...thoughts of summer, weddings, marriage ....

Summer seems to be the season for weddings and this summer is no different.  We have some weddings to celebrate again this year.

I have to say that for myself the whole idea of the big wedding bash/celebration does not have the same appeal it once did.  As a young woman I looked forward to the day I would be the one to walk down that long isle to meet my husband to be.  The idea of a big celebration with all our family and friends with us seemed very exciting and something to dream about and look forward to.  

When the time came for us to get married, what mattered most to me was the vows that we would promise to one another, the reality of a life together forever, and of course the gown I would wear!  I even forgot to order a wedding cake.  It just was not a priority for me.  Our cake ended up being three boxes, all different sizes, stacked, and iced!  There was not a crumb of cake to be found underneath all that icing!!

After being married for 36 years, I am so aware of all that follows that very important day and it makes the wedding day pale in comparison to 'life after the great big fat wedding'!  There is so much fun to be had, such joy to be shared, and so many blessings to experience as a couple. There are also adjustments to make, pride to be swallowed, humility to be learned (humble pie is my least favourite!),  and a life long opportunity to share all of ones self with that one person that we chose from all the others out there to chose from!   A good thing to remember when the honeymoon is over! 

This is the part that seems to dictate just how good the relationship will be.  In this relationship honesty is paramount.  I remember discussing this early in our life together and promising to be honest with one another.  It is risky business.  Or at least it feels like it.  To be completely real and honest about ourselves, our motives, and our intentions will mean that some of the time we won't look very good to our spouse.  We might not even like ourselves much some of the time.  But unless we can share ourselves openly and honestly we will never reach that point of satisfaction we crave in a marriage relationship.  When I think back over the years of my life since my wedding day, it seems to me that it was all those times of raw intimate openness that helped us evolve into 'one' unit.

With another anniversary to celebrate soon I've been thinking about what makes our marriage feel so solid.  We are SO DIFFERENT in personality, interests, professions, likes and dislikes. Strangely enough, we seem to have 'one heart'.  We are soul mates, best friends and lovers.  Our commitment to each other is forever.  We do not allow ourselves to entertain ideas of other options.  It is the two of us together for the rest of our lives like we promised at the altar. There is security, peace and rest in knowing that.  Our priorities are the same.  Our God is the same and we both realize that our thanks for our life has to be directed to Him.  It is because of Him that we are where we are today! To God be the glory!

If there is one piece of advice I would like to give to newlyweds it would be to keep your promises to one another, don't allow yourselves any other options or a way out, and take the risk of being completely real, true and honest with each other.  

...across the room to Halifax!!

My hubby was going to Halifax for a conference this year and I decided the opportunity for some R 'n R for me  was too good to pass up!  We've just returned from our week on the east coast. My schedule the past six weeks had left me rather sleep deprived so while he was busy attending sessions I slept until I could sleep no more.  Between naps I got re-acquainted with downtown Halifax.  I walked EVERYWHERE and if you know Halifax you will know that there  are NO level streets there!  I was so thankful for my habit of walking every day this last winter.  Even so, I had to keep doing stretches to keep limber.                                        Last time we were in Halifax I was so enthralled with the scenery and I was this time as well, however I found myself taking note of the people more this time.  They are refreshingly friendly and interesting.  Waiters and waitresses, store clerks and hotel staff were helpful, gracious and seemed to be happy with their jobs.  We found drivers to be extremely courteous to one another as well as to pedestrians.  Personally I found the street people in Halifax to be particularly entertaining and fun.  Because we spent a week there and I did so much walking I often saw the same people and I know they were beginning to recognize me as well.  When we didn't donate anything to them (after awhile you run out of change!!) they would say things like "I accept bills!", and "I accept credit cards!" or "I give tax receipts!"  One lady I saw often as she sat on the street corner held out her donation cup to me and when she saw she wasn't getting anything that time she said "How about giving me your coffee to go with my sandwich?"  We both had a good laugh and I went on my way, gripping my cup just a little bit tighter!  I was not about to give up my Starbucks Java for anyone first thing in the morning!!

In case you've started packing your bags for a move east to this perfect city, be warned!! ... it seems that anything loud going on at the water front carries all the way up to the citadel and these easterners like it LOUD!  When they finally turn off the speakers for the night everyone makes their way up the hill.  Nobody is in a hurry.  There's lots of loud chattering, laughing, joking and singing to share with their friends.  Since we liked to sleep with our window open it's no wonder I had to keep napping during the day!!

Not too far from our hotel was the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral.  Since I had Sunday morning to myself I decided to worship there.  The beauty of this building is breath taking. The gorgeous stained glass windows become even more exquisite as the sun shines through them.  I love pillars and there was no shortage in this sanctuary which seems to go on forever!   I especially noticed the respect and reverence in this place ..... something I often find lacking in churches these days.  The music was beautiful and the singing hearty.  One song in particular gripped me so that I copied it to take home.  Here it is (I'm not sure the words are exactly right but they are close):

Lord Jesus we must know You if we would make You known

For how can we proclaim You but by Your grace alone.

We long to know Your fullness, Your life of risen power.

For You alone can answer the challenge of this hour.

Our broken world is seeking what only You can give.

Our words may go unheeded but not the way we live.

O Saviour live within us, Your life so strong, so true.

That others touched with wonder may seek and worship You.

Lord Jesus by Your Spirit, renew Your church we pray.

'Til what we are makes valid the truth of what we say.

So truly may we know You, So make Your life our own.

That we become so like you our lives must make you known.

I love Halifax and will look forward to going back some time.  Hopefully we will find ourselves seeing this beautiful city on two wheels next time!!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

This looked like fun so here are my supposed look alikes!  I had to try a few pictures to get anything I would be brave enough to post here!!

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs