Real Marriages: Ricky and Jo
Names of couple: Jo & Ricky Hawkins
Date of wedding: 2 September 1995
Date of wedding: 2 September 1995
Length married when writing these answers: 15 years and 9 months
How and when did you meet?
We were best friends for a few years. I was a School Nurse, Ricky used to help out with Boys Hockey practice from time to time on campus. Now, Ricky was very clever… I had been engaged before, & was not looking for another relationship… ever! So he very patiently befriended me & tenderly won my heart over the next couple of years! Well this tactic has borne great fruit in our marriage. Being Best Friends is something that endures all storms, like an anchor. I am so grateful to Ricks for this wisdom.
We were best friends for a few years. I was a School Nurse, Ricky used to help out with Boys Hockey practice from time to time on campus. Now, Ricky was very clever… I had been engaged before, & was not looking for another relationship… ever! So he very patiently befriended me & tenderly won my heart over the next couple of years! Well this tactic has borne great fruit in our marriage. Being Best Friends is something that endures all storms, like an anchor. I am so grateful to Ricks for this wisdom.
What type of wedding did you have? (ie. Number of guests, indoor/outdoor, time, formal/informal etc)
Picnic-Pilgrimage Wedding of about 70 close friends & family, we dragged them off for a weekend into a remote spot in the bush. Most of the party stayed at a monastery Guest House, before the Wedding Every one got involved doing flowers, or catering etc & then we ventured to a distant Chapel in a divine spot, in the middle of no where for the Wedding & picnic. Had a lovely day, went off on Honeymoon & our guests returned to enjoy Gregorian Chart, Church Bells & the Monks fresh bread, back at Inkomana Abbey, before they all journeyed home the following day!
Picnic-Pilgrimage Wedding of about 70 close friends & family, we dragged them off for a weekend into a remote spot in the bush. Most of the party stayed at a monastery Guest House, before the Wedding Every one got involved doing flowers, or catering etc & then we ventured to a distant Chapel in a divine spot, in the middle of no where for the Wedding & picnic. Had a lovely day, went off on Honeymoon & our guests returned to enjoy Gregorian Chart, Church Bells & the Monks fresh bread, back at Inkomana Abbey, before they all journeyed home the following day!
What did you stress about before your wedding that you look back and think why did I waste all my energy worrying about THAT!?
Life is here to test our Character, & Weddings certainly do! I was more stressed about what I was about to Promise, realizing that vows are no joke, & THIS vow had life long consequences, I mean, come hell or high water, this was 4eva! I hadn’t realized just how much Grace God gives, when I bank on His Strength & not my own! That everything works out for the best, not to see apparent disaster, without realizing there is a hidden blessing, take a deep breath, tighten your seat-beat, life is about to take off … in a good way!
Life is here to test our Character, & Weddings certainly do! I was more stressed about what I was about to Promise, realizing that vows are no joke, & THIS vow had life long consequences, I mean, come hell or high water, this was 4eva! I hadn’t realized just how much Grace God gives, when I bank on His Strength & not my own! That everything works out for the best, not to see apparent disaster, without realizing there is a hidden blessing, take a deep breath, tighten your seat-beat, life is about to take off … in a good way!
What is your best memory of your wedding day?
We all just had such fun! It was carefree & lovely. There were rural children who joined in & a few cows grazing near-by. It was a glorious day, beautiful mountains & springs, forests & open fields just refreshing & perfect for a picnic!
We all just had such fun! It was carefree & lovely. There were rural children who joined in & a few cows grazing near-by. It was a glorious day, beautiful mountains & springs, forests & open fields just refreshing & perfect for a picnic!
If you did your wedding over what would you do differently?
We got lost driving around trying to find the friends who’d charge of my Wedding Dress, we got the wrong place & barged in on some poor unsuspecting people enjoying a holiday in the area! … & it took us longer to find our friends, change & then get to the Wedding! But at the same time we took it in our stride & all was well. I would have included my family more in the service, checked directions, found time to play with my little Bridesmaid… & had longer dancing with my Beloved!
We got lost driving around trying to find the friends who’d charge of my Wedding Dress, we got the wrong place & barged in on some poor unsuspecting people enjoying a holiday in the area! … & it took us longer to find our friends, change & then get to the Wedding! But at the same time we took it in our stride & all was well. I would have included my family more in the service, checked directions, found time to play with my little Bridesmaid… & had longer dancing with my Beloved!
What are some highlights from your marriage?
My husband & I have a wonderful relationship, with God at the center: we are one in faith, one in spirit, one in mind & one in body. However, we’re both strong willed so it’s been an adventure none the less! Then when we knock heads we refocus & remember: we’re on the SAME SIDE, we’re in this TOGETHER, lighten up a bit & learn to Love. Highlights include everyday life together, living the moment. Our trips to Croatia & Rome … we went on midnight hikes & had wonderful memories packed tight. How do I admit, that every moment in his arms = a Highlight? When he looks at me, or calls during the day, that I feel wooed all over again, at a deeper level. How long have we been married, do you ask? … ( *wink* )
My husband & I have a wonderful relationship, with God at the center: we are one in faith, one in spirit, one in mind & one in body. However, we’re both strong willed so it’s been an adventure none the less! Then when we knock heads we refocus & remember: we’re on the SAME SIDE, we’re in this TOGETHER, lighten up a bit & learn to Love. Highlights include everyday life together, living the moment. Our trips to Croatia & Rome … we went on midnight hikes & had wonderful memories packed tight. How do I admit, that every moment in his arms = a Highlight? When he looks at me, or calls during the day, that I feel wooed all over again, at a deeper level. How long have we been married, do you ask? … ( *wink* )
Is their anything you wish someone had told you about marriage that you could have worked on/focused on before your wedding to prepare you for marriage?
After God, nothing is more important than your relationship with your beloved! Keep things real, keep things fun! Focus on what really counts & life won’t overwhelm you. Continually go on Marriage enrichment courses / retreats, be around people who honor marriage, find Marriage Mentors you admire & LEARN to Love. Our world has forgotten, so make it priority. Love rules, never forget.
After God, nothing is more important than your relationship with your beloved! Keep things real, keep things fun! Focus on what really counts & life won’t overwhelm you. Continually go on Marriage enrichment courses / retreats, be around people who honor marriage, find Marriage Mentors you admire & LEARN to Love. Our world has forgotten, so make it priority. Love rules, never forget.
Name one thing the two of you do together that you believe has helped you build a strong marriage
We treasure our couple time, pray together, play together & work on our relationship, deciding to LIVE each day to the full, delighting in each other. Our Happiness is not determined by what’s happening. An attitude of gratitude determines our altitude! Be a high flying Lover.
We treasure our couple time, pray together, play together & work on our relationship, deciding to LIVE each day to the full, delighting in each other. Our Happiness is not determined by what’s happening. An attitude of gratitude determines our altitude! Be a high flying Lover.
What advice would you give to couples about to get married?
First: know what Marriage is… what you are promising, so that you truly make a Gift of yourself, completely. Be sure you have chosen well. That it’s Wonderful! BE NOT AFRAID!
First: know what Marriage is… what you are promising, so that you truly make a Gift of yourself, completely. Be sure you have chosen well. That it’s Wonderful! BE NOT AFRAID!
~~~
Posted by Wendy Harbottle on her blog: Not about the wedding:
( & shared with permission! Thanks Wendy!) http://dontstressaboutyourwedding.blogspot.com/2011/06/real-marriages-ricky-and-jo.html?spref=fb
If you enjoyed this article, the ones below might also appeal to you on God Blog:
Marriage: Heaven or Hell http://newevangelizationm.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/marriage-heaven-hell/
When I Fall in Love http://newevangelizationm.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/when-i-fall-in-love/
Thanks Everyone, this has been fun!
God bless!
Jojo
Deeper Truth Blog
EWTN
EWTN Radio
Terry Fenwick
Vatican
Who said I wanted to be Silver?
I love every word of this – but I do have to say, “We treasure our couple time, pray together, play together & work on our relationship, deciding to LIVE each day to the full, delighting in each other. Our Happiness is not determined by what’s happening. An attitude of gratitude determines our altitude! Be a high flying Lover.” is classic!
I thank GOD he let me meet you! You have made my wonderful life even better! Thanks for what you have added!
Terry, thank you. I just posted your pick of quotes, to Facebook for all Married couples! Good choice. x
Awesome
Thanks John!
Hi Jo Jo,
It is so wonderful to have a positive testimony about marriage.. Congratulations, and with God as your partner you will have all that is necessary to overcome any future hurdles. Did you get married at Inkaman Abbey in Natal? I know it well.
God Bless\
Eugenie
Hi Eugenie,
we stayed at Inkamana Abbey in Vryheid, KZN, but the Wedding was at Ngome … it was on one of these articles below … or in all 3 …? Marriage is one of our special missions, so take a look:
http://newevangelizationm.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/when-i-fall-in-love/
http://newevangelizationm.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/marriage-heaven-hell/
http://newevangelizationm.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/gods-girl/
Inkamana is wonderful too, boy, can they sing / chant … you feel like Heaven comes to kiss earth! Where are you in S.A. ?
God bless!
Jojo
Hi Jojo,
Yes Inkamana is a wonderful place. Yes I did receive an email informing me that you had a new post. I too struggle to understand this new technology. Perhaps its my age – teaching old dogs new tricks is not always easy .Fr. Godfrey the Abbot at INkamana was our parish priest when we lived in Empangeni. A wonderful Holy man. We visited him last year.
Take care and God Bless.
Hi Jojo, thanks for sharing this blog with me, I had a lovely time reading about your wedding and hearing how you and Rickie became a couple. Lots of Love J
JoJo, you are doing awesome my little Sister! God bless you! Maybe we can work to do this radio show soon!