MARRIAGE

 

August 7, 1965 Spokane, WA Evy, me, Chris, Janet, Davy or Wayne, Dianna

Finally, after 60 years of marriage, I have some marriage advice. Looking back, there are a few things I would do differently if I had the chance to start again.

To begin with, the very first thing I would do is make sure we both believed in Jesus as our Savior. That shared foundation in faith makes all the difference.

Next, I would go through a practical resource with my fiancé—Before You Say "I Do": A Marriage Guide for Couples by H. Norman Wright. Preparing together with a tool like this sets the stage for a stronger start.

The third thing I would do is make sure we both had jobs before we married. Chris and I made the mistake of not having employment in place, and that made our early years together more difficult than they needed to be.

In addition, I would recommend listening to Part One of Albert Mohler’s insightful podcast: His perspective sheds light on how cultural shifts have reshaped marriage today. Marriage Comes After Adult Milestones? It’s No Wonder We Face a Delay of Marriage Crisis

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So, after 60 years of marriage, here is my closing thought: marriage is a mystery and a miracle. It is not something we can do well on our own. The only way to do it right is with God’s help.

“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”
—Ephesians 5:32

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ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR

 

Photo by Dorothy

My Grandma Grace Belle's favorite Psalm was Psalm 121. It begins: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." These words are a reminder of where our true help lies. We are reassured by the Psalmist that our help comes from the Lord, the Creator God. If God created the world, can’t He also deal with the problem of evil?

As we look around today, that question feels especially pressing. Political violence—similar to the assassinations that shook our nation in the 1960s—seems to be repeating itself. It is a sobering reminder that history often circles back on itself. While government will do its duty to carry out justice, and while heated rhetoric may quiet down for a time, it often rises again.

This leads us to ask: what will truly stop the wicked? How do we overcome evil with good? On one hand, societies create laws to restrain wrongdoing and protect the innocent. On the other hand, as individuals, we are called to live differently—to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Laws can restrain, but love transforms.

Even so, we know that ultimate justice goes beyond what any human system can achieve. In the end, we all answer to a higher authority. Scripture reminds us that one day, every wrong will be made right and evil will be no more.

The hope we cling to is not only for justice in this world but for the promise of something greater. As Hebrews 11:16 declares: “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”

WHAT IS TRUTH?

 

Do we really know, as a society, what truth is? And if not, how do we go about discovering it? These timeless questions have been explored by people throughout history, each generation searching for its own understanding.

The video above, which runs about an hour and a half, takes a closer look at events and culture through this very lens. As you watch, you may find yourself agreeing with some perspectives while disagreeing with others.

Ultimately, the choice of what to believe—and how to interpret truth—is yours to make.

John 8:31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

DEER ME

 

This past Labor Day my cousins made a trip out to the Tahoma National Cemetery to place their home grown beautiful dahlias on the graves of our loved ones. Little did they know that some quiet culprits would follow behind the flower placers and help themselves to some tasty bouquets.  Fortunately they were on the other side of the road and it looked like they prefered roses.  We do hope the dahlias will stay in place. 

Photo by Anita

Labor Day often gets framed around cookouts, parades, and the “end of summer,” but for those left behind—we become the living witnesses to love and memory. We carry stories forward, keeping alive the presence of those who are gone.

We give thanks to God for those who worked and served others.  

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.