One raised where hymns rang within walls One grew up where His name was never called. He came to Jesus when he was small As a young teen she answered God’s call. Her first big prayer breathed into the dark, "Find me a man who’ll guard my heart" Church sip and sing, the light flipped on Hearts connecting before the last song. Two thousand miles couldn’t thwart God’s plan Hand-written letters kept the love-fires burning. The question asked. An answer given. Two hearts and lives converged. They spoke of children, perhaps two or three A good number to add to the family tree. First came Lynn-A-uh, then Kyle and Kevin Each one received as a gift from heaven. Not done yet; there were blessings more Grace thus named became number four. Caleb and Daniel and Delcy completed our seven Cherished sons and daughters, a God-sent succession. Eleven grandkids now call them "Mine" A great-grandson’s breath soon to arrive. God’s pen still writes, scripted, divine His mysterious ways keep their story alive. Fifty years traced from Minnesota’s cold to San Diego’s fun To the hamlet town of Homer, in the land of the midnight sun. Twenty-two years in San Diego they’d stay, Till a new chapter called from Tennessee's hills far away. Moves and milestones, joys and sorrows Ups and downs, unknown tomorrows. Their love’s a flame winds can’t devour Burning brighter by God’s mercy and power. God’s goodness and mercy in each year and each place Until the last breath’s done. Through valleys deep and summits high The Good Shepherd leads and guides Faithful Father, every need supplied. Every step marked by His loving hand Their 50 years, a testament to His sovereign plan. The greatest gift in all our lives Is Jesus Christ, Him crucified. Raised to life that we may know Him Loved by God, good gifts flow from Him. Of all the blessings beneath the sun Is the joining of lives journeying as one. Giver of every good gift, we give You thanks, Forgetting not Your benefits. We marvel at your steadfast love, Your faithfulness through all our days. For those behind us, this we pray. They likewise marvel on that day Make them virtuous and strong Trusting and loving You Until the day You come. Giver of every good gift, we give You thanks, Forgetting not Your benefits. We marvel at your steadfast love, Your faithfulness through all our days.