Happy Anniversary #51

A few days ago, I was with a group of ladies, and in casual conversation, I asked the gal beside me how long she’d been married. She said “44 long years – some days I think ‘That’s enough, already!’” Then she laughed and I knew she was just kidding, but that didn’t stop me from saying “Oh, my dear, I was married 44 years and that’s all I had with my sweetheart – it wasn’t enough!”

A dear Canadian friend of mine was celebrating her 51st anniversary with her husband and she was expressing the joys she had of being married to her wonderful husband. I commented on her post “This would've been our 51st anniversary on July 8th. Keep celebrating those as long as you can. Much love and blessings to you.”

And, to all you sweet married women today, I say “Cherish, embrace, celebrate, and romance the relationship you have with your husbands – and to the men, with your wives.” This life is so short and making every minute count with those we love on this side of heaven is so precious. And it will carry us through to eternity – on that side of heaven!

Of course I’m thinking those thoughts today because 51 years ago today, July 8, 1966 -- I married the love of my life, I was 17; he was 18 -- and that was after a LONG 5 years courtship -- since 12 & 13! And, if I had it to do over again, I’d do it ALL OVER AGAIN! Though many said “It will never last – you’re too young – don't get tied down yet -- you have so much life to live -- you’ll miss out on so much fun", I thought it then and I think it now – “You’re too late with your words of gloom and despair, because this ship has already left dock!” LOL! NEVER did I think "tied down" -- we lived life to its fullest, and had SO MUCH FUN! Yes, we WERE young and immature. We made a LOT of mistakes – but we did so much that was right!! We had a blast living life, and a blast "overcoming" life, and its many surprises and challenges.

When my sweetheart graduated to heaven in 2010 -- I realized how blessed I was to have had him in my life for so many years. This precious man was my cheerleader, coach, counselor, confidante, caring and compassionate friend, and romantic lover. Most importantly, he brought out the best in me – literally, as I was a shy introvert, with so many insecurities, lacking in confidence, yet he saw so much more in me. He urged, coerced, and pushed me to be the best I could be. Because of him, I became a Mom to two truly great children, grandmother to six grandchildren (plus one, my sweet Ruth, wife of Braden) and also, an accomplished organist & pianist, a pilot, a real estate and securities broker, a fisherman (woman), a slalom water skier, a snow skier, a businesswoman, an administrator, a public speaker and, lover of God's Word and fully desiring to serve Him all the days of my life.
I miss him today – more than ever, but because I love him so much, I am overwhelmed with joy that he could be in heaven ahead of me -- he's on his heavenly assignment -- he earned and deserves this. And, of all the beautiful things he gave me, and urged me to become, I absolutely know that the peace, joy and happiness I’m experiencing today, is because of the impact he had on my life – to always look for the good in every circumstance, to be grateful for everything, to be determined to finish this race strong. Happy Anniversary, my Sweetheart! I'm having a blast here.....and I guarantee I'll keep your legacy strong until I BLAST OUT OF HERE to be THERE with you!

Dream, Play, Give, Smile, Cherish

Day 52 of Photo Inspirations -- DREAM, PLAY, GIVE, SMILE, CHERISH
This wall mural got my attention while shopping at the At Home Store.  This is the way I really want to live!

DREAM like there are no impossibilities.  Nothing is impossible with God -- so we shouldn't insult Him with small thinking -- BIG THINKING brings Him BIG PLEASURE!   “Let the Lord be magnified who has PLEASURE in the prosperity of His servants.” Psalm 35:27

PLAY like there are no winners.  My son is a marathon runner. He loves it.  He doesn't run to win.  He competes against himself -- to finish.  He is the winner of every race he runs.  And I intend to be the winner of my race!  I will finish my course.  I will be the single winner of my RACE!

GIVE like you have plenty.  Generosity is all about a heart for giving -- and when we have that heart -- there will always be more than enough to share.  Pastor Craig Groeschel says "Be an irrational giver.  Round up!  If the tip should be $2.50, round up to $3.00!  Give like you have plenty -- and before long you will have plenty."  "Give and it shall be given, pressed down, shaken together and running over"  Luke 6:38

SMILE till your face hurts.  I want my outside to reflect the inner joy and delight I have on the inside.   I love Nat King Cole's SMILE lyrics:
Smile though your heart is aching, Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow, Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness, Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying, Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile, If you just smile.

And, CHERISH your friends and family everyday.  I really do cherish my friends -- THAT'S YOU -- and my family everyday. My greatest joys and the things that money just can't buy are those people that God has given me.

The Yellow Rose of Texas

These are my yellow roses -- the season openers -- spectacular in fragrance and beauty! I was my Sweetheart's “Yellow Rose of Texas”. So, it made sense that our wedding color was yellow, and the flowers we chose were yellow roses. In every home we lived in – we always planted yellow roses as a reminder! Once again, though my Sweetheart is no longer here on this side of heaven, I still planted yellow roses at this new house. It’s a sweet reminder of the many years of love we shared. I cherish the sweet traditions that were just "ours". It's amazing how important, and even sacred, many of those things were to us, and, now, even more so to me. Those traditions continue to bring me so much joy as I continue to go down Memory Lane. That's why I get on my soapbox, and keep telling all my peeps "cherish the moments and make lots of memories because you'll have them to hold you until you're spending eternity together!!" Speaking from experience -- you'll be so glad you did!!