Fresh Eyes Looking In

Over 7 years ago, as a divorced mom of 6, I certainly wasn't expecting my life to be what it is now.

In 2008, I left Texas with my kids, a cat and a snake, to start my new life in Arizona. I got a job, and started making friends quickly. My first Christmas in town, I was invited to a Christmas Eve service by some of my new friends. Being separated from my husband, trying to figure out what to do with my situation, I was not in the best place in life. That service started what would be the turning point in my life. I sat with one of the elders, and he told me exactly what I needed to hear; All God wants is for me to be happy! That's it! It was that simple! I started regularly attending that church. I would dress the kids, and myself, and load up in the minivan to attend 10:30 service every Sunday.

A couple of years would go by, I finalized my divorce, I was in a great job, newly certified, making money to support my children. I was content with my life. I wasn't really lonely; I had kids and work to keep me busy!! I went on a few dates here and there, but nothing really panned out. Men would usually leave dust behind them when they would find out I had 6 kids!!

Just as my dating app was collecting cobwebs and I was about to delete it, a message came through from someone with no photo! That one message would change my life ....for the better! It was a man named William. He was sweet, funny, smart, and was a great listener. He was from a large family, his parents were missionaries, he loved kids! Too good to be true right?!

All these years, I thought I knew what men were like, what marriage was supposed to be, Boy, I had NO idea!! The next 7 years would challenge me, and make me see life in a whole new light. I finally had trusted God, and He led me to this amazing life I lead now!

Present time, I am the proud wife of William E Vogel, son of Bill and Beth. We have 7 amazing children, ages 25 to 6. We have brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, all within close reach. We have a marriage that has been blessed by God, one built on honesty, trust, and faith. We have laughter, cuddles, kisses; just plain LOVE, surrounding us daily.

Growing up, my parents divorced when I was young. I never had a "positive, Godly" influence to look up to. My marriages before, were just assumptions of what we thought marriage was. We never had God at the center. We didn't have anyone else to look up to. William and I now, we have God. We have Bill and Beth. We thrive daily to be better for each other, for God, for our children.

After 47 years of marriage, Bill and Beth are the definition of a strong marriage. They have overcome many obstacles, the daily grinds of raising kids, pressures of work and careers, and after all these years, still have a deep connection and love for God and for one another that goes well beyond any great romance book or movie. They are what we look up to. Selfless hearts for God, and for each other. A love for mission work and for children. A love for their family. We are working daily on our marriage, to make it the best it can be. I pray for my husband, I encourage him, console him, cheer for him, love him.

Thank you to my beautiful in-laws, Bill and beth, for encouraging us, praying for us, loving us, and showing us your love for our God! Happy Anniversary!