Remembering

Photo taken one year ago while in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts.

Remembering ... memories of one year ago this month - a few memorable days of vacation together in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A time of rest and relaxation, and a time of listening and hearing from God through our times in the Word, and our times of slowing down so that we could hear Him clearly. 

And also remembering forty years ago this month - when we were brought together as husband and wife. The years go by so quickly, and here we are forty years later: blessed by six (grown) children, four sons-in-law, and nine sweet grandkids. Also privileged to have experienced thirty-nine years together in full-time ministry. And our biggest privilege of all, learning more of God's love and faithfulness (and His many other indescribable characteristics) through all that life has brought our way - through the good times, as well as through trials and difficulties.

Looking forward to continuing the journey of walking together with our loving Savior ...

"Hold My hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. ... I am your guide, as well as your constant Companion. You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course. ... Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me."  (Jesus Calling)

Thanking You, Lord, and remembering:

~ Your clear direction in bringing us together - our meeting in 1969, our engagement in 1970, and our marriage in 1971.

~ the love that You have kept strong in our hearts through 40 years now.

~ Your grace helping us in our weaknesses, always forgiving us and loving us.

~ all the joys and blessings through the six "gifts" You have given us in our children.

~ giving us the great privilege of serving and working together as a couple in ministry.

~ carrying us through difficult, heartbreaking times - in parenting, through illnesses, in ministry, and using these times to draw us closer to Your heart.

~ many friends You have brought into our lives through all these years.

~ for great joy through all the seasons of life - and now, in these "empty nest" years.

~ for the awesome privilege of belonging to You.

~ opportunity to celebrate our forty years with all our children and grandchildren home, as well as all my brothers and families here the beginning of July.

~ Your provision of a free two-night getaway at a hotel by Lake Okoboji over our anniversary weekend this month -  this next weekend!

~ and for excitement we have as we plan our big 40th Anniversary Trip next month - a gift from You.

~ for always reminding us, through Your Word, and through our leaders in ministry, to focus on You above all else. You are the Giver of all that we need.

"As the deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for You, O God."

(Psalm 42:1)

(One Thousand Gifts #588-600)

Linking up with others, sharing gratitude at A Holy Experience.