It's now been four years since my daughter Kelly and her beau said, "I do." A few weeks before their special day Kelly asked me to say something during the wedding ceremony. The setting was magnificent. Mark and Kelly were married on the beach at Guemes Island, Washington. Mt. Baker was in the background. As the sun set on the day it cast a beautiful bright glaze against the snow covered mountain top. It was a perfect day for an island wedding. Family and friends were gathered around the makeshift alter. The grooms mother, a Christian minister, performed the ceremony. She did so with just the right amount of minister professionalism with a dash of an emotional Mom. When it came my turn to speak I was honored to offer this blessing on their behalf.
Good and gracious God, we offer this collective prayer from family and friends. We ask You to bless the marriage of Mark and Kelly. We ask You to embrace them, love them, and let them feel Your presence on this special day and every day for the rest of their lives.
We ask You Lord, that their marriage be an example to others as to how a man should treat a woman and how a woman should treat a man—with respect, generosity, compassion, and love.
We ask You to bless Mark and Kelly and all who have gathered on Guemes Island to witness their wedding. These things we ask, in Your name. Amen.
This simple prayer has been answered these past four years. Mark and Kelly have been blessed many times over with the birth of their first child, a baby girl, named Rumi Kai. She's beautiful, just like her Mom and Dad. All are in good health. All have been embraced by God.
Mark and Kelly and the Linneman family are proud owners of the Guemes Island Resort. So, they now work on the same grounds that they were married. If you ever vacation on the west coast head to Guemes Island. Say hello to Mark, Kelly and Rumi.
Here's the best news….Mark and Kelly still treat each other with respect, generosity, compassion, and love. Thank You Lord.
I credit John Sobecki, my friend from New Jersey, who provided all of the following material regarding employment. It was so timely; I decided to pass it along to you.
The US Department of Labor released the unemployment figures recently…9.7% of the population who are unemployed and collecting some unemployment benefits. But the report also admitted that the real figure of total unemployed in the US must include those who are labeled "discouraged." This percentage is 16.76%!!
Here are some current statistics found in the article about the world of work.
Remember to offer a prayer today for every person who is stressed by the inability to find gainful employment or those working for wages insufficient to support their family. Pray that they may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and renewed with enthusiasm for work. Be grateful for your own employment. Give thanks to God. And, be generous with your time, willing to help anyone seeking new employment or improved opportunities.