Why do I love Thee, Let me count the ways!!!!!!!!!

The day that changed my LIFE FOREVER was 34 years ago Today...June 26, 1975, the day I married my high school Sweetheart. There are two blog posts I would love to share with you that take us back to when we were just 19 years old and full of hope, and anticipation for the future. Some beautiful pictures of my young bride and wife.  CLICK HERE  

This past week we were having breakfast, and it was one of those days that you seem to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. There were these little jabs going on, and all of a sudden I realized, this is crazy. I love this woman more than anything. She is so awesome, and I need to remind myself of that, and forget the little things that can distract me. So I decided for the rest of the day I was going to think of the things I think are awesome about my lovely wife of 34 years. When I was with her I told her, when I wasn't, I just thought of them and made a note of what a lucky guy I am. Here are some of the things that came to mind last week on that day.  Some of the things I appreciate about Tonia: (not in this particular order)

• She loves God deeply and it shows. It grows each year. She puts HIM first. This is not just your expected platitude, she is deeply spiritual, and it shows at home and in the private times.
• Tonia is so organized, and disciplined
• She is deeply committed to her friends. One of the most loyal friends I have ever seen. She has been at the side of a number of friends on their dying bed and walked through deep days with them. She is at her best when standing with friends going through tough times.
• A model mother, who always put her children and their needs before her desires. The sacrifices she has made are phenomenal.
• The Perfect grandmother. (her grandmother name is Ta-Ta, you'll  have to ask her how she got that name, it actually goes back to one of those friends she stood with in death)
• I cant speak for my daughters-in-law, but I think they would also agree, that Tonia is an amazing mother- in- law. She works incredibly hard to be a support, and friend and to try to not get in the way. She loves her daughters-in-law, I really believe, as if they were her own daughters. Which they are!!!!  
• She has been a faithful wife to her vows  for 34 years.  She and I both are able to look each other in the eyes, and truthfully say we have never had sex with any other person, before or after we were married. This might seem TMI, and I had to think about it before saying it, but in a day like ours, I think it's important for our young people to know it can still be true in our day. It is!!! 
• Tonia has always loved my mom and been a wonderful daughter-in-law. She is also a great sister in-law, aunt, and great-aunt.  
• Years ago she made a commitment to keeping her body fit and to take care of it. She eats right, and takes care of herself. I honestly think she is more beautiful today than ever...and Healthy. 
• Her work ethic is incredible.
• Authentic is the word for my wife.
• A Pastor's wife who models for all who see and know her, what it means to be yourself, and do what God calls you to do and not try to be something you aren't. She is real!!!!
• Selfless to the point, she volunteers at a Homeless ministry in downtown Fort Lauderdale each week, and no one knows that until now. She did it because God led her to do it.
• Always on Time!! I mean, Ladies come on, many of you are known to be late for everything and your husbands are always waiting on you. But not Her, she is always on time and even early. (and sometimes waits on me!!)
• Incredible Daughter, even today.  She loves her parents and shows it. They are so proud of her as well!!  A loving sister.
• Patient, long suffering and willing to be flexible. This should not have to be explained but all of this shows in just having lived with me for 34 years. Can you even imagine what she has to deal with?
• Loves to mentor younger women, love them, and encourage them.
• Has given up much to be a Pastor's wife. Still drives a 12 year old car, and has never complained about what we don't have. (well, except the VW Bug she wants, but won't get for a while..sorry, Babe)
• Has a gift of giving and loves to do it.
• Frugal, and while she loves to shop, is very good at shopping on the cheap, my word not hers. I am amazed how she can shop all day and spend $7.00 and enjoy it.
• Loves Oasis Church and has made sacrifices no one but God and I would ever know, in the 17 years since we started the church. I will always be grateful. She has never begrudged the time, and energy I have spent pastoring this church. She has made great sacrifice, and honestly I don't think I've ever heard her complain, except the year I almost missed Christmas doing something at the church when we were new, which I felt was needed but she didn't. One exception!
• She loves Missions and if she hadn't married a Pastor would have probably been a Missionary.
• One of the most smooth, genuine singers I have ever heard. she is still my favorite singer.  What I love is that I know she lives what she sings.  Has a lifetime of  proof.
• These are just a few, from cooking to cleaning, loving, supporting, giving, praying. Tonia is all and more than any man could ever hope for in a wife. I am so thankful that God has allowed me 34 years with her. (She did burn down a field when she was little and would beat up her brother, and lie about one brother so he would get a spanking, so you won't think she is perfect. No, she is not)
• How  does the saying go? How many ways do I love Thee?  Many, many ways my Love!!! I have counted but a few. 
• Happy Birthday Babe, and Happy Anniversary!!!!! I'm so proud of you.  

Comments

[Ranelle]

One of the many things I admire about Tonia is that she does not ever seek recognition, or demand to be in the spotlight. She is a beautiful soloist, and has the most amazing voice...a voice which for years blessed and touched hearts at 1st Baptist Church of West Hollywood. Although she truly could be a Diva, she prefers to honor the Lord by loving Him and worshipping Him, and if that means supporting others and backing them up vocally, that is what she does - sweetly, prayerfully and lovingly. And when she sings, she always has a smile on her face -- which is a double blessing! I love you, Tonia -- Happy Birthday!

[Cindy Truman]

And her children and husband shall rise up and call her blessed!