A Touch of Romance As Autumn Spreads her Gold
It seems like only a few months ago when I posted the “Serendipity” of our love story on Facebook. In reality, it’s been almost a year. We’ve had a full and blessed year with calendar months flying faster than I can flip the pages. As Autumn paints her vibrant red and gold across meadows and mountains, I decided to honor a request to post more about that romantic love affair that’s blossomed through the years. Capturing one of God’s touches in our marriage, I am writing a slice from the Silver Anniversary moment (many years ago).
We’ve enjoyed many “serendipitous” moments, but our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary had God’s fingerprints throughout. From the planning to the celebration, it reflected God’s gift to us. We chose Kauai as our romantic destination. Visions of Elvis Presley’s movie, “Blue Hawaii,” danced through my thoughts on strains of the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” Yes, I’m one of those romantics.
As the travel planner in the family, I headed to our local library (one of those old-fashioned places to find information before Google) to uncover the ideal venue. Names, prices, locations swam before my eyes. But one site continually drew me back. Odd, I thought, as they listed little about their ceremonies. An inner nudge convinced me to call the Aloha Church of Kauai. Glancing at the clock to verify Hawaii time, I called their number. A warm welcome greeted me, but the feminine voice on the other end seemed confused when I inquired about their arrangements for couples renewing wedding vows. Unable to answer my questions, she assured me the women’s ministry leader would give me a call.
The mystery grew.
In a couple of days, the pastor’s wife called. She wondered where I had heard that their church provided such events. “In a library book,” I offered. Stunned, she explained Aloha Church had never performed such ceremonies nor had they published anything about renewing wedding vows in a library book!
Red warning flags waved across my mind.
However, before I could utter my hesitation, the lady peppered me with questions. Was I a Christian, a member of their denomination, and what was I expecting at this event? With reservation, I explained our dream–a sunset setting preferably on the beach, music, flowers in my hair (a Haiku), and a photographer. She said she would consult the pastor and call back.
The phone rang the next day. It was Hawaii. The pastor’s wife assured me they could handle it. But there were stipulations. Before planning our celebration, we were asked to attend their church service. Afterward, arrangements would be discussed. A graciousness couched her expectations. A desire to create a memorable moment for fellow believers was reflected in their heart. Tugged to at least test the possibilities, I agreed.
After arriving in Hawaii, we located their temporary tent-fashioned church. As we worshiped together, our hearts began to see God’s plan. We talked about our ceremony with the pastor and his wife. The women’s ministry would arrange flowers for my Haiku and a Lei for Tom. The music ministry would provide the romantic requests, and there would be a photographer. “All we ask is a love offering,” the wife explained. Graciousness and humility.
A few evenings later, standing on a grassy knoll–not a sandy beach–before the sun set that June evening, we experienced a love that could not have been created by the trendiest or fanciest venue on the island.
God’s presence hovered over our small gathering. Joy danced in the women’s eyes as they set the handmade Haiku on my head. The pastor’s wife, camera slung over her shoulder, handed me the Lei for Tom. Strains of the “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” strummed by a member of their music team, ushered in the repeat of vows before the pastor. A few dance steps followed–in the middle of the ceremony. Warmth beyond any human plans penetrated our hearts as we celebrated with our new brothers-and sisters-in-Christ. Our first love which God had orchestrated was repeated in a way I could not have planned. The moments became a heavenly treasure stored in our hearts to remember always.
Have you had one of God’s touches that changed your life? I would love to hear about it. Contact me here on my site.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh, Janis, it sounds perfect! So glad your dream was fulfilled. Stan and I went to Hawaii years ago. It’s so beautiful!
Yes, Hawaii is beautiful! That Anniversary was 21 years ago, Tracy. But God stories stay with us. When we went back to Kauai this year, we attended that same church, but the pastor had retired. Would love to have seen him.
Glad you and Stan had a wonderful time there.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
I love hearing about your 25th celebration in Kauai, especially the emphasis on Christian fellowship. Ours too reflected Christian fellowship: our daughter gathered our old small church group in St. Louis on a home trip from Korea. Smiles, joy and love surrounded us that day. Blessings.
Oh, that’s so special🌼 Thank you for sharing about your 25th Anniversary! I love hearing about God’s story in others’ lives.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Romantic you are indeed and that is one of the reasons we are friends! Reminds me our 25th and how God placed a co-worker at Tarzana who used to live in Salzburg at just the right time, as I began planning our Anniversary trip to include Salzburg. I asked her if she could recommend a nice place to dine for our Special evening and she asked if I would like to dine at a Castle? She gave me the name of Schloss Fuschl. A castle built in 1450 on an Alpine lake surrounded by beautiful Alpine mountains. Talk about a fairy tale Anniversary! Isn’t our God Good to give us more than we could even imagine!
Oh, He is so good. That’s a story I don’t remember you telling me! I remember your Oberammergau story, though! However, Anniversary dinner in a castle tops the romantic list! Thank you for stopping by today.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Wow!!! That is hard to believe that that was 21 years ago!! I remember you telling me all about it and how God truly blessed you and Tom!!! I’m happy to know that he continues to bless you!!
-Ceal-
I know! But God is so good throughout these years. He’s given us an even closer friendship. And we did get to celebrate the 25th with Christian friends like you when we got back home.
From My heart to yours,
Janis
What a beautiful story of God orchestrating your every step, delighting in the giving you the desires of your heart, and a church willing to walk with, honor and serve you in such a gracious way. Happy 46th Anniversary!
Thank you, Lisa! It was God’s amazing touch and leading that provided that beautiful story for us! How did He get it in the library book if the church had never requested to be listed–nor had they ever performed a wedding vow renewal before ours! God’s plans are greater than our plans and His thoughts far above our thoughts. He enjoys surprising and blessing His children. But not every moment of our lives is filled with extent of His blessings, yet He provides for us in accordance with His plans.
Thank you for the Anniversary wishes! It’s been quite a year so far! Thank you for stopping by.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh my Friend! I love this so much!!! I’m so blessed to see pics of your vow renewal. Jeff and I love you both so much!
Oh Marie, I’m just amazed over again at how God worked out all the details of our renewal of vows in Kauai 21 years ago. How did that church appear in a library book? How had they never done a renewal of wedding vows? And how did our loving God work it all out according to His plan–not mine! Truly amazing what a gracious God we have.
We love you and Jeff as well, and are delighted in the preciousness of your daughter’s wedding! God bless their journey together in Him each and every day. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis