Lovin' You for Over Half of My Life

You may kiss the bride! 12/15/90

I was 21 years old, you were 25 - this was December 15, 1990. When I tell people that we met in September of 1989, started dating in February 1990, got engaged June 1990 and got married in December of 1990....people think we're nuts. We know we are!

We know that the decision we made at that altar, in Pennington NJ that rainy, snowy day...was one of the easiest and best decisions we've ever made.

My handsome guy...there to pray with me before I spoke! 10/24/14

It's easy to love your very best friend. We've been through so much in the last 24 years....our journey has not been easy, but it has always made everything better...knowing you were by my side. The truth is I couldn't imagine doing life without you. You are my umbrella when it rains in my life. One of my most favorite things about you Mike Engel...is that you never EVER doubt...you have always saiud without a doubt...that marrying me was something you know you did right! You have done so many things right....but I am so glad you asked me 24 years ago to do life with you.

I love him SO much! 12/9/14

We have had some serious laughs! We have gone to bed very late...working on issues! We have certainly shared a number of tears....but through it all...you are the one I want to hold me, you are the one that can make me feel better with a kiss. I can't believe that you can still make me melt after 24 years.

I'm so proud of you Michael - you have taught our children that working hard will pay off! You have never given up - I'm so thankful. I know that as we continue through our "middle ages" things are changing. It is strange to see these boys who were just babies when I started this blog...

Shane, Brendan & Kyle - our 3 sons! 12/6/14

...looking so handsome and tall. Look at these young men Mike. WE DID THIS! :) That's got to make you smile big (and cringe a little)! Your role in their lives is now more pivotal than ever. OH...I'm not going to talk about them growing up....we'll work on that later.

Michael, I'm crazy in love with you. I've been holding your hand since 1989...and I will continue on through eternity. Praise God that we have eternity in our hearts Michael. That means we get to keep the gift of our love forever! I've written of so many of our memories throughout the years...but there are some...that are so dear, so special, so vividly engrained in my heart...that seem as fresh as the dawn of a new day.

Thank you. Thank you for proposing 25 years ago, thank you for protecting me, for loving me, for fathering our boys, for making me laugh, for making me stretch, for believing in me, for cheering me on, for standing up for me, for fighting for me, for wanting the very best for me...for loving God and never walking away from Him, for being a constant in our lives, for being willing to bend, morph and even change, for praying with and for me and with and for our boys daily, for sticking to every single vow and for wanting to grow old with me. We've done a pretty good job of growing old so far. We've been loving each other for over half of my life! I look forward to every single day of the remainder of our lives...doing just the same! xoxo ♥ Lisa

The Priceless Treasure

Summer of 2013 After being gone from him for a month on vacation,
this was a much needed reunion!

This week is flooded with memories! I'm not sure I'll be able to post on the exact days...so here is a conglomerate.

This will be one crazy busy weekend as Friday night I will be at my final set up for Bagels & Blessings and the Saturday my final B&B teaching (unless of course I'm invited to share again), right after that is my son's play at church and then Sunday is my 23rd Wedding Anniversary. Whew!

December 12th marks the 16th anniversary of the loss of our first son. You can read more about that in There is a Time For Everything. So I sometimes get a bit emotional at the memory of that, not that I'm still sad, but I just remember the time and how it really affected the rest of the month of December that particular year. I know I will meet with every single one of my babies again someday when we see Jesus face to face - and that actually brings me joy.

Then there is the closing of this chapter in my life. My final Bagels & Blessings at EAC. I will be stepping down as Women's Ministry Director after 5 years of serving, and actually announcing that my family and I have been worshiping someplace new. I've been very quiet about it. I guess I was thinking no one would actually notice that we've not been there on Sunday mornings. :) I have received several phone calls in the past 3 months...especially from the people that sat nearby. At any rate, this is a wonderful thing. While my heart is still not sure how to leave Bagels & Blessings, because in some ways I feel like it is my baby. I know it has grown up and it is fully functional and totally does not need me, but still, I liken it to when your child goes off to college. You've done well, you gave birth then you've watched your baby go through some growing pains, you've see it blossom and become its own thing...and then boom..its ready to stand on its own and doesn't need Mama anymore. :) I know it sounds silly. I have some friends who actually understand my silly heart - and I'm thankful. I've come to be very excited about what God is going to do...B&B is His...and so I know He's got the perfect plan for it! As for me and my family...well, we're His too and I know He has some amazing plans for us as well.

Still, I'm going to miss doing this - and I'm going to miss the women especially! I just have such an incredible love for the women who come to B&B. I know that is from the Lord...because even when women are new...I just love them so! EAC will always be a part of my family...we've been there 10 years and have walked through some very difficult storms personally and corporately, but we have rejoiced over many miraculous times as well. You know we bond through those times right?! So thankful for my relationships and friendships that will last for eternity! Such incredible gifts.

I'll be sharing on JOY! I think it is the perfect way to close this chapter!! I'm so very very excited and I think the Lord has big plans for Saturday!

Then there is Sunday. My 23rd wedding anniversary.

Last year I wrote a blog that talked about my wedding day it was called Holding His Hand. The year before that it was "I Still Do!" I've been blogging since 2007 how many ways can I express my joy of being married to my best friend?

Well every year it is just a little different. You reflect on the past year and so much happens. As we approach our 23rd anniversary we are both aware that we've been married for over half of my life.

The making of a great marriage is hard work. As we grow older together, there is a level of comfort, but this year I'm finding a new spark in the thought that we do this thing called life really well together. It isn't like everybody else..its the way the Engels do it and I really really LOVE it!

After 23 years, I still get butterflies when he holds my hand - it brings me right back to my college days. I love just sitting next to him. There is so much more behind a kiss after 23 years...it is deeper, more meaningful. I couldn't be more proud of someone in my whole life! I mean I'm super proud of my children, but I have to admit, I supremely proud of my husband. He is such a sweet and loving soul. Even when he is going through difficult times in his life I want nothing more than to be his cheerleader! I'm not shy at all when it comes to bragging about him! I love the fact that we are most definitely best friends. There are NEVER any eggs shells, NEVER any worries, NEVER any doubts....ALWAYS REAL!

Unlike some couples, we had a good 10 years before we were able to conceive children. I think that has made our lives, in some ways, a bit easier. Well, I said in some ways. I think parenting when we were in our 20s would have been a bit easier (more energy) but ... oh well, so we're old parents! That is why I color my hair!

Is my marriage perfect! I laugh....NO! I love him...the best I can here on earth and I know he loves me the best he can - but if you're looking for perfection...then that would be Jesus! We both know that...so I think that helps too!

Mike Engel - here's to eternity! May we continue to weather the storms together, walk on water together, share in victories together! May we continue to honor each other, look out for each other, love each other the best way we know how. May we never give up on learning new ways to show our love! May we raise our children to be mighty men of God! May we continue to make sure we have time together in the business of running a household of preteen boys. May we always remember to laugh! May we continue to lay each other at the throne of Grace...daily! May we cheer the loudest for one another! May we never stop praying WITH each other! May we never ever forget the priceless treasure God has given us in each other! May we hold each other's hand in the journeys ahead. I wouldn't want to do ANY of this life without you Mike Engel! I'm so eternally grateful that God loved me so much...he would have you choose me! Wow! May we continue to look at our stones and enjoy making new memories in the years to come!

Holding His Hand

Before you laugh...today is my 22nd Wedding Anniversary. It has been 22 years of the most incredible journey of my life..I've been married to this man more than half of my life (I was 21 when I got married). I know my dress is "old fashioned", our wedding song is certainly dated...but still beautiful. So, here are snippets of our vows...oh..and one of the songs played/sung by our dear friends...Here & Now by Phil Keaggy.

Pastor Hersey: "The greatest treasure that anyone can have in this world is the undivided love of another person. Today, Michael and Lisa have come with their family and friends to begin married life."

"How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two who are one in Hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the God they serve. Side by side they partake of God's banquet; side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations. They have no secrets from one another; they never bring sorrow to each others' hearts. They never shun each others' company. To such as these He gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present."

Michael: "I love you Lisa, and it is because of this love that I make these vows to you. I Michael, take thee Lisa, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, till death us do part...according to God's holy ordinance...I pledge thee my trust!"

Lisa: "I love you Michael, and it is because of this love that I make these vows to you...."

Pastor Hersey: "Michael, indicating your responsibility to Lisa to receive her into your care and keeping, I give you this ring that you may place in on her finger as a token and pledge that you are to receive her.... Thus you are to compass her life with strength and protecting love."...."Lisa...indicating your responsibility to Michael to receive him into your care and devotion, I give you this ring that you may place in on his finger....Thus you are to encircle his life with affection and tenderness..."

"I pronounce you husband and wife....Therefore, let all men take care in the sight of God that this holy covenant shall ever remain sacred."

I'm still holding his hand, and he is still holding mine....22 years later. I love you Michael Engel...♥

Florida's Little Mountain

For our 21st wedding anniversary, my precious friend took my children overnight (the first time we've ever been alone in our home..just the two of us). I volunteered to watch other people's children that night (I know what you're thinking..but it is the only way I can raise money for all 3 of my children to go to church camp...its gonna cost around $900 to send all three), so we decided to take advantage of the next day and have a day trip. I love Mt. Dora. I've been there with girlfriends, and it has been lovely, but really, I always have the best time with my best friend in the world...Mr. Incredible!

Ironically enough, Mike and I use to vacation in Vermont every year before we had children. We love the mountains. At an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora is Florida’s equivalent of a mountain top town. Isn't that just cute! We'll take what we can!

It is really one of the most relaxing day trips ever! Just walking around taking in all of God's beauty.

Looking in quaint little antique shops. Eating at our favorite restaurants. Taking time to sit on the grass and enjoy each other's company. We talked about our past 21 years together, what we've done right and how we can improve...not only our marriage, but our walk with the Lord. We encourage each other in the faith.

Taking time to really enjoy this man I married so long ago. I'm so grateful for our day away.

We totally would have taken a plane ride if we had money to spare...$50! lol! We've been in a helicopter before, over the Adirondacks, so we could pass.

I did manage to get a little gift for Shane for his stocking and I bought a cute little hat!

In the end we had one of the most special day's of the year. After not being able to do this at all for the past few years, we try to soak in every second of time spent together, away from home.

I Still Do

December 15, 1990 was the day we took our vows. However, the day I saw you standing on the stage, leading worship and teaching at the little church by campus, I remember saying...I want to marry someone just like Mike Engel.

The day we walked around Indianapolis and it was snowing, and you sat on the curb and cried while you shared your love for Jesus with me...that is the day I fell in love with you. I went home from that retreat and told my Dad, I think I might really be in love. I fell in love with your heart. Your heart for Christ, your heart for the lost and your heart and love for your family. How could there possibly be a man like this on earth? And how could I be the one he has eyes for?

Pinch me! I still feel that way.

You have always put me in a place of honor and have always loved me unconditionally. We have endured so much. Though we only dated (including our engagement) for 10 months you have walked beside me and at time have carried me through some extreme times. We walked through the death of my father and the death of our dreams for 10 years of infertility and 14 babies lost. We've walked through several diagnosis, for me, you, our parents and our son. We journeyed (and still are) through raising a special needs child. We've walked through caring for an Alzheimer's grand father and the death of your Mom.We've survived slander and lies. We've had to endure the pain of watching our son suffer. We've walked through times of great need and loss. Through it all...we've held on tight, we've never wavered. We've cherished the gifts God gave us in each other and we've never lost sight of Him.

We've maintained a heart of Hope! We've kept smiles on our face because of the joy set in our hearts the day we committed our lives to Christ and then again at the altar when we vowed to encourage one another in Christ! We've seen miracles of healing, love and mended relationships. We've witnessed the Mighty hand of God protect us and lift us up. We've have been a part of modern day miracles, lived on 5 loaves and 2 fish, seen the bounty of the Lord! We have together watched the almighty God of the universe put food on our table, open doors that seemed to be bolted shut, and demolish giants that could have done serious damage! And that has only been the past 21 years!

I look forward to growing older with you and spending eternity with you. Heaven is in our hearts! Make no mistake, we will continue to endure and experience so much more than what is written above, but that only makes me smile. I couldn't think of enduring or joyfully experiencing any of that without you by my side! Thank you my love! 21 years ago I said those words..."I Do!"...well, I still do! I look forward with joy in my heart to walking through the next leg of our journey together...hand in hand!

Step Into The Time Machine

Set the dial for September 1989. (and don't laugh at our hair!) There I was walking around Montclair State University. A transfer student from MCCC, 20 years old and feeling a great sense of freedom. I must have joined every club on campus. That is how I get to know people. I was on the College Life Union Board, Photography Club, Conservation Club, Ski Club (that is a riot, because I only ever skied once and it was a horrible experience)! On this particular September morning I was walking in the student center and there was this little table in the corner with a few guys sitting at it. It was Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. I was already involved in so much...then one of the guys came up to me and handed me a tract. Oh the tract. "I am already saved...thank you...save it for someone who needs Jesus" is what I said to him. He then proceeded to invite me to their Thursday night meeting. (Ok...I mean since I was from an Assemblies of God church down home...might as well).

Here is where I wish my husband would blog because his blog would go something like this: "I was sitting in the student center when what doth my eyes behold...the girl of my dreams." HA!! Well, maybe not exactly like that, but I did find out that the other guy at that table (my Mike Engel) did tell the guy that gave me the tract that he was going to "marry that girl someday." Yes he did say that!! (shhh..I didn't even notice him that day..well I knew he was at the table..but that was it)!

This is Mike & I at the Chi Alpha S.A.L.T. Retreat in Indiana Jan. 1990

I will fast forward now. I went to that Thursday meeting. I met Mike Engel (we called him Mike Engel because our campus pastor was Mike Durning..it was just easier) he was the President of Chi Alpha..he was a skinny klutzy guy with a heart of pure gold. I ended up going to his church (it was the closest AG church near my apartment in Montclair). He was a leader in the church. He lead worship, taught Wednesday night Bible Study and preached occasionally on Sunday morning. Seriously, he was awesome. Come that January we went on a Chi Alpha Retreat to Indianapolis. It was here that I started to fall in love with this man. I fell in love with his precious heart. He told me about his call to ministry, his love for people and his love for God. He was one of the most respectful men I had ever met. He loved deeply and cared deeply. I remember going for a walk and it was snowing, he sat down on the curb and just cried when he talked about his love for God. It moved me beyond words. When I got home I told my father that I wanted to marry someone just like Mike Engel. I would never have dreamed that Mike Engel would have picked me.

One of our 500 attempts (before digital cameras) at an engagement picture! June 1990!

February came and it was Somebody Loves You Night at Chi Alpha. Mike picked me up for the meeting and gave me a rose and a card (Valentine's Day). We started dating that night. The rest as they say is history. We were engaged by June and married by December all in the same year!

December 15, 1990

Nineteen years later, he is still the most amazing man I know. We have had our growing pains like every couple, but one thing is constant...our love for each other continues to grow. People ask me what makes my marriage work. I tell them our secret (well not all of them), but this one is what we have always lived by: the Bible says "don't let the sun go down on your anger." We have never gone to bed angry. Not in 19 years. We have stayed up to see the sun rise...but we always resolve our differences before going to bed. How do we resolve our differences? We pray! I remember our first big argument. I was clearly right and he was clearly right! Hmmmm? I was mad as the mob, he was angry too! (Can't remember what was so important 18 years ago). It was a long night, finally my husband says to me, "We have to pray!" What? Pray? UGH!! He got down on his knees right there in the living room and uttered the most humble beautiful prayer! I just melted. He asked for forgiveness, and asked the Lord to bless me. He told the Lord how much he loved me! OH I was so moved I could barely get words out of my mouth. When it was my turn to pray...I already felt so much love for this man (the same man I think I was so mad at I could spit nails)...I remember crying and asking God to forgive me, then I started praying blessing over this man that I loved. Well, praying for someone, who you don't like at the moment, is the best way to resolve conflicts. It melts your heart and makes you love all over again! It is our solution....it has worked for 19 years! Now we teach our children the same thing!

Mike & Lisa Engel - 19th Wedding Anniversary!

The Best Way To Celebrate...

is with friends! We had our annual anniversary date night with our dearest friends the Bradleys! We are so grateful to the Lord for placing them in our lives. We have been friends for a few years, and these past two years our friendships have just flourished! Mike and I count Don and Linda as family and seriously, when we talked about what to do for our anniversary we didn't have to think but a moment...we wanted to double date with the Bradleys!

So I wanted to show this year and last years pictures, (let's be honest...it is mainly because I'm proud of the fact that I am 57 lbs. lighter this year!) well, because you know, I love tradition!! ;0)

This is us last year!

I find it so funny that we sit in the same spots. Do we always sit that way? I guess so! Oh..and the scarf...that cracks me up! I have got to ditch the scarf next year. But, it was very cold (you know in the 60s) both times!
Then it is as if we don't ever get Starbucks! HA! I can't help it! That is what happens when your husband worked for the company for 8 years! This is Mike and I last year:


Ahhh...after 19 years we are still drinking coffee together!

Before we left for our night out...Pop (our almost 92 year old grandfather) says to me..."Wow, 19 years, you don't look old enough to have been married for 19 years!" That made me feel so good, doubled with the fact that since I homeschool all of my children, a night out with adults is SOOO special...you couldn't wipe that smile away if you tried!

So what do two middle aged couples who are not into drinking or "partying" do when they get a chance to go out (and they live in Volusia County Florida)? They go out to dinner, have coffee and sit in the driveway and talk for two hours. (Hey, the alternative would been to go to Walmart!) We had such a wonderful evening! Thank you Don and Linda for celebrating with us again this year! So, we are on for next year right? I can't wait to see the pictures!

18 Years and Still Going Strong

18 years of marriage that is. I married Michael D. Engel 18 years ago today. I still cannot believe it has been that long. That is an adult life....I could be the mom of an adult (that is a huge thought when your oldest is only 7).....I feel quite old right now. Not really! Age is relative anyway. So, on December 15, 1990 I vowed to love and to cherish this man who is still my very best friend. I feel immensely blessed that the Lord saved this treasure of a man for me. We met in September of 1989, started dating in February of 1990, engaged June of 1990 and married December 1990. Whew...but other than accepting Christ as my Savior, it was the best decision I have ever made. We were married at my home church in Pennington NJ. It was beautifully decorated already with Christmas wreaths, white lights and poinsettias. My photographer had said that I was the most calm bride he had ever shot. Indeed I was calm, this was an easy "I do" for me. Michael had been everything I had ever dreamed a husband would be. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, he loved his family, and he honored me with every word he had ever spoken to me or about me. In those important things, he has not changed one bit. He still tells me that asking me to marry him was the one thing he knows he did absolutely right.

We have weathered many storms together, that have indeed brought us closer together. He was there for me when my father died, he even helped care for him during his last hours. We traveled the road of infertility for 10 long years. My husband endured tests, and was a champ at administering shots for 6 of those years. He worked full time and put us both though the remaining years of college. He cried and held me through the loss of 14 babies to heaven as we endured miscarriage after miscarriage and failed procedure after failed procedure. He wept and prayed for my recovery as I almost died giving birth to my twins. He cared for those babies while I was in and out of a coma for 4 days in the hospital. He has remained my rock on this earth and has always been the one to rescue me whenever I am in need of rescuing. He has been an amazing, hands on father, teaching my boys love and life. He is one of the most humble people I have ever met. He is so intelligent, so strong in his faith and convictions, so forgiving, so loving, so giving.......so mine!

On December 12th we celebrated by double dating with another couple. Two of our dearest friends in Florida...Don and Linda Bradley. We were so honored that they would say yes to celebrating with us. It is such a gift from God to be able to find friends (couples) that click in every way with you (you know how it is...not only are the wives great friends, but the husband are as well...that is pretty special). The Bradleys have become like family to us. We couldn't imagine enjoying such an important event without them. We had such a great time together. Here we are at Bubba Gumps.


So, I look forward to the rest of our lives together. Growing old (or older), raising our boys, enjoying each others company until Jesus takes us home. Ask any of my girl friends and they will tell you, no one compares to Mike Engel. Thank you Lord for gifting me with this priceless treasure of a man whom I have the honor of calling my husband. Thank you that he shines Your light and love to all who meet him. Thank you Lord for loving me so much that you would cause such a union. I pray that you would bless my husband. Continue to mold him and make him into the man you have called him to be. I pray that he would prosper in every good work Lord and that you would open the floodgates of heaven and pour out your blessing upon him in Christ Jesus. Thank you Lord for your clear definition of love: Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, love does not boast, love is not proud, love is not rude, love always trusts, love always hopes....love never fails.