We decided to use the time John was in Japan as a time to pray and talk about where to go from here when he returned. During that month and a half, I attended a Music Camp at the Christian college I had been looking into. Being there, in the midst of everything college and everything music, I started to wonder if I was making the right decision. After all, I was still so young. Could I possibly need to do something else before getting married? I was surprised at myself for wavering. I called my parents and asked for help and prayer.

A week later, John was visiting and he and I were sitting in the living room talking. John suddenly seemed to hesitate and stumble over his words.

"Uh, Ashleigh? Uh.. What would you. well. Would you object to me talking to your dad about a relationship. between you and I?"

I was stunned. I sat in shocked silence for a minute or two before catching my breath. I had a million thoughts running through my head. Um, what did he just ask? Is he serious? There's

On our drive home from the evening church service, I told my mom about the new Marine at church that day.

"Yes, I saw him too. What is his name? You know, I think I know who he is."

"His name is John. Do we know him?" I was puzzled.

"Yes, it's him. Remember the 'young Marine guy'-the one Dad met a few years ago?"

It clicked. "Yes!" I laughed. "He's

Soon I found myself broken before the Lord, as well as my parents, and for the first time in years, I saw myself as I really was-a sinner saved by grace. My heart was no better as a conservative, homeschooling girl than anybody else. The summer I was 16 was a turning point in my life. For the first time, I could walk with the Lord without such pride and pretense. God gave me a new respect and compassion for others in place of the condemnation I'd so readily bestowed on fellow Christians.

Written on the date of their third wedding anniversary

On June 26, 2004, we became man and wife.This weekend, we've found ourselves laughing and remembering some of our craziest moments… white water kayaking in Alaska on our honeymoon, camping in our little tent during a huge thunderstorm in Montana (why pay for hotel rooms when you can camp as you drive across country?!), hiking on early mornings in the desert-which we've done since the first official day of our relationship,