Memories

Memories

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment 
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

On a Personal Note

/ pastorpete51 / 14 Comments 
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.

A Wise Man Named Joe

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 ESV

“What’s for dinner honey?” I said with a laugh knowing that it would be lentil soup for its third and final performance. During those first years of marriage, (circa 1975) our food shopping was a low-cost adventure. So, with Christmas not far away, even putting up a tree with decorations was something we couldn’t afford. That year, Christmas Eve was pay day and at four thirty I waited in line for my check. “Merry Christmas” My boss said winking as he handed me my envelope. “There’s something extra in there for you tonight.”  

I peeked inside and drew a quick breath in astonishment. “Wow thanks Joe! Merry Christmas to you too” I said amazed at seeing a fifty-dollar bill tucked inside! so I drove home through the heavy traffic getting there just before five. “Come on Nancy! Let’s go buy a tree!” I shouted as I ran up the stairs to show her my bonus. Five minutes later we bundled up and drove to a Christmas tree lot where the owner was delighted to sell us a tree for five dollars, just before he closed. Then we raced over to the Woolworth store, where for ten cents each we bought some colored glass bulbs and a string of lights with tinsel. God didn’t have to send the wise men with gifts to make it Christmas; but He did. That Christmas our wise man was named Joe and he left us a special gift on that Silent and Holy Night!