Reflections on Marriage

   Well, my wife (Pam) and I will be married for 25 years on August 10th. Marriage is a "good thing," not a bad thing. The Bible says "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and (the bonus) obtains the favor of the Lord. Like most people in marriage, we've had our ups and our downs, BUT God is Faithful!!!
   The institution of Marriage is a "Holy" thing, thus it will not work without GOD! Even with God, it can be tough at times. There is a third cord though, that is the glue that holds things together during the "tough times." Tough times will come in various forms: arguments, disillusionment, false expectations, unrealistic goals and dreams, and so forth. Real love will last to the end. Real love is NOT based on emotion, it is based on commitment. "Feel good" marriages do not last when people no longer "feel like it." That is why it "must be" based on the rock of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
   Pam and I had good role models, both of our parents stuck it out to the end. That helps!!! We have been blessed in many ways, but there were problems which have extended to even this day. Healing takes time. Learning to forgive can be hard. Learning to effectively "deal" with past problems can be almost impossible, but with God ALL things are possible.
   I give God the glory for making it this far. Twenty five years is a long time, but it is a spit in the bucket compared to Eternity. I have a beautiful wife and I have failed her many times, and vice versa. The Good News is that God has never let us down. When we call upon Him, He is always there to help mend the broken fences, to kiss the "boo-boos," and to offer a word of encouragement.
   We are now at a place where we truly are "one flesh." We often laugh when we have the same idea at the same time, when we finish each other sentences, etc... We are growing old together. I don't know all that God will do over the next 25 years or so, but I KNOW that God is our friend, He's on our side, and like a dear friend says "God is faithful!"
   In closing, I am very, very Thankful to my loving God, Jesus Christ, for all of His blessings. I am thankful for His guidance, His counsel, His love, and for everything. Deus Nobiscum, Emmanuel, He is "God with us" and the lover of our souls. All honor, All glory, All Power, and ALL Dominion are HIS. He is our Father. We have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry "ABBA" Father. "Let every man be found a liar, God's Word is true." Thank You Jesus! Thank You Mom and Dad! Thanks to all of you who have been a part of our lives! Shalom!