"Jazzy J": Happy Anniversary Tootsie and Pop!

Today is my parents' 35th Anniversary. I'm so thankful for the legacy they are leaving us and the great example they've provided over the years. They truly love each other and like each other! Imagine that in today's world! I'm sure they've had their difficult times and ups and downs, but they've kept their commitments to God and each other and it seems as though their love has multiplied through the years. Their relationship seems to have grown sweeter with time and it has been a privilege to see firsthand.

What a security I had as a child to know that my parents loved each other and that our family was strong and would stay intact! I had no idea what a blessing that was at the time, but after being out in the world and especially given the situations of the children we work with, it has become more than evident! I cannot express how thankful and humbled I feel to have been born to these two wonderful people. It is my hope and prayer that I will be a good steward of the special gift I was given in having such wonderful parents. "To whom much is given, much is required." This is quite daunting to me given the fact that I feel I've been blessed undeservingly with such a heaping portion of "wealth" in the gift of my family.

These are just some of the things I've learned about MARRIAGE from Phil and Kathy Pate. I hope through the years I can learn to apply these things like they have:

M - Make God the center of your personal life and home. Not empty religion and rules, but a growing, thriving relationship with Him that is real. As a result, find a great family of other believers and get

involved and committed. This will be a great support to your marriage and children.

A - Ask for forgiveness of your spouse and of your children when you mess up. They will respect you all the more.

R - Romance....Keep the romance alive by holding hands, kissing (just pecks in front of the children please), and going on dates. When you can't afford dates or don't have time, have couch dates!

R - Revolve your time around each other and the family. Get interested in each other's passions and activities and support each other. (My mom is an excellent example of this in how she invested herself in my dad's

coaching career and our activities and was our biggest supporter).

I - Involve each other and the kids in family decisions. Communicate openly and make each member of the

family feel like they have a voice. Generate a team atmosphere.

A - Ask God for His blessings and grace over the marriage and family. While my parents weren't perfect, they bathed our family in prayer and it's amazing how God's grace can cover a multitude of imperfections.

G- Give your marriage priority, even over the children.

E- Enjoy each other. Have fun. Laugh at and with each other. Set a mood of love and laughter in the home that overflows from your relationship with God and each other. It's contagious!

This is Dad, me, and Mom at my masters graduation at UT Tyler...Spring 2009. What a fun day!