Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Meaning of Marriage Tim and Kathy Keller




A new book by Timothy and Kathy Keller subtitled:
Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
First discovered at our favourite online spot of spiritual encouragement and refreshment: Haven Today with Charles Morris.
Check it out.  You will surely discover with us, a host of topics, speakers, music and resources that truly inspire a resting place (a haven!) in your daily routine.
Conversely, you may watch the Keller's promo video above and get it straight from the authors.
Based on a nine-week series of sermons on marriage and preached to a congregation of thousands, the majority of whom were single!  
It has since been the most listened to set of sermons ever produced by Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

We live in a culture which is almost relentless in its attack against marriage and family as divinely instituted.  This shouldn't surprise us but it should make us forge our defense weapons with a bit more resolve and dare I say it, commitment?

The Newest Mr. & Mrs. in our family


Photo credits to Amy of Asher Images, family photographer extraordinaire.
Used without permission (sheepish grin)
Our baby girl is off on a honeymoon with her new husband.  Of course with her new husband.
"Honeymoon".
Why that term strikes me as strange now is interesting. 
I never thought about it twice when I ventured on my own, nor when we delighted in seeing four other married children embark on theirs.

Google defines it thus:
One early reference to a honeymoon is in Deuteronomy 24:5 “When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married.”
Originally "honeymoon" simply described the period just after the wedding when things are at their sweetest; it is assumed to wane in a month. The earliest term for this in English was hony moone, which was recorded as early as 1546.


... a period of time when things are at their sweetest ~ assumed to wane in a month. 


Harrumph!


Not to worry.  Many marriage veterans including us, have and will continue to mentor our little newlyweds regarding this profound mystery as it has been called, to pray for them, walk the road with them, offer counsel when requested and perhaps otherwise :),  to enjoy this blessing with them and finally, get them reading  SACRED MARRIAGE.  
(a gem of a book/devotional we discovered only two years ago and heartily endorse to everyone regardless of where they show up on the marriage spectrum). 


We eagerly anticipate their return for a variety of reasons:

  • to hear about the marvels of their meanderings of NYC ~ if it is  even possible to meander in such a place.
  • to witness ones children establish a new family home of their own and finally...
  • to have this infernal publication ban of their wedding photos lifted once and for all so that we might share the occasion with you!