Photo: Sodahead.com

Whenever we wake up on our Anniversary, we have a sense or awareness unlike any other day of the year.  We’re keenly aware of God’s faithfulness in our lives; His sustaining grace in difficult years, and His abundant kindness in years of plenty.  It’s a day for looking back, a day for looking forward and a day to enjoy celebrating the present!

When we started The Romantic Vineyard two years ago, it was primarily to help couples in our church come up with fun and creative ways to keep the romance alive in their relationship.  We had no idea of how God would use us to help couples we’ve never even met.  It still baffles our mind, but we press on. Here is one of our very first posts from November 2008.  You can see our  passion is the same – only stronger and more defined.

We realize we possess nothing God hasn’t given to us, including our marriage.  And He could just as quickly decide to take it all away.  Thus, the need to always embrace life with an open hand, not a tight grip. Something we are constantly asking for God’s help in doing.

Here are some fun statistics about our Vineyard you might find interesting.  We see each one as an evidence of God’s grace.

• Total posts – 471
• Number of Comments – 815
• Busiest Day – July 1, 2010, with 763 views
• Most Popular Series – Rainy Date Ideas
• Most Popular Rooms – For Wives Only, followed by For Husbands Only
• Most Popular Post – Freebie Friday: Bloomin’ Onion
• Most Popular Letter in our Alphabet Date Series – The Letter “G”
• 520 Fans on Facebook
• 192 Subscribers via e-mail.
• Over 70,000 Total Visits to The Romantic Vineyard

We have learned in the blog world that these statistics are minuscule compared to other sites, but we’re amazed and humbled.  Because each statistic represents a marriage seeking to grow stronger and healthier “til death do us part!”  This is what makes blogging not a passing hobby, but a mission with a vision used to glorify God in how Husbands and Wives relate to one another. It’s not about our personal happiness, but our growth in godliness and maturity!  These are the marriages that produce lasting fruit.

Please accept our heartfelt “THANK YOU,” for inviting us into your lives.  We count it a privilege to serve you in this way!  We’d love to hear from you on this very special day – won’t you comment to this post telling us in what city you live.

Now, for the all important part of THIS anniversary celebration!  We have a tough task – selecting 3 winners in our Capturing The Romance Photo Contest.  Thank you to all who entered.  We have a feeling we’ll be doing this again, so keep those cameras clicking!

Click here to find out who won!