My name is Rachel Delo. My husband, Tommy Delo, and I were married a little over a year ago, on March 11, 2017. The early stages of marriage have been a roller coaster of emotions, containing some of the most joyous moments of my life as well as some of the most challenging.

I’m trying to think of a way to describe my experience so far, but the only word I can think of is, blessing. It has been a joy learning something new about my husband. The happiness that I have felt seeing the man that I love most in this world grow in the Lord and lead our family is overwhelming. I have found that it is so important to pray with my spouse, keeping God at our foundation. Praying with Tommy allows him to know how I feel, what I think, and what I hope for. God already knows my heart. Praying also allows Tommy to see into my heart. When going through hard times, we have seen God’s hand through prayer. It’s always incredible to look back and see our prayers get answered, even though it might not be the answer we were expecting. God has a plan for our lives and it is amazing. It really is a triangle with God at the top. As Tommy and I grow closer to God, we grow closer to each other.

I think one of the challenges of marriage, or even life in general, is putting others’ needs before my own. Not only do I need to consider the things that I would like to do or have but, I also have to take my husband’s feelings into consideration. God also blessed us with a beautiful son, Angelo. It is important for us to realize that we have to put the needs of our son before our own. When I am struggling with this, reading God’s word helps me remember who really comes first, God. Reading examples of God’s love and the acts of Jesus helps me learn and grow to be the person God wants me to be. I know as long as Tommy and I keep God first, pray, and read God’s word, we will be able to get through the hard times and praise God during the good times.

I know we will never be experts at marriage, but keeping God in the center of our lives, showing each other God’s love, being patient and understanding as we learn and experience new things, has helped me be the best wife and mother that I can be.

- Rachel Delo

My name is Tommy Delo. My wife and I were married a little over a year ago on March 11, 2017. Marriage so far to me has been the best thing to ever happen to my life. It has brought me some of the most joyous and exciting times I could have ever imagined. From numerous days of getting to know my wife, Rachel, in ways I never thought I would to God blessing us with our beautiful son, Angelo, it has been a true blessing.

Marriage has also tested me in new ways as well. In the past it would be easy to walk away in certain situations and then just figure them out on my own. Most of the time when this happened however, the issue never really being resolved. This is where prayer has played a huge role in my life. Many times, when I would have chosen to give up and move on in the past, prayer has provided me with clarity and guidance. It hasn’t always given me the answers I want, but it has always proven to be the right way without a doubt.

Marriage has also taught me that I no longer come first. It has taught me that not even my wife comes first, but that spot is reserved for God, and I have my wife to thank for teaching me this. My wife has been so instrumental in my growth with God and my Christian journey in general. From introducing me to Greenford Christian Church to helping me live a more meaningful life, she has helped me find my foundation in God. A big part of our foundation is prayer together and taking time to read together, which has lead me to read more often on my own. Praying together is a very special time for us and, for me specifically, it allows my wife to see where my heart is that day as well as my thoughts for the future and vice versa.

I know that God being our main pillar in life has given us a guide to get through whatever

it is that is put in front of us as a couple. It has given us a day by day guide to live a happier and healthier life and has brought us closer to each other than I thought I’d ever be to anyone. I know there will be issues to come, but I know God will help guide us through it all.

- Tommy Delo