Sabbatical Day 2- Fast food is good for you

Sabbatical Day 2

Prayers answered! Slept like a baby last night. Speaking of babies, I have 3! Elijah 16, Emmy 14, and Ezekiel 11. They are all a result of a divine encounter. At the age of 18 I drove to Marion Indiana for Freshman orientation. Before I arrived I stopped at a Burger King for lunch. Standing in front of me was a confident, spitfire blonde. While I gathered my courage to say hello, my first thought was, wow, she's really loud. She talked loud, laughed loud. She smiled continually. Her hair was all one length and down to her waist. Blond with huge curls. Torn Levi jeans with flip flops? Ummm yes please! "Do you want to have lunch with me?" Reluctantly she said yes. It was the first word she ever said to me. Yes. What a great word. I married that young woman 4 years later. Now the time in-between when we met, and finally got married was tumultuous to say the least. Break-ups, confusion, disobedience, a year away in Bartlesville Oklahoma, arguments (they haven't stopped:) and profound drama. But in the end, God brought us together. Our marriage isn't perfect. If you read yesterday's post, you know that I like to be in control. My wife is the same but on steroids:). I honestly think she could run for president and I KNOW she could beat Hillary.

So we have a spirited marriage. We have to work at it every single day. We have to forgive each other every single day, and we have to compromise....every single day. There is one thing that has always been constant. Love for God and love for each other. That has never wavered. I counsel young couples often, and I tell them that if Holly Syswerda Grate and I can make it, they can too! We have been married for almost 18 years now, have 3 amazing children and work together everyday to bring the kingdom of God into focus for those around us. She is my best friend, my lover, mother of our children, and companion for life. She is amazing. I am undeserving, and I thank God every single day for the precious gift He gave to me in Holly. So enjoy those flame broiled whoppers, and trans fat soaked onion rings. It might just be a Romans 8:28 moment;)

Proverbs 31:10-12
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.