Vivaha Samskar - the sacred vow of marriage

samanjantu visve devah

samapo hrdayani nau

sammatarisva sandhata

samudestri dadhatu nau

"May the divine powers know that we to are getting married with great pleasure in our soul and conscience. Our hearts are in harmony, as one as the waters. May the Prince of Love, the god of relationships and the god of secrets protect our marriage"
(Rig  Veda - 10.8.47)

"In Vedic tradition, a marriage is a sacred act, a religious commitment and never a simple agreement. Union between a man and a woman is not merely a physical one, but also a moral and spiritual one. It marks the beginning of a life of responsibility. Couple relationships should be ruled with mutual feelings of faithfulness and devotion which should also be turned towards God.
      Marriage ties are normally indissoluble. One must therefore adjust his or her character, likes, ideals and interests with that of the other instead of breaking up as soon as differences appear. Marriage is a sacrifice, an austerity which helps us to develop patience and tolerance."
 - The Book of Samskaras - Ch 4.

Rahul and me accepted this sacred vow of marriage on 9th March 2012. May the Gods help us to fulfil it. Humbly seeking your blessings as we begin the most important phase of our life. 

If God exists, I should be able to see Him!

A naive argument. If you demanded, "I want to see the prime minister. Let him come before me!" - would it happen? Of course not! There is a process for these things. If you want to see the prime minister - you should qualify yourself. Seek an appointment for some legitmate purpose worth his time - or achieve something worthwhile. Similarly there is a process to see God. 

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjun, this form of Mine you are now seeing is very difficult to behold. Even the demigods are ever seeking the opportunity to see this form, which is so dear. The form you are seeing with your transcendental eyes cannot be understood simply by studying the Vedas, nor by undergoing penances, nor by charity, nor by worship. It is not by these means that one can see me as I am. My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding."
-Bhagvad Gita Ch 11 verses 52-53-54

The process is clearly in the above verses. Devoional service - bhakti - is the way to see God.
What is devotional service? How can I apply these things in my life? How can I learn this? The 12th chapter of the Geeta is dedicated to answer these questions. Work for God, chant His names, meditate upon Him - the process is defined. Other scriptures point to the same.

"O Naarad, I regret that during this lifetime you will not be able to see Me anymore. Those who are incomplete in service and who are not completely free from all material taints can hardly see Me."
-Srimad Bhagvatam 1.6.21

"O my Lord, sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee."
-Isopanishad verse 15

Now the question is - do you really want to see God? Because it means giving up on material desires - it means focusing on pleasing God not oneself.

""My dear friend, if you are indeed attached to your worldly friends, do not look at the smiling face of Lord Govinda as He stands on the bank of the Yamuna at Kesighata. Casting sidelong glances, He places His flute to His lips, which seem like newly blossomed twigs. His transcendental body, bending in three places, appears very bright in the moonlight.""
- Chaitanya Charitamrita -Adi 5.224