Friday, June 13, 2008

sixteen years ago today


I said "I do" to my dear Chuck. Looking back I almost wonder what were we thinking? We thought we were knew everything about each other yet, there was so much to learn. I thought we were so mature, yet we were so young. I thought life would be easy, yet it has had it's challenges. I thought we would get pregnant easily, yet it took years. I thought we would make roots and plant our family somewhere, yet we have moved many times. I thought this house was our forever house, yet it is now for sale. I thought we would be together tonight to celebrate our marriage, yet we are in different states.

Needless to say, we have our ideas and our plans, yet God has His. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 I would rather go with God's way, it is His will that I desire. He knows what is best.

And even though it hasn't all ended up quiet like I thought it would, I am glad for how it has all happened. I continue to choose joy as my response to all of the bumps in my path. And I MUST say, I am so grateful for God's grace in our marriage. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am just so glad that Chuck asked me to be his bride. I know for sure that I love him more tonight than I did sixteen years ago. I am so glad that our love has grown. (miss you sweetie)

20 comments:

Rachel said...

Oh Cris...what a beautiful bride and woman you are. Wishing you were together with your hubby and praising God for bringing the two of you together...

Salzwedel Family said...

Happy Anniversary! I pray you will be reunited soon & can enjoy many many more years together. God loves your faithfulness & desire to follow His will.

Shaleen said...

Happy Anniversary Cris & Chuck. Cris, I admire the way that you look for the possitive in every situation. I can feel your heaviness when you are struggling to write about the silver lining when that dark cloud looms overhead. God has given you that gift to inspire others. Thank you for using it. You inspire me.
To help put things in perspective... If you have not heard, there is a huge fire out here. We know one family from school that lost there home yesterday. The really sad part is that they moved here after being evacuated during Katrina. So... even though your house is still FOR SALE. I'm glad that you have a house TO SELL. Still praying for you.

Lee and Bev said...

The happiest of anniversaries to you both. We love you and thank God for your desire to honor Him in all you do. We trust this seventeenth year is going to be the best!

greta said...

Love this post! Congrats on 16 years! Wish you guys were together, but I know you will be soon.

Julie said...

Aww, Happy Anniversary! I admire your possitive additude too!

Major Mom said...

Happy Day!

Christy said...

Here's to another great 16, and many more after that! Being apart is hard- but it makes the together times GREAT =)

oneblessedmamma said...

Happy Anniversary Cris! Our 16th comes up in 2 weeks. Funny how grown-up I thought I was then, and looking back, how terribly young I really was. I totally agree with everything you said. I'm so sorry you guys are in different states right now!

Randi Sue said...

Happy anniversary! I like the way you wrote.

Anonymous said...

It had to be a hard day on you both being apart. I remember that 16 years ago it was a boiling hot day! Your reception was so very special in the park with a barber shop quartet, popcorn machine, ice cream and even swans on the lake.
Good old fashion style.
Glad you are my daughter-in-law.

Anonymous said...

Wow 16 years! To think I have known you almost that long!!!

I am so sorry you are alone for your anniversary. This has got to be a very trying time. I love your heart though and your faith. I read this and thought... this could be me writing this. I too married young... no idea what I was doing.... and look it this crazy path God has taken us down!

Many hugs!

You guys just keep getting better looking too!!!

Annie said...

What a completely adorable photograph! You are just too cute. Congratulations.

K-Sue said...

Congratulations! I'd have seen this sooner, but we were in Georgia celebrating my parents' 50th anniversary! June 13, 1958!

My friends, even when you are physically apart, you are more together than many couples. This is a great blessing. May the Lord continue to bless you.

A Girl, her God, and a Gift! said...

Happy Anniversary! Andy and I couldn't believe that it's been 16 years already. What a beautiful tribute to the Lord and to your marriage. I am sorry that ya'll were apart for your anniversary, that's gotta be hard. We're still praying for the house to sell and for the Peters' Peapod to be re-united soon. We love ya'll and are blessed to call you friends.

steffany said...

happy anniversary

Steph C. said...

Happy Anny. You were a gorgeous bride. Can't you just remember every detail of that day? I do!

Ginny said...

I love that wedding photo! I am praying that you guys are together again-for good- soon!

Chuck Peters said...

Cris,
You are a wonderful wife and mom! You have been Gods biggest blessing of my life! I can't imagine who, what and where I might have wound up/become without you. Thank you for 16 amazing years! I love you immensely and miss you more than I can express!
~cp

Sarah said...

Happy Anniversary!! (late!) :) I'm sorry you and your hubby weren't together this year. I hope next year you can celebrate double to make up for it!