My heart cries

Have the problems of life ever pressed so heavily upon you that you cry from the depths of your heart? There are many, many things that drive us to cry from the heart. Father, maybe it's the financial problems and the pressure of providing for your family that drives you to tears. Mother, maybe it's that wayward child that breaks your heart. Young person, maybe it's peer pressure or a broken relationship. Or maybe it's something else that breaks your heart: the pain of suffering ill-health or injury; the anxiety from losing a loved one in death; the heartache experienced through regrets; the hurt from a marriage breakup; the feeling of failure when you cannot achieve your grades or goal; the stress of life; or the despair from being disrespected or bullied, etc. etc.

I do not know what you are going through but whatever it is, perhaps you are saying, 'My heart cries.' Like the psalmist, you can say, 'My heart is wounded within me' (109v22). 'I cried with my whole heart' (119v145), and 'I water my bed with tears' (6v6). Yes, you know what it is like to cry yourself to sleep on a pillow wet with tears. No one sees those silent tears or hears those sobs (or so you think). You try to hide the tear-stained face from those around you.

Where do you go? What do you do? There just seems to be no peace for your broken heart. Like the psalmist David you could say, 'My heart is sore pained within me' (55v4). This is no mere physical pain. It is the pain of a broken heart. You know the verses: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" (34v18) and "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee" (55v22) but they just don't seem to help to heal the heartache. You have prayed and cried to the LORD but you cannot find the comfort you need. Some well-meaning people may tell you that you don't have enough faith or that you haven't left your burdens with the LORD.....you've taken your burdens to Him and, then, you've taken them away with you again. Ah, there may be truth in that but it's easier said than done. The problems are not solved and the heartache remains.

Perhaps I have just been describing something of how you are feeling. Your heart is overwhelmed. It is breaking under the load of your problems. You have no answer. Perhaps you even question why God won't help you. Well, I would just like to share a little thought with you. It is precious to me.

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61v2)

I refer particularly to those last words, "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." In everyday life you sometimes hear people saying that he or she is my rock. Of course, they are not meaning a physical rock like some big rock cave. They are referring to some person that they could depend on to stand with them through their troubles and who they could lean on for strength and encouragement. The Bible calls Christ the Rock. It is to Christ that we need to go when our heart is broken.

But notice it says: the rock that is HIGHER than I. Imagine standing before a massively high, immovable rock and looking up at it. You would be so small beside it. It would not shift when you leaned against it and it could even bring you shelter. Christ our Rock is far higher than us. Focus on HIM....not yourself, not your problems, not your heartache! Worship Him for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done and what He will do. Literally look up to the sky and think about how All-powerful He is; how strong and mighty He is to lean on for strength to face your trials. He is the One you can trust above everyone else. He will not forsake you. He will not fail you. You can depend upon Him to help you and shelter you in all the storms of life. He sees those tears. He hears those sobs. He understands your broken heart. Focusing on Him may not stop the storms in your life but it will change your perspective and hopefully inspire your devotion to Him as you find your strength in Him.

My 2015 review

It's come to that time of year when I think about what 2015 was like for me and what I hope for 2016. What did I do? What did I achieve? Where's the photos to prove it? I'm not the best at taking photos but here are some of my highlights in 2015....nothing extremely exciting but then I'm just a very ordinary woman happy with life.

Some things I got to do for the first time in my life....not that they were on my bucket list of things to do. I got to visit Rathlin Island for the first time....beautiful place. I climbed up to Scrabo Tower for the first time. I got to sit in Henry Forde memorial car at Ballinascarthy, Co.Cork....LOL. We discovered Harrisons restaurant outside Greyabbey was a lovely place to eat...and for Adrian to relax over a latte! Of course, we enjoyed going to Cork, Kerry and Ayr too.

Isaac and his friend John had the privilege of visiting Sri Lanka. This brought me great joy, especially as we adopted him and brought him to Ireland when he was a baby and so he had no memories of the country where he was born.

My Mum and Dad's diamond wedding anniversary was on 13th April. It was great to see them reach this milestone of 60 years married.

Then, I was so delighted for Jemima graduating with a distinction in a foundation degree in computing,

Believe or not, this year I tried my hand at crocheting again.....something I hadn't done for years. Developed my own patterns as I went along but don't ask me to tell you them for I couldn't remember them.

Also, I had the privilege of  organizing and teaching at Lifeboat Holiday Bible School in July, the theme being 'Little hands in a big world.' Sorry but I have no photos of it.
That's the highlights from my year....perhaps not as outstanding as yours.

Now I do not know what 2015 has been like for you but as 2016 dawns I would encourage you to keep your eyes upon the LORD. Perhaps people have hurt you and let you down and blocked you out of their lives. Remember Christ will never leave you or forsake you, if you are His child. He is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother. Maybe you have been maligned or misrepresented. There's just no one who understands that like Christ. To those who have become discouraged because of the way, and perhaps even lost their way in life, I would say 'Hope thou in God. He will guide you with His eye showing you the path to take.' For those who have suffered great heartache (maybe not able to share it with others), sickness, bereavement....cast all your care (worries, anxiety) upon the Lord for He cares for you. He is the One who stood by the tomb of Lazarus and wept. Maybe you have experienced great temptations or trials. Christ is able to make a way of escape from temptation and to bring you out of trials stronger than before.

The verse that I take with me into 2016 is Isaiah 26v3:

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

I do wish you a very Happy New Year and trust that you will get to know God better in 2016.

My Granny taught me

I feel I just have to tell you about a wonderful lady in my life...my Granny Armstrong. She was the midwife who 'brought me into this world' and I had the joy of knowing her for 14 years. She died 40 years ago (22nd Nov 1975) but the legacy of what she taught me lingers with me right to this day. My memories of her are precious to me and I would like to share a few with you. (Please bear in mind that these are MY memories of her, not some things related to me. I do not remember her before she retired from work, so I won't be giving you a history lesson of her life).

She taught me by example. I sat by her side and watched her crochet....saw how she did it and when she gave me hook and wool I just practised what she showed me. I remember her crocheting a green lace table mat....and after that I wanted to crochet with thread. Oh yes, and...believe or not....she showed me how to darn those wool socks she had knit for Granda!

She taught me to work conscientiously. I went to help her with housework on Saturday mornings. I had to dust, polish her table, scrub the hall and mop her floors...and yes hoover the carpets with a big noisy hoover that I was scared of at first! I guess I was about 8 years old when I started doing this for her but she trusted me to do it to the best of my ability. At 'spring-cleaning time' it was a treat for me to be allowed into her old attic room that wasn't used any more, to mop and clean it.

She taught me that work well done deserves pay. When I finished my work she always gave me some money....50p at first and then I got a pay rise to £1. I remember one Saturday morning....I must have slept in for I arrived late for work. She told me to go home for she had the work done. Lesson to me....don't be late for work, you don't get paid for work undone!

She taught me that working together can be fun. We made jam together. We peeled spuds together using those old-fashioned knives. My brother Leslie, sister Laura and I worked together with her in her garden....mowing grass, weeding and hedge-clipping. We chatted and laughed while we worked and learned.

Granny and I (Back); Leslie and Laura (front)

She taught me to recycle. Every so often she wanted to clear out all the empty lemonade glass bottles. So, she got Leslie and I to gather them all together and take them to the shop in Benburb. We were delighted for in those days you got a couple of pence for each glass bottle returned to a shop....and of course we got to keep and share the money!

She taught me self-esteem. She believed in me and trusted me to do errands for her. I remember going with her to buy wallpaper one day and she asked me to choose. I was just a young girl but my opinion mattered and she was willing to display my choice on her walls for people to see!

She taught me to enjoy time with family and friends. It didn't matter what time of the day or night I would go to Granny's, she always made me feel welcome and loved. We ate together at her table that sloped with the floor. We listened to stories, laughed and enjoyed the craic together. She took me to visit Aunt Doreen and other relatives and family friends. I watched her interact with others and saw how her genuine concern for them made her a joy to be around. I remember being at a wedding with her. She was so busy chatting to the other guests at the table that she never noticed the waitress was shovelling peas unto her plate, expecting Granny to say when she'd enough. Yes, she was loving and kind and caring towards others but she didn't like to feel that she was a burden on other people.

She taught me to enjoy holidays....they didn't have to be expensive foreign holidays. She would go to stay at friends' homes and have them to stay with her. I even packed my suitcase and went a few hundred yards down the road for a holiday at her house! LOL However, there was one special holiday that I had with her. It was outside Millisle in Co.Down. The beach was literally across the road and we went various places too. But while I was there I gave my life to the Lord.

Aunt Alma, me and Granny on holiday outside Millisle

She taught me about giving. She never forgot Christmas and birthdays. I still have my first watch which she gave me. She genuinely seemed to love to give. She used to do some of her grocery shopping in Benburb and on her way down home she would stop by our house with some sweets. I remember her spinning the wheels as she took off (and it wasn't with speed or anger lol). Then, there was the glass jar she collected her pennies in. When it was full she gave them away to someone. She was selfless in her giving....doing it quietly and never for glory.

She taught me that actions have consequences but there's forgiveness when we do wrong. I remember once getting my brother to mess up or do something to some books on her bookcase. She wasn't amused so we were sent packing off home...and we knew not to return in a hurry! But a few days later, maybe a week, we were allowed back and all was forgiven. Her and I sat at the table and strung beads together to make necklaces. Our misdemeanors were not remembered against us,

She taught me to pray. I'd been told how she prayed a little prayer before each baby she delivered. But she showed me that it was important to pray for the little things in life too. I remember her praying in the car before leaving home and asking God for a safe journey....and she was only going 3 miles down the road to Moy! Yes her faith in God was real.

She taught me to take time alone with God. There was a little bedroom off her living room and she used to go in there to be alone to read. She loved to read People's Friend and other women's magazines and medical journals of her day....but she went in there to be alone to read her Bible. I still have her Bible and I do know that one of her favourite Bible verses was Job 19v25:

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another."

She taught me to be resilient. I saw her cry. She was a soft-hearted woman. When people upset her and drove her to tears, or perhaps she just needed some time alone to tearfully reflect and reminisce on life's hurts....she went to that little room. I realize now that rather than cry on someone's shoulder, she went in there to lay her heartache at the feet of her Good Shepherd. Then, later when I'd see her again she would have bounced back, ready to face the world with a loving smile! Life had dealt her some deep wounds....her first husband murdered by the IRA, her son Norman drowned in Australia. But she found her solace in the Lord and valued her family and friends around her. I don't know but perhaps this all contributed to making her the strong, respected lady that she was.

In conclusion, let me tell you about the last time I saw her alive. I'd been down at her house to do my usual piano practice. Before I left she asked me to sweep the floor which I did. I wasn't for staying long for I was going shopping or somewhere that evening. But as I stepped into the scullery a little voice inside me said 'You'll never see your granny alive again'. I brushed it aside and went on outside into the dark and home. Later that evening she took ill, was taken into hospital and then passed on to be with her Redeemer. That little voice was right....I didn't see her alive again. I visited her grave on one or two anniversaries of her death before the reality really dawned on me....she's not in the grave, she's gone to her eternal home! Praise God I'll meet her one day again because I too know her Redeemer as my Saviour.

Butter me up

Have you ever stood on a beautiful sunny day, leaning over the gate of a field where a herd of dairy cows were happily grazing? In the stillness and quietness of the countryside you could hear them tear each mouthful of grass from their pasture. Then, have you watched as they lay down contented after grazing to chew their cud? I have and I find it very relaxing to just forget the world is rushing by and watch these beautiful creatures.....although I don't take the opportunity to do so these days. I suppose it's one of those happy memories that only someone reared in the country understands.

I  empathize with the farmers wanting more money for milk at this time but milk means so much more to me. Milk means I get proper butter! Butter....I just love it spread thick on my toast like cheese! New potatoes taste so good with loads of butter melted into them. Or what about a fried mushroom sandwich with the butter dripping out of it? O the taste of butter is sublime. Margarine just does not taste anywhere near as good. Give me butter any day.

Maybe it's an Armstrong thing but quite a lot of us love butter. It's like it is in our genes to like butter LOL. About 3 years ago I met a cousin of mine for the first time. He was raised in England and now lives in USA. His Dad was Sri Lankan but his granny was an Armstrong. We were amazed and delighted to learn that he liked butter too. We joked that he had inherited the Armstrong gene for butter. Now I don't know if he likes quite as much butter as I do but when I butter my toast in the morning I think of him. I understand that some of my grand-nephews are fond of butter too. If my love for butter is an acquired taste I certainly did not get it from my Mum for she just scraps it on and off the bread. It's my Dad who spreads it thick.

Butter and toast for breakfast

Many moons ago when I was in Bible college, the conversation came up one day around the dinner table about butter vs margarine. I never forget what one of the lecturers said. He spoke of how Abraham gave butter to the Lord. He expressed his opinion that if butter was good enough for the Lord, then it was good enough for him! He went on to say that the Old Testament dietary laws for the Jews did not forbid dairy products from 'clean' animals but rather fat on meat. He suggested that today we confuse dairy fat with animal fat in meat. Now let me make it abundantly clear: this is not the reason I eat butter rather than margarine spreads....and I do not believe in going back to keeping Old Testament dietary laws. I eat butter because I love it! However, I found his opinion interesting, and especially as today research is now suggesting that butter from grass-fed cows is actually better for us than margarine. But then again, I never needed to be told that butter is better than margarine. All I had to do was to look at the list of ingredients in them. The tub of margarine has lots of additives but the packet of butter is just simply milk with a little added salt (and you can get unsalted butter if you so desire). Common sense told me that eating all those chemicals couldn't be good for you.

This is an interesting article showing butter is better than margarine:

Butter vs Margarine – Why I Trust Cows More Than Chemists By Kris Gunnars, BSc 

Yes, I agree. I trust cows more than chemists. I love butter and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, as well as milk puddings like custard and semolina. But you know what the amazing thing is: Set a glass of milk before me and I'll say, 'No' to it! But when you give me tea, make sure there's plenty of milk in it please. I have no explanation for this :)

When I was a little girl I used to go to a neighbour lady for piano lessons. Sometimes I would go early and visit her Mum in the kitchen while I waited my turn. Her Mum always seemed to be busy baking bread on a griddle or making butter. Yes, making butter with her own little churn. You see, my Mum always bought butter in the shop for us, so, this was a fascinating process for me to watch as a child, especially when I got to turn the churn! These days I buy my butter and particularly like Kerrygold.

Now, I think by this stage you get the message: Rhonda loves butter. But don't get me wrong. I am not advocating that you go out and clog up your arteries with butter instead of margarine. I am not telling you to eat loads of butter every day at all your meals. Of course you must eat it in moderation. I have no intention of giving up butter but I do not eat wads of it at every meal (just some meals LOL). I make sure I eat fresh fruit and vegetables too.

So, thank God for the cows that produce milk....so I can enjoy proper butter. I hope the farmers get the few extra pence per litre for their milk, rather than the so-called 'middle-man.' And the next time you butter your bread, think of me and shoot a little prayer to God in heaven for me. Thanks!

For the love of technology....

Technology....we can't live without it in today's world but has it become like a drug to us? I've read a couple of articles recently and various comments relating to the amount of time we should allow our children to spend using technology....tablets, phones, laptops, computer games, etc. Some suggest we should severely restrict their daily usage while others suggest they should have a choice to spend unlimited time on them. But before we run away with all the arguments for either view, I just wish to ask a simple question that may be helpful: Do we control technology or does technology control us?

One day, a while back, I was walking into town and I saw a woman walking 2 young children home from school. Bag slung over her shoulder, she was absolutely engrossed with her phone....texting, social networking, playing games, whatever with it. The 2 children were holding on to her from behind and she seemed oblivious to anything going on around her. I just thought to myself 'How sad!' Apart from her possibly not being alert enough to protect them from sudden danger, what sort of message was she conveying to them? Was her phone more important to her than them? Could she not put it away and enjoy a nice walk and talk with them that would make them feel loved and appreciated?

Now I have a mobile phone and use technology every day of the week (and even waste time on it) but this certainly got me thinking! I take my phone practically everywhere with me. I love connecting with people through Facebook, Messenger and Whatsapp. I prepare studies, design PowerPoints and other documents on my computer to use in teaching children God's Word....and even manage my own simple website, I research the internet for pictures, information and use online Bible concordance and commentaries. In fact, I say, 'Give me a Bible and a computer and I'm happy.' (Maybe just throw a smart phone in too!) However, I've had to ask myself: 'Is technology my god? Do I spend more time on Facebook than having fellowship with God? Are my screens more important to me than building good relationships with other people?'

Going South helps me see how much I depend on technology to communicate with others. Once I cross the border into Southern Ireland my O2 big bundle package does not cover data, calls or sending texts. So, data is switched off, and only necessary calls and texts are made. O2 gets enough from me! But that means every time we go to a home or restaurant that has WiFi, out come the phones and we're all sitting communicating via Whatsapp, Messenger and Facebook as well as conversing with each other! That's the modern world that we live in.

No one can deny that technology has become an essential part of life in the modern world. Most jobs require the ability to use it to some degree or other. Outside of work we still Google for information, book holidays and shop online, watch movies and news, call, text, Skype, social network and so on. We are becoming increasingly dependent on technology but we need to remember that it is not the devices that are wrong; it's how we use them that matters. I know that some people's work requires them to spend much time on computerized devices. I understand that instant communication is an necessary part of modern life. And, yes, social networking does provide company and a means to keep in touch with people. However, it is our own responsibility to determine whether or not technology becomes our master.

Now I know that it is very difficult to control a teenager's use of technology. They could be right beside you as you work using their phones to plan badness. They could be doing homework assignments but really communicating with others and watching filth. Confiscate their phone and they will find some other way around it. Quite frankly, you cannot babysit them 24/7. However, we do need to do our best to moderate their use so that they enjoy other activities besides computer games and that they develop the ability to communicate with people of all ages outside of the cyber world. But may I hasten to say, not all teenagers use technology for wrong purposes.

I, myself, face the daily challenge of loving the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind. So, I must take care lest technology becomes like an addictive drug that draws my mind away from the Lord. It's like a drug that says: Just one more quick look on Facebook to see what my friends are up to and how many likes I have on my page....rather than finding a quiet place to be alone with God. Or maybe I've been searching for hours for something online and I'm just so mentally drained that I cannot benefit as well as I should from reading my Bible and praying. Yes, I'm human and do not always succeed where I should.

There are 3 words that help me monitor my use of technology so that it does not master me to become my god and they are CONTROL, BALANCE and DISCIPLINE. They speak for themselves. I must control what I use technology for. I must strike the right balance between my screens, other activities and family. I must discipline myself as to how much time I spend on my screens. And, of course, there's the issue of SAFETY. I must do what I can to protect myself and my family online, That's why I have HomeSafe protection from my internet provider....so that when I Google for kids Bible pictures of Adam and Eve, I don't end up on some dodgy website with inappropriate pictures!

1 Samuel 9v27

In conclusion, I was reading 1 Samuel 9 earlier today (and I personally still do prefer to read the hard copy of God's Word in my devotions). I know this passage is about Samuel anointing Saul to be king. However, these words: 'But stand thou still a while that I may shew thee the word of God' have an application for each one of us. To me, this is more than just skimming over the Bible stories and facts. It is leaving the distractions aside to hear the LORD speak personally to me. Let us ever purposely take time out from our busy lives with all its technology and just be still, waiting for the LORD to speak to us from His Word.

Lifting my eyes to God in these wicked days

I have been greatly grieved by events of the past week. The judge ruled against Ashers bakery and then Ireland voted 'Yes' in the referendum to allow same sex marriage. 

I have been following the Ashers case and I support them in their stand. Right throughout the case they have maintained that the message they were asked to put on the cake, and not the customer, was the problem. I listened to the news. I have watched video clips online. I went to the Waterfront Hall on 24th March 2015 to show my support for the MacArthur family but was one of the hundreds of people outside unable to get in. I heard Daniel MacArthur speak briefly to those who remained outside that night, to thank us for our support. At no time did I see him incite hate towards the gay community. Rather, I saw him conduct himself with dignity and with respect to those who did not agree with his stance. So, my heart was saddened when the judge ruled against Ashers bakery, saying they had discriminated against a gay customer. But I do believe that God will honour them for their stand.

The LORD says, Them that honour Me I will honour. (1 Samuel 2v30 KJV)

Then, Ireland voted 'Yes'' to allow same sex marriage, with a greater majority than I expected. Yes, this is Catholic Ireland that was known across the world for its more conservative views on marriage. Current opinions, especially of young people, are changing. Sadly, they not turning in favour of Biblical principles. However, I do praise God that there are those in Ireland from many different backgrounds, Christian and non-Christian, who voted 'No'. But in all this, I wonder where this leaves those who sincerely hold religious views. Must they be forced to act against their conscience? I do feel that there does need to be some sort conscience clause or legal ruling to protect their rights, too.

Why am I so sad? Well, when people give witness in the courts of this country they are asked to swear by the Bible that they will tell the truth, the whole, truth and nothing but the truth. I have read that Book many times and in it I see very clearly:

• God ordained marriage in Genesis between one man and one woman to procreate and raise children.  God our Creator defined marriage and, therefore, no one has the right to redefine it.
• The Lord Jesus Christ upheld marriage to be between one man and one woman (Matthew 19v4-5)
• Nowhere does the Bible say that God is pleased with homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
• Throughout the pages of the Bible homosexuality is shown to be a sin. Irrespective of what arguments are raised, the bottom line is: homosexuality is a sin against God and needs to be repented of as sin....just like every other sin.
• In the Old Testament homosexuality was punishable by death but Christ has taken the punishment for ALL sin when He died on the cross. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from ALL sin (1 John 1v7).
• Some New Testament Christians had been guilty of homosexuality and were forgiven by the Lord (1 Corinthians 6v9-11).
• We are not to hate homosexuals. 

So in the light of this, I ask, 'Why swear by a Book in a court of law if you do not accept what it teaches?' But, also, knowing that the Bible is God's standard of faith and practice for our lives, I'm saddened when it is legislated against. Take the Bible, read it for yourself, asking God to show you what is truth.

Another thing that saddened me was some comments I read about the rainbow in the sky seen over Dublin on Saturday. It was suggested that Jesus was approving the 'Yes' result in the referendum. But may I point out to you, firstly, that Jesus does not act contrary to His Word. Secondly, the rainbow was given by God to show to the world that He will never send another worldwide flood (Genesis 9v8-17). Thirdly, God judged the great sinfulness of people in Noah's day by destroying the whole world with a worldwide flood (Genesis chapters 6-9). May I suggest that God was reminding people that He does judge sin.

So what should I do because of these sad events? Be downcast, looking at all the darkness of sin around, thinking everything is hopeless? Sit and moan and grumble and complain? Show animosity to those I disagree with? No! No! No! I will lift my eyes far above all these sad events unto the Almighty Creator who is Sovereign over all. Just as the psalmist said,

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121v1-2 KJV)

What do we need to lift our eyes to the LORD for?

• He is grieved far more than any of us can imagine at sin but we can trust Him to work for His glory.
• God blesses obedience and punishes disobedience. It is not for me to presume how or when God will judge Ireland. But we need to cry to Him for mercy upon Ireland.
• Wisdom for parents raising young children
• Young people will get to know the Word of God and the God of the Bible, and stand for Him with conviction.
• Ashers and anyone else who finds themselves in the position of being forced to do something inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
• That God would move in a mighty way throughout all of this island saving souls from all walks of life, irrespective of their background or sexuality

May I point out: I do not write this blog out of hate in my heart for anyone in the gay community or to incite hatred of them.

60 Diamond Years

They say that diamonds are a girls best friend. I'm not so sure about that but I do know that all beautiful diamonds are not bright sparkly gems worn on fingers or around necks. Diamonds are hard gems created under very high temperature and pressure, and then skillfully cut to show their brilliance. Apparently it would take temperature of 3550 C to melt diamonds. Hence, they are said to last forever. No wonder the 60th wedding anniversary is called the diamond wedding anniversary!

My parents were married 60 years ago in Moy Church of Ireland on 13th April 1955. Not many have the privilege of reaching this special milestone but I rejoice that God has spared my parents to do so. They have experienced the heat and pressure in life and felt deep cuts dealt to them during their 60 years together. Their son Norman died in 1961. They each lost their brother in very sad circumstances. Both had heart bypasses. Add to this other hard, hurtful times and the pressures of raising 4 children on a basic income. But they survived all the tearful and difficult times of their 60 years together to come out as a beautiful diamond. They share many precious happy memories of the good craic, holidays, and events with family and friends....all too many to mention here. God gave them a lovely bungalow to live in. They've 8 grandchildren and 6 beautiful great grandchildren to be proud of.

Yes, it's been 60 years since they said, 'I do' but their love for each other is still evident. They can rejoice in their faithfulness to each other. And, of course, they were delighted to receive a card from the queen sending them her congratulations and best wishes! But best of all that they know Christ as Saviour. 

To mark this special occasion, we took them back to Derryoghill Orange hall where they met over 60 years ago. Caterers were arranged for the surprise tea, the hall was decorated and many other fine details sorted to provide this trip down memory lane. There are very few left who were at their wedding but 4 of their wedding guests were able to attend this 60th anniversary celebration.

Thank you Lord for giving them 60 Diamond years together.