A few weeks ago, I attended a women’s retreat at Camp Harvest and had a wonderfully refreshing weekend with some beautiful women. The main speaker, Beth Freeman shared a series on our identity in Christ. And, while much of what … Continue reading
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, … Continue reading
“The unthankful heart… discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessing.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher
After months of waiting for all of the pieces to come together, this week I was finally able to sit and write the “Thank You” cards for our wedding. It was a beautiful journey through the many people who blessed us as we joined our lives. The best thing about it is that it wasn’t gifts or monetary blessings that I found myself treasuring. With each card, I could recall the many ways someone supported or prayed for us as we walked this journey. Each stroke of my pen brought another reminder of someone who helped carry the burden of our heart ache when we were apart from one another. Each addressed envelope represented someone who rejoiced when God brought our paths back together. And, my heart was flooded with gratefulness.
There are so many more people to whom we owe this debt that we will never be able to repay. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our families, our church families, and the friends who held our hands, dried our tears, and laughed with us. The emotion is too great for words. So many people spoke God’s Truth to us and over us. His mercies are never failing, and even when we couldn’t see His path, He gave us wonderful angels to hold our hearts. The list is endless and we could never thank everyone enough.
As our wedding verse, Nick and I chose a passage that we have come to cherish:
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” – Psalm 118:23-24
Nick and I hold this to be true with every day we are given together. Every morning, we open our eyes to another day gifted to us by the Lord. Each day brings its own opportunity to love each other well and pay forward the love and mercy that has been given to us. As a couple, we are doing all we can to honor the sacrifices made in order for us to be here today. So, for the many loved ones who have prayed for us, walked with us, cried with us and rejoiced with us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have loved us like Jesus. May the Lord return blessing upon blessing to you.
With Overwhelming Gratitude,
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Giardino
“In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day [The 1 year anniversary of the end of World War I] with the following words:
‘To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…’”
In June of 1926, Congress made November 11th an official holiday by saying, “it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations”.
Today is the day we celebrate, thank and encourage those who have stood in the gap and on the wall in our behalf. May we ever remember those who paid the ultimate price and honor their sacrifice. But, today, let’s take the time to thank those who have served our country in the armed services. Let us be grateful to the families who have sacrificed time with their loved ones and waited anxiously for their return.
Thank you to all who have served! If you know someone who has served our country, I hope you’ll find the time to give them a call today and thank them for their service. ( I plan to!) We may never understand the sacrifice that is required that we may have peace. Freedom isn’t free.
Happy Veteran’s Day!
The Giardino Journey 