Glorieta, NM and God's beautiful creation

This weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Glorieta, NM to observe the Kick-off for the New Mexico Super Computer Challenge, high school program. While the event was informative the real thrill was returning to the spot where God first revealed to me the true extent of the beauty of His creation. Living in New Mexico, I have been inspired by my fair share of spectacular sunsets and have sat in wonder as the sun rose over many majestic mountains. In the Fall of 1993 however, God introduced me to the pinnacle of HIs creative beauty... my future bride. On that day and on ever day since, the beautiful rainbows, placid high mountain lakes and roaring waterfalls have paled in comparison to the lady that God had prepared in advance for me.

Back here in Carlsbad, under the weight of looming deadlines and urgent committee meetings, we sometimes forget to take the time to admire a sunset or pause to skip a stone across a glassy lake. I am thankful that God set such a perfect example of His creative work in front of me daily.

Only God can take a place as beautiful as Glorieta, beautiful in it's own right with it's towering yellow aspens and unending misty mountain ranges, and make it seem inconsequential compared to the beauty that He placed in the little lady who kisses me goodbye each morning.

He truly is a wonderful God, and He has given me a wonderful wife.

We're Teenagers

Today was our thirteenth anniversary, and we spent the evening out with our three wonderful kiddos. Even at ten, eight and six years of age, we found that our offspring have a few misconceptions about marriage and weddings.

As we watched our wedding video, Ruth seemed a bit confused about who the groomsmen were. She looked up at Kerri and asked, “Hey, at some weddings, do they just put out some boys and let you pick which one you want?” I sure am glad Kerri chose me.

With Kerri’s class schedule this semester, it has been one of the most hectic times in Our married life. We are both very thankful to the Lord for guiding us together over the last thirteen years. It seems like it has only been a moment since we exchanged our vows, and yet it is hard to remember living without Kerri at my side.

There are so many stories of infidelity and broken relationships around us that we are constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have had such great upbringings and marriage counseling as well as a great group of friends who have surrounded us over the last thirteen years.

While we have now become teenagers in terms of marriage, we have a lot of friends at Church who are in their 30's, 40's, 50's and even 60th year of marriage. And while we are not looking forward to the physical aches and pains that come with age, we are looking forward to being able to say that we are celebrating our 50th year together. Something, I fear will be a rare event by the time Kerri and I reach that mark.

I am definitely a blessed man. Far above all others.

Thank you Kerri, for marrying me.