Barry Wayne Parker

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Jason Lopez and Selena Noel in the spiritual covenant of marriage.

A marriage covenant is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully, prayerfully, seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Always remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy union. In Genesis chapter 2, we are told the story of Adam and Eve, the first man and the first woman. verse 18 says "and the Lord God said it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper" verses 21-23 tell how God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam and how God took one of Adam's ribs to create Eve. then Adam proclaimed Eve to be "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" because she was taken out of man. Verse 24 tells us "therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. In Genesis 1:28 God had already outlined His purpose for creating them by commanding them to "be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth" God's plan was for man and wife to fill the whole earth with people made in His own image. Wow! That's a big command! God knew it would take more than just a man, but he needed a woman by his side. God gave Adam the special role of leader, along with the responsibility to love her, protect her, and provide for her. because He gave her the role of helper, with the added responsibility of bearing the children. That was part of the command, right? Yes, the multiplication command. Both man and woman have vital roles to fill within a marriage, not limited to what I just covered; they are to help each other thrive! By providing the emotional and intimate support each needs from the other, as well as a myriad of other needs that they would figure out over time. So, be patient, be loving, and above all, be kind.

Jason Lopez and Selena Noel will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you, Jason Lopez, take this woman, Selena Noel, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you, Selena Noel, take this man, Jason Lopez, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Jason Lopez and Selena Noel will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

Jason and Selena will now exchange rings as a token of their love and commitment. The ring is an unbroken circle representing unending love. As often as you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Jason, please place the ring on Selena's finger and repeat after me. "Selena, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and i am choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Selena, please place the ring on Jason's finger and repeat after me. "Jason,

Jason, and Selena, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. remember to keep lots of laughter in your lives and love will never be far behind. May all that you are, always be in love. May all that is love, always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other's best friend and greatest love.

Jason and Selena, you have both pledged yourselves to one another in the presence of your families and friends. It is my great pleasure, by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Kentucky I now pronounce you husband and wife!