anniversary | husband | marriage | Proverbs 31 | wife
The Proverbs 31 Man & the Proverbs 32 Woman
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| My sweetie put the veil back down over my face after the kiss. In this pic, he had just pulled it back! |
Silver what? Anniversary? No – that is for really, really old people.
This milestone marked by silver platters, silver candlesticks, and silver picture frames is upon me – yes my 25th wedding anniversary is tomorrow, July 31! And I am loving it!
I remember my first glimpse of Timothy Dale Hollis. The year was 1984 and we were at the Crossville Baseball fields in Lamar county. I saw him walking down the center of the complex one day and I thought, “He is really cute, I’d like to go out with him!”
Well, God put us together in the concession stand just a few weeks after that…and so it began. We talked more than we served snacks that night. A few months later, we started singing in a youth choir together. One night after practice, he asked me to sing a duet with him – wow – that was HUGE! It was a reason to get together! He wanted to sing “More than Wonderful” by Larnell Harris and Sandi Patty. If you are familiar with the song, you know we really overestimated our talent! It wasn’t long before we started dating and I knew after our second date that he was the ONE.
How did I know? Well, he didn’t care that I lived out in the middle of no where (Beaverton actually). He didn’t care that I lived in a house that you had to walk through every bedroom to get to the bathroom. He didn’t care that I smelled like a stale cigarette on our dates (because I lived with smokers). Most of all, he didn’t care that I was a bartender’s daughter and he was preacher’s son! Any guy that is willing to drive 25 miles to pick me up for a date in Beaverton, AL is worth a second look, AMEN?
But it was, and still is, so much more. Tim has always been my number one supporter. He encouraged me to finish college, to continue my education, to go after my dreams! He was always willing to take care of the kids and help with the housework as I pursued these things. And now, in this season of our lives, he gets my calling into women’s ministry. I cannot tell you in words what this means to me!
We’ve made it through all kinds of things: raising two kids, building a house, job changes. The Apostle Paul tried to warn us in 1 Corinthians 7:28 that if we marry, we WILL have trouble. LOL Paul – thank you very much! And we have had our share…but deep down, we know that the covenant that we made before God is the glue that binds us together and will continue to bind us together. Tim says it is Gorilla glue and not Elmer’s ;). Genesis 2:24 calls it cleaving or to “be joined” and it literally means to be stuck together.
I think this mindset has been the difference in our marriage. We made an advanced decision 25 years ago that we would honor our vows no matter what. And we have – not always with joy mind you – but honored nonetheless.
The Bible gives a model of a godly wife found in Proverbs 31. I think I have been more like the Proverbs 32 woman most of the time (just go look her up and let me know what you find)! If there were a Proverbs 31 man, I think Timothy Hollis’ picture would be right next to it.
BTW – we didn’t sing that duet until like 10 years into our marriage, but we have been “singing” duets for 25 years now. Sometimes off key, but always together! Have you ever tried to sing with your spouse after you have had an argument? Not easy my friends!
Hey Baby – let’s go for 25 more!
I’d do it all over again ~ if I had to! Inside joke between us 🙂
I can’t wait to be the G’ma to your G’Pa! Love you to pieces!
I’d do it all over again ~ if I had to! Inside joke between us 🙂
I can’t wait to be the G’ma to your G’Pa! Love you to pieces!
Oh Shelly! what a beautiful testiment to the power of “sticking together”. I am slightly (ok A LOT) envious of your 25 years. (yes i know envy is a sin but I think He understands). May God grant you 25 more years and then 25 more years after that! You are such an inspiration! I am so glad we met at She Speaks. Hugs, Michelle
Shelly, great post. Happy Anniversary. You share your anniversary with another great couple, my sister and her husband, who are missionaries in Uganda. Glad to see two godly women celebrating marriage today.
Luke 13:18 What is the kingdom of God like?
John 9:35 Do you believe in the Son of Man?
Mark 9:23 If you can? said Jesus Everything is possible for him who believes
Matthew 8:26 You of little faith why are you so afraid?
Thanks Stacy! Amen to Mark 9:23!