Celebrating our 15th anniversary with 15 Reflections!

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Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. Vandy and I are celebrating with gratitude all by God’s grace. These years have been filled with challenges, joys, and countless moments of growth. Together, we’ve learned and are still in the process of building our marriage. We are hopeful to be always rooted in the Word of God, nurtured by humility, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit. *To know more of our story here 👉 Our most UNLIKELY marriage proposal

Marriage is a journey of deep transformation, where God continually refines us, showing us how to love as Christ loves the church. I am grateful for my husband, a man who embodies godliness, humility, and the strength of a true ministry partner. Here are fifteen reflections on our marriage, which have shaped us into who we are today.

1. Humility is the Foundation

We are still learning to be humble day after day. Our mentors would always encourage us to apply it in our marriage. It’s challenging to ask each other “How can I improve?” or “I’m sorry, can you forgive me?”. Humility has been the cornerstone of our marriage. It is through humbling ourselves before God and one another that we’ve learned to serve each other selflessly. As Philippians 2:3 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Humility makes space for grace. I have written a similar post about this point here 👉 Are Dates still important?

2. Bearing the Fruits of the Spirit Together

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) – these are the fruits we must continually nurture in our relationship. They shape the way we speak, forgive, and serve one another, transforming our marriage into a reflection of God’s love. These are values we always speak and model at home, especially to each other, and hoping that our son will copy them as well.

3. God at the Center of Everything

Without God at the center, our marriage would not have the strength it does today. Keeping Christ as the foundation ensures that every decision, conversation, and challenge is anchored in His truth and wisdom. We’ve learned that a Christ-centered marriage is the bedrock for all other aspects of life.

4. Increasing Appreciation and Lowering Expectations

One of the most liberating lessons I’ve learned is to increase my appreciation for my husband while lowering unrealistic expectations. Gratitude for who he is—his strengths, his love for God, and his heart for ministry—has deepened our bond. It shifts the focus from unmet expectations to celebrating the goodness God has placed in him.

5. The Power of Prayer in Marriage

Prayer has been our lifeline. Whether it’s praying for wisdom in raising our son or for strength during challenging seasons, the power of prayer has held us together. As Ephesians 6:18 says, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Bringing our worries and hopes before God has always led to peace and clarity.

6. Ministry Partners in Life

Serving together in ministry has been a blessing. We are not just partners in marriage but partners in serving God's kingdom. Walking side by side in ministry has taught us the importance of unity, patience, and shared vision. Vandy and I have faced both victories and challenges, but knowing we are on this mission together has made it worthwhile. I love how we can serve alongside together, it's an opportunity to also be a blessing to other couples we are discipling. I love how Ms. Joy pictured their marriage here 👉 Serve the Lord, Save your Marriage

7. Embracing Each Other’s Differences

As a Filipino married to a Khmer, I’ve learned to embrace our cultural differences. God brought us together not despite our backgrounds but because of them. These differences have enriched our marriage, teaching us adaptability, mutual respect, and a deeper love for one another’s heritage.

8. Learning to Forgive Daily

No marriage is perfect. There have been times when forgiveness was hard, but we’ve learned that forgiveness is not optional. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Marriage requires grace every single day.

9. Serving with a Heart of Love

One of the greatest reflections of Christ in our marriage has been our willingness to serve one another. Whether it’s in the small tasks or the larger sacrifices, serving out of love has cultivated a deeper connection between us, honoring God through our acts of service. I love how my husband is a "handyman". He fixes almost everything! and is a self-taught. One of the many traits I like about this introvert-like husband is his willingness and smart initiative attitude. There are countless times that he has become a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter at the dorms, and an interpreter for free all because of the cause of the gospel. Last year at our 14th anniversary, he surprised me with a DIY closet 😅💪💕 he just felt I needed to easily hang my work clothes, so it would help me organize them and be convenient to prepare every morning... aww! That was really sweet of him.


10. Patience is Key

Patience, especially during difficult seasons, has been a virtue we’ve had to develop. Whether it’s in parenting, waiting on God’s direction, or navigating misunderstandings, patience has kept us grounded and hopeful, trusting God’s timing.

11. The Gift of Communication

We’ve learned that open and honest communication is essential. As Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speaking the truth in love,” we’ve strived to be open in our communication, listening with grace and responding in love.

12. Raising a Godly Son Together

Raising our son, especially with his unique needs, has brought us closer as we’ve relied on God’s wisdom. The importance of unity in parenting, praying over him, and modeling Christ’s love has been a shared priority. We want him to grow up knowing God’s love through our marriage and our devotion to Him.

13. God’s Grace is Sufficient

When we’ve felt weak, God’s grace has always been sufficient. There have been moments when our strength was not enough, but God’s grace has always carried us through, reminding us that it’s in His power, not ours, that we are sustained (2 Corinthians 12:9).

14. Thankfulness for a Godly Husband

I am endlessly thankful for my husband. His steadfast faith, kindness, and heart for the Lord inspire me daily. I see Christ’s love through him, and I thank God for blessing me with a partner who seeks to honor God in every part of our life together.

15. The Journey Continues

Our marriage is a journey, and I look forward to continuing to grow, love, and serve alongside my husband for many more years. God has been faithful, and with Him guiding us, we trust that the best is yet to come.

BONUS for you! 😅😍 

A. Five Tips for Finding a Godly Partner

1.      Seek God First
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God’s kingdom first. Trust that as you align yourself with His will, He will guide you to the right partner.

2.      Look for the Fruits of the Spirit
A godly partner should display the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These characteristics are a reflection of their walk with God and how they will love and treat you.

3.      Pray for Wisdom
Ask God for wisdom and discernment in choosing a partner. James 1:5 encourages us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.

4.      Prioritize Shared Faith
Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” Ensure that you share the same faith and values, as this will be the foundation of your relationship.

5.      Observe How They Serve Others
A person who serves others with humility and love, especially in the context of church and ministry, is likely to serve you and your future family with the same heart.

B. Prayers for Your Husband

1. Pray for His Spiritual Leadership: 

Lord, may my husband grow in his walk with You, seeking Your wisdom and leading our family with Christlike love.

2. Pray for His Strength: 

Father, give my husband strength in times of challenge and joy, knowing that Your grace is sufficient for him.

3. Pray for His Protection: 

God, I ask for Your hand of protection over my husband—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

4. Pray for His Role as a Father: 

Lord, help my husband to be a loving and godly example to our children, guiding them in Your truth.

5. Pray for His Heart: 

Jesus, continue to mold my husband’s heart after Yours, that he may love me and our family as You love Your church.

To recap, I pray that these reflections, tips, and prayers resonate with you as you seek to build or strengthen a godly marriage. Fifteen years may seem like a long time, but with God at the center, we’re just getting started. May you experience His joy, peace, and grace in every step of your journey.

Celebrating with love!

the Hourngs in Cambodia 😍💗👪

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