Shaarda's Story - It's God's Story!: September 2024

Monday, September 16, 2024

You're invited to Freedom in Christ in Michigan

I know these don't look perfect but I wanted you to know you're invited - welcomed!

Here is the information:

25 Amazing Years!

Josh and I celebrated 25 years of marriage on June 18, 1999!

We have been saving $2 a week since we got married for a special 25th anniversary. We invested the money and it doubled so we could go away together and celebrate 25 years! After praying about the options we decided to go back to Barbados to celebrate. In 1998 Josh and I served in Babados with YWAM. We used that summer to pray and ask God if we were to get married and serve the Lord together. By the end of our time with YWAM the director called us into his office and invited us to come back to train and lead a team to Africa someday. Although we never did go back, we did feel this was God's confirmation that He wanted us to get married and service Him together - and we did go to Africa. So going back to Barbados seemed right and special.

The end of July Josh and I enjoyed a perfect 25th anniversary celebration. God blessed us with a wonderful place to relax and have fun. I loved our quiet place overlooking the Caribbean, our meals on the balcony, snorkeling twice a day holding hands while discovering God's amazing underwater creation - even sea turtles! We enjoyed exploring the island and culture. We even found YWAM again and revisited the special memories of serving together that summer.

We were intentional about not just vacationing but celebrating and renewing our marriage. The most special part was getting dressed up and writing and saying our vows to each other. Everything about it was beautiful! Memorable. Amazing.

I am so thankful! I came home feeling so complete. Honoring our marriage is a joy. Oneness is a gift from God. He was our foundation at our wedding, He has been the center of our marriage, He has filled us and led us for 25 years and He will continue to bless and use our marriage for His glory. I thank God for Josh. A husband who loves me like Jesus - selflessly.