Then and Now

I love this picture I snapped in a hurry, not really even seeing how deep blue the sky was at the time, more focused on the snow in the trees. I guess that's a little how all of life is... While we are intent on one aspect, we may be later surprised that there was much more, waiting to be noticed, and understood.

The other day I was remembering the fact that it was Feb. 13, 1995 that Abe wrote a letter to my Dad, about me. Fifteen years ago today! So I dug it out and reread it, also the letter my Dad wrote back to him in response. After 15 years, it is interesting to "hear" what my Dad's wish for us, in marriage, was. Here are some excerpts...
"We would only know to point you to the oneness between God the Father, and God the Son. We desire for you peace in marriage, not strife. This lasting peace is from and of God.
If two people have truly laid down their will to take hold of the will of God and His will dwells in them, there must needs be peace according to all truth. All dissention or strife is a result of individuals instisting on their own fleshly ambitions interpreted in lifes many colored experiences.
We wish all men everywhere, ourselves first, the blessed divine will of God that peace could flow like the rivers, and grace abundant and boundless as the seas."

This picture was taken by an obliging by-stander on our honeymoon...

I do believe my sister Monica took this one, on one day in our honeymoon that we shared with family, going boating...

I am so blessed... such good memories, such a rich heritage from my parents wished to me and the man of my and God's choice, for me. I am grateful.
Just to tell a little bit more... the letter also said this... "Carol and I want the very best for her in the Lord and feel responsible to help her in any way and all ways that we can, however we also see that our children also need the freedom to exercise the will of God as they see it.
We have been aware of a mutual interest between the two of you for some time. I don't know of anyone else I'd rather have as her husband, however that choice is ultimately hers."

Years ago, I did a counted cross stitch plaque for my grandparents that was of a man and a womam and it simply said...
"GOD GAVE ME THEE"
I have never been one to make a lot of requests to God. I didn't ask God about a husband or have a list of requirements as to what "he" would be like. I don't remember asking for children, or a house, etc. Somehow I have always felt that God knows better than I what I need, what will be meaningful... that He has a plan figured out for me, and I can rest in that, not having to figure it all out for myself. I think He's done a pretty good job of proving Himself faithful!
There is much in my life that I can look back on, and say "God gave me thee."
Today... I see it all around me.
Tomorrow, I trust, even more of His faithfulness will make Him and His love even more evident to me.

Jesus, true valentine of my heart, You have seen fit to give me so much!
I so gratefully accept the "valentine's" You have given me...
Abe, a man I can grow with and who loves me as I am...
Carolie... the valentine we gave back when asked...
Damaris... Hadassah...Chloe...Abigail...
Daughters of my heart, each one uniquely purposed by You to bless us in myriad ways.

Happy Valentine's Day!
"I love You because You first loved me."
(1 John 4:19)