Sunday, August 15, 2010

If We Choose The Lord He Will Do Great Things! Happy Anniversary My Sweet Man!

Hello sweet ladies,
As I said last year in my post, prepare your brain!

Okay........... I know this probably doesn't look right,..........and you know what, it isn't.

But when you come to a day.........
and you give the Lord all that you have.............
lay it at His feet.
God Almighty...........
will take that life ..............mold it with His Hands
and make Beauty for Ashes.

Happy Anniversary My Sweet Mr. Phil, 36 years!

Our family verse is:
Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and
restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.


When I was a young lady in my early 20's I didn't live as the Lord would have me to live. I loved going to church, but I had to go back home and live in a home that did not know Jesus. I look back now and my Momma and real Daddy didn't know what it was to live for Christ. Alaska was a very hard place to be raised in. It was the place called the Last Frontier. And it was..........very rugged. I loved my parents, even though my life was not perfect in our home. There was a lot of alcohol, because that was just what you did. When you don't know anything different, you love what you have, that was life to me. I sympathize with the children with hurting homes, but do you know they still love their Mommies and Daddy's, that is just the way it is, because that is all they know, right or wrong. That is their family. That is another story for sometime. I started going to church when I was 15 and accepted the gift of salvation and chose Jesus Christ to be my Savior. I found myself pregnant at the age of 2o. After my siblings and I watched our parents divorce, our worlds fell apart. They believed the lie that it is "better for the kids" Wrong! I am not blaming my disobedience on my parents, but it did have a huge impact on my life. I don't care how old you are it rips at the very fiber of who you are. I ended up having a little boy. He was my everything. He name was Jason Christopher. So 70's name. I never married the young man (Praise God, two rights would have not made it right) and I raised Jas by myself in Alaska. It was not a glamorous life. Remember my parents were divorced. It was hard and very lonely. I lived in a little two room apartment alone. It wasn't the way the Lord intended for me, but I learned a lot during that time. Scripture teaches to be married to your husband and then have children. He is right. I loved my little boy though. He gave me a purpose to think about someone else besides myself.

A year later I met my Mr. Phil. I introduced him to my Momma and Step Dad and she took one look at him and thought I had lost my mind. Heehee! I had, I was in love!!!!!!! She loved him later on more then she loved me. Smile. My Phil would tell you that he was not a Christian at the time. He would tell you that he "knew" all the stuff, but he had never accepted the gift of eternal life. I should have not persued the relationship since I was a believer, but I did. The scripture is very clear on that also. We ended up moving down to Kansas, thinking we would always move back. We were not married at the time. That didn't go so well with the Kansas farmers. (I write in last years post a little more) Anyway, we got married August 16th. That is why Jason is in the picture with us. I felt I could not wear white, that was my personal conviction. I made our clothes as you can tell. We were definatly from the 70's. I look back now and feel for my precious husband and son! I MADE THEM WEAR THAT!!! We giggle so much about it now. A gift.........from God! The day of my wedding was the highlight of my life. Jason who was adopted by Phil Jason tells people, when he has to explain (sometimes your choices follow you forever)......... that his Daddy picked his Momma and himself. He says we were blessed. It is so true. Phil accepted Christ when our second son Joshua was born. Josh was born onChristmas Day. Scripture jumped out at Phil. God wooed Phil to Himself. Our life changed. It wasn't that Phil and I weren't "good people." It was that we were lost. We both wanted to learn all we could about a family and marriage. The Lord directed us to a precious church. We learned so much and My Phil started leading his little family. We have 3 older sons Jason, Joshua and Jarad, who are married to precious ladies and then 13 years later after the last son, we had our first girl Tressa and 3 years after that we had another girl Taylor. We love Jesus, family and want to be a witness of His grace. I look back on our life and I see that the Lord has used everything to shape us, not perfect just a free!

I am thankful He gave me you, My Sweet Man and it has been Good!

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!! I will love you forever!!!!!!

This Monday our anniversary will be a little different.
We will be sharing our day cooking for the Football Team, as we work in the college kitchen.Heehee, now that will be a different kind of celebration! We will probably be to tired for any romantic little dinner. Smile!

P.S. I decided to put this up today. Life will be a little hectic tomorrow. Please pray for our family, as we go out and love these kids and faculty! I have been a stay at home momma all our 36 years. I have made it a place of refuge for my family, now my time will be stretched. I so don't want to loose that. I am so grateful our whole family will be going out together. God is sooooooo in the details. I love Him.

I hope our life will encourage those of you who are having tough times in your marriage. Stay true to the commitment you have made. Give the hurt to the Lord. He will take it and make itBeauty for Ashes. If He can do it for My Phil and myself. He will do the same for you. Hard yes, but right. Obedience to His word is the key.

You can read my post last year here if you like.

I heart you ladies............you are the sweetest gifts from Him!

Hugs from the farm!


Photobucket

39 comments:

  1. Many more blessings are wished for you, Happy Day!

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  2. Happy Anniversary Linda & Phil! I will be praying for you as you go tomorrow. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings,Karen

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  3. Linda, I wish you and Phil a Happy Anniversary. It's good to know that a little faith takes you a long way!

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  4. A beautiful story. Happy Anniversary!! -Tammy

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  5. Thank you for sharing your story. What an encouragement it is to see what God can do!
    Your pink flowered 70's clothing makes me giggle too!! I really love the way your family looks, even if you MADE the boys wear that.....your Mr. Phil is one awesome man, see, he was tough enough to wear pink even then! Gotta love a man like that...
    Have a wonderful anniversary!
    Love, Heide C

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  6. This is precious, Linda..wow and I learned some things I never knew about you :) :) :)...I think this is one of the best love stories I've heard...love story between you and Mr. Phil and the ultimate love story that you share with Jesus Christ :) :) :) This is so good. There are some good words in here. You and Mr. Phil and the girls will be good witnesses to all those students and faculty!!! That's for sure!!!! I can't wait to see what God puts in your path...and what you'll have to write about it. I'm definitely praying for awesome things here.
    Oh, I just found out one of my cousin's, He's a Marine at Fort Rylie..He's a dear cousin who's having a little bit of a difficult time. So I like these words of yours because no matter what we've gone through we can choose to follow Jesus Christ and HE will make beauty out of the mess in our lives :) :) :)
    OH, I love a good romance...can you tell? Have a great day tomorrow. Maybe you and Mr. Phil could wear some crazy hats to celebrate tomorrow? Well, not sure if they'll let you do that in a kitchen...but it was worth a try :) Love and hugs and Happy Anniversary, Heather :)

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  7. Oh...Linda, good luck tomorrow (you are in my prayers) but I know you will do wonderful. Congratulations on your anniversary..what a blessing to have such a beautiful marriage!

    xoxo Gert

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  8. Oh, I forgot to mention that when my parents got married in a Las Vegas chapel...ahem..my mother was wearing a dress just as long as yours...but red and with slightly puffy sleeves an a princess waistline. My mom made that dress and I do remember it...but not sure what has happened to it now..I think I got my love of red from her.
    It was the 1970s...they couldn't help it :) :) hee hee hee...When I look at photos of my parents back then..and those clothes.. well, some of them just make me laugh. My dad had the long hair, too...but no beard!! He did wear horn-rimmed glasses though!!! I'm a product of the 70s...so it can't be all strange :) :) :)
    I LOVE your wedding photo. That's got style!!!! Extra love and hugs to you and Mr. PHil and the Family Stubbs!!!! Love from Oregon, Heather :)

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  9. Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I will celebrate our 30th on the 23th of August. Our daughter will be getting married 4 days later. What a week it's going to be!

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  10. Happy Anniversary to you both! Your story makes it all the more special. My Hubby and I have just celebrated 21 years - but I've decided we don't 'celebrate' it enough and we forget that it's quite an achievement in today's world! Time to appreciate what we have a little bit more, I think!!

    Have a wonderful day!

    Willow xxx

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  11. Dear Linda,

    Happy Anniversary!!! Isn't God good ALL the time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your heart in such a truthful open way. You are a real encouragement to me. I'll be praying for you and your family as you go to work tomorrow at the cafeteria...I've been there...I've eaten there... You will be a blessing from Him to those students and faculty! When you meet Diane and Gordon Kling (faculty in theatre) tell them hi from me :)

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  12. Sweet Linda you and Phil are perfect for each other. God is so very good. I too was a single mother. I will blog about it sometime. I feel so connected with you I can tell you anything. I wish you many more years of love and happiness. You remind me of the singer Jewel. She too was raised in Alaska but by a single father! She turned out ok. She married a wonderful man Ty Murray and that rodeo cowboy stuff has got to be a difficult life to lead. I am so tickled you showed this photo. God has blessed you in many ways. I truly am honored knowing you. May love and happiness follow you and Mr. Phil and May God continue to richly bless you. You two are true followers of the word. God Bless You today and always. Anne

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  13. Oh Linda, what a beautiful story of God's redemptive love. You were a beautiful bride. Have a wonderful, blessed anniversary all year long! Love, Jeannie

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  14. Yes, God is so good to take all our mistakes and make something beautiful when we give our messed up lives to HIM!!!! :) He did the same thing for me!!! Have a wonderful anniversary and may you and your hubby be blessed with many more years together!!!

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  15. Oh Linda what a beautiful story. Happy Anniversary!! The Lord knew what he was doing when he put you two together. Love the outfits and yes the 70's was the best. You and your family will be in my prayers for your new adventure you will be sharing in. And again I can't say it enough, Thank you for all you give to us through your words and prayers.
    Brenda

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  16. Happy Anniversary and may God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us. ♥♫

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  17. Happy Anniversary, sister! And you need to know how much I LOVE seeing your wedding pictures! Thanks for sharing your testimony...that is where our faith becomes reality as we share it with others. Sometime I may share my story too...the only thing lovely in it is the face of Christ.
    Love and hugs XOXO
    Kathy

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  18. Bless your heart for sharing your story, it's not always easy to share because we think that we are the only ones struggling. PTL you share and are so loving and open.

    May your very special day be filled to overflowing with love and blessings! Congrats!
    Blessings,
    Kelle

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  19. Happy anniversary Linda and Phil. I love that picture you can see the joy. I know Mr. Phil must have loved you to wear that shirt! :^)
    Have a good day tomorrow I will be thinking of you all. Remember one foot in front of the other!
    Blessings.

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  20. Congratulations on your Anniversary - What a Blessing! You look so beautiful and happy. God has blessed you all - may He continue to do so.

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  21. Happy anniversary to you both! God is so good and gracious and your story is one that shows how Christ makes all things new! Thanks for sharing.

    And by the way, y'all looked very "cool" in your matching flower power outfits!

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  22. Dear sweet Linda,
    You have been in my thoughts today...knowing you and Mr. Phil and the girls are going out into the "workforce!" I do understand as my husband and I teach and we are headed back tomorrow with kiddos. Summer has been so wonderful to be home and I always dread leaving home!! But with God's loving hand to help us we will be fine, right? You will be in my prayers and I'll be wondering how your day is going. I know you will be exhausted tomorrow night and your feet will probably ache terrible, so know you have one friend that understands!! (I'll be feeling the same! HA!) Just let God lead the way and you follow along. You always do that I can tell.
    I so so so enjoyed your love story. I felt sad in my heart to hear what you went through as a young girl and then woman. I rejoice in the ending to your story. You and Mr. Phil just had to find the right time to find one another and God had it in his plan. Your family is a heart warming inspiration and the love you all share is so pure and true. Thank you for sharing that lovely story with all of us. The picture brought "happy" tears to my eyes. How touching!
    God bless you on your special day...Happy 36th anniversary! And I hope your day in the kitchen will be a wonderful experience. You will be a remarkable Christian influence to many of those big ole' boys!! I have a feeling your light will shine very bright.
    Get some sleep!! And can't wait to hear about your day!

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  23. Hello Sweet Linda,
    Happy anniversary to you and Mr. Phil! Your family is beautiful and so is the story of how you all came to be. What a sweet man you have you surely have been blessed! Thank you for sharing, we've had a busy summer here and I'm tryig to enjoy the last bit of it with my children before school is back in session so I will be back to catch up on all that I have missed.
    Take Care,
    Dee

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  24. Happy Anniversary!
    Thank you for sharing your story with us! God Bless you and your family you are very blessed to have such a loving family. You look beautiful in the picture.
    Big Hugs,
    Donna

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  25. Hello Linda and Phil, May Gods's grace continue to bless you both with many more years together on this earth. May He bless your loved ones and I just want to say Linda that you are blessing one struggleling at times lady across the seas in Australia. I will be praying for you as you start this next phase of your Christian journey.

    Blessings Gail

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  26. Happy Anniversary. What an amazing God - who takes us sinful creatures and cares to call us His children- and bestow on us all His love and mercy!!

    (I've got a pic to rival that one. I think the dress I made c. 1972 was from an old Christmas tablecloth. I may be brave enough to post it one of these days. :-)

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  27. Happy anniversary Mrs. Linda, I wish you and Mr. Phil so so many more years of happiness. You are such a blessing. Your family is such a beautiful inspiration.



    Love and prayers always


    Angie

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  28. Love abides! What a beautiful story , even though you have had hardships. The lord has given you so much in return. Our savior is wonderful is he not? God Bless you and Happy Annivarsary.

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  29. Happy Anniversary Phil and Linda!!! May the Lord continue to bless you and use you as you serve Him!
    Thanks for sharing your story with us Linda. None of us are perfect by far, but the Lord can use us tremendously when we choose to follow and serve Him. Praying for you!
    Bless you!
    Sharon

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  30. Happy, Happy, Happy Anniversary!!! Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you and Phil have an absolutely wonderful day!
    Blessings,
    Johanna

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  31. I love the picture! So young and in love!

    Happy Anniversary!!!

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  32. I came here from Heather's blog. I'm glad I did. I loved reading your story and want to wish you a very happy anniversary. My hubby and I celebrated our 52nd anniversary in July. How the time flies.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  33. Hi there,
    I just found your blog. That is a sweet and wonderful story and the 3 of you look so cute in the clothes you made. Please drop by my blog when you have a chance, I am a new blogger.
    Smiles,
    Kim
    http://agypsyangel.blogspot.com

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  34. I wish I could write everyone and I will just not today. I went out on a date with Mr. Phil tonight. We got home and I thought we would just stay home, because I had bought some 2 bushel of peaches on Sat. The lady told me that they had most in the boxes were still yellow. Wrong. I stayed up late last night and canned 8 quarts. Guess what, my sweetie girls kicked us out of the house and canned another 8 quarts tonight for me. Now that was a sweet anniversary gift to their Momma.

    You are totally the most precious ladies in the whole wide world!!!!

    I will write a post now, Hugs, Linda

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  35. Happy Anniversary to you and Phil. I'm stopping by from Happy Cottage Quilter and just had to say that your anniversary story was lovely. Wishing you many more years together.

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  36. I love hearing stories of how God works in marriages for HIS glory! I was married to a unbeliever and it ended as you say "destroying every fiber within me "... I was devastated as he chose the ways of the world and I was left alone through his choice of a divorce.... but the Lord is FAITHFUL and he has blessed me beyond my imagination with a man that loves the Lord and now a baby boy! Thank you for sharing your story and making a stand for Christ

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  37. I love this, Linda. You are so open and truthful...not to mention lovely and "pink"!

    We were married in 1973....so our wedding pictures are very similar. But despite the pictures, we have been very blessed and loved.;)

    Can't wait until I have a moment to read last year's post.

    May the years ahead be even more wonderful then those behind you and Mr. Phil.

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  38. :)

    Thank you for sharing this love story. Truth heals!

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  39. I read today's post with a link to this post, and am glad I came over and read about your history and your blessed marriage. You came through your struggles and emerged to joy and to Jesus.

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God Bless your day!