On the occasion of my 38th wedding anniversary yesterday,
I dedicate this poem to my good and loyal wife:
In sickness and in health
In poverty or wealth
Commitment I have made
Firm covenant was laid
Living love makes it sure
By God's Spirit made pure
The harder times become
More strength to overcome
Not in us two resides
With tempting, troubling tides
The strength to soldier on
With practice kindness hone
I don't know what to say
My actions hurts betray
To quiet service go
When good feelings don't flow
But you make no mistake
There's far more here at stake
God's will and His glory
Bound up in our story
I love you more each year
Troubles make it more clear
Losing you would be hard
Like a painful glass shard
And now we onward trudge
No one but God our judge
Work and love together
Nothing our joy tether
Be more affectionate
More kind, compassionate
Consideration grow
Keep irritations low
How can we do these things?
When all hell at us flings
Troubles and trials each day
Our hearts and flesh fillet
I'll tell you beloved spouse
The love that's in this house
Comes from our God above
Spirit of peace and love
I'll never cease to care
To grow in love and dare
To strengthen what is ours
'Til all see love flowers
We hope for better things
Our future with joy rings
With hope that ever clings
Until our spirit sings
In heaven we will be
Where God's face we will see
Not married at that time
But love will be sublime
Posts Tagged ‘Covenant’
Always
Posted in Covenants, Family, General, Marriage, Poem, Relationship, tagged Anniversary, Covenant, Love, Marriage, Perseverance on December 21, 2019| Leave a Comment »
A Lifelong Commitment
Posted in Beauty, Covenants, Family, General, Grandchildren, Photo, Relationship, wedding, tagged Covenant, Family, Grandchildren, Relationship, wedding on September 28, 2019| Leave a Comment »
I don’t know if I have enough time even now, but I have wanted to share some thoughts and pictures concerning my second son’s wedding that was on August 24th. The typical wedding comment is, “It was a beautiful wedding.” or “It was a beautiful ceremony.” There are two things that can be meant by that. It was visually beautiful and/or it was beautiful in content. Certainly my son’s wedding was visually beautiful: sunny day, aesthetically pleasing, hilltop venue (Whitestone Chapel), and beautifully dressed young people. But I see the true beauty of a wedding to be in the genuineness of the ceremony, which I define as a combination of giving glory to God, the creator and sustainer of marriage, and matching the couple’s personality by revealing a heartfelt commitment and participation in the ceremony (they are not rote repeating spectators). And it was that. Beyond the traditional vows which they repeated, they had written what they called promises to one another. My son asked me later, “Do you think we collaborated on those?” I said that it seemed likely since they followed the same line of thinking and simultaneously were complimentary to one another. No, he said, “We wrote them separately and then read each others.” He said that the only change she made was to add a comment about coffee similar to his, a moment of levity in the covenant of their promises. The two hymns, “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” and “Amazing Grace” focused our attention to how gracious a God we have, Who not only saves us but gives us all good things to enjoy. The pastor directed our thoughts to the reality of how difficult marriage is, “two sinners living together”, and how the need for love is not just a feeling but a commitment to do what is best for our spouse. The ceremony was God glorifying throughout.
Another thing for which I am very thankful is the number of family members who were able to attend. Many family members from my wife and my extended families were able to attend. The reception afterward was held at a barn at the bride’s family property with 150+ people in attendance. All had feared the August scorching heat, but some clouds and a cool breeze prevailed and it was quite pleasant. I felt that the happy couple were carried along by God’s blessing the whole day, and may it be true throughout their lives.
Rehearsal
Pianist
Bride’s Oldest Sister and Family
Mamaw and oldest grandson
Bride’s younger siblings
Amazing, long preparations and carry through
‘We’re happy but it’s a long day.’
Bride’s mother and the Pastor and friends
My wife beside Bride’s parents
Taking it in stride
Fellowship
Uncle with the little chunk
Hilltop Venue
Overlooking the Lake
The Wedding Party
My Oldest and Family
My Youngest and Wife
My Daughter and Family
My Third Son and Roommate (This Son got engaged the next weekend)
The Growing Clan minus the Married Couple
The Grandchildren
The Children
Always in Costume
The Groom with the Pastor and His Wife
A Portion of My Family
