Happy Anniversary!!!

Today, May 20th, marks eighteen years of married for my beloved and I, to God’s glory!!! He is my best friend, my best encourager in life. He is Christ-centered, tender yet strong, seeks God first and is a prayer warrior. He is my supporter in life, makes me laugh and one I’d marry a thousand times over. He leads in strength yet gentleness, he is an incredible father that just seems to know when and how with each one of our children and they adore him. He still melts my heart! 💝

It makes me think of people, the lives we live and the influences we have on one another. I’ve heard this quote many times before, but its truth is piercing and reflective, “Are people more like Christ because of you or in spite of you?” In others words, when people ‘hang out’ with you, when they walk away from time spent with you, are they more like Christ because of you or in spite of you? Were they influenced in Christlikeness or did they spend time in fierce battle — seeking God’s protection from your abusive actions or words or lack of them?

I think of my husband. I love who I have become since I became Mrs. Colleen Woodruff. I love to be in his presence because he is in the presence of Christ which continually points me to Christ. Who I was when we married (2000) and who I am today (2018) is quiet different and I am forever grateful to God for that. God has used my husband in my life to sharpen my iron and I pray that I have been that iron back to him in love, graciousness, kindness, and a submissive heart and attitude.

• Our life verse together (from day one) has been Matthew 6:33. It says, “But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, and (then) all these things shall be added unto you.” God first! God’s principles first! This has been key in our marriage and one that I am eternally grateful to have a husband who leads as such! And one that I must continue to allow God and my honey to lead in. Trust and submission aren’t bad words; rather they are blessings!
• Another area that has been the oil that has made our marriage work is this (another biblical principle): forgiveness and keeping offenses short. The Lord has blessed me with a super patient and forgiving husband; one that has taught me what forgiveness is and what it looks likes — what Christ looks like. He’d be the first to say, “I’m not perfect” but he is pretty close! 😘 It has been a blessing to serve the Lord together as one. We are team Woodruff.

We are not perfect, especially me, but I do praise the Lord and give God glory and praise for these marvelous and sometimes challenging 18 years. We have seen much, experienced much, and God is still faithful! May we have many, many, many more to come to serve Him together as ONE!

Truly, thanks for rejoicing with us!

Colleen Woodruff — In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}