35 Years...Jackie and Ellis

On March 16, 1974, an eighteen-year-old bride and a twenty-two year old groom professed their love for one another at the Central Park Baptist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. The groom was a college senior who read water meters for the City of Marshall. She was a recent high school graduate who had just quit her job at McDonald's. Surrounded by family and friends, they said, “I do,” and kissed.

Thus began their journey together as husband and wife.

Today…after 35 years of raising three children who are now adults; planning and officiating three weddings; celebrating the births of our five grandchildren; ministry in eight different churches; living in ten different houses; surviving the typical family crises such as, arguments over money, the terrible two’s and the rebellious teen’s, car problems, loss of jobs, major surgeries, and the death of parents…we have not survived, but we have thrived as husband and wife.

I never thought I could have loved her more than I did on that day in March of 1974. But I do love her more…as my closest friend…as my partner in ministry…as the one and only true love of my life.

We have discovered that the marriage relationship is like a triangle with me, Jackie and God at the points. The closer our personal relationship moves toward God, the closer and stronger our relationship with each other becomes.

“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matt. 19:6)

It is my prayer that every marriage could have what we have. I know after 35 years of experience that it is only possible with the Lord in your life and marriage.