HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Tom and Tammy Anglin, Established April 26, 1980
Eccl 4:9 Two [are] better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. ... 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
“To have peace and love in a marriage is a gift that is next to the knowledge of the gospel.”
Forty-one years ago today, the most beautiful of women, was escorted by her father down the aisle to me. I thought, “I must be dreaming, is this real? I get to spend my life with her?” I love her far more today than I did when we made our vows to each other. When I think of all the amazing blessings that we have shared over these years, our four children and now ten grandchildren, I am so overwhelmed with joy! I could write for hours of how this woman has been the love of my life and why. However, I am in a hurry this morning preparing to get away with her for a few days!
I have prayed the Lord would give me words for some married people today. Here are just 5 things that have helped to keep my wife and I very close over these years and have given us our happily ever after!
#1) Let Jesus always be the Man in the middle. Let Him be the cord that binds the two of you together. Let Jesus alone be the center of your lives! He will make your marriage unbreakable! (Eccl. 4:12)
#2) Never fall asleep at night without saying, “I love you!” No matter the conflict you might have had, forgive your spouse and tell them you love them and let them know you mean it! (Eph. 4:26)
#3) Do the first works! Do the same kind of loving and romantic things you did when you were courting each other. Pray for eyes for your spouse only and to keep your first love for each other alive! (Rev. 2:4-5)
#4) Don’t try to fix your spouse. At the moment your covenant was made with each other, God made your spouse the perfect fit for you, just the way they are! Your spouse is God’s incredible genius to help shape you into the person He has destined you to become! (Mark 10:8)
5) Pray together and pray for each other, constantly! If there is anything the devil is out to destroy, it is godly marriages. Marriage was instituted before the church. Marriage was where Jesus did His first recorded miracle. Marriage is how God illustrates Christ's union with His people! Remember, love is more than a feeling, it is also an intentional action and choice! God loves marriage! Don’t let Satan have yours! (Eph. 5:22-33)
Every blessing!
—Tom