Paula

P.S. I loved seeing you and your husband with all of your beautiful grandchildren too! What a blessing they are!

Lynne Forsythe said...

I sit here crying because my other half didn't make it through those tough years and bailed....and how true...the first 15 were fun....then they got difficult, parents passed, injuries happened, children became teenagers and life got tough. I held to my vows buy he couldn't...I guess. I AM SOOOO HAPPY for you and your hubby....to see the ones make it through is such an encouragement!!

Lynn said...

That was beautiful, really beautiful. You truly touched the core of the reality of marriage. So few younger people today get anywhere close to where you two have been. They quit. So glad you and he kept it going. Watching someone you love grieve is so hard, I know. Blessings on your 31st, belatedly.

Lady Jane said...

That was a lovely post to share. It ran the gammet. Thanks for sharing.

Just a little something from Judy said...

You are real. You have a special abitity to share your heart with blogland. Your story and your pictures touched my heart today. What a beautiful sentiment to God's amazing love and mercy. I wish you many more years of growing and loving together.

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Wonderful post. Enlightening, convicting and encouraging, Rene!

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Rene....you two are just so very, very adorable together...that is some creative Photographer too, but easy subjects I can see.
Congratulations on your Anniversary...and bit late !

I did not read all of these posts...gosh it would take me all night...( hope I am commenting to the CORRECT post...but no one seemed to address your "keeping" things.
If you come from a broken home...or a very disfuntional home...like I did...then you KEEP things, so that you feel safe...the more you save the better you feel..or SO IT SEEMS.
I have things sitting around too all over the house too just can't seem to ever get the house "company ready' anymore either. But I will say, you girl have me beat in the "saving" department. But am glad you are addressing it...I am working on it too.

Love your honesty !


Rose

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

We have a lot in common! We also married young, 15 and 17, from broken homes and are now going on 47 years. Your description of the years is Very much like ours. Love, commitement to our vows, and our faith is what keeps moving us forward. It has not been an easy road but nothing worth while ever comes easy. Thank you for sharing. It's comforting to know someone else understands.
Sweet Blessings, Abbey
Sweet Blessings, Abbey

Anonymous said...

You touched my heart with this post. You dug deep inside me and spoke exactly how I feel. You have great courage to spill your guts to us strangers. I totally admire you! You have inspired me to be a better person and to NOT QUIT!

Mary said...

What a beautiful post and a wonderful perspective. The one that God wants us to have. Thank you for sharing. You are an encouragement and inspiration to many and a testament to God's grace. xoxo

trash talk said...

With those three small wonderful words...you said a mouthful.
I think I was led to this post today and thank you Lord for doing so.
Deb

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! I just found you through Laurieanna's and was reading some past posts. What a beautiful house and a beautiful couple and I'm sure a beautiful family! My husband and I have been married 35 years next month. Our first 20+ were the hardest till we got our priorities straight with the Lord! Life truely has gotten better and better everyday since that time. We like to say now we are in our "honeymoon" years because we never really had that during the first years. You are right...Love never quits...we say "Love Wins" and even used that theme for my son's vintage baseball style wedding a couple of years ago. God is faithful! Bless you both!
Patti

The Cottager said...

absolutely beautiful miss gracie! i am new to your blog and was scanning your popular posts...this one was a must read! how inspiring... God Bless you. i married my childhood sweetheart and we are going on 7 years:) love your paraphrase "love never quits". what an encouragement this post was...thank you!

Carla Lillion said...

Simply put...beautiful. My heart echos your sentiment. Thank you for sharing. <3

Maria Elena said...

This has to be the most beautiful post I have ever read. God bless you both.

White Lace and Promises said...

Just can't get enough of your story! Wow! Sounds a litle like my story. Thanks or sharing, for encouraging so many to never quit. You are a beautiful person with so many beautiful things to share.

marie said...

I sit here in tears... I am so thankful that I happened upon your blog...so thankful that the Lord led me to it. I've enjoyed it so much.
Well, today I didn't exactly enjoy it - but what a blessing to me that you chose to link back to this post today. I so needed to read it.
We've been married for thirty years
(31 next month) and the last 14 have been...let's just say not very easy ones. Thank you for the encouragement today...it truly blessed my heart.

God is so faithful...all the time!

Unknown said...

I just read this post today, when I saw it on your sidebar....oh what wise words you have spoken to all of us. I am so very happy for you and your "Mr." (lol) that you are seeing these tough times through together. My Mr. and I have gone through some of these as well, and we always say "Tough times don't last, tough people do"...we go through these times together as a couple, not alone,and we know our God is always with us, and that makes all the difference. Wishing you all of God's wonderful blessings, always. oxox Thanks for being so open and for sharing....you are a wonderful woman!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful couple! I have been married 40 yrs.to my high school sweetheart. I was 15 he 16 when we met. We have experienced many trials any one of them could have ended our marriage. We always knew one thing...we love each other and we are more than a couple... we are a family. We continue to face trials and continue to work through them as they come....such is life. Thank you for your beautiful words.May God continue to bless you and your marriage.