Our friends, Gail and Marilyn, whom I've written about in a former blog, will soon be rejoicing as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. May 18th is the actual date, however they are planning a family gathering to share their gratitude to God with a week of festivities in July in Idaho, where they reside. They are opening their home and their hearts so that others can join them in thanking God, but also so that they can express their gratitude to their friends and family for supporting them with love, encouragement, prayers and faith throughout the years. Without that, they realize that they would never have made it to this historic moment.My Love and I have been blessed to know Gail and Marilyn these last five years. We met them through Reliv, but it was only a short time before our connections to them broadened into a believing and supportive faith community. Through their instrumentality, we were invited into, and joined a Leadership Bible study with another couple, Greg and Teri. That group has now expanded to include a fourth couple, John and Clar. For nearly four years now, we have joined together by phone on a conference call each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning for one half hour of Scripture sharing. What a gift and blessing this has been in our life, My Love and me.
Through this Bible study, I have come to appreciate the deep faith that Gail and Marilyn have shared over the many years of their life together. In trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows, ups and downs, they have ultimately found their strength and direction in their coupled faith lives and the support of the believing community. They are a true witness to the faithfulness and love of God who "works all things together for good" (Romans 8:28). Gail and Marilyn's support and prayers were especially key in our lives during the hurricane last year and the ensuing uprooting and moving to Iowa. We are very grateful to them and for them.
In tribute to their love and faithfulness to one another and to God who has blessed them, I am dedicating this blog to them. May those of you who read it find edification and encouragement through their witness. May you also be led to reflect on the way Gail and Marilyn have touched your life.
I invite those of you who know them, family, friends, neighbors, business associates, to go to the comment section of this blog (directions are in the left column) and add your own comments and reflections on Gail and Marilyn's impact in your life. Please also invite others to add their thoughts by referring them to this blog. As the time for the July celebration draws near, I will compile all the many (hopefully) comments for presentation to them.
"I am sure of this, that He who has begun this good work in you (Gail and Marilyn), will carry it through to completion right up to the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
