Happy Anniversary!! 18 Wonderful Years

Tony Pate became my husband 18 years ago on March 25th. I am so thankful for how God orchestrated our lives together. We started out with 4 children and now have a family of 16 total (that includes 7 grandchildren, 2 daughter-in-laws and a son-in-law). Tony is a man I would say "Yes" to all over again, or for the first time, because I think he said yes to me first. We began our journey together in Lubbock, TX in 1994 and now have been in Bentonville, AR for the past 15 years. He's helped me raise my 2 kids from when Bryan was 8 and Jordan was 5. He has always provided a secure home and shown my children his love for their mom with the utmost respect and honor. Anything we have needed, he has provided. He taught my kids morals and values, and there was never a question if church was an option on Sunday mornings. He protected Bryan and Jordan in so many ways, even when it wasn't popular with them or their friends. I don't think they ever had to doubt if he was serious when he said no. His yes's have always meant yes and his no's have always meant no. Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." All 4 of our children and their families are involved in church today and are seeking the Lord in their lives. How much more blessed can a person be than knowing your kids are striving to honor God with their lives.

I've also witnessed a man that has loved his mom and cared for her. He calls her or goes by and checks on her everyday. I Timothy 5:4 "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Thank you Tony for loving your mom (aka Grandma) and taking care of her even though it hasn't been easy.

Since my diagnosis in February I have seen my husband grow more in love with me and cherish our marriage more than ever. We've had an amazing marriage all 18 years and Tony has been my best friend the whole time. I didn't realize how much sweeter it was going to get, but it has. I have been shown so much love by him. There is no doubt this man would do anything for me - he even shaved his head. He has honored our vows "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part" Ecclesiastes 9:9 "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun." I can truly say we enjoy our lives together and appreciate every moment God has given us.






Thank you Tony Pate for being my bestest friend ever. Thank you for saying yes to me 18 years ago. I am so thankful for the path and journey God has put us on together and I am looking forward to many more years to spend with you. Happy Anniversary to my "darlin" I love you so much!!!! We are BLESSED!!!!

"Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."