Ryne and Rebekah-July 22, 2007

Today marks the third anniversary of my sister Rebekah and her husband Ryne. I have been so blessed with such a wonderful sister, and now I have the divine privilege of calling Ryne my brother. I wanted to take today to just mention three things that you guys have taught me over the years. I hope that you both can find encouragement in this as you both have encouraged me over the years. I love you both so much! So, here it goes:

1. “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:6-7

You guys have taught me the importance of forgiveness. Like any couple or any relationship, you guys fight and argue and sometimes are just angry with the other one. But you have never not forgiven the other. So many times, in life we want to take the stones and just throw them at the ones who have offended us, but you guys take those stones, lay them aside, and work past those differences. And I admire that. This is something that is hard for any one, but you guys have developed this great attribute at such a young age, and to me that is impressive! I have learned through you guys and the actions you take that forgiveness is possible in any situation, you just have to be willing to lay aside your stones, your pride, or whatever is hindering you, and move on. This is huge to me. This shows the depth of your love and your faith. This shows the kind of people you are, and I admire you guys for this.


2. “He Answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus said. ‘Do this and you will live.’ “ Luke 10: 27-28

You guys have demonstrated what is described as the two greatest commandments. I have never gone anywhere with the two of you and not felt the love of my Father or the love you have for others. It is not uncommon for me to call or come visit where one or the both of you are interrupted by someone calling or coming by to visit just because they want to see you. That speaks of you guys in so many ways. You are an example to those around you of what a loving family unit should be. You demonstrate the love of Christ by your own actions, words and also by the way you raise your kids. They might not fully understand it yet, but your kids are so lucky and so blessed to have you guys as their parents. I know that they will be raised in love and in truth with Christ as their example. You guys have shown me the importance of loving others and loving the Lord above all. It has made you each stronger individually, but also as a couple, and I admire that you strive to keep this love strong every day.


3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

You guys trust each other, and that is awesome. So many couples today struggle with this issue, but you guys don’t. I have never seen doubt on either of your faces when the other is leaving to go do something. I know that you as a couple have never doubted the actions of the other or been concerned. But, not only do you trust each other, you trust in the plans that the Lord has for you. You guys don’t always assume that your life will be roses and perfect all the time, but you trust that the things you go through, the Lord has for a reason. You allow Him to direct your paths, not only individually with what you are doing with your lives career wise, but as a couple and a family. You guys strive to trust in Him in all ways, and that is admirable too.


So, I’m not sure I have ever verbally told you guys what you have done for me, and technically this isn’t verbal since it’s written, but just the same, I wanted you guys to know what an impact you have had on my life. I love you both so much and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for being such a great example of a Godly couple. Thank you for loving me, for supporting me, for encouraging me, and for always having my back. I love you both more than you know. Happy Anniversary! Enjoy today =)