“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 141-2 NKJV
Yesterday I returned to Watermark Assisted Living and shared with my friends some of the details of our 50th wedding anniversary travels. Besides visiting with our family, the high point was to worship at the little country church where we were married a lifetime ago. Lots of things have changed but amazingly they are still using the same piano that Nancy played before we said, “I do!” I hope you enjoy this heartfelt and sometimes funny session, along with a hymn that talks of where our journey is leading – That Manson over the Hilltop. Why not join us on the journey and put your trust in Jesus Christ to guide you along the way?!
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9 NIV
Memories have been on my mind as we traveled 1400 miles to visit the community where we were married 50 years ago. Driving back into the Ozarks after so long was bittersweet with a mixture of nostalgia and regrets. The beauty of gently rolling hills they call mountains, the remoteness and the simplicity surround a person. But roads have been moved, landmarks changed and the town was barely recognizable. Then I recalled that what was most precious of all was neither the beauty of nature nor the local culture but the kindness and joys of friends and neighbors. Just as Jesus said of Mary, “What she has done will be remembered and her story retold.” Then I was comforted in the arms of the one who holds my memories and my heart that nothing is lost in God’s story of our lives. He remains and His love is more faithful and unchanging than the changing landscape of our world. I hope you enjoy these photos of our anniversary journey
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33 ESV
If Solomon had been married as long as we have, he might have added the footnote that, “Lots of humility along with ‘I’m sorry and please forgive me’ comes before making it to your 50th wedding anniversary.” Probably somewhere about wife number four hundred Solomon lost track of anniversaries so I won’t press him on why that was left out. So as you might have guessed this Friday will mark 50 years since my very special, forgiving and patient wife and I took our first steps down the aisle together.
Yeah, she still can’t believe I loved those ridiculous platform shoes, but she was smiling anyway! Rather than the traditional cruise, we decided on a cross-country road trip to visit family and a few friends, would be a lot more fun. I may or may not be posting now and then along the way, along with a few photos.
So what can I tell you that we have learned along the way?
A real marriage is real work through real problems – but with God’s help and grace we discovered that real love isn’t something we fall into, it is something to learn step by step.
“What can I do to help?” works better than sitting in the car, honking the horn while she is getting the kids ready for church!
You’ll never remember what the heck was in the news you were watching or reading ten years from now, but you’ll remember every shot that went through the net while playing basketball with your kids!
Baby sitting your grandchildren often show us some of the things we missed while rushing around trying to be a good mom and dad.
Praying together every night before we head to bed, helps two people to sleep better and be prepared for unexpected changes, challenges or disappointments that come in the morning.
Jesus really never leaves us and walking with Him makes walking with each other possible all these years!
PS I hope you like this practically ancient song that was popular back in our day by Paul Stookey of the Group Peter Paul and Mary.
praise2worshipdotnet 
You must be logged in to post a comment.