13 years ago today I started the day on my knees praising the Lord for the gift He gave me in Elisabeth.  Our two years of friendship, dating and being engaged was celebrated in a beautiful wedding at a wonderful chapel in Colorado Springs. Here’s a quick look at what we looked like that day…

July 20, 1996

13 years later, I am on my knees once again thanking the Lord for the ever-growing friendship I have with my bride, Elisabeth.  In the days before our wedding we dreamt of one day having a family; we longed for our marriage to be a witness to family and friends who did not know Jesus; we hoped for a long-lasting ministry with students (and staff, parents and congregants);  we desired to learn from our inevitable mistakes and handle each with grace and integrity.

13 years ago we had lots of hopes and dreams, today we are able to look back and see God’s mighty provision.  Our hopes, dreams and prayers continue to grow, but isn’t it fun to look back and see how much He has provided to date? Who says that “13” is unlucky? And better than that, who need “luck” when you have faith in a loving God who has always been faithful?

I’d like to think that I am more wise now than I was 13 years ago, but I will tell you this, I made the wisest decision of my life when I married Elisabeth.  She brings me so much joy; and she’s cute to boot!  She’s a great Mommy and a wonderful encourager of her husband.  She’s a great friend to others, and especially to me!  She’s a gifted writer–and unfortunately needs to use her editing skills more than she’d like with me!  She’s a great daughter; she invests in her family of origin and loves on my family so well too.

Thank you Jesus for my wonderful bride and the 13 years you’ve given us!

Thank you Elisabeth for being my bestest friend ever!

I love you!

Here are a few pics for kicks and whistles!

Our first ministry together, Roseburg, Oregon.

Our first home-ownership, Kent, WA

May 2001, the surprise announcement of our first baby coming in January 2002

We appreciate your love and support of this Aaby family.  Keep us in your prayers!

Grace,

Brian