Bragging

As we draw nearer to Christmas, houses are decorated, refrigerators and cookie jars are filled with baking, and families are gathering together to celebrate this wonderful time of year. Hopefully, as we gather, we remember WHY we celebrate this time of year. Though it is not the time of year Jesus was born, it is when we celebrate this blessed event. After all, what better gift could we receive this time of year besides eternal salvation?

This time of year is a time of family, presents, and love. For me though, there is something else to be excited about. A mere three days after Christmas is the 28^th of December; an unimportant date for many people. To me though, December 28^th is very important. It marks the anniversary of the day that I married my sweetheart.

Yes, last December 28^th, I married my wonderful, loving wife. Laverne (my Verny), has been a wonderful blessing in my life and I can easily say that I love her more today than ever. Did I love her the day I married her? Of course! Still, my love for her has grown over this past year. Though I cannot imagine how it is possible, I know that I will love her even more tomorrow. See, love continues to grow every day.

I have been very blessed to have married a wonderful woman of God. Additionally, she is someone who seeks to fill the example of the ideal woman as described in Proverbs 31:10-31.

10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Verny is a Godly, virtuous, loving wife and she tries to be better each and every day. I want to brag on her! She is so good to me and is a “help meet” as it says in Genesis 2. She helps in the church and leads Sunday School when we have children attend. She decorates both church and home. She cooks, cleans, and keeps a tidy house. More importantly, she supports me, encourages me, and lifts me up in prayer. She is creative and kind. My Verny is a hard worker and is dedicated. She is a beautiful woman, but WHO she is makes her even more beautiful.

I love my wife, and can only hope to be a good husband to her. Through this year, we have had ups and downs (as any couple will). We have had good times and bad times as well. She has put up with me when I’ve not been the best I could be, and has stayed by my side when she could have abandoned me. My Verny has taken care of me while I’ve been recovering from surgery, and has done so without complaining. I know I can trust her when she says that she doesn’t mind helping me. That’s another wonderful thing about Verny: I can trust her!

I could continue writing to brag on my wonderful wife, but the point of this post is simply to let the world know how blessed I am to be married to such a kind and loving woman. As our first anniversary approaches, I know that I am excited to be able to say that I have been married to Verny for a year, and to be able to continue our journey together. I know without a doubt that we will spend the rest of our lives together, and that idea absolutely thrills me. Whether we end our lives by way of death, or rapture, I know that we will remain together, loving each other more every day.

We have made the choice to love and to remain faithful. We have pledged to love, honour, and cherish each other. What a joy it is to fulfill these vows we made (nearly) a year ago.

I love you Verny!