This year I will turn the big FIVE’ O’, 50, but more importantly, I will celebrate my fifth salvation birthday. That is something truly worth celebrating. It is indescribable how surrendering to God and letting go of my plans changed my life. I believe that God has always walked with me even when I did not walk with Him, blessing me in ways I did not see until later. I have no doubts that Melinda was one of those blessings from God. We had our ups and downs including a battle with cancer that God used to bring her home, but through it all, God used Melinda to show me 1 Corinthians 13 LOVE. I have been asked would I do it all over again; YES, without hesitation. Without Melinda, I would not have, Brian and Megan. Without Melinda, I would not be the “Follower of Christ” I am today. Without Melinda, I believe there are people that may have never come to know Jesus. Without Melinda, I would not know what a healthy marriage should look like. It is because of Melinda, I know that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Melinda was a blessing from God to me.
Genius 2:18 (AMP) says “Now the LORD God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him.” I think this is why I have always been drawn to having a helper by my side. I need someone to help balance me. I am sure God knows that too and that is why he sent April into my life.
One of my favorite podcasts is Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson. I have watched every episode since it started. I’ve learned a lot about the Robinson family in over 400+ episodes. For example, according to Jase, he and his wife Missy do not have much in common except the LORD, and as he puts it that is really all you need. I tend to agree with the presumption that if a husband and wife will keep the LORD at the center of their relationship then it can survive and thrive. Although I do think a marriage would be even better if a husband and wife have things in common.
April and I have been dating long enough to know we have a lot in common. Most importantly we share a strong belief in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Neither of us have any doubts that God brought us together, but we are also adults that do not mind a little bit of confirmation. After attending Promise Keepers in Dallas and listening to Drs. Les Parrott speak about marriage, we decided to take the SYMBIS Assessment and complete pre-marriage counseling. The SYMBIS Assessment only confirmed how much we have in common but more importantly, it highlighted the few areas we will need to work on.
It is with great pleasure that I can announce that April and I are engaged to be married. At almost 50, I have been blessed to travel the marriage road once with Melinda and now God has blessed me again, by allowing me the opportunity to travel a new marriage road with April. Melinda and I hit a few potholes, had some flat tires, broke down a few times, but saw a lot of beauty along the road we traveled. I expect April and I will have our own share of potholes, flat tires, and broken down vehicles along our journey, but I know as long as we keep God at the center we will see all the beauty He wants to show us along the way.
I have already been asked several times, “Are sure about this?” YES, I am positive this is the path God has me on. Just like I am 100% sure of the blessed assurance I have in my salvation. Jesus died on the cross for my sins and on the 3rd day he rose from the dead.
If you do not have that blessed assurance that you will be with Jesus when you leave this world talk to me or another Brother or Sister in Christ. Let us help you to have that Blessed Assurance.
