On June 8th, twenty eight years ago Danny and I got married.
Our hearts made lots of plans.
We planned to have children. We had two amazing boys. And then God completely surprised us with a daughter. A most beautiful surprise that was not in the plan.
We lived on Long Island in New York. We planned to have a nice house someday. And we do, but it is in New Port Richey, Florida. A nice surprise since we both love the sunshine but that was not in the original plan.
We dreamed of having a business. We never imagined it would be selling (the best) chicken sandwiches and sweet tea! A great surprise but not exactly in the plan.
We planned to have Sunday dinners at my mom’s house as our children grew but sadly that ended abruptly when my boys were four and 1 year(s) old.
We planned on watching our kids grow up with their cousin Alex but she will remain forever 18 to us now that God has taken her to be with Him.
We planned on never speaking a harsh word to each other and always communicating openly and lovingly…well you know how that goes!
There is joy and heartache in every journey in every life and every married life. What has held us together and made this journey so beautiful is that even though we have made lots of plans and are still making them, we rely on the reassuring fact that God alone determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9
In his heart man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps
We still make plans. Lots of them. Exciting ones. But we hold them loosely knowing that there will be twists and turns and unexpected detours. We know that even though some of the bends in the road will be confusing, we will look back and see that they were leading us to the places that God intended for us to go.
Twenty eight years later by the grace of God, our love is sweeter, richer and deeper.
And we’re still making plans!
June 5, 2013 at 7:24 am
Such a beautiful example of God’s plan. Happy Anniversary!
June 5, 2013 at 7:31 am
Such a beautiful love story Tracey! Thanks for sharing your heart with us and encouraging us in the Lord that no matter what turns our lives take, it’s always in His ultimate plan for us!
June 5, 2013 at 7:57 am
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed ready about your life together and the wonderful things that you two were blessed by.
June 5, 2013 at 8:17 am
You are so insightful and encouraging! Congratulations to you and Danny!! May this day be exceedingly, abundantly beyond all you could have dreamed for and “planned!” <3
June 5, 2013 at 8:36 am
Thank you so much! This is so encouraging… I have chills! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 🙂
June 5, 2013 at 11:31 am
Happy 28 th…PTL !!!!
June 5, 2013 at 11:32 am
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story! Love you two and are so blessed by your lives! 🙂 Have a great day celebrating all the awesome things in your life!
June 6, 2013 at 3:43 am
WOW… That was BEAUTIFUL… TRUELY MAGNIFICENT… POWERFUL…
I was so blessed by your words. Happy Anniversary… 🙂 In Christ, Sonia Kleindienst
June 6, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey together with God leading the way!
June 8, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Wow! Not sure how I missed this post a few days ago…but it’s definitely what I needed to hear tonight!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing and encouraging. Wishing you a super duper Happy Anniversary, Tracey!!!
June 10, 2013 at 7:15 am
Hope you had a WONDERFUL anniversary! You truly are inspiring. Makes me appreciate life and enjoy my journey.
June 10, 2013 at 7:17 am
Happy Anniversary! I’m sure you had a WONDERFUL day. Thank you for being inspiring and helping me enjoy my personal journey;even with the detours.