17 years...

...eight kids, 13 addresses, five states, 11 jobs later...

Today is our 17th wedding anniversary and the fact that I celebrating it above ground (and spending the day at a theology conference to boot!) is a testament to the love and patience of my wife and bestest friend. When we met 20 some odd years ago, I was a pompous, self-important know-it-all high school kid. About the only thing that has changed much is that I am older and fatter. Through it all, when many women would have packed it in and moved on, Eva has been by my side being whatever I needed. It is indeed not good for man to be alone, and I am living proof of that. Eva has always been what I needed in a wife and more than I deserved. God is gracious indeed in giving me this woman as a helpmeet.

Happy Anniversary!


An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Pro 31:10-31)