Today, I write this blog for a very special occasion.  On this day, December 21^st, twenty (20) years ago, I married the woman of my dreams.   Today, I stand as a very blessed man because of my beautiful wife – Victoria Shackelfod Rivera!

And on this special day, I think I’ll make a list.  I love lists.  They communicate so well.  I will list 20 reasons why I am thankful for December 21^st.

1. I realized that there are not many men like me left, who can say that they married their first “real girlfriend.” – That’s real cool!
2. I proved that “average Joe’s,” like me, could marry very beautiful women. So, don’t give up guys…keep the faith!
3. I didn’t just marry beauty; I also married a talented gift of God’s favorite stuff, MUSIC!
4. I married a lady who, for some reason, believes in me. I’ve taken her down some crazy roads… and she’s still beside me!  I can’t understand it!
5. I married a lady who “has my back” and has this unbelievable faith in me and in our God!
6. I married a lady who has a great ability to discern and has been my guard many times from “dangerous predators.”
7. I married a woman who understands ministry and has not been damaged by it.
8. I married a woman who has put up with my dysfunctionalities, and who has seen the bad and the ugly of me, and yet…for some reason, is still with me!
9. I married a woman who although I have been very mean, rude and a bully to her, she still loves and forgives me.
10. I married a woman who has given me the daughter of my dreams!  She is just like her mother in many ways.
11. I married a woman who also given me three handsome boys who are now young men!  They got all their good looks from their mommy.
12. I married a woman who is very artistic and creative. She can make anything look beautiful!
13. I married a woman who converts a house into a home.  And although I caused her to move 13 times in 20 years, she adjusts and rolls with the punches!
14. I married a woman who’s an incredible mother.  I have seen her sacrifice so much for her children!  To her life is not spent and invested in herself, rather on her legacy.
15. I married a woman who is, by nature very loving and friendly, but when she needs to can be very tough!
16. I married a woman who could’ve very easily been the proud owner of Grammy and Country music awards, but for some reason decided to be with me.
17. I married a woman that although cannot cook in the kitchen, she can “cook some where else!”
18. I married a woman who has made me look better.  She buys my clothes. And teaches me to dress.  I’m her biggest baby.
19. I married a woman who has this unique ability to make any hairstyle look great! She can pull anything off!!
20. I married a woman who after 20 years and 4 children looks like she can model for any magazine! WOW!!!  I really DO NOT deserve you!!!!

Victoria, today I am a blessed man because of you!  Thank-you for believing in me! When the Apostle Paul said 1 Corinthian 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him…” to me, I believe, that was you!

Happy Anniversary