To Linda
This poem is for you, my dear friend,
my sister in the Lord, and whom I love.
I’m glad that you have found in the end
the love of man that’s given from above.
When you to his proposal “yes” respond,
TRUST for a happy marriage is the key,
and loyalty reciprocal can bond,
by making you from wrong desires flee.
Support each other by a word or deed,
as this would make relationship so great.
Humility makes marriage to succeed
and harmony it's helping to create.
All have to give away some former rights,
when two in love the wedding knot could tie,
but it’s so precious when the Lord unites
and tells you “Love each other, multiply”.
Do not expect a lovely fairy tale,
do not expect too much from earthly life,
for it can be a wonderful cocktail
of joys and sadness, and sometimes strife.
When you are of this dear person fond,
who can, perhaps, be difficult at times,
in cry for help there is no magic wand,
if you cannot forgive his petty “crimes”.
No one is perfect, but the Christ alone,
you and your husband both have room to grow.
All secrets of each heart to Him are known,
and for His glory we must pride forego.
When you embark on the uncharted way,
the journey can be hard, the road rough,
but if you count blessing day by day,
joy will be present when the time is tough.
Don’t rush when sudden doubts assail you
and when temptations pester to rescind,-
commitment and hard work will sail through
you both in stormy weather, chilling wind.
It is a test, believe me, just a test,
to see if you are ready God to please,
if you in meekness and in love invest,
by seeking Holy Spirit on your knees.
By seeking guidance from the Lord, we thrive,
with Him in troubles we can find fun.
When we to heaven finally arrive,
the Lord will praise you then “Well done, well done!”
6.12.2021
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."
Ephesians 4:2.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
1 Corinthians 13:13.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Peter 4:8.
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin."
1 John 4:18-19.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us."
1 Corinthians 16:14.
"Do everything in love."