**She’s no stranger to this blog.  This weeks entry comes from my wife, Jennifer.  I pray it ministers to you as it did me!**

What most people do not know is I chased my husband from a distance for a year and a half before we ever began dating. My heart told me he was ‘the one’ and I just couldn’t shake it.  In those days I always found a way to place myself in his path.  I enjoyed being around him and watching him interact with others as he had what many have termed a ‘bigger than life’ personality.  I desired to belong to him, as well as he belonging to me. I can remember nights of intercession during that waiting season, asking God to favor me in his eyes.  Though it was a while later, Brian finally took the hint.  Fast forward over sixteen years later and I can say I value our relationship more every day. The knowledge that God heard my cry and placed this man in my life has taken me through some difficult times.  This man puts me before his own personal needs.  He takes care of our family and loves me deeply…..but he’s in love with someone else too – and I find that very attractive.

I feel certain the title of this blog made some eyebrows raise. But it’s true.  I belong to two men.  No, this is not an episode of ‘Sister Wives’ or ‘Brother Husbands’ (did I just create a new reality show?).  You see, I began a relationship with my first Love at the age of 14.  He has never let me down, can be trusted, is dependable, always has my best interest at heart, and loves me deeper than I love myself.  I sense His presence near me each day, though I have never seen Him face to face.  This relationship with my Lord teaches me how to love my husband, children, family, friends, and others.  Even when I stray or have been unfaithful He picks me up, forgives me, and calls me His bride again.  None of us know what real love is until we’ve received it from its truest source.  This kind of love helps us love others better.  It gives us an added measure of grace and mercy to extend—even when our flesh would rather rid them from our lives forever.  Our relationship with Christ will affect everything we do for the better.  How is that relationship with your Groom?  If I never have those intimate moments with my husband our relationship would fade.  We make it a priority to go out on dates, have meaningful (and not-so-meaningful) conversations, we put the other before ourselves….we purpose to have a strong relationship.  I took pride in preparing myself for my groom (almost) fourteen years ago.  I chose my dress carefully and tried to make sure every little thing was perfect.  I am daily preparing myself for my other Groom too.  Are you?

“…and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27

Forever His and his—

Jennifer