Happy Anniversary

Yesterday was my 13th Anniversary. I am married to a wonderful Godly man who loves and respects me and is a fabulous father to our now 3rd grade boy. Here are 13 things I love about my husband:

1. He has a passion for the things of God
2. He has compassion for those who are lost
3. He loves the Body of Christ (the kind of love you see in the Bible)
4. He has vision and purpose in his life
5. When he talks about something important, he gets very animated
6. When he is with our son, I can't help but smile
7. He enjoys playing games with the family
8. He is competitive without being annoying
9. He gives a good back rub
10. When I need someone to talk to, he is there
11. He is always looking out for the best for me and for our son
12. He puts up with my constant singing (everything reminds me of a song)
13. In good times and bad, he never forgets to say I LOVE YOU

I didn't meet my husband until I was 25 years old. We married a month before I turned 27. He was 30. He asked the permission of my parents before he proposed to me. It was a fairy tale dream come true.

That isn't the case for all women, especially those in countries where child brides are common. Arranged marriages are still very common and accepted in many countries around the world. This article, posted by National Geographic, describes the issues much better than I could ever do:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/child-brides/gorney-text

Lord Jesus, please remember these young girls who have no choice, most married at very young ages. I know that you are grieved when your children are treated as property. Please be with those working to reverse this centuries-old tradition.