Yes, today we celebrate 48 years! I know, I can’t believe it either. In my head I still feel like a college girl. My body says I’m delusional.
So, on that hot August day in 1969 did John and I have any idea what we were doing?
Absolutely not!
Did we love each other?
Yes, as much as we knew what that meant at that time.
Did we know one another?
We thought so…but…
Do we know and understand one another completely now?
Are you kidding?
Of course not!
If we did know and understand each other completely marriage would be boring. We are 2 different people growing as individuals and as a couple.
Marriage is a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
You put it together one piece at a time. Some pieces are easy to fit, others harder to place. The creator of the puzzle knows what it will look like when it is finished. Beautiful.
In a similar way, God is putting our marriage together and He’s not in a hurry. He knows the final picture and it won’t be finished this side of heaven. We will always be growing into oneness.
I am so grateful for the 48 years we’ve had together. I have learned much about myself, the faithfulness of God, and the amazing man He has given me.
So, what do I most admire about my husband?
His consistent desire to be growing in his relationship with God.
For 48 years, he’s gotten up at the crack of dawn to pray for the two of us, our 5 kids as they came along, and their future spouses. And now our 21 grandchildren.
In good times, hard times, days that his calendar was way too full to take time for this, he made time alone with the Lord to pray and read the scriptures. This has been his first priority of each day.
For 48 years this one discipline has given me incredible security.
So here’s a toast to “Johnny.” You are still the man of my dreams!
My best friend forever.
Erin O'Keefe says
Your enthusiasm for your marriage and growing together is ALWAYS motivating to me, Susan! Happy Anniversary to you and John – amazingly your 48th! You are important and consistent leaders, modeling Jesus’ way in our church. lots of love to you!
Jackie Wilson says
Congratulation to both of you. You make a Christian marriage look easy. I want to thank you for your wonderful influence for the LORD on us and the Treasure Cay, Bahamas community. We were all in better shape when you left than when you came. Blessings
Sandy quillin says
Same sweet and sincere smiles as in the marriage picture. The love of Jesus shines. Thank you both for your unselfish giving. Take time now for YOU!! Yes, love grows stronger with each new year as we continue to learn about one another.
Gail Jackson says
Hi Susan, it’s Gail Jackson, but you knew me as Gail Fields when I was at Westminster. How many times I think of you and John and was so happy to see your Anniversary Posting by Bonnie Bradley. Congratulations to you and John and I still love you guys. I am now living back in Rocky Mount (my hometown). Married with one daughter who’s 39 and three step-sons and 4 1/2 grandchildren. Second grandson on the way in October. I hope to keep up with you now that I have your website.
Susan Yates says
Gail, What a joy to hear from you!! We’d love to see you and meet your family sometime!
Thank you for reconnecting!
Love, Susan
Susan Henry says
Glamorous couple and SO young! Thanks for a marriage that is a lasting testimony of Gods faithfulness. Keep up the good work!
Susan Yates says
Love going through life with you dear friend!
Hugs, Susan
Susan Yates says
Alice,
You and Woody have modeled Christ to us for so many years. I look forward to being back with him in heaven!
Bless you, Susan
Catherine Guerard says
Congrats and happy anniversary! You and Johnny are such a fine example of a marriage that “works” because you put the Lord first. I’ve always hoped to be half the Godly woman you are and wished for a man who is half (well, ok, maybe 2/3) the Godly man that Johnny is. I pray that the Lord grants you many more happy years together. Now, if you could just find a picture of Johnny back in the Awanita days wearing those ballet tights 😀 I love and miss you both!!!
Susan Yates says
Catherine,
I’ll look for that photo and when I find it send you a copy!!
We miss you too!
Love, Susan
Jackie Shrum says
Congrats! Gosh I first thought the picture was of Chris! You and John have made such an increditable impact in mine and Larry’s life. Only God could have put us together with y’all. May you be blessed as you are a blessing to so many. FYI – Sunday we celebrate 50th!!
Susan Yates says
Thank you sweet Jackie!
You are one of my most loyal followers!
Love, Susan
Alice Groves says
Oh my how very happy I am for you and I just loved those pictures!
GOD BLESS YOU BOTH and I am so happy that Woody and I have had the privilege of knowing you all these years
Dominique says
Happy Anniversary Susan and John. May the Lord bless you with many more.
Thank you for being such an inspiration. Your testimony has been encouraging me for the past eight years. I found in you the spiritual mother and father I needed to encourage my walk of faith as a wife and mother of three young children.
The love of Christ transcend geographical boundaries.
Love from England!
Susan Yates says
Dominique,
You are dear to write. Wish we could see you and those precious children! Love to all in England.
Blessings, susan
Teresa Dodd says
Congratulations to an amazing couple! You are truly a blessing to us and many others!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Teresa,
You and your family are still missed here!
Hugs, Susan
Jennifer says
Susie says you look like a princess! Happy Anniversary! Team Glade
Susan Yates says
Team Glade I’m glad you are my family too!!!!
Susie, I think you are so sweet!!!
Hugs, Susan
Laurel says
Happy Anniversary to you both. David and I are so grateful for the way you choose to spend your energy investing in those coming up behind you. Your example, especially of daily time with God, is such an encouragement.
Susan Yates says
I love you Laurel!!!! We are proud of you and David both!
Susan
Emily Powell says
thank you for these beautiful words of encouragement for marriages.
Love the pictures. Have a blessed anniversary!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Emily! We are blessed by you and David!
Hugs, Susan
Gigi Hill says
Congratulations! We are at 43 this October but celebrating 30 since the transplant. Decided to bike in France! Hope I make it! Your post is a blessing and your family is beautiful. God has been so faithful. Happy Anniversary to you both!
Susan Yates says
WOW Gigi!
Congratulations!
We’d love to hear about France!
Hugs, susan
Kim Doerr says
Thank you for sharing your 48th anniversary news with such fun pictures. Bravo to Johnny for being so diligent in prayer and Bible study; we have all benefitted from it! You are no slacker yourself! Happy Anniversary to you and to us all!?
Cathie Marshall says
Kim Doerr, Bill and I have been married almost 29 years, and YOU got us together! Many thanks! It’s great to see your name on here. Cathie Marshall
Susan, Happy 48th anniversary! You and John have meant so much to our family and extended family over the years. Thank you for investing in the Marshall boys when you lived in Columbia, S.C.! They are each one a blessing in the lives of the Marshall wives and in our families. Thanks to your generous discipleship of them, they lead godly families who seek the Lord. The torch is still being passed along.
Susan Yates says
Cathie,
God’s people are all entangled. Isn’t heaven going to be fun. I love my Marshall boys/men. I just can’t believe ya’ll are grandparents!!!!
hugs, susan
Susan Yates says
Thanks Kim,
I owe you an email! We love you two! Sweet memories of Singapore!
Hugs, Susan
Nancy Deiss says
Congratulations to you both! What an inspiration you both have been to so many. Thanks for your wisdom, leadership, love and friendship. May the beautiful jigsaw puzzle continue!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Nancy. We love you and Bill so much!
Hugs, Susan
Toler Edwards says
Susan, I always knew God knew exactly what He was doing bringing you into our family. Thank you for being a great wife to my little brother and a fabulous sister in law. I do have to agree “Johnny” is mighty special. He had older siblings that kept him in line! Happy anniversary to you both. What a wonderful role model you both are. I love you dearly.
Toler
Susan Yates says
Love you back SIS! Thanks for raising such a good man for me!
Hugs, susan
Jan Karon says
You are both gorgeous! So happy to begin the day with your lovely good news and enthusiasm. And all those wonderful young ‘uns! A Yates family tradition. ☺️ Congratulations, mazel tov, bless your hearts and may God keep you young and strong as He has done so faithfully for 48 years.
Your fan,
Jan Karon
Susan Yates says
Jan,
You are incredible to write me. I am YOUR biggest fan! I’ve read all your books at least twice..I need a new one!
Love from both of us, Susan
Kim Sherman says
Happy Anniversary John and Susan! The Lord continue to fill you both to the fullness of joy as you walk with Him. To God be the Glory for the great things He has done!! Love you two!! Thank you for your witness to Christ Jesus!!
Susan Yates says
Thank you Kim!
We pray God is blessing you and your ministry!
Love, Susan
Mark Gilman says
One of my favorite couples of all time. You two have been such an inspiration to me over the years and I miss you dearly. The Lord’s blessings on your continued ministry and more opportunities to inspire and grow.
Susan Yates says
Mark,
You are the BEST!!! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Love, Susan
Shannon Davis says
Oh, Susan…this post makes my heart sing with gratitude for your devotion to God, one another, your children and all of us who are greatly blessed by your example. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and these darling pictures of your life together. May you be richly blessed today and given many more years together. We already know the eternity thing is a lock. ? Love to you both!
Susan Yates says
Thank you so much Shannon!!!
Love, Susan