Faith-Stories.com Blog

I have written much about Ken and our journey over the last year.

Today is our seventh anniversary and when people ask how it’s been I tell them it’s been a good six years and an amazing last year.  So much has happened, I have a hard time comprehending all that our good and gracious God is doing in our lives.

As you may have read in Ken’s previous post, he attended some of a women’s conference that I was blessed to emcee.  He was there to “work” but ended up walking away with an incredible perspective of what the weekend was all about. 

I write this with much encouragement in my heart to share.  A number of women confided in me about their own husbands and asked for guidance as they have heard my testimony with Ken (he went to church with me and wanted our children to grow in “the faith” but didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until recently).  They asked how they could do the same for their husband.  My answer?  Keep praying and, no matter where their spouse is at spiritually, honor them.  As Christian women we cannot beg, nag or hope our husbands into the Kingdom.  Through much answered prayer and God’s abundant grace, we are where we’re at today. 

Please don’t get me wrong.  We are not living in some kind of “eutopian existance” where roses and rainbows are blinding.  We live in the here and now of the reality that is wrought with the headlines of war, famine and political (in)correctness.  But when you set your sights on Jesus Christ, even when things don’t make sense, there is an incredible sense of “being” and purpose.

I love my husband.  I have since the day I met him.  But now, seven years into our marriage (yeah, I know it’s not that long) I can honestly say I’ve never loved him more.  We have much growing to do and God has much ahead of us but He is our foundation and whatever is built on Him, no man can single-handedly tear down.

Happy Anniversary, my love.

Blessings,

Betsy

700+ women and me….nuff said.  Most men I think would be overwhelmed by the odds, or would love the odds if single. I was invited, and briefly attended the Devoted Hearts Conference Friday and Saturday at Autumn Ridge Church here in Rochester. I had to set up Betsy’s and KFSI’s informational booth on Friday and at first I was overwhelmed by the size of the church, then once inside the beauty of it.  While setting up the booth, I found myself scrambling around trying to find a power strip.  Thanks to Tom (the all around fixer/helper guy) he saved the day.  From that point, I felt the warmth of the church from him and others.

After chatting with several nice folks at the church Michelle McKinney Hammond (the featured speaker) came out that evening.  She was talking with Betsy and a few other ladies. I missed her “talk” so I didn’t know her views.  After listening I gestured to Betsy and said we should do a faith story on her.  Michelle agreed and off we went.  Her interview was very eye-opening and I felt blessed to hear her stories.  I won’t say anymore because her faith story will be coming soon.  Let’s just say it made my day and you could see her glowing with love for the Lord!

After the interview I needed to get video (b-roll) of her talking to the audience.  So I went back Saturday to shoot her speaking.  When I walked into the sanctuary, it was packed.  From what I saw, you couldn’t get another person in there with a shoe horn.  Right off the bat I laughed to myself…”I’m surrounded by a lot of estrogen.”  :-)  As I started filming she said, “Okay ladies lets talk about men.”  OHHHH boy.  God sure has a sense of humor…to have me walk in at this exact time.  But from a guy’s stand-point, I liked her message and even I got a charge from her, just like filming the interview. 

At the end of the day is when I trembled in fear as the doors opened and all the women poured out.  That’s when it hit how many ladies were there.  Fear?  I kid, it was awesome to talk to a lot of the ladies.  I can relate to women I think a little bit better than most men.  I was speaking from my heart and shared stories, either from Bible study, working at KFSI or whatever.  I HAD A BLAST! 

So, was I the odd man out?  NO WAY.  It was fun, inspirational, spiritual and moving.  I felt comfortable in my surroundings and we got an awesome faith story to boot.  To wrap this up, all joking aside I thank all of you at Autumn Ridge, all the great ladies, Michelle and the Lord for letting me be a part of seeing the “other side”.  I didn’t get a window seat to peek in, I got a front row seat!  Men, if this opportunity comes along next year…TAKE IT, if possible.  

PS. Happy 7th Anniversery to you Betsy, my wife!  Also happy 27th Anniversery to KFSI…27 years and still going strong!

Ken Quattrin

UPDATE 5-9-08

Michelle’s story is posted