A message from the Husband...

I'm not much of a blogger myself, but I wanted to let those of you who participate in our blog know how much I love the author.

Marie has been a blessing in my life for nearly 10 years now. From the time we first started dating I could see the wonderful attributes our God had blessed her with. Since that time He has continued to nurture and mature those characteristics to make my wife an even greater undeserved blessing in my life.

If you've read this blog much you know that Marie has 4 main priorities in her life.

Her hearts first desire and passion is to be the child of God she is called to be. She earnestly seeks His will everyday through prayer, study, worship and service. It's such an encouragement to know that decisions in our house are always made with consultation from the Most High. She believes so strongly in prayer that she often exposes her weaknesses on this blog in a hope that readers will add their prayers for her struggles.

What a blessing it is to fall into second place in her life. Marie is a devoted wife who has always supported me in whatever crazy endeavor I've taken on. Her self-sacrifice and servant heart are one of the greatest blessings in my life. Not because of the acts themselves, but because someone could love me so much that they are willing to give up some of their desires for me. She is a tremendous home maker. I can count on one had the number of times I have NOT come home to a home cooked meal. This isn't an expected duty but a way Marie blesses her family. Having a home cooked meal and gathering around the table allows us to talk about our days through the, often boisterous, chatter of our children. Our house truly is a home because of the effort she puts in everything she does. Her prayers help too.

Falling next in line are our three wonderful children. Every night I pray thanking God for blessing me with a beautiful wife and three healthy kids. Marie is an amazingly strong and patient woman. Our two boys are extremely energetic and their sister is not far behind. Yet, she has the ability to not only care for our kids basic needs but to engage them in education activities, worship and just hanging out with mom. It has to be very tempting to turn on Cartoon Network and read a book.

Although I love to come home to the cries of, “Daddy!”, I know how much more physical and spiritual effort Marie has made in the lives of our children. While I spend the evenings with my kids I know that their mother has put in many more long hours in care-taking, nurturing and even prayer for our three blessings.

Marie's last priority follows the previous three in that it involves a servant heart. That is her desire to help other people. She genuinely cares for each and every person she meets. If you keep up with our blog this is quite evident. Not many people post requesting prayers for other families. Look for posts on the Quads, Ethan, etc. I'm constantly reminded of these people and their need for prayer, as is every prayer/study group we attend. Marie always finds the good in people. I can become frustrated with someone and she can point out their situation or their good qualities. This is a great reminder that if not for our Lord Jesus Christ, none of us would be worth much.

God constantly showers blessings on us, even though we are undeserving. One of the greatest blessing I have ever received is the gift of my wife. I thank Him everyday for her. I hope, through this blog, she can be a blessing in your life as well.

~Matt