To Have And To Hold

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,because we are members of his body. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:22-33

Chuck performed his first marriage ceremony this past weekend for some very dear friends of ours! This passage from Ephesians was a reminder to me that the vows we take are so important as we seek to honor Christ in our marriage. I knew I loved Chuck on the day I married him but I could have never imagined how much I would love him right now! God has changed us in so many ways and He has cultivated a love for each other and for Himself that could never be replaced!

Congratulations Kelly and Jason Hunter. Praying for God's grace in your marriage and many beautiful blessings as you begin a life together! We love you!