WE MADE IT!!! Genesis 2: 24 "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh."

50 years and counting: May 24, 1975-May 24, 2025.  I normally do not take a point of personal privilege in these devotions, but this weekend Karen and I are celebrating 50 years of marriage.  I have been blessed to have spent them with Karen, the love of my life, through:  3 degrees, 7 different houses, 2 states, the birth of our 3 children and later their 3 weddings and welcoming their 3 spouses, the births of 7 grandchildren, 3 pastorates, 39 beach vacations, multiple summer camps and missions trips, my current role as a director of Missions, 1 dissertation, and most recently 1 book, and multiple thousands of meals and cookies with cups of coffee!  Time and space will not  allow me to say all that I would like to say, but I will give you my  four points from the message that I will preach this weekend in one of the association's churches based on 1 Peter 3: 7, entitled, "Observations from Scripture and from 50 years of Marriage:"

1. Love is a choice that you make every day.
2. Prayer and the Word is the unseen glue that makes the  
    marriage strong and holds it together.
3. Family and Church are the things on which you spend your
    time, money, and energy.
4. Life is an adventure that you do with your BEST friend.

I am so grateful for the Lord's kindness to allow Karen and I to have and continue to have such a wonderful, purpose-filled, blessed life.  I give Him ALL glory and praise. Thank you for indulging me this moment to share about our life.