Posting has been quiet here lately for a couple of reasons.  It's not that I don't have anything to say but rather what I have wanted to say is coming from deep concerns and pain.  I have been a pretty negative person over the last couple of weeks and I think my posts would have been venomous so I refrained from writing - or actually posting my thoughts. I'll share some of these concerns soon because now I feel I can do so in a way that isn't hateful.

On the flip side, I just returned from four awesome days in Dallas celebrating my 17th anniversary with my beautiful wife!  We stayed at a hotel and just spent time hanging out with each other with no agenda or plans and had one of the best times of our lives!  We wondered why we hadn't done that more often.  I recommend that married couples go take off and spend a few days away from home and their responsibilities and just enjoy doing nothing in particular.  It works wonders and you won't regret it.

OK...I gotta get back to reality and get my "to-do" list done!

Marriage is both a tremendous blessing and difficult pursuit. 

I love my wife for so many reasons and I can't think of living life without her.  She is so beautiful and caring and does way more for me than I do for her.  But this doesn't mean that our road has been easy and that we haven't had our share of problems and battles.  In fact, in the beginning of our marriage she would have been wise to leave me.   I was a drug addict, alcoholic, and an all around bad dude.  Now to be fair she isn't perfect either - but she definitely didn't put me through the hell I put her through.

Why am I telling you this?  Because if we can make it through the problems we have dealt with, others can too.

I find it extremely sad that divorce is an epidemic in our country and even higher among evangelical Christians than non-Christians.   Yes, I think there can be valid cases for divorce such as abuse and infidelity but many marriages end over such things as money, personal differences, sexual problems, or careers.   It also amazes me to hear of people who have been married for 20 years or more and just call it quits.  It takes so long to train your spouse why give up now?  OK, I am joking but why throw in the towel for small things.

Marriage is worth fighting for!  None of us are perfect and divorcing because we can get a younger model, a richer guy, or someone who puts the lid down is still going to have it's set of problems.  If you are having marital difficulties don't give up or give in...pray for your marriage and fight for it.  Seek counseling and talk to each other.  Most of the time things can be worked out if we are willing to just do it.

Donetta and I have had our up's and down's - as well as having to make sacrifices - but every day I am thankful that we have kept the course.  I have failed and quit at many things but my marriage is going on 17 years in just a couple of weeks and wouldn't have it any other way. 

I pray for struggling marriages right now and that God would restore these relationships into healthy and happy marriages.