On a beautiful day in 1975, Frank and Brenda held hands and made promises they hardly understood, but knew with all their heart that they were created for one another. Young and in love, they believed life would be easy — but they also knew trouble always had a way of creeping in, so they also knew enough to pray, “God, be at the center of our marriage.”

The first few years tested them. Jobs came and went. Friends came and went. When their first child was born, they clung to each other and to their faith, whispering prayers over a tiny little blessing.

When they argued over bills, careers, or how to raise their beautiful kids, they sometimes went to bed angry — but they never stopped praying. Brenda would recite bible verses and sing gospel; Frank would hold her and look to God when words felt far away. Through health scares, job losses, family tensions, and the loss of loved ones, they kept saying, “God brought us this far. He’ll carry us further.”

On their 25th anniversary, they renewed their vows. It wasn’t just a romantic gesture — it was a declaration of gratitude. “We didn’t make it this far on love alone,” Frank said. “We made it because we trusted God to carry us when we couldn’t walk on our own.”

Now, fifty years later, their hands are a little more wrinkled, their pace slower, but their faith? Stronger than ever. Surrounded by children, grandchildren, friends and family, they look back not on a perfect marriage, but on a faithful God who never left their side.

When asked their secret, they smiled and said, “We didn’t always know the next step, but we always knew Who was leading us.” ❤️

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Mignon McLaughlin

Hope you enjoyed Journeying Deeper into the Woods.

Love Always, Frank & Brenda