Today is my parents 31st anniversary. That's right. Thirty-one years of married life. In today's society that is more then impressive. Its almost unheard of. They met in junior highschool - he was a star basketball player, and she was a tiny cheerleader. They came from very different worlds - in many ways the perfect example of opposites attract.
They were made to compliment each other. My dad is moderate, calm, confident, steady, full of integrity and enormous respect for everyone he encounters, while quietly intense. My mom is a lady of extremes - "all or nothing," high energy, very honest, way too hard on herself, also intense, and an unbelievable servant, often times taking too much care of others and not enough for herself. Dad brings mom back down to earth, grounds her, makes her feel secure. Mom spurs dad on, doesn't let him be satisfied with the status quo, and is always full of words of affirmation for him.
My dad was raised in a Christian home. My mom did not walk with the Lord much personally in her early years. My dad will admit to sometimes taking his Christian heritage for granted. My mom, however, is constantly passionate about keeping her walk with the Lord ever progressing. Dad brings the firm foundation, and mom brings the energy to keep building.
My parents truly have one of the healthiest marriages I have ever witnessed. They have been through a lot together as a couple, but through it all they have always presented a united union in Christ to their children and those around them.
My mom, a fitness freak and amazing teacher, walked away from her career as an educator to say home with her children. After her third child, my mom's body was struct with lupus. The woman who could run miles and miles and had boundless energy, could hardly get off the couch. My dad was by her side throughout, and because of their love, we children did not suffer.
My dad could live and breathe basketball and teaching the love and mechanics of the game to talented individuals. He walked away from a life of Division 1 coaching, taking a job in business, in order to spend more quality time with his family - being the spiritual guide and leader.
Below are the words to the song sung at their wedding, during their first communion as husband and wife.
My mom, a fitness freak and amazing teacher, walked away from her career as an educator to say home with her children. After her third child, my mom's body was struct with lupus. The woman who could run miles and miles and had boundless energy, could hardly get off the couch. My dad was by her side throughout, and because of their love, we children did not suffer.
My dad could live and breathe basketball and teaching the love and mechanics of the game to talented individuals. He walked away from a life of Division 1 coaching, taking a job in business, in order to spend more quality time with his family - being the spiritual guide and leader.
Below are the words to the song sung at their wedding, during their first communion as husband and wife.
Two Trusting Jesus
There begins a story
Two separate pathways
Leading to glory
With God's Son
One and one
Two eternal lives begun
Two trusting Jesus
Are two within His care
Two trusting Jesus
Kneeling now together
Two separate prayers
They're now one prayer together
In God's Son
Two are one
Let the Master's will be done
Two trusting Jesus
Are one within His care
Two trusting Jesus
There begins the story
Two separate pathways
Leading to glory
With God's son
Two eternal lives begun
One and one
Two trusting Jesus
Are two within His care
In God's Son
Two are one
Let the Master's will be done
Two trusting Jesus
Are one within His care
written by Mark Heard
1979 Autumn Balm Music BMI
They are truly "Two Trusting Jesus." The landscape of their lives has changed so much over the years, however their faith has never waivered. Quite a few years after having their first three children:
God had some unforeseen surprises in store. First, the surprise blessing of two additional children:
Second, the miraculous healing of my mom's lupus, the return of her health, and the ability to go back the fitness activities she loved.
Last year, my Dad was given the opportunity to, not only re-enter the athletic arena, but also be able to pour into and influence the lives of many students, athletes, and coaches when he was named the Athletic Director at Trevecca University.
My parents have laid the foundation for an incredible legacy. A legacy that I hope me and my siblings guard, protect, respect, and carry on.
Its a legacy that now includes new additions, in the form of in-laws:
But perhaps the addition everyone is most recently excited about (although I might be biased):
May we carry on the Legacy of Mark and Roseann Elliott well, bringing knowledge and glory to the Heavenly Father they serve so well!
The new legacy begins...
God had some unforeseen surprises in store. First, the surprise blessing of two additional children:
Second, the miraculous healing of my mom's lupus, the return of her health, and the ability to go back the fitness activities she loved.
Last year, my Dad was given the opportunity to, not only re-enter the athletic arena, but also be able to pour into and influence the lives of many students, athletes, and coaches when he was named the Athletic Director at Trevecca University.
My parents have laid the foundation for an incredible legacy. A legacy that I hope me and my siblings guard, protect, respect, and carry on.
Its a legacy that now includes new additions, in the form of in-laws:
But perhaps the addition everyone is most recently excited about (although I might be biased):
Elliott Faith Ross
May we carry on the Legacy of Mark and Roseann Elliott well, bringing knowledge and glory to the Heavenly Father they serve so well!
The new legacy begins...
I LOVE looking at the pictures of your parents. Mine are separated & have been for about 5 years. It's heartbreaking. Congratulations & Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI also loved looking at the pictures of them in Italy. We were blessed to be able to visit those very landmarks(Trevi Fountain & the Spanish Steps) & many more in November.
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