Never thought I’d say Cris Birch would get married before me, but today it became a reality. Cris is one of my and Jason’s best friends from back home in Washington state, and today was his and Rachael’s (formerly Baysinger) wedding day. They married at 5 PM Pacific time tonight at New Horizons Church in Washougal, WA.

I had the privilege of sharing my congratulations over the phone to Cris earlier today while he was prepping for the wedding. He shared how happy he was that he was able to, as hard as it was, wait for the wedding night to share their love in the way that the good Lord designed for married couples to. To me that spoke volumes that one of my good friends honored the one he loves enough to wait and respect her in that way. I hope I can be able to do the same for my future wife.

As a testimony to how mature Cris is for his age, he’s 20…and Rachael is one week older than me. (I was born July 20, 1984.) He has definitely gone through many trials in his young lifetime, and it is great to have grown up alongside him and see how far he has come. His faith has only become stronger and God has greatly rewarded his faithfulness by providing him a great companion.

It is wonderful to see a young couple who has their priorities in order — God first, then each other. For putting God first, I am confident they both will be blessed in their marriage far more than they could ever imagine.

Congrats Cris and Rachael, and all the best to you guys on today and throughout your life together!!!