Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
~Song of Solomon 8:7 NIV
That was the verse we chose as the theme for our wedding so long ago.
rivers cannot wash it away.
~Song of Solomon 8:7 NIV
That was the verse we chose as the theme for our wedding so long ago.
Bridal Veil Falls is a place we have visited many times throughout the years. Today it is a reminder to me that 'many waters cannot quench love'. Love is what keeps a marriage going...gives comfort in the tough times, ignites laughter and joy and provides refreshment.
Jesus was the ultimate example of what love should look like. He loved even when He was rejected. He pursued us...found us...and gave His life for us. That is the kind of love we need in our marriages. Love that will go to all lengths. Love that will prevail in good times and bad.
Forty years ago today we took our marriage vows, before God and our family and friends. We were filled with hopes and dreams and never gave a thought to the 'many waters' that would come our way. They came...in the form of crop failures and financial worries in the early years...through a serious car accident that changed the course of our life in many ways...and with death and disappointments within the family. Though there have been many challenges and hardships along the way there was none so great that it could sink our marriage. We were always aware that we were not on this journey alone, that God was in control.
Through the good times and the bad, God has been there for us. Though we didn't wish to go through the rough waters, our love and faith have been strengthened by those very things. Today I am most thankful for a wonderful and godly husband with whom I have been privileged to share forty years of my life. Forty years is not the end of the road but a milestone to be celebrated along the way. We know there are bound to be more 'rapids' up ahead and we plan to let God help us navigate them. Today we thank Him for bringing us safely this far. Great is His faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
What a beautiful verse and post Judy! Many, many blessings on your 40th wedding anniversary!! My dh and I are coming up to 35 years married with the Lord at the center of our marriage and family. He's the One who gives love and strength to make it through the hard times - and is our deepest joy in all the good times!
ReplyDeleteBless you on your many years of togetherness. I love the verse. I am reminded of the many different relationships of love that may get challenged along our journey in life - husband & wife, parents and children, even older parents and older children. We pray the bond of love is strong enough to with- stand the strong water and not sink our ships.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! It made me reflect on the years of our marriage and what God has brought us through. Who knew what I signed up for those 33 plus years ago.......yes, WHO knew! Would I sign up again if I could have seen the future...........yes! Enjoy your day and may God bless you with many more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 40 years together, and a beautiful picture as well. I really love Canada with its scenery and open spaces, i hope to travel up there again one day. Richard
ReplyDeleteOh that every marriage would be thought of in this way by the participants. I love the verse you've shared and use it often when signing cards and wedding books, etc. Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my all time favorite hymns.
ReplyDeleteSince writing your blog, we have been witness to some of the rough patches along life's path and we see how God has been faithful. It's an incredible testimony!
(Bridal Veil Falls is perfectly named.)
Indeed. .God has been faithful and has done a beautiful work in the lives of you two ..creating one marriage that has grown stronger and more precious over time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!
congradulations! our 40th is next may and i am going to try to remember to use those powerful words
ReplyDeletefrom one of my favourite hymns too- yes great is His Faithfulness! thank you for the reminder. Kathy from Ontario
Happy Anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your anniversary and for the years ahead. Beautifully written post! May the bond of love we have in Christ sustain and carry us through in all our relationships in life - whether in the covenant relationship of marriage, or with family members, or with friends or with the family of God! May God be the Lord of them!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful photo of Bridal Veil Falls. Isn't it true, that we don't see the "many waters" coming at the alter, yet when they do the Lord can give what we need for that moment. Great is His faithfulness, indeed.
ReplyDeleteOops, altar, not alter. Freudian slip.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Judy, on a marriage "well worn" !
ReplyDeleteExamples like yours inspire others to follow!
May God continue to bless your love for each other and your love for Him !
Happy, happy Anniversary!!
We are also celebrating our 40th anniversary this year and as I read your post, I could identify with your experience. We too have found that through still waters and stormy seas God is our guide and strength.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary.
Congratulations on your journey together for 40 yrs. Dear Hubby & I began our 40th year in June. I love this stage of our marriage, There are so many more joys and fewer stresses. We love our daughters, but I never imagined that the quiet house would bring as much enjoyment as it did with 2 giggling girls.
ReplyDeleteThe hymn that you posted brought me to tears, in a special way. A friend sang it as a solo at my dad's funeral 30 yrs ago. Three years ago, I asked if our older daughter could sing it at my FIL's funeral. She has a beautiful voice and did a wonderful solo, bringing the congregation to tears. My hubby's side of the family had never heard her sing. She has a beautiful voice and praises God with in her church. The song is about God's unfailing faithfulness to us, even when we forget that he is alway there.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
Someday I think you two will make a cute old married couple. Just a few more years, say a couple of dozen or two ought to do it. Until then I say your forty years of going together has been a really good start.
ReplyDelete:-)
Beautiful tribute to our God who brings us through everything and adds joy for our journey! God bless you with many more years together!
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to have found this blog. Happy Anniversary Judy and my prayer for you is found in Colossians 1:9-12.
ReplyDeleteWe had "great is thy faithfulness" sung at our wedding. It obviously is not a typical wedding song, but now that we are 22 years along the marriage road, we realize just how true those words really are. The concept of "faithful" seems to be a growing rarity in this world.
ReplyDeleteOf course there have been many times when my husband and I have disappointed each other, with words or the lack of them, or how different situations have been dealt with, but throughout we have made that choice to be faithful. Thank you Lord........He never disappoints and He is ALWAYS faithful and we rest in that promise!
How did you know I had that hymm going through my mind all morning!?
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
What a beautiful verse. In just shared it with my dear friend who recently lost her husband of 40 years and is broken-hearted. Congratulations on your anniversary, and all God's blessings also. Your Bridal Veils photo is gorgeous. Is that in the Pocono Mountains of PA?
ReplyDelete