For my groom...

This is one of my favorite pictures from my wedding. Not because it is all that fabulous of a photo, but because it takes me back to the moments just before the doors at the back of the church opened for me to make my grand entrance. You see I was peeking through the crack in the door watching Rob get into place at the front of the church. I remember thinking how handsome he looked in his tux. He could hardly contain his excitement as he waited in front of our friends and family. I found out later that he had been up since 5 or 6 AM anxiously awaiting the ceremony and after spending some time praying in the parking lot of the church, drove up and down the freeway as he listened to loud music (apparently he couldn't sit still). As the doors opened for me I watched my groom as his breath was taken from him and he literally took a step backward. I had never before felt more beautiful as I did when I saw his reaction to seeing me in wedding gown for the first time.

For many people their wedding day was the best day of their life. A day they long to repeat. And while it was an incredible day that I will never forget and will always treasure, it was after all just a day. One day in a lifetime of love together. I said earlier that I had never felt more beautiful as I did that day, but I have been blessed to feel that way over and over again since then because my groom, 8 years later, still sees me that way. The Word tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church. As my husband has loved me unconditionally he has taught me about Christ's love, Rob's love for me is a picture of Christ's love. I thank God each day for this man He gave to me.

So as we celebrate our 8th year of marriage I just want to thank my groom for loving me and for letting me love him. Thank you for standing by me and being such an incredible source of strength, support and encouragement. Thank you for willingly submitting your self to Christ and letting Him mold you into a man after His heart. You are an incredible man and I am proud to be your bride. I can't wait see what the Lord has in store for us!