Father of the Bride

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Today, November 20, was a special one. Many in my family will write it on their calendars or store it in their computers. Today our second daughter was married to a man of character, heart and faith.


In the last ten years no one has seen me walk 60 feet, even with a walker, and I had not planned to try it today. But when I came into the Loveless Barn in Nashville and saw that I aisle, the adrenaline must have shot up and the Spirit moved, because I decided to walk (using the walker) my Bethany down that aisle to meet her man. I felt the great crowd of witnesses cheering me on and with Bethany's encouragement and the prayers of my new son-in-law's father, I made it. And it was worth it!!

Earlier today, I sat here at this computer and typed out a few words of advice for Bethany and Adam to take along on their honeymoon, even though they may not need some of it for a while. Let me share with you what I wrote:

1. Be each other’s best fans.
2. Pray together regularly.
3. Oil the hinges every day, doing little kind things, saying lots of “thank you’s” and “I love you’s” and words like “I appreciate this about you."
4. Number 3 above is also called “filling each other’s emotional bank accounts.” Find out each other’s love languages and make many deposits. You will need them for the challenging times when it comes times to “write some checks.”
5. When you are feeling unhappy with the other person, stop and list all their positive qualities.
6. In the middle of a bump when you feel stuck, STOP and pray together—right in the middle of it! One of you will need to say “I think we need to pray.”  It will change everything.
7.  Seek first the Kingdom…together. Pray “OUR Father, your kingdom come, YOUR will be done in our lives right now as it is in heaven.”
8. Stay humble. Stay humble. Did I say “Stay humble?”  Quirky singer/songwriter Roger Miller wrote “Pride is the chief cause of the decline of the number of husbands and wives.” God gives grace to the humble and in marriage we need lots of grace.
9. Ask for help. Let others into your marriage. You will not always be able to see yourselves accurately.
10. Smile, laugh, have fun, even if you don’t have funds. Keep on the sunny side.

 With much love, Dad