Congratulations Mr and Mrs. Turley!!

A few weekends ago we had the great joy of witnessing the wedding vows of Justin Turley and Melissa Keen, in Birmingham, Alabama!

What a blessing the day was~we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of the Tim S. family that morning, Saturday night and Sunday morning~What a precious family they are!! {Oh, and thanks to Abbi S. for the beautiful picture!} We also got to renew some acquaintances, and see and visit with old friends at the beautiful reception...The ceremony was exquisite, and Mr. Keen's touching analogy of a woman's protection under her father, and now her husband, as a coat, fitted perfectly by the Tailor just for her, and how she had delighted and rejoiced in it, instead of trying to stretch it out when the world told her it was too tight. He shared how that, now, he was giving her to another man, and she would wear another coat, that was made just for her by the Tailor, as well. The analogy of the taking off of the first coat, and the putting on of another was a precious, and heart touching moment...the vows were solemn, joyful...what an amazing honor, joy and privilege to see two people vow before God and man the following...

"I, Justin David Turley, do covenant before God and man to thee, Melissa Lauren Keen, to be thy faithful and loyal husband, loving thee and giving myself for thee even as Christ loves His bride the Church and gave Himself for her.[1] I vow to nourish thee and cherish thee[2], to defend thy honor, to fight for thee and our household and protect thee[3], and to dwell with thee according to knowledge, giving honor unto thee as unto the weaker vessel, and as coheir of the grace of life.[4] I vow to thee patience and kindness, gentleness[5] and tenderness, and all my love and affection. delighting only in thee, the wife of my youth, mindful that it is thou who hast authority over my body, and not I.[6] Should the Lord so choose to bless us[7], I will be the happy father to our children, bringing them up, with thee as my helpmeet[8], in the nurture and admonition of the Lord[9]. I vow to cleanse thee with the washing of water by the Word[10], and to tenderly lead thee as thy earthly head[11]. I shall be faithfully thine whether we be abounding or abased[12], laughing or mourning, in good health or poor, and nothing but death shall part me from thee."

Bride’s Vows

"I, Melissa Lauren Keen, do covenant before God and Man, to thee, Justin David Turley, to be thy faithful and loyal wife, loving thee and serving thee as a helpmeet suitable for thee[13], for the man was not created for the woman, but the woman for the man[14]. I vow to honor and obey thee, placing myself in submission and subjection unto thee in all things, with respect and reverence, as befits the honour due thee as my earthly lord and head[15,16]. I shall be thy discreet, chaste keeper at home, obedient unto thee, that the Word of God be not blasphemed[17]. I vow to diligently, industriously, and faithfully care for the affairs of thine household so that thy heart may always safely trust in me[18]. I vow to thee patience and kindness, gentleness[19], and tenderness, and all my love and affection, delighting only in thee, my beloved husband, mindful that it is thou who hast authority over my body and not I[20]. Should the Lord so choose to bless us[21], it will be my delight to be thy fruitful vine[22], raising our children with thee, as thy helpmeet, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord[23]. I shall be faithfully thine whether we be abounding or abased,[24], laughing or mourning, in good health or in poor, and nothing but death shall part me from thee."

{[1] Ephesians 5:25[2] Ephesians 5:29[3] Nehemiah 4:14[4] I Peter 3:7[5] Galatians 5:22-23[6]I Corinthians 7:4[7] Psalm 127:3-5, Deuteronomy 28:4[8] Genesis 2:18[9] Ephesians 6:4[10] Ephesians 5:26[11] Ephesians 5:23[12] Philippians 4:12[13] Genesis 2:18, 21-24[14] I Corinthians 11:7-9[15] Ephesians 5:22-24, 33[16] I Peter 3:1-6[17] Titus 2:4,5 [18] Proverbs 31:11, 13-27[19] Galatians 5:22-23[20] I Corinthians 7:4[21] Psalm 127:3-5, Deuteronomy 28:4[22] Psalm 128:3[23] Ephesians 6:4[24] Philippians 4:12}

Wow, what a day...blessed be the name of the Lord!