"You have given me greater joy..." Psalm 4:7
Today is a day of greater joy.
Today is a day of celebration.
My Mom and Dad celebrate 65 years of marriage today. A wonderful milestone has been reached. Sixty-five years of covenant living and loving.
Their love has climbed mountains, endured desert dryness, walked paths of pain, forged valleys, battled storms, soared over unexpected wonders and lingered in gardens of delight, always side by side.
Firm believers in never allowing the sun to set on an unkind word or misunderstanding, short accounts were kept and a lifestyle of forgiveness was modelled. Their love was and is anchored firmly in the Lord.
Married in their late teens, now in their 80's, any observor would forget their age as they walk hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm.
"Dorf" and "Demf", as they lovingly call one another, still embrace like newlyweds. Mom will ask, "Who's your girl?" and Dad will respond without hesitation, and with exclaimation and a twinkle in his eye, "You are."
Cupping Mom's face in his hands, he still speaks words of endearment, cherishing her beauty. He adores her completely.
They were first love and only loves.
The following picture was taken about nine months ago.
Most of you know that my Dad is struggling with health concerns right now. We are hoping to enjoy a little time of celebration today. Please pray that it will be a special day for all our family. Ten weeks ago I questioned the arrival of this celebration. The Lord has been so gracious as to give us all "greater joy" and more treasured moments with my Mom and Dad.
My sister, her son and I went to the hospital last night to decorate Dad's room to surprise Mom today. Dad enjoyed being in on the planning and he was directing our every move.
I hope to be back later today to post additional pictures.
Today I'm celebrating...and I have greater joy!
11 comments:
Oh, Joy! Wow! Love the pictures! What a treasure that God has given them this milestone! What a treasure for you and your sister, too!
Give them hugs from your bloggy friends!
Rejoicing in God's goodness and sweet encouragement in this!
Please tell them Happy Anniversary for me! How beautiful the legacy they are sharing with you. I love how you described it as covenant living and loving. You and I are blessed, Joy, with parents who first serve God and then each other! I am celebrating with you, darlin' friend!
Love you!
Susan
(I am planning to run this morning...I feel "normal" again!!)
I'm so thankful that God has given each of you JOY in the current. Things to be happy over in the midst of trials and to see GOD's fingerprints all over this time of celebration and thanksgiving.
Bask in it, Sweet Friend.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
What a treasure and a beautiful time of celebration!! I know that God is smiling on your sweet family right now and I pray it will be a good day.
Leah
A big congratulations and Happy Anniversary to your parents! I'm so glad that your Dad is able to have company and celebrate with your mother and the rest of ya'll.
The pictures were very sweet and touching!
Praying for you.
Marilyn
Sweet, sweet pictures dear friend! Thank you for sharing!
Lori - AZ
PRAISE THE LORD!
Congratulations to your beautiful and precious parents and I pray indeed that the celebration is absolutely beautiful for all of you.
This post just grips me. Wow.
Thank you so much Joy, for sharing this wonderful example of what a godly marriage should look like. I'm so blessed by it.
I already said a prayer for your sweet Dad and your family today. May you all be filled with His joy.
Sweet Blessings,
Kate :)
Precious, sweet love for one another given by the Father above! Your parents are a beautiful example of God's idea of marriage. Dedicated first to Him and then to one another.
Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa! Love you tons!!!
Happy Anniversary to your parents! What a wonderful testimony to the sacred union of MAN and WOMAN! May this be a wonderful day for them.
Love,
Beth
P.S. The pictures absolutely blessed me!
Well, now we have something else in common. May 6th is also the anniversary of my parents ... 48 years and counting! Isn't that awesome?! I know that you must be exhausted right now, but I am so glad for your heart that is willing to go the extra mile for those that you love.
On another note, I received my CD today and can't wait to give it a listen. You are my kindred friend. Lots of love heading up north this day.
peace~elaine
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