Taking Vows

Two weeks from tomorrow, I will take vows during a wedding ceremony to my fiance-soon-to-be-husband. 

I looked up the definition of vow: "a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment". 

When I was nineteen, I said those vows and though I knew they were serious vows, I had no idea what they really meant. I just wanted to get married! 

I said them again forty-two years later. I understood better how serious the vows were. It was easy to say, "to love and to cherish, in sickness and in heath." The "'til death us do part" filled me with the memories of the choking loss two years earlier. Yet, it was with hope I said them.

In two weeks, I will most likely, choke on those words. But again, I will say them with hope. For God has gifted me with a wonderful man who loves and cherishes me. I will say, "For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part....

One of my favorite Bible verses is in Romans 15:13 May the God hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Beautiful Feet

I've just returned from a two day speaking "tour". It was in eastern Washington and the drive was long. Things in my life right now are wonderfully busy and I questioned myself if I really should take the time to do this. I'm so glad I did.

The two groups were receptive to my talk. They wanted to know more about my story and purchased my book. I met some wonderful people and made new friends. While in the area, I was able to visit and encourage an old friend who is ministering to a very ill spouse.

A verse fluttered in my mind as I was thinking about those people and it was from an old prophet, 

Isaiah 52:7a 

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news

That was me on Tuesday and Wednesday! I was bringing good news! That Jesus Christ is the only way--and the best way. That God can and does bring salvation and hope to all people. If they will accept Him. And He heals the broken hearted. 

How do I know? Because He did just that with me. 

Mountain Tops

Mt St. Helens Summit, October 19, 2013
 Andrew, Jim, Shirley, Erika, Caleb

Twenty five years ago, I climbed my first mountain. There were at least 15 climbers that day. There was blue sky, hot sun, a 360 degree view of mountains, forest and city. A chalky dust covered my exposed legs. The climb was difficult, but I made it. My teen aged daughter was there, several old and new friends. The most special partner was my husband, Bill. 

Just last month, I climbed the mountain for the eleventh time. It wasn’t any easier, even though I’d summited it ten times before. The rocks seemed bigger. I carefully picked the safest and steadiest one. I had to work on my breathing as I climbed. I wanted to stop, sit down, rest, and not go any farther. But I wouldn’t have seen the glorious view at the top. I would have missed high-fiving my two grandsons, my daughter--now forty years old. 

More than this eleventh summit experience was my special partner this time. His name is Jim Mozena, a widower who also understands the loss of a daughter and spouse. We will marry in a few short weeks. God has blessed me once more with a third chance at love.

I honestly did not believe I would find another partner in this life. It’s very possible I would have had to live without a mate. In my case, God in His very personal way, brought Jim into my life. That might not be your story. Regardless, God is a personal God. Who cares about each of us individually. 

Love Has Come

Yes. Indeed it has. I honestly did not think God would bring such a man into my life again, but He has! I give God the praise and thanks.

We met on E-Harmony. I wasn't sure if it would work. I'd been on several different matching sites, yet, about two weeks after joining this one, a man's photo popped into view. All the qualities I wanted seemed to be there. I'd been disappointed before, though. Was this guy for real?

 E-Harmony requires a potential member to answer many questions about ourselves. It takes a lot of time to answer them--for me anyway. Once a match is made, you can send them a "smile". This indicates you may be interested in them. They take the next step. He responded by sending me five questions. I promptly answered them. Then I sent him some questions. He answered quickly. Our answers showed similar beliefs about marriage, faith, and family. Oh yes, politics too. We seemed to be a match!

Jim sent me an email asking me to coffee. I said yes....and the rest is history! You may read about our story in another book. When I have time. Right now, I'm very busy. In love. In life. With Jim.