Fred and Carla McDougal - 30 Happy Years of Marriage
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion... Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9,12
Thirty years? No way! Where did the years go? Reflecting back, I am humbled at all the Lord has done in our lives. Let me set the scene...
Our Love Journey began when we were teenagers. By the hand of God, I moved to Abilene, TX where I ended up spending my senior year at Wylie High School. We met in "Home and Family Living" class together. I should have realized right then his "family man" potential. Our of all the students the teacher chose Fred as the "1981 Who's Who in Home & Family Living." The year was half way over when he finally asked me out. I knew at the Merl Haggard concert something was different about this guy. Not only was he cute - today girls would say "hot" - his sense of humor captured my heart!
Time moved forward and I followed him to Texas A & M University. We married the summer before our senior year in college. We saved just enough money to make it through the year - or so we thought! The funny stories we have of "making it" are foundational for strengthening our marriage.
I am humbled to say from our dating years - our wedding - our four children - 30 years of marriage - Jesus is and has been the anchor our marriage. He is our rock through the wonderful times and the tough times. Honestly, when I think of a our marriage and the verse in Ecclesiastes 4:12 - a cord of three strands - tears emerge. Its Fred, me, and the Third Strand - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - All in One!
I encourage all to intertwine your marriage with the "Third Strand!" This is the strength needed when the world, the enemy, and the things of the flesh are working to pull it apart. It is exciting to know God is the one holding the marriage together. AMEN!
Try this experiment... Take one strand of thread and hold it with both hands - pull as hard as you can. What happens? It easily breaks in half. Now, twist 2 stands of thread together and pull. What happens this time? Again it's easily broken. For the ultimate challenge... twist 3 strands of thread together and give a big pull. What happens? Why does that 3 strand make a difference? The third strand brings strength to the other two. This is a perfect analogy of how God strengthens a husband and wife relationship. He is the one that holds them together, makes them useful, and brings makes them strong.
To Fred, the Love of my Life... Today on July 28, 2014 I celebrate with you these past 30 years. Thank you for your unconditional love that flows so freely from your heart to mine. Every time you say, "I treasure you" - which is daily - reminds me of your commitment to love and cherish me until death due us part. The laughter through the years is like medicine to my soul. Your sense of humor makes me "Smile all over my Face." Thank you for protecting me, flirting with me, encouraging me, and most of all for spiritually leading our family. Not by rules or regulations, but by a heart of love for the Lord - a relationship with Him. I cherish you more today than ever before.
I love you!
Carla