The first year of marriage is definitely hard, but I found doing devotions daily with my husband helps. And since we're both married to pastors, girl, you gotta get down and dirty with fighting a strong spiritual warfare. The devil hates God-ordained marriages and he often times makes things harder than it should be, especially in areas of communication, finance, intimacy, etc. You will win because you're both committed and because Jesus already won the battle for us. 😘

The first year was SO ROUGH. We were learning so much about each other and figuring out our new life routines. It was messy but beautiful. Now almost 4.5 years in life is so good and I am so glad to be married to my husband! You got this girl!

With this season of change also comes so much FREEDOM. It's no longer your parents' space, it's yours (both of you). You get to start new traditions, decorate how you want, buy the groceries you like to eat, pay your bills (or switch services like phone and internet), go to a coffee shop late at night. The best part is you guys get to do it together. My husband calls me on all his breaks. Not cause he has to but cause he likes to spend that time together and update me on his day. 😊 It's gonna be good. No worries. Lots of hugs. 💜

I love how open and honest you are. Marriage takes a lot of work. I was married 35 1/2 year before my husband died 15 months ago. I loved when I was able to change my name to his, it felt amazing. I wish I could go back in time and have my husband all over again. My advice, never ever go to bed mad. Always tell your husband you love him. Love and cherish your marriage! I miss being married.❤

My husband and I have been married for over 30 years. My relationship advice to my sons has been: "Relationships take work-- life is not a fairytale. It's not a Hallmark movie or a sitcom where life's problems are solved in 30 minutes. Neither one of you are mind readers, so don't expect your spouse to "guess" what the problem is. Be kind to one another, apologize when you should and enjoy every moment." Some of our best memories are when we lived in a tiny apartment and had very little money. We've had great times and of course, tough times. But even through the tough times, there was never anyone else that I wanted to be with. I love the home that you have made together! Congratulations on your marriage and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas! 🥰

Marriage is a partnership with someone you love. Communication, changing, forgiving easily, and sharing some of your old with some of his old to start your new traditions together. Marriage isn't easy, but it is so worth all the work. Ive been married to the same guy for 53 years. ❤ God bless y'all.

This comment section is a true well of wisdom concerning godly marriages. 🤩 Although I am very much single at the moment 🤣, I learnt so much that will be invaluable in the future! 🥰 Congratulations again, Ash and May God continue to give you and Johnny grace for this new season. 🤍

Ashley, give yourself grace. The first year of marriage is hard especially when you add the move to another state, new surroundings, new places to get to know and hang out. The loneliness is real. It doesnt mean you dont love your husband, it means there is allot of "different" all at one time. I know Johnny said he is homesick, even in his hometown. I get that but its not the same because everything is familiar to him. It will take time. Go see your parents often if you can. Video chat more if you can. See God more if you can. I promise... it will get better.

Marriage is not easy. After 23 years of marriage. Keep communication and honesty at the top. You got this!

I always share this with young couples that are about to get married or are newlyweds: “If during your first year of marriage you feel like you made the worst mistake of your life, your not alone! It happens to everyone.” I share that because I wish someone would’ve told me that when I got married and struggled so much thinking that i was the only one feeling that way. I’ve been married now for 16 years and it gets better and better ❤

I remember when my husband and I first got married we had to learn each other's habits and to REAlly get to know know (if you know what I mean)each other. I thought I knew everything about him when we were dating and that wasn't actually true, there was So much more depth to him..I remember on our honeymoon we went out to eat one evening and it was suppose to be wonderful and it was, but in the middle of dinner I just started crying because I missed my mom (I had never lived away from my parents before) but how sweet and understanding he was to my needs and he is still that same way with me and our children everyday. Now we've been married many years and I can't hardly remember a time when we weren't together, I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing us together-you two are really sweet together and you will grow together in the Lord, and that's just a wonderful thing to experience.

The love in a Christ centered marriage grows deeper and deeper. My husband and I just had our 2 year anniversary this month. Marriage has been one of the hardest things, as we're both a bit stubborn. ;) It is so worth it and I thank God for bringing us together. What's helped me the most is instead of complaining and wanting things he does to change, take it to the Lord in prayer and truly God answers prayers. I've had to take a big look at myself as well! The prayers and changes aren't always instantaneous or quick... But be patient and you'll see God move mightily.

My husband and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary and things have just recently started getting easier. Finally starting to feel like home is home and that we are one. But it was soooo hard. Especially coming from two completely different cultural backgrounds. I believe that makes things 10 times harder, but we’re continuously learning. Don’t give up and hold onto God’s peace. Best advice is to remember that it’s better to be kind than it is to be right.

My husband and I were on our honeymoon and I called my mom just to feel close to home! She asked if I was ok and I burst into tears! I thought there was something wrong with me, how could I be happy and sad at the same time, but it was a just a new normal in my journey. After the first month or so, things began to felt like normal again.

Dying to our selfish natures is truly the hardest part of marriage. Keep sight of the reason for this season of struggle- which is that through your struggles God may be glorified- by how you overcome and the word of your testimony. Blessings🌺

I am married 4 years now. I also started living my the hubster straight out of my parent's house and I can tell you it was rough. So many things had to change and we had to adapt. Keeping date night a priority and doing refresher marriage courses helped us establish such good communication skills. The hard stuff won't seem so hard after later on.

My love and I are celebrating 14 years married this month. The first year doesn’t have to be the hardest if you don’t let it. Be patient as you learn the 24/7 of each other. Lean on each other. Be each other’s best friend. Tuck away with each other as much as possible. Enjoy cultivating the intimacy - physical (😉) and spiritual. Showing young marrieds eternal newlywed is possible and letting your marriage be a ministry is my passion and heart. God bless on this new season and enjoy!

After moving states to live with my husband in his home, I’ve learned over the past 3 years that homesickness is a state of being and that you aren’t homesick for the physical place but the feeling or nostalgia that you felt during that time in your life. I felt that very much myself and over time, through the hard times and even visits back to my hometown, I had that “ah-ha” moment of realization and that my HOME is with my husband. My safe place now is with him, and safe doesn’t mean 100% joyful 24/7, but my heart and my content is with him and my love for him, through good moments and rough ones. Idk if this helps you both but I hope you find your own “home” in each other as you continue to grow as a couple. Love, prayers, and blessings 🥰

I always tell people that the first year of marriage you will cry more then you ever have. We've been married 31 years. That first year is rough but it's also good. I look back fondly on that first year but I still remember the fights. I moved to Virginia Beach from Ohio when I got married so I get the adjustment to not seeing family every day and having to get used to a new community and a new husband who I dated long distance back before email, texts and all that.

I'm happy to see you and Johnny today! I'm glad you got your name changed so you're off and running on your list. Be kind to each other and apologize when you need to. Also....never go to bed angry with each other and communicate, communicate, communicate! In the beginning it's not easy but you two will make it because you have Christianity in your lives and that is hugely important!

This is so encouraging I got married on October 8th too! I've been crying a lot because I moved towns too. It's good to know I'm not alone. ❤️

The first year was a dream come true for us. It was the 5th year that was soooo bad. We got through it though and we're stronger than ever. Just keep swimming. Also, I agree the first year everything was so different. I lived with my parents as I was fresh out of high school, 1 year into community college. I felt homesick all the time and adjusting to this new life under the headship of a man other than my dad was interesting. The feeling goes away though.

I appreciate your honesty guys! People never tend to talk about these things, so it's so refreshing to hear you guys talk about it! ❤

Me and my husband were friends for two years before we started dating and I think that made a huge difference. We still laugh and have so much fun together 11 years and 3 kiddos later ❤ Moving right after marriage would be tough but you got a best friend at your side to help you through it

Good to see you back. I’m praying for you and Johnny in your new season of life. Thank you for sharing honestly how this month has been for you.

Hi Ashley! I'm not married and have so much to learn but I want to give some encouragement from what I've been learning in my walk with the Lord. Take it one day at a time, don't worry about what tomorrow holds and if it will be the same emotions and things you're facing and going through today. Keep your eyes on Christ and each day continue to have a thankful heart, praising Him in the midst of everything that's going on. This season isn't going to be forever, I'm reminded of that when I look back at my life and how the hardest seasons I thought I ever went through are now a testimony of God's goodness and how He got me through. Congrats you guys on your marriage! It's going to be beautiful and praying that through it the Lord will receive all the glory. Also, I've really been loving all of the wisdom in these comments, thank you all!

The 1st year is a learning experience. Leaving home, living with someone, having all new responsibilities is a challenge. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 46 years. We’ve had good times, hard times, laughs, tears etc, but it is so worth it! Having someone to share life with is a blessing. You and Johnnie will be fine, don’t take life to seriously, laugh, love and COMMUNICATE. Marriage should always be about communication. Best to you both, and many blessings.

Marriage is a journey. Filled with all kinds of terrains. And types of seasons, you prepare for winter by wearing more clothes, we prepare for marriage seasons by prayer prayer prayer. ❤

The first year is hard. You were one but now you are half of one. You love each other and you love the Lord so you have all you need to overcome any opposition from the enemy. I've been married for 34 years and I can tell you that shared worship, study and prayer time is the key. Talk about God and what he's doing in your life to each other. Communication is key. God bless you both in your new life together. X

Ashley and Johnny, I pray that all the obstacles that are coming your way will only solidify your marriage. You guys will go far because your lives are Christ-centered. God bless and I can’t wait to watch as you guys grow together as one ❤️

What an exciting time for you both! I think it’s important that we acknowledge how big life transitions can be exciting and fun and scary and hard all at the same time. You can feel both happy and sad!

Wow, all of these comments are so helpful and encouraging. This might seem more shallow than all of this great advice but... Getting a pet is going to help a lot! It will add another dimension and will be so fun to be "parents" to your cute little kitten. Blessings!!!!!

Thank you both for your honesty. This holiday season try to start thinking of you and your husband as your own family, because that is what you are now together, a family. 😊

It was definitely a big adjustment for me and my husband. Honestly the first few years are the hardest.. we have been married 20 years and the first 2 yrs are hard. It's so worth it though 💕 we were 19 🥰💕.. now 20 yrs later and 3 boys it's awesome. God is good

Quick tip for stuffed peppers (see Christine on FrigalFitMom), cut the peppers in half and steam them or boil them to soften. It's way easier to eat once everything is done. 😊

🥰🥰🥰... Your marriage is a huge Blessing & a Treasure! I'm thrilled at GOD's Love given you for such a Love! I feel sweet watching you two🤗.

Sweet Ashley, I felt the same as you when I just got married! I spent a month crying because I missed my mom and my sisters. It was a mixture of emotions, because I was happy to have married my husband, but it was also a total life change. At the same time it's nice to be able to start your own culture and family routine. It's a big change for both of you, so be very patient, empathize with each other, pray a lot! and may communication and kindness never be lacking in your marriage. God guide and bless you in this new and beautiful stage. Hugs

I want those highlighters!!! Also, best of blessings to both you and Johnny. Such a beautiful thing to be married and challenged in the midst of it. May you two continue to be blessed in this season of new growth ❤️🙏🤗🙌

So happy for you! So exciting 🙌

I'm proud of you Ash. You're doing your best!! ❤️ You'll get the hang of it soon. Hold on to Joy in every season.

So so happy for you guys! I have followed you for a long time!

Awe, this is great. Sometimes it's so easy to forget that marriage just doesn't stop on your wedding day. Preparing for after the I do is super important. Thank you for the realness and rawness guys.

Congratulations sweet Ashley!!! Love you so so much! Hi Johnny! ☺️ Also, I LOVE the guest room. It looks so cozy and homey. Your Bible and flower artwork make it beautiful!! 💛💛💛

Ashley Im prob older than your mom & dad. We were in ministry when we first got married. It was a new location, new church etc. It was downright lonely at times even though people were well meaning. Also when sick I missed home. I love the way you guys chose to do crossfit together. What a team builder! My husband & I do that even at our age. I feel lucky to have an activity that we both enjoy doing. I learn a lot from younger women whose heart is set on God. Its so encouraging to me. . . like passing the baton. Thank you for loving Jesus and being so transparent. You & Johnny have got this because Jesus has you both. I also love your mom & sister, Taylor. She is so talented with her music. Take care & God bless!

Awww enjoy every moment of your new season together ❤️❤️y'all are so happy together. You both are so in 💕 Love together and that's what matters most. The first day of the rest of your lives together ❤️❤️

I love the Crown, I think I’ve watched the complete series like 4 times now. Excited for the new season.

Hey! Thanks so much for sharing with us… You both look so happy! Tell Johnny I have the same sweatshirt! I bought it this winter and wore to church the other day it’s cold and rainy. I love it! I have the same “Theologian” as a tee shirt too...Love me some DG!!! Again it’s so nice to see you so happy… Yes marriages work, but it’s also so rewarding!💜

About to complete my first year of marriage in a month from now!! Marriage has been work but it’s also beautiful how you guys do it together to create the future you guys want. It’s scary, exciting frustrating and everything that can be mentioned but remember you guys are a team and if God is with you guys you guys can make it through everything! You got this Ash! Btw loved the vlog, hoping you do more of these!! Much love 🤗

It will all be well. It's okay to miss your family no worries. GOD has ya'll be blessed!!!🕊🤍

Marriage is such a great opportunity to grow and become more like Christ. Which is also why it is just so dang hard sometimes 🙈😅. Lots and lots of grace, forgiveness and choosing love every single day is what matters most. I truly have found in life that God has shaped me most through being a wife and being a mom. Bring all your struggles and sins to the Lord and He will release you from your burdens. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

When I got married, I also moved away from all my friends and family so I feel your feels. That was 13 years ago, it was HARD. You will find your rhythm, I promise. Just have grace with yourself during this time.

Hi Ashley! Thank you for vlogging! Although it may be hard to adjust, I think you and Johnny are doing great! God bless!

Thank you for being open about those marital thing’s. I appreciate the transparency 🎉.

Praying for you two in this season. I know it must be so difficult to adjust. I'm best friends with my mom and I struggle with the thought of being so far away from her. We love you girlie! Also....so ready for the wedding video to come out!

It's good to not go to bed angry, but remember, too, that emotional situations tend to feel much more devastating at 10pm than they do at 10am :) Another thing, with differences that stem from upbringing and individual family culture, it can be helpful to take a kind of "fascinated anthropologist" interest in the inner workings of different families, instead of just dwelling on feelings and preferences :)

I'm always happy to find fellow messy cooks! ;) Congratulations on your marriage! It's been so fun as a viewer to see your journey through the years! My husband and I just celebrated 11 years of marriage. We also didn't live together prior to marriage, which has been a huge blessing, but it has definitely come with its learning curves. I know it sounds cliché, but you guys will find your groove. The best advice we received - actually before we even dated - was that "with open, honest, two-way communication, you can solve almost any argument before it has a chance to even begin." That's definitely proven true for us throughout our entire relationship, but of course we've had to be intentional with said communication. We'd be nothing and nowhere without Christ. You're both in my prayers as you begin your journey through the hills and valleys together! May God grant you both many, many years.

I just want to say that I appreciate you all's honesty. These are things I wonder about when transitioning during that married phase. I am not yet there, but I am grateful for your acknowledgment of the sort of sadness surrounding the change, as well as the beauty of the newness. Praying for you two. & congratulations again!

You look SO PRETTY Ashely!!!

Hi Ash, praying for you both in this new season. Like you said the one unchanging factor in all seasons is our Father in heaven. He is in control. He loves us and cares for us more than we can imagine. God be with you❤

My husband and I lived together before we were married and we did fairly good our first few years together, but the year we bought our first house was tough!!!! There were times I didn’t think we would make it. I think every couple has to push through hard seasons, but the outcome always gets better and I think my husband and I have a rock solid marriage now! You are definitely in a big change season and you guys have way more of a rock in Christ than I did with my husband in our early years. Thank you for your honesty and you guys are too cute! ❤

First year is definitely hard but, when you look back years later you it feels so good thinking of all the growth you experienced. ❤

How has life been being married? What things do you like about being married? Have you done anything differently after you left home. I am glad that you are still doing coffee and Bible. Love seeing videos with you and Johnny now enjoy and God bless.

Thank you for taking time to vlog for us! I have been married for 41 years. It is so refreshing to see a young God honoring couple start out on this journey. It isn't easy, but it is worth it. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you'll be just fine. He knows all about your homesickness and adjustments. I am excited for you and Johnny!! Happy 1st month of marriage!!!

I love that you are so honest, Ashley. I think it is a little harder for you as you made the move and are away from your family that you love so much. Your routine is so different now but you will figure it out. Crossfit is a great way to get into super shape and it’s nice that Johnny and you can do it together. I would like to hear more about it. One day at a time, girl - try to keep the pressure low for now. Love to see you both working together. Love from Canada ❤️🇨🇦

My husband and I have been married more than 9 years now ( together more than 14) and the first year of marriage was also rough for me. I remember on our way to our honeymoon destination out of state and we had our first " disagreement " when we got lost on our way there . We drove 400 plus miles . Anyways other times I had to get used to things I wasn't expecting from him. Nothing bad things I took personally which wasn't the way I normally shouldn't. Just things I had to learn and take up with the Lord. And things have gotten alot better in thoes areas. He is the best husband I could ever ask for . We still have our less than perfect moments now and then but we remember to still respect each other and consider each others feelings . And forgive and forget. Cute apartment you two have by the way. Many of the Lord's blessings on your marriage. 🙏❤️

My husband and I have nearly been married 9 years. It's so hard adjusting to living together straight after you are married, I still find it hard sometimes because I'm very independent and like quite time. I think having common interest but also seperate hobbies is important. We are constantly working on and praying over our marriage! It will always be a work in progress! ❤

I’ve missed you ❤️ God bless you guys

Your Awesome. Congradulations again on your wedding. Show us more of tour quiet times. Is Taylor going to do some on her quiet times.

My daughters and I love your channel. I have been married for 35 years and it is still a work in progress. The one most piece of advice we got 35 years ago was never go to bed angry. Well that went out the door the first week lol. If I can give you any advice it would be if you have any problems or concerns within your marriage do not take it to your friends. Pray about it, and work it out together. My parents were married 65 years and that was the first thing my mother told me and I am so glad that I listened because had I taken it to my friends and a lot of times they mean well and they want to give the best advice but it’s not always the right advice I probably wouldn’t be married 35 years. God Bless you both on your journey together 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Hi Ash! It’s so good to see you again on KZfaq. Change is definitely uncomfortable especially when it’s as big as moving and everything being new. But it’s so good to remember that God is the same even though everything has changed. I need to remember that too. It’s also weird as a viewer because I’ve been watching CBT since you were single!! I haven’t been doing great with quiet times but I’m planning on doing the Thanksgiving challenge!

I love the vlogs! Uhg I wish I could make the 30 minute trip and meet you guys!

Marriage is the hardest thing I ever done! Prayers ❤️

Hi Ashley! I'm glad you are enjoying your new recipe book! Lots of love from Edinburgh, Scotland :)

Hi Ashley! Blessings to you and Johnny for your marriage life! My parents are married for 42 years and told me that marriage in Christ is good but you can face it with God's favor.

Hey Ash, thanks so much for your honesty. It honors you both and helps in a world full of rainbows and unicorns ;). I love that about you, your rebellious honesty against the mainstream. Also: Which cutting program are you using AND which camera? Thanks!!

Thank you for being honest about marriage ups and downs! I also love the crown. What season are you on?

Thank you for sharing ❤ Marriage comes with so many changes and having 2 different people with their personalities and temperaments ^_^ You're doing good, it could take awhile to adjust and that's ok ❤

You're both young. You'll grow into your own identity as well as how to be a godly spouse. Just wait til children... that's where the real growth happens! But it's beautiful. Enjoy the journey. You will learn a lot and mature as the sanctification process continues.🌈 Let the one flesh union come as you heal together from life's blows and yield to Holy Spirit. We're on year 15 now, and it is absolutely bliss!💕

I recently moved states to Iowa to get married this year August 28 it is very hard you miss home luckily my parents live about 40 mins away but my sister and the city I lived in my whole life is 3 hours away you miss the familiarity of what you knew as home but God is with you just breath and give yourself grace and we both will get through this marriage is hard at first but it is so sweet. I am giving you a virtual hug! Be honest with each other communicate freely and don't let sad feeling build up without talking to Johnny,.

I love this... 1st year of marriage is HARD marriage is Hard, but so worth it. Keep Christ as your anchor and the rest will all fall into place. Praying for both of your and this season of Change... Love Johnny humor.

Oh what a gift you have been given. A marriage with the foundation on the rock. Remember….it’s not necessary to have the last word, to be right about every subject. Use wisdom regarding which battles are really worth using words that can never be taken back. You will now get to walk out “love your (neighbor) as yourself”. It won’t be the easiest thing you have ever done but you are no longer one. One became two and by God’s grace the two are one.

Thank you for being vulnerable with us even though you didn’t have to. May God continue to bless your union with Johnny in Jesus name!

You’re both so sweet together♥️

The first year is really hard getting used to each other and everything else but it’s also beautiful in a lot of ways too x I got married at 16 and been married now for 12 years.

Thanks Ashley for the video..

Hi everyone good morning happy Wednesday morning and I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your channel because you are amazing Supporter and I'm proud of you and you all amazing

Been 22 years this November since we've been married yeah Jonny's right not rainbows and skittles. It's hard .but Jesus makes it possible. Never go to bed angry try to resolve things and pray for each other always. Blessings to you both.

God bless you and your marriage greatly!! Xoo

YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE!

Stop & truly listen to each other. 💖

You can feel happy AND sad at the same time ♥ That's REAL.

Love your vlogs and how real they are! I also got married a few months ago and moved somewhere new away from my family - it’s definitely a mixture of emotions! It’s crazy how much marriage teaches you and it is such a blessing💕

Soo cute. Thanks for being reee all. I'm 34 now. I still look like a teen ha. We married 11 years ago and I can definitely relate. It was rough but exciting and new. You just grown-up fast once you get married orr you stay immature and that keeps you stuck at some level. Ha; those days when it was just me my husband and his cat. Now we have a full house with 4 kiddos 9 and under. It goes by. So. Fast. Blinkkk. All the best. Your bed looks soo cute. Similiar to the look I did for our new house. :)

May God bless your marriage with love, excitement, passion, and compromise. May you find joy in the lord and be overcome with peace. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Im sooooo happppyyyy!!!!

I moved away from home at 18 married all the way from ny to California I think moving marriage missing everyone made the first year all the more difficult. It takes so much time to adjust!

Kepp vlogging, it'll help a lot of new couples

Hi Ashley.love from kenya.how long does the brown rice cook for to turn out perfect?

Love love love Ashley..... All the way from India ✨

Awww Ashley...good to hear from you again. I have not yet even watch the vlog...but am so much moved🤗 with the comments below although am not yet married. I was just copying and saving these comments for later use...when I get married. And I have learn much already. Thank you sisters for sharing your experiences. I love you Ashely and Johnny ❤️ and I pray for you both. Am reminded of James 1:2-5...speaks about trials and peserverance. May God give you more grace and wisdom on how to live through this season bringing Him honor and glory. Thank you for your honesty...it's truly a blessing to know you, Taylor and mentor mama ❤️. May God bless you.