On Sunday, August 11th, Dinah and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. I know – she's Saint Dinah for lots of reasons, not the least is living with Mr. High Maintenance (which I denied for the first 39 ½ years).  While there are too many highlights of our 40 years to list, here are seven.
Our wedding day. I remember my pastor asking me (in a front room of the sanctuary, before we went out to do the deed) if I wanted to use the side door to escape.  He was kidding, but Dinah was moments from coming down the aisle and I wouldn't trade that day and our life together for anything!
Our college years, 1973-77.  Dinah worked full-time to get her Ph.T. degree (put hubby through) and I worked 30 hours each week. We often talk about that busy, but carefree time (meaning no mortgages and lots of energy).
Our first church years, 1977-79. We were youth pastors in Ashtabula, Ohio and had no idea what we were doing. College prepares pastors for everything but pastoring! Not totally true, but…
Our young parenting years, while our children still thought we had brains. Though I see my children as adults, I still often see them with my heart and memory as little guys who delighted to be with dad. I wish you could have seen Dinah with them! She taught them to read. Dinah led children's musicals in the churches we served. She taught the boys about Jesus and brought joy into their lives. I've never seen a woman take so naturally to being a mother and I love her so much for it!
Our later parenting years.  I could relive my son's senior years over and over again. What delight it brought us to see Nathan in the Allen East Band and all things musical and watch Joe become an all-conference basketball player! Their college graduation and careers have made us so proud of them!
Our grand-parenting years. If we had known how much fun grand-kids are, we would have had them first! To have two little girls look at me and squeal “Hi grandpa (Zoie) or Papa! (Kenzie Rae) makes my day!
Our pastoral ministry years.  Dinah and I have been serving the Lord and pastoring for over 32 years. We love the people and churches we served. In our 17th year at Union Chapel, we've spent over half of our ministry serving the UC family.
My uncle Ethan used to say “Everyday is a good day because Jesus loves me perfectly.”
I am so blessed!
Pastor Mark
