When Clayton and I were engaged, we went to my 20-year class reunion in August 2005. I’d never cared to go to a class reunion before, and I was proud to be with the love of my life.  The reunion, which was very expensive, and offered food that was way too salty, in a room that was crowded and stuffy, was a great disappointment to me. I was embarrassed and disgusted, but my darling fiancé, who became my husband October 1, 2005, knew just what to do to save the evening.

Just before we left (early!), my man whispered, “We’re all dressed up; let’s go on a real date!”

I smiled more than I had the entire evening, and we quickly left. He drove us to a nearby park, where he’d proposed to me two months earlier.  Clayton in his fine suit and and me in my dress and heels got out and walked the moonlit path around the lake. It was a lovely evening, and there were several other people there.

We laughed, we talked, we sang praise to the LORD. After a couple of times around, we stopped under the huge gazebo near the front of the park. My love took me in his open arms and we danced, a romantic, slow dance, as he hummed a love song to me in his beautiful voice. After we danced a while, he said, “Let’s pray,” and we prayed together, aloud, as we did every night.

While we were praying, one of the walkers shouted, “That is SO beautiful!” We just laughed in delight and kept on praying till we were done.The evening was a great success after all.

Now, we go often to the park at night, to pray and sing together, and talk. Sometimes he takes his acoustic guitar and plays while we sing. It is a priceless and precious way that we celebrate our marriage. This summer, we’re moving 20 minutes closer to the park so we can celebrate there even more!   

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.