Once Upon A Time. . .

Once upon a time there was a little princess. She had dark, curly hair and such a pretty face. And my, did she love to talk! When the King's father and mother  took her for rides in their coach, she just could not stop telling stories. She had such a sweet, little voice and an amazing vocabulary. She was a delight to all of her family.



Uncle Kevin Buza with Emily and Joshua

But she grew up to be one of the fairest ladies in all the land. And one day she met a charming prince. He put a ring on her finger and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said YES.

The King's father and mother wondered, "where did all the years go?" And they began to think that grandchildren grow up more quickly than children do.

Jeannie, Emily, Cousin Heather, and Great Aunt Carla

Right now, in May of 2013, we are waiting to go to the wedding. Grampie and I are so pleased that Emily is marrying a Christian man. Grandchildren, that is a top priority. Your home cannot be built by God's blueprint unless the man and the woman have both placed their trust in the Lord Jesus as their Savior. That is where you start.

Last month there was a delightful Bridal Tea at Stephen's and Jeannie's house. We enjoyed lovely refreshments together. It was a time for celebrating love and a time to be thankful for family, especially the new family that is just now beginning.

Great Grammie Ruth was at the tea! We are thankful.

Grampie and I are especially excited that Emily and Jeffrey are starting their marriage in the very year that we celebrate fifty years together. People say to us, "wow! there aren't many people being married today that will last fifty years."  And while we agree that the divorce rate -- even among Christians -- is high, we believe it is possible for people to follow God's pattern of one man, one woman, for life.

There are a few thoughts that we could share. First, in your marriage and in your home there is One who is more important than you are. The One who can hold you together, loving each other in the tough times and in the good times is Jesus. Remember how GOD brought Eve to Adam and the two became one. Someone said that when God looks at a married couple, he sees ONE, not two.

Here are some things for all of our grandchildren to consider as you become adults and as most of you will probably be married. Number ONE priority. Marry a Christian who has the same beliefs and values as you. Pray and ask GOD to direct you to the person that HE has in mind for you. Grampie and I could both see how God brought us together. Once you are married, remember that true LOVE is a choice, not just a mushy feeling. When you are committed to someone and know that God brought you together it only makes sense that this is for a lifetime.

Never neglect your marriage. Worship together. Read your Bible. Pray. Talk about the Lord and your faith. If you can carry a tune, sing together. Hold hands. Say "I love you". It doesn't cost much to be kind, but that is one of the greatest gifts you can give each other. In times of sorrow, cry together and hug each other. In times of joy, laugh together. Keep on dating all of your life. Respect each other. Be quick to apologize and quick to forgive. You are two different people and there will be times you don't see eye to eye. It's a good thing to discuss those differences because both of you have things you can learn from each other. And if God blesses you with children, teach them from the Bible and show them what it means to know and love the Lord.

When you walk with GOD in your marriage, you can live happily ever after!