30 Dates for 30 Years

 

It's 30 years later, and the smiles are still there!

30 years holds a lot of memories, and for Mike and me, it holds a lot of happiness. This past summer we celebrated our 30^th anniversary. Actually, we are still celebrating it, because we decided to have 30 dates in celebration of our 30 years. We even had fun putting the list of dates together. They range from ones as simple as having a cup of tea together on our deck to spending a day at the beach in New Jersey where we had our honeymoon.

 

Our daughter, Amy, is getting married this month. At her bridal shower we had a spot for people to write a message or advice for the bride-to-be. This made me think about the best advice I’ve received. Probably at the top is my mom’s encouragement to always put Jesus first, others second and yourself last. That leads to true joy, just like the acronym created by the first letters of Jesus, others, you. This is true not just in marriage, but in all of life. I know it is backwards from what most every commercial tells us. However, if you put it into practice, you will be surprised at the depth of joy it leads to.

 

The pastor who married Mike and me also gave us sound advice. He talked about how often you hear that marriage must be 50/50, then he said to forget that. He stated that if we each focused on always giving 100%, we would have a solid marriage. I’ve found that to be another excellent truth. I wonder if part of the reason may be that those who approach marriage with the 50/50 concept are always calculating if they each are doing their “fair share”. Believe me, as long as you both give 100%, it balances out! It also brings joy, because you are helping the one you love.

The advice I decided to share with Amy was to keep God first always, and to be sure to keep having dates. Going on dates is crucial, and it is so much fun!! I don’t think it even matters all that much what you do; the more important thing is who you’re doing it with! Throughout our lives together, Mike and I have enjoyed many dates. It is so good to set aside special time together, to catch up together, talk together, laugh together, and simply be together, apart from everyone else. Notice that the key word is together.


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Of course, I am so fortunate, because Mike is one of a kind. Then again, I hope that everyone feels that way about the one they marry.

 

                                                                                                                               ~ Sarah

 

My Mom

Mom enjoying holding her great-granddaughter, Senna.

The night we heard the news, I told my husband, Mike, that we needed to make a “Going to Heaven” mix CD for her. He replied that he had been thinking the very same thing. My mom is now there, in heaven. She placed her trust in Jesus as her Savior many years ago. When she was diagnosed with leukemia and informed that she only had days or months to live, that trust continued. She inspired and encouraged me! As the pastor stated at her memorial service, she lived well, and she died well. I would say that her whole life was a song of praise.

Mom enjoying a last trip to World's End State Park.

I was privileged to help care for her during her last days here on earth. Many times I heard her praying, unaware of my presence. I heard her telling Jesus how much she loved Him and simply praising Him with joy in the midst of her suffering. She talked about how excited she was to be going to heaven.

In her honor, I’d like to share a devotion that she inspired. May you also know the joy and peace of trusting in Jesus. Oh, and we did make that music mix, and she enjoyed it a lot!

Collecting Seashells

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

Mom enjoying her quiet time with God.



 

My mom has mastered the principle of letting all things make her more like Jesus. Recently, Mom was getting ready to have surgery on her left shoulder. When I asked what help she’d need and mentioned that it would be hard for a while, she said that she’d just learn to use her right arm better. What a great perspective! Instead of asking God to change her circumstances, she asks God to use her circumstances to change her.

When Mom and I go to the beach together, she likes to collect shells. She doesn’t look for that “perfect shell”, though. Instead, she seeks out shells that are broken and have had their rough edges smoothed and shaped by repeated exposure to waves and sand. To me this is a picture of a Christian – a broken life allowing God to shape it by whatever waves and sand He chooses, abandoning itself to Him with joy in the process! I know God’s goal is to make me more like Jesus, and I know that He knows best how to accomplish this. Psalm 138:8 promises, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

I'm so thankful for my mom's example, and it fills me with joy, knowing that one day I will see her again!

                                                                                                       ~ Sarah

Mom and me







My husband, Mike, making my mom laugh (as usual:).



A birthday celebration!