I Thank God For My Wife

It seems like every time I turn around; another Christian pastor has been caught cheating on their spouse. And through those examples, we are sadly reminded of how pastors are susceptible to moral failures. So I decided to tell us all that the majority of pastors are indeed faithful.

Now let me just say I’m not perfect. Recently, I committed a major marriage blunder. I forgot to express my love and affection for my wife on our anniversary through a gift, card or flowers (DISCLAIMER: gentlemen, I highly recommend you not do this). I did take her out to dinner, but through the chaos of going-back-to-school, ramping up for the fall schedule, and perhaps overextending myself on the ministry front — I just plain forgot.

Because usually there is no recovering from this, I decided to write directly to everyone why I’m so thankful for Ivey Rose and share it with the world.

Ivey Is Brilliant

Ivey Rose is as brilliant as she is beautiful.

From the inside out, Ivey’s mind expresses unbelievable imagination in almost everything she touches. From the way Ivey dresses herself to the shoes she chooses to wear, there is an uncanny brilliance about the way her mind can pull things together. And here’s the thing. That skill to pick different colors, patterns, and textures and combine them into a fabulous wardrobe,  she can apply it to almost anything.

For example, over the years, I have watched Ivey master more software programs and online techniques to bring her employer  into the 21st century. Just visit knoxseminary.edu and you will immediately see just how good she is. Ivey will never say it publicly nor will she ever get the recognition she deserves, but Ivey single-handedly engineered a fresh, modern look for a small regional seminary in South Florida. And frankly, it saved that school’s bacon.

Here’s another example, last year we purchased a house and completely gutted the interior. She (not me) pulled together the paint colors, coordinated the style of cabinetry, and selected the floors. Every inch of the house is an expression of her magnificent intellect. Oh, and do I even need to mention she is a mom of three and a pastor’s wife!!!??

Look out world.

Ivey is Beautiful

Ivey Rose is beautiful as she is brilliant.

I have always admired how Ivey works to take care of both her body and soul. She works hard. Watches what she eats and is always on me about the same (THANK GOD). Ivey is emphatic about her skin regime’ and she is constantly doing some exercise. Combined with a natural genetic predisposition and you see what I mean.

But Ivey’s beauty isn’t skin deep. Her soul is what gives her such radiance. I see it in the way she mothers our children, nurturing their hearts and disciplining their attitudes. Ivey always seems to know the way to respond to our daughter and son’s mistakes. Even more, she knows how to praise them and build into their lives a resolve that will serve them well.

Ivey is Fun

Ivey Rose is as fun as she is brilliant and beautiful.

I love her smile.  There is a certain playful twinkle in her eye that only a husband recognizes. That’s what got me hooked on her so many years ago.

She is a risk-taker. You could say that she took a big risk on me!

She’s not afraid to jump out of an airplane or board one by herself destined for Asia. She’s not afraid to dive 60 feet under the ocean or float on top of it in the comforts of an ocean liner. She’s adventurous, fun, and passionate about life.

Frankly, I could go on and on and on about Ivey. She’s my favorite subject. But I believe you get the point. Truth be told, I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet. Why? Because I get to call Ivey Rose my wife and that’s worth writing about. I love you, Ivey Rose!