Warning to Matt and Chris: DO NOT READ THIS POST. IT WILL FREAK YOU OUT.
When I share with people about how Diane and I met, I sometimes mention how I saw her at the College Church of Christ. It was a Friday night and there was a special focus on evangelism. It was a small crowd made up mostly of Bible geeks. An unaccompanied, beautiful, blonde elementary education major sort of stood out.
That’s the official story.
The real story is that that was the second time I’d seen her. The first was in a gym. She was playing volleyball with her club.
And she had on tight jeans. Not tight like painted-on tight, but like most jeans were then: tight at the top (which is, of course, the bottom) and bell-bottomy in the legs.
Though I was a pristinely pure Bible major (cough, cough), I, ummm, noticed her. Five foot, two. Eyes of blue.
So, yes, looks matter. Not like the heart, the personality, the character of a person. But when you’re finding a spouse, physical attraction often is what gets your attention. (More on that below in the 13th comment.)
She’s still hot. Even though she’s 50 today, she doesn’t look a day over, say, 35. (Is that still a compliment for a woman?)
All right, all this confession to say this: there was a zip and zowie back there that helped bring us together. But through all the many years together, so much more has come in the warp and woof of marriage. In daily routines, in shared chores, in deep sorrow, and in great joy. In faith, hope, and love.
It’s a great mystery, this marriage thing. But a mystery which today, on my Beloved’s 50th birthday, I’m very thankful for.
Happy Birthday Diane and welcome to the 50th Club
I was Mike’s roommate during those wowzie and zowie years. In fact, I sat behind Diane in Bible Ccass and I had to report back to Mike after class–you know, the really schmultzy stuff. I also remember the first time Diane asked Mike out. Yes, you read it here first, Diane asked Mike out at an open house at our dorm. After she left, he was speechless for the rest of the night. So, yes, I can attest to the fact that Mike was enamored by her. But after all these years, every time I see them, he is even more enamored by her. Happy birthday, Diane. You truly don’t look like you belong in the 50 Club. Mike, yes, Diane, no.
Wow — who knew your relationship with Diane began as a Conway Twitty song?
“Lord, I loved that lady wearing tight fittin’ jeans.”
Happy 50th, Diane!
You are so right about the amazing content of Diane’s heart. Her compassion and empathy so often blow me away. But, I have to confess that, I too, am often struck by her physical beauty. God really pulled out all the stops when He made her. And,speaking as someone only 2 weeks away from turning 37, I’d even take “looking like 35″ as a compliment. SO, I think you’re safe on that one. Your obvious love for your sweet wife moves me.
Happiest Birthday Diane!
I could hear the echoes of your voice from the conference in Nashville. Wonderful story. Happy Birthday, Diane!
Terri - Well, it was you and the other women at the Zoe conference, who, when I read this post (unpublished at the time) encouraged me to change “doesn’t look a day over 40″ to “doesn’t look a day over 35.” Nice save.
Happy Birthday Diane!!
Diane, congratulations on making 50! You are pure gold. Mike is one of the luckiest guys in the world to be with you. May God richly bless you for your kind and wonderful heart.
I have many good memories of those days at Harding. That was a very special time for a lot of us.
Congrats Mike and Diane (always want to say “Jack and Diane”) and happy birthday, Diane!
So many of us have been blessed by the spouses we first met at Christian universities.
Must be something about the gym. I asked my wife, Cindy, out on our first date in the gym at Freed where she was refereeing volleyball.
I join with many others here in welcoming you to the 50+ club. No matter how you look or feel, the day you really know you are fifty is when the doctor tells you it’s time for your first colonoscopy–whoopie!
Peace.
Steve -
Nice Mellencamp reference.
Yes, there is that whole “Who would you like to give you your colonoscopy?” and “Who would you like to administer your treadmill” part of turning 50 that reminds you that outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Mike, you know that I have come to love Diane. She is one of my easiest friends in Abilene. It feels as if we have been friends our whole lives. I love teaching with her on Wednesday nights. She loves those sixth grade girls and puts her heart into teaching them and they can feel it. Her love for you, Matt, Chris, Megan, and Jenna is immense. She would lay down her life for all of you. I love to hear her laugh and love how easily that laugh comes. I love to watch her tear up with me during our teaching times because it shows me how soft her heart is. I am so thankful for her friendship and how she continually pushes me closer to Jesus.
I understand about the jeans. I can still describe the Lee jeans my wife was wearing when I saw her walking across the camp where we were working.
Mike,
You failed to mention that your jeans were in fact tighter than Diane’s!
I’ve heard people criticize those of us who use terms like “hot” or “smoking hot wife” in describing our brides; claiming that makes unattractive girls feel bad. I say that “to each is own” and would challenge that “unattractive” totally subjective. I understand that society puts a lot of pressure on girls to look a certain way. In fact, Kim’s post yesterday (www.kimquile.blogspot.com) deals with the subject of impossible expectations. While I respect their opinion, I don’t share it. I find my wife to be “hot” and will label her as such. You find your wife “hot” and refer to her as such. We just can’t help it. Our wives are “hot!”
So Happy 50th Birthday Diane! Hope you enjoy those tight jeans Mike bought you!
You’ve raised a good point, Joel.
I’ve tried to talk often on this blog about how it’s the heart of a person that draws God’s attention — not the physical appearance. (We all remember the little mistake of Samuel in guessing who the next king of Israel would be.) One example is here.
We’ve been through so much. Those who think our life has been easy are sorely mistaken. After our daughter’s death, it was as if we couldn’t find each other for a couple years. We were lost in grief.
It’s not her looks that I love most (though I would assume most spouses are attracted to each other — especially as we resist the crazy cultural criteria that make it impossible for real, live, aging people to meet). I love the way she cries over children in her second grade classroom who don’t have parental guidance. I love how she has fiercely loved and parented our three children. I love how she poured out her life for a frail, mentally handicapped daughter. I love how she enters with such joy into teaching sixth grade girls at Highland (and College Church before that) even after a full day of teaching at Thomas Elementary. I love how she anticipates her first grandchild. I love watching her stress fade away as we slip out of town or as we sit with friends over a good meal. I love how she doesn’t expect me to be Pastor Mike, religious superstar. I love how she joins Chris and me occasionally for ping-pong or a game of HORSE. I love how her faith is real.
Congratulations Diane! What a sweet tribute to your wife!
Bring back the ‘fro Mike!
Congratulations.
God gave you such a beautiful life partner! She is one that has blessed my life in such a rich way. Thank you Lord for creating Diane and for cultivating her to be such a beautiful, fragrant offering to you. I praise you for the content of her character and for the overflow of her precious heart. Love you Diane. Happy 50th;)
Joel - There is not enough hair on the back of my head to bring back the ‘fro even if it came back in style! Now the sideburns . . . .
Mike & Diane
(To the tune of ‘Jack & Diane’)
Little ditty, about Mike and Diane
Two American kids growin up in the heartland.
Mikey gonna be a preacher man
Diane, a teacher – She’ll be his biggest fan
Suckin’ on a chocolate shake, outside the Frozen D.
Diane sittin’ next to Mike, It’s love, they both agree
Mike says, “Hey Diane, when’s your next volleyball game?
Diane just smiled and thought, “This guy’ll be hard to tame!”
Mikey says, oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of Harding is gone
Say uh, oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of Harding is gone. They walk on…..
——————
Someone else will have to write the next verse. I’ve got to get to work!
Have a great birthday preacherwife.
Mike,
This is a sweet post. I think we all have learned through your blog how much you love your wife and family. Just through your blog writtings you have encouraged me to be a better husband and father. Have you considered writting a book on Marriage and Family?
Happy BirthdayDiane! Have a great 50th!
Preacher Man - I’m planning to write my next book this summer. More about that later!
Happy Birthday, Diane.
I have great memories teaching 6th grade girls with you on Wed nights in Searcy. I was in college then, but now have 2 sixth grade girls of my own. Time flies.
Have a great year with many blessings.
Happy 50th, Diane! The best is yet to come.
Congrats Diane and Mike!
I unabashedly say I too am a FFW (Former ‘Fro Wearer) - and let’s be a little kind and honest here - who didn’t wear tight polyester in the ’70’s? It was that or leisure suits - or both.
The post I have already laughed at in Nashvilee. The comment to Joel Q made me cry. Love and marriage are hard work, thanks for painting it in the light of reality and still making it sound like the most wonderful institution this side of heaven.
Happy Birthday sweet Diane.
Diane, Happy Birthday! Jan’s birthday was Sunday! Like her, you have only gotten prettier with age…….seriously. I can’t imagine how you could have gotten any sweeter, but I am sure you have. I also can’t imagine how you have lived with you-know-who for all these years!
Love you much,
DU
Mike-
What a great expression to your wife! Happy Birthday to Diane, and to you. That sharing you describe so well of a life together makes it your birthday too, in a wierd sort of reasoning. You have given us evidence over and over that you two really are one, as God intended and Jesus prayed, which is cause for celebration among all who call Jesus Lord. I think maybe we should celebrate marriage vows kept, birthdays blessed as you did today, love that stays even through hard times, and commitment shared through the years between two who have become one. If we celebrated it more, maybe more young people would view it as something to be sought and desired, something of value. Anyway, I celebrate Diane and you and her 50th. I hope this is a really good day.
I have to admit that one of the things I really enjoy about you two is the looks and laughs you share when you make a comment from the pulpit to which you know she will react. I often find myself wondering, after one of those events, what your lunch conversation is like. Many happy returns to you both, and thank you for witnessing to so many that the Lord is so good.
Happy birthday Diane from Florida. God bless you for sharing Mike, your family, and your joys and sorrows with us through Mike’s ministry. May God bless both of you and your family.
Happy Birthday, sweet Diane!
Welcome to the second half. As I mentioned to Mike on his 50th - the second half is truly the better half of life.
And Congratulations to you, Mike! You have such exquisite taste! You chose extremely well!
Happy birthday, Diane!
When I was in high school in the late ’80s, I fit into the second-smallest size that Guess jeans made. Those jeans made me who I am today.
Happy birthday Diane, you will have many jewels in your crown.
SONNET 43
By Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints–I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
[ca. 1845, from Sonnets from the Portuguese]
I, too, married “up.” This is how I know that the grace of God is actually real.
As a kid, I remember spending a few days with you at Harding. The highlight that sticks in my memory bank was going to an actual college class with Diane. All I kept thinking was “Wow wee, she’s pretty!”.
Happy Birthday, Diane.
I still remember the call from Mike. “Mom, you’ll never believe it but the most beautiful girl on campus asked me for a date!”
Ah, happy birthday to our precious girl.
The way you treat your wife is a great example to me, Mike.
I cannot wait until my 22 year old wife turns 50 because I know that my love for her will have grown more than 28 times what it is now.
Nice save on the age! Although I refuse to understand the zip and zowie words. But will join in the Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Diane! Know that you are loved.
All right, Mom. Don’t tell everything you know!
Happy Birthday, Diane! My 51st is Thursday. The pictures are darling—from the first one to the last big one. You truly are pretty inside & out. Have lots of fun with your family & friends, & “milk it” for all it’s worth! Love, Andee
Happy Birthday Diane! Definitely one of my favorite people! Knowing our husbands combine forces to create such madness as “Mike Cope Sings the Classics” makes us have a very special bond!
Happy Birthday Mrs. Cope! You share this day with two other very special people. My dad’s dad (Sidney Kermit Brantly), who died this summer, would have turned 90 today, and my mom’s mom (Ruby Lee Eley Snell) celebrated her 95th birthday today. I think you all three are in pretty good company.
Happy 50th, Diane! Though I do not know you & Mike personally I can tell you are a very special couple just through this blog, and the words of people who love you.
a high five to five decades of life in those years. happy birthday dear diane!
Happy Birthday.
Amy wanna make some money on the side, I’m looking for some bootlegged copies of Mike Cope Sings the Classics…
Happy birthday, Diane! You’ve been such a blessing in my life, too! I love you so much!
Happy Birthday Diane. Looks as though both of you discovered the fountain of youth somewhere along the way. Congratulations on many years of bliss and blessings.
Mike, it just goes to show, in dating, there’s no such thing as Outkicking your Coverage. Way to marry up.
Looking lovely as ever, even though the hair is shorter.
(Diane looks really good, too!)
Oh wow–I love those photos–and I’ve heard that 50 is the new 30, so both of you enjoy every year of your second 50, er, 30.
Diane, I thank GOD for you, your heart for children, your example as a wife and a woman of brightness–HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!
I think she’s pretty.