A Redeeming Love Story: Mom + Dad

Dad: "After 24 years of marriage, love has matured beyond the butterflies and giggly feelings when we see each other. It’s more than a need to be together it truly is a want to be together. Love is partnership, acceptance, emotional support, commitment, calmness, respect, caring, kindness, friendship, considerations of feelings, and so much more."

​How can the two of you serve God better together than apart? 
Mom: "We complement each other and work well as a team.  Sometimes Nate takes the lead and I follow. Other times I am in a leadership position.  We encourage each other and build each other up."
Dad: "You (Brianna) planted a seed in our souls to serve those less fortunate. In the recent spiritual gifts test, we both have Apostleship as a primary gift. God will use those gifts as we seek to collaborate in existing ministries and starting new ones (ex. Our small group, and the hopeful disabilities ministry)." 

Mom: "I look to him for decisions that need to be made; I trust that he wants the best for me and our family. I try to care for him in a way that reflects my love for him."

Dad: "God has molded her into a tireless servant in all that she does- her job, her relationships and our marriage. She’s a selfless giver that often (maybe too often) puts others above herself. Knowing that, it’s MY job to put her first and love on her the way she loves on others."

Mom: "We dated and broke up when Nate returned home after being stationed in Florida.  We stayed in contact, but I was thinking of ending our friendship because Nate was dating someone else.  Nate called to tell me his father had cancer. I almost didn’t call him back, but a friend encouraged me to call.  Our friendship was strengthened and that led to our reunion and getting back together.  God used Nate’s father’s illness to draw us back together.  Within a year, we were engaged and a year later, married and expecting our first child together." 

Dad: "She serves in countless tangible ways but it’s the intangible emotional support and trust to lead our union that is the truly valued service." 

Mom: "​I look to him for decisions that need to be made; I trust that he wants the best for me and our family. I try to care for him in a way that reflects my love for him."