For the Thanksgiving season 2021 I filled a bowl with two pumpkins and a squash I knit a few years ago and I found a turkey to stand guard.
Then the last Friday of November I received a stunning gift of flowers from two dear ones who knew that I was remembering that 50 years ago Louis and I married. If you are curious to know more about my remembrance of my husband for 38 years there is a page on the blog entitled "Louis" that you can click on to take you to what I typed.
Texts and calls from loved ones presented themselves at just the right time during the morning and afternoon. Cups of honey-sweetened tea were given to me as a friend looked at my wedding album with me in the mid-afternoon. Two other dear ones brought food and decorations, more flowers and themselves to share my remembrances in the evening...and a precious time of Communion as well. Then just before I went to bed I felt a nudge from God to check the front step, and there was a little box full of lovely gifts including Hanukkah candles and Moonflower seeds. I am so very thankful for the Lord's tender care.
As I looked through photo albums I described how some of the guys had tried to tape the word
HELP in fluorescent orange paper to the bottom of Louis's shoes so that when we knelt to take Communion folks in the congregation could see! (their fun was thwarted when the letters were removed from the shoes prior to the service!)
When I see Mt. Hood in Oregon, USA, I often think of the Psalm "I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." When I reread the wedding service Friday night I realized the pastor had alluded to these lines at the beginning of the service when he said, "Praise to the living God, the Lord of life and love...Our help is found in the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Glory be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen."
50 years after that praise was uttered at my wedding, I find it echoing in my 70+-year-old heart as I move forward now exploring the abundant life Jesus promises His followers. I count on His promise "I am with you always" through tough times as well..."even to the end of the age."
Have you been crafting any remembrances?
Ahhh sweet Gracie! You are so blessed with many friends and family that love you dearly and thankfully, God led them to show you on your 50th Anniversary. That Psalm was my dear Mom's favorite Bible verse and I think of it often when I see the mountains or even the Bluffs here.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a wonderful day rememering Louis and the wonderful life you had together serving the Lord God. He will never, ever forget or forsake you my dear friend. He will watch over you for the rest of your days.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
Hello Gracie. I have just enjoyed reading about your husband Louis.Graham and I have been married 50 years this year. We married on 28th August. How lovely that you celebrated the event. Take care and stay safe. Anne x
ReplyDeletePrecious memories. Sending a hug of comfort and care.
ReplyDeleteWith much love and fondness Gracie to you 😀❤
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories Gracie and how kind of your friends to send you a remembrance gift. It will be my 50th Anniversary next year! I really dont know where the years have gone . I always say that I have been one of the lucky ones and found my true love! Merry Christmas Gracie. Amanda x
ReplyDeleteI'm very late with my visit, dear Gracie. Been renovating the house these past few weeks. But I'm back to admire your Thanksgiving and to hope that you've had an equally lovely Christmas. Best wishes for the new year, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
What a beautiful remembrance day for you.
ReplyDeleteI hope the New Year is treating you well.
Hey gracie it's been almost a year. Hope your doing well.
ReplyDeleteHow Lovely, I hope you're still doing well. Miss seeing your fun part of Oregon. I remember Teresa K talking of a really clear lake in that part of the world.
ReplyDeleteWishing you well,
Joan