After 40 years of marriage, I got married again! Yep, and to the same gal.
This was something that Elaine and I both felt we should do.... renew the vows taken previously.
April 10, 1971 was the big date when Elaine and I tied the knot in Cardiff, Wales to become Mr. and Mrs. Holland.
This was something that Elaine and I both felt we should do.... renew the vows taken previously.
April 10, 1971 was the big date when Elaine and I tied the knot in Cardiff, Wales to become Mr. and Mrs. Holland.
Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday that we were young, raring to go, and ready to make our mark in the world. Did we? I think so!
The Lord blessed us with two successful sons, two daughters -in-law, and six grandchildren of whom we are very proud. I think, in this case, we should be allowed to be proud!
The past 40 years have not been all rosy, but the good times greatly outweigh the bad. We have had many moves to different locations in Canada, from our hometown of Kenora, Ontario, to Iroquois Falls, Ontario to Whitecourt Alberta, to Thunder Bay, Ontario and then back to Whitecourt, Alberta. All the moves were in aid of of "getting ahead" in the Pulp And Paper Industry. Through the moves we were greatly blessed again, by meeting many great and wonderful people. Some of the moves were not of the good sort, where a disagreement between the "change artist", me, and my boss caused the move, but in hindsight, were caused for a reason. That reason was personal growth , and the result ended up in us coming to the Lord. Although painful to both of us at the time, the results likely saved us in the end.
Through all these tribulations, Elaine stood steadfast, following and making the best of a bad situation.
Through all these tribulations, Elaine stood steadfast, following and making the best of a bad situation.
We celebrated in the church, with our Pastor walking us through the ceremony, then had one of the famous church potluck lunches. All in all, a very good day!
The last 40 years?
I wouldn't change anything! With the Good Lord's Blessing, we hope to be around for the 50th. After all, it's only 10 years away.
What more could anyone ask?
How sweet -- my husband surprised me with a renewal ceremony about 6 years ago (we've been married 43 yrs now) . It was the most romantic thing he's ever done.. Anyone who has been married all those years and says it was all roses is full of prunes! All of us have had ups and downs and, you're right, with God's help we'll make a few more..May God richly bless you.
ReplyDeleteOhh to the both of you many congratulations...and wish you many many more.
ReplyDeleteIn all good health and with all the love of your dear ones. And God will be at your side to enjoy your path with you my friend.
Many hugs Dagmar
Oh, congratulations Ian and Elaine!!! You have been blessed - to find each other and stick thru 40 yrs of marriage - and come out the other side of those years ready to renew it and do it all over again! :) May God continue to bless you and yours!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story! Congratulations, may you make it to 50 and beyond. You've got a great looking family too.
ReplyDeleteWell, apparently what I did this weekend was nearly as fun, romantic, and exciting as what you did.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you and your bride! Praise God for the blessings you recounted including your family,
To answer your question, which I am sure was rhetorical, I gathered with a local expression of the body of Christ here in Longview, had a wonderful Chinese lunch, read theology, visited with two of four daughters and two of four grandkids in the afternoon, watch a movie so boring I dozed off, and then read some more. How's that for a not as exciting weekend as yours?
We have 38 years in June. Wonder what we will do for 40?
http://exiledpreacher.blogspot.com/
Congratulations! What a happy occasion!
ReplyDeleteYay! God bless you with many more together! I have one question to ask-where's the current picture???
ReplyDeleteGreat thing to do. Blessings****
This was a wonderful post, congrats on 40 years and the renewal which I think is just beautiful. I'm so glad you've made it through all the good and bad times life brings us, together. Cheers to many, many, more happy years together :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! That is so great 40 years! and to get remarried that is just sweet :O)... We are up to 26 years as of 2 days ago April 9th. I wouldn't take a million dollars for my honeyman! Sure we have had our times, who hasn't when you have been a married a long time. But you come out stronger I think on the other side of the hard times! :O)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Brother Ian! Praise the Lord for your 40 years of marriage! I pray that we are both still blogging up a storm when you hit the big 50! If not... I'll see ya in heaven :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do! Congrats on the renewal! And, I have no doubt that you will both make it to the 50th mark!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You did have a wonderful weekend! I hope you have many more great years together. Blessings jane
ReplyDeleteforgetmenot has left a new comment on your post "What Did You do This weekend?":
ReplyDeleteIan, Thanks so much for the nice comment--glad to have you as a "follower". Congratulations on your "wedding" --what a wonderful thing to do. Sounds like you have a great life and a great family. I'll keep tabs on your blog too. Mickie :)
To Ian and Elaine, Congratulations, how simply wonderful! You never imagined where God would lead and He had gone before you all the way. The b&w wedding photo is so beautiful!!! And you both look great!!Elaine is a tiny lady but she has her Ian to be her protector..Good onya and May God continue to bless you all your days.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary and Congratulations! I'm 25 years+ into my marriage and looking forward to 25 more!
ReplyDelete