Saturday, September 17, 2011

40...and counting (re-post with date changes)

Married September 18, 1971

Nah...I"M not 40!
Just been married that long!

Pete and I were sorta high school sweethearts.
I met him when I was 16 and just going into my junior year.
He had just graduated that June and was off to the local community college.
We got married the September after I graduated, and our 1st born, Giselle, was born 18 months later.
Gina, our 2nd, was born 2 1/2 years later.

Quite honestly, we were a train wreck.
A divorce waiting to happen.
Stupid, selfish, immature, and ungodly.
Pretty much says it all.

Long story short...

I got saved, born again, in February of 1978.
The conviction of the Holy Spirit was SO real.

Pete followed shortly thereafter, in May that same year.

There was no turning back.
Forever changed.

I ALWAYS testify that the ONLY reason we are still married is His mercy and grace.
I can still hardly believe He saved a wretch like me.
The worst of all sinners.
For truly, I once was lost, but now I'm found.
I was blind, but now I see.

After we got saved we had 3 more children.
Krystal, now 29.
Sam, now 22.
Avery, now 19.

Around 2000

Ignore the silly dates in the corners of some of these....
I didn't know how to change the date thingy on my digital camera!

Homecoming, 1969


Sweetheart Swirl, 1970


Sweetheart Swirl, 1971

Torch Lake, 2000

Torch Lake 2003?

Caribbean Cruise, 2005

Black/White party, 2006


Anniversary, 2009

Oh, if only I knew way back then what I know now.
What I would do differently.
Love more.
Laugh more.
Worry less.
Fear not.
Discipline differently.
Repent more often.
Say "I'm sorry", and mean it.
Love more.
Oh, yeah...I already said that one.
Bears repeating.

But...you know what?

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!
His grace is sufficient and His mercy is everlasting.

I love you, Farmboy.
And I'd do it all over again.

In Christ alone,
Cindy

PS...And, lest you think everything is hunky dunky after 40 years, let me assure you, it is not!

However...

JESUS NEVER FAILS

And we put our trust in Him.
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24 comments:

Kim said...

I love a sweet love story like this, and most of all I can say Amen and Amen to all you have said about knowing then what you know now! I think alot of that is just maturing and I agree, I have said many times,
"Where would our family be, if not for the Grace of God ". Thank you for sharing your heart!

Kim in Ky.

myletterstoemily said...

what a beautiful love story and testimony!
congratulations!!

Laurie said...

Enjoyed the testimony and the photos. A big congrats to you both!

Donna said...

Thank you for the inspiration! And congratulations!

camp and cottage living said...

Cyn
Congrats to you and your hubby!
Thank you for sharing your love
story-it was sweet, yet real.
I pray you'll have many more years of love and laughter together!!
Blessings-Kimberly
PS: What a cute couple!

Unknown said...

What wisdom you pass to us. I would love to grab everything you said and firmly live it. Maybe one day, again.

The pictures are precious. Your pictures show you are a women of who has aged so gracefully and beautifully.

I’m sure I’m speaking for us all…we would love to hear about the lessons you have learned and brought you closer to God and you husband.

I always look forward to your postings — I can almost feel your sweet spirit in your words. I wish that we lived close and that you could me my mentor.

—cindy

lillie mae acres said...

This is just simply the best post I've read in a long time. I really hope and pray it reaches somebody that reads it and needs it. You are so blessed and have a beautiful family. Have a blessed day and week.

Maria said...

Congrats and many, many more......

Homemaker's Heart said...

Just popped in to see what you've been doing. Happy Anniversary!! Thank you for sharing your story.

Hugs to you,
Dee

Vickie said...

Me & my hubby? 34 years and everyday is covered by His grace and mercy and love. AND a commitment to Him and to each other. Good testimony, Cyn. Thank you & your husband for a good testimony to your kids and those around you! And congrats!

Dawn said...

Happy Anniversary!
xo

Anonymous said...

Hubby & I will be married 40 years!
Nov 5
Cant believe it!
I keep repeating 40 years 40 years over and over in my mind.

Lots of people got married in 1971

Many baby boomers became of age.

Pamela
OH

Kim said...

Ah, I love this~Congratulations to you and your Farmboy!

Mary said...

Happy Anniversary!

Camille said...

I *so* love this post Cindy! So real and wonderful with *glory to the LORD* shining through it all!! You are a treasure. Happy 40th anniversary my friend. And yes, the LORD never fails!! How blessed we are to belong to HIM!! May HE give you many more years together. :)

With Love,
Camille

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

What a testimony! Thank you for sharing. I think this was my absolutely fav post of all time that I've seen on your blog :)

Susan said...

so beautiful!!! God IS so good!
He alone is faithful..........boy has he shown me and my husband HIS faithfulness......you story is much like ours...very young, not saved, train wreak waiting to happen and the perfect recipe for a divorce....BUT...God had other plans for all our lives....To HIM be the glory!
Blessings!

savvycityfarmer said...

I never tire of this hunky dory love story ...


happy ann-y

goatldi said...

Happy day to the 2 of u! We will be 40 on 10/07/11. Our first child was born on 10/12/74 just 5 days past our 3rd anniversary. We were blessed with another on 6/5/77. And now blessed with four lovely granddaughters and 2 grandson's in love. And with you I would do it over again in a heart beat!

Rachel said...

Happy Anniversary!! Wonderful post and testimony Cyn! I loved seeing all the photos of your life. Yes, Jesus Never fails and we can put our trust in Him! Praise God for His many blessings!!! Hugs!!!

Lovella ♥ said...

Congratulations ...I love this. You are amazing ..Praise be to God!

Mitzi said...

We will celebrate our 49th in November. The time has gone by soooo fast. Your writing today was beautiful and inspiring. Happy Anniversary.

The Coolidges said...

Oh i love this! My husband & I got married 4 1/2 months ago, but have been together for 5 years. Amazing how God work. Love your blog and would love for you to follow us at www.coolidgelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com

Renata said...

Congratulations! It is lovely to hear your witness of how the Lord has held your marriage together. The best marriages have the Lord as the center!
Have a wonderful time celebrating!