On December 31, 2005, Mike and I made these promises to each other:

By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit I make this covenant with you before God and Man.

Shannon, as your husband I will love you as myself.
I will submit to you as it is my honor in the Lord.
In anger and frustration I will not speak rashly, but will face the days to come with joy and laughter with you by my side.
I will be your truest companion; loyal, courageous, and charitable.
I will protect your name, speaking well of you before others.
I will forgive you your silliness as you forgive me mine.
I will protect and keep you, rescuing you when darkness may come and leading our family to the cross of Jesus.
I will be the Father of our children and the protector of our home.
We will live each day, whether in sickness or in health, provision or in want, before the Lord in thankfulness and joy.
Our life together will be worship to God.

Michael, as your wife I will respect you.
 I will submit to you as it is my honor in the Lord.
In anger and frustration I will not speak rashly, but will face the days to come with joy and laughter with you by my side.
I will be your truest companion; loyal, courageous, and charitable.
I will protect your name, speaking well of you before others.
I will forgive you your silliness as you forgive me mine.
I will protect and keep you, rescuing you when darkness may come and leading our family to the cross of Jesus.
I will be the Mother of our children and the keeper of our home.
We will live each day, whether in sickness or in health, provision or in want, before the Lord in thankfulness and joy.
Our life together will be worship to God.

 As we celebrate nine years of marriage, I wanted to take a moment to thank the people in our lives who have helped us to keep our vows.  This would have been nearly impossible without the love, encouragement, investment, advice, time, prayers, meals, and truth that so many people have poured into us.  Thank you for being a part of our quest for the good life.