This little feature is becoming one of my favorite things to share here, and this story is particularly moving because Ryan is currently deployed in Iraq. He was able to come home briefly to witness the birth of his son. He and Elizabeth have a beautiful marriage and her update letter is so full of wisdom. Elizabeth writes:

"Ryan and I had our first child, Luke Ryan, in October. Thankfully, Ryan was able to be home from Iraq for two weeks to support me and watch his baby boy come into the world. Our lives are quite disheveled right now as I am living with my parents while Ryan is away. We (my two dogs and I) moved from Washington state back to NC to be close to family and friends while Ryan was deployed.

Ryan and I struggle daily with the loneliness of being apart and the difficulty of living a life that is separate as husband and wife. And now with our precious boy in our life, it makes Ryan's distance even more difficult. However, God has been good to strengthen our bond and marriage despite the miles apart. All the hours of time talking on the phone have enriched our relationship and given us the time to talk about things that in the normal busy-ness of life we would most likely neglect. This has made us grow in our understanding of each other and love for each other. God also has sustained us and given us lots of grace and peace to endure this hard time.

Our 4th wedding anniversary was spent apart. What I wouldn't have given for just one kiss from my man! I do what I can and kiss little Luke...knowing that in a small way I'm kissing his daddy, too.

I truly believe that being parents has made us love each other more. What a gift we have been given...and given to each other in the life of our child! Just being able to see our love embodied in our son has enriched our marriage and brought a new dimension to it. Seeing Ryan love his child has made me fall in love with him as a father...and I believe he feels the same way about watching me become a mother. I love my husband for who he is in all of his roles - as a husband, friend, lover, son, brother, soldier...and now as a father to my child. As parents, not only do Ryan and I get to enjoy our son...but we get to enjoy each other in the ways Luke has changed us.

To couples just starting out I would say this: Talk, talk, talk...and really talk. Don't hold back, and be open and honest with each other about everything. If you can truly be vulnerable with your spouse and still have them love you back, there is nothing better. Because then you know they love the REAL you. Give your spouse permission to be his or her "worst self" with you and give them security that you will love them and strive to understand them no matter what they reveal. This builds trust. The journey is so much easier after that.

Finally, look to God for help to truly love. True love is not selfish and thinks of the other person first. It takes a lot of grace to love your spouse this way, but the relationship you develop as a result is worth all of the hard work."