Songs of Marriage

We tied white satin bows on the backs of one hundred chairs and the guys rigged scaffolds to hang the tulle. The place was set for an evening for the knot-tiers and better halves and life partners of our church. The stories behind the marriages of those who squeezed around rose-red clothed tables went mostly unspoken. But those committed relationships were honoured as Matthew and Sarah sang love songs that echoed the beating of the married hearts in the room. The young couple shared their sweet and difficult testimony and serenaded us with lyrics that were written of their love but ones with which my husband and I keenly identified. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was the words of the songs of marriage that stirred in me a desire to thank my Lord for the gift that my marriage has become and as we nodded in agreement to their beautiful voices, we clasped hands and counted another year of watching God write more music in us and through us.

100 Years of Beautiful

She's a little package of beautiful and she just turned one hundred years old.

We celebrated Oma's birthday as a family and it was nothing less than sentimental and lovely. She sipped tea while we all watched a pre-recorded interview with her on the big screen as she shared her answers to the many questions her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had prepared. She told of her faith--that she hoped was still getting stronger. She recounted memories to the camera of the Dutch Liberation in Holland. She was asked about her thoughts on heaven and her favourite colour. Her thick, Dutch accent is a quality that rang in my ears as a sweet instrument that evening. Maria Dam's children sang and so did her grands and greats. We each held battery-operated candles in the dark and chimed in together for "Happy Birthday". At the end of the night, we all moseyed outside to watch the surprise fireworks display. It was a true symbol of the bursting joy I felt to be connected to her life lived well.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 100th birthday, Oma! We love you very much! May the Lord bless you richly as you serve Him for as long as He allows you to be ours.

The Test

Another year's-end performance. Emma and Lisa bless our church with their fabulous leadership and love for our children. Here, they are performing a musical called, "The Test", written by Lisa.We miss you already, Lisa! May you enjoy your new adventure wherever the Lord leads you. xo

Singing Family

We were asked to sing as a family at our Christmas Eve service and my husband said, yes. I was quite uncomfortable at the prospect, but we sang Amy Grant's, Breath Of Heaven. And though the song is quite serious, somehow managed to be humorous entertainment.

Our son took the opportunity to make his loud singing debut, amongst other hilarious antics, which could not be predicted when we practiced at home together. When we returned to our seats (me sighing relief), people were laughing and wiping tears from their eyes. Our friend had taken these photos and someone had video-taped. What I had prayed would touch hearts on this hallowed night, brought joy in a way I could not have understood. Thankfully, it's all done now :)