Ridgell's Originals

 Today my son Joe Don and his wife Jamie have been married 21 years.  Amazing.  Not that they are still married, but that it has been 21 years.  So here are just a few of the reasons I love them and am proud of the couple they are and the family they have built.

They are deeply committed Jesus followers.  Not just as individuals, but as a couple.  And as a family.  They are very intentional about developing faith in Anna, Andrew, and Austin.  It shows.

They are still in love.  Still hug and kiss.  Much to the dismay of their kids (at least on the surface) and much to the delight of their parents (tho we hide our pleasure).  It is a healthy sign of a good marriage.

They support, inspire, and encourage other marriages.  Spiritual counseling.  Godly advice.  Lots of verbal and emotional help.

They always speak highly of the other one in front of other people.  Never speak anything negative.  Not only is that smart, but it too is a sign of a healthy marriage.   

They get people.  They are loved by many.  One of the joys of being their parent is introducing yourself to someone you do not know and having them say ... "Ridgell?  Are you Joe Don and Jamie's folks?"  Then hearing how great our kids are. 

They can both talk about their faith.  

They are a true power couple in the best way possible.  They are a spiritual power couple.

Their legacy is going to be strong.  Those three kids are good athletes and make really good grades.  They are emotionally healthy and have really strong social and people skills. They are learning those from their parents.  And those three are growing spiritually.  

They are part of a strong, healthy church but they do not depend on the church to raise their kids.  Help them of course.  But Joe Don and Jamie take the responsibility for their kids seriously.

God did a really special thing when he connected these two.

So thanks God.  Keep blessing them and using them.  Give them years and years together.     

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM