9 years ago today...

I walked down the aisle to the song I have listed below, this exact version and married the man of my dreams.  The man GOD chose for me.  This morning I sit in the quiet, worshipping my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as I reminisce about the miracles God has done in my life through my husband. I can still see Jeremy's legs shaking as he swayed back and forth and even though he won't admit it, his tears were precious.  I used my handkerchief to wipe his tears during the ceremony.  We have it on video! So ha Jeremy, you are caught!

As the song builds and you first hear Michael W. Smith sing the words "HOLY", the doors swing open and I come out with my two Dads down the white carpet.  Our prayer was that the Wedding would be more of a worship service and that anyone at the Wedding who did not know Jesus would have the opportunity to meet Him during our celebration and commitment of love.  We took communion, we worshipped, we prayed, we said our vows, I sang a song I wrote for Jeremy and we began  our lives together.

It has been challenging, difficult and confusing at times.  Trying to navigate this life together and learning to be parents is a challenge for most married couples.  But I think sometimes our challenges have been greater because of our backgrounds and the lives we both came from.  Despite the challenges, it has been a marriage full of forgiveness, joy, laughter (tons of laughter) and REDEMPTION!  

I'm always asked how I knew Jeremy was the one after dating for only two months and then getting engaged and then marrying four months after that.  When we were apart, I had peace.  I never question if he would call.  I never questioned his loyalty and I never wondered if he loved me.  

He's a servant to the core (just ask our seventy-five year old next door neighbor).  He is transparent, honest, fearless, loyal and patient.  He has integrity like I've never seen in my life.  He is someone I want to be like. My children believe he can do anything and they love him more than words can describe.  He truly is our hero and each day when that garage door goes up and he is home from work, EVERYTHING in our world is right.  

Happy Anniversary Babe!  I love where God has taken us and even in the past few months, I am BLOWN AWAY by this rededicated love our Father in Heaven has given us.  I've always wanted my husband to be my best friend and you know what?  You TRULY are.  You are my best friend and I love you.  God has healed me through the power of YOUR love.  We are a team and everyone knows it!  GO TEAM HAYES!

AGNUS DEI by Michael W. Smith

(We went out Saturday night and tonight we are going out as a FAMILY!  The kids are so excited to celebrate with us! Pictures coming tomorrow!)