Jon & Bradley

Just had a couples wedding shower for Jon & Bradley tonight. A wonderful evening of

fellowship, fun and community. Here is the blessing poem I wrote for them, and we wish them every happiness!
Frank

Jon & Bradley
Bradley and Jon, we're gathered today
With family and friends, both old and new
To celebrate your coming nuptial
And perhaps ... open a present of two
But mostly we want to welcome Bradley
Into this, our extended family
Of loved ones who have shared Jon's life
As the Weissberg's tribe and community
We've walked with them and prayed for Jon
All his life, each step of the way
And those prayers and hopes all culminate
In the wedding season we launch today
And as we look forward together
Towards the future that you will share
We ask God's blessing upon you
That you may walk in His tender care
That your love and faith and commitment
May be a bastion through trial and strife
And a beacon of hope to others
Through all the days of your life
May God grant you wisdom and patience
With rich harvests of happiness
And throughout the seasons which lie ahead
May your marriage and home be blessed
                     By Frank Carpenter ©

Agree to Disagree

Let’s face it, we don’t all see eye to eye. But that’s OK. I wouldn’t want to live in a vanilla world where each of us thought exactly the same thing. And, in truth, we need each other’s opinions in order to evaluate and sharpen our own. Sometimes I’m dead wrong and can’t even see it. That’s when the insight of others is so helpful. It’s also true that we formulate many of our opinions and arguments based upon our own world views. I believe in a God. You might not. You come from a certain type of family or educational background. I have had different life experiences. Each of these things shapes our perspectives. And often we draw lines in the sand that divide relationships, cultures, and even nations. So there are many times, especially among people we care about, where we have to agree to disagree. When that happens, we can continue to have productive and provocative discussions across a broad range of subjects. I have strong opinions, but I also want to honor relationships. So this goes out to those whom I might not agree with, but whom I still love and respect. Let’s keep talking.

Agree to Disagree

Although we love each other

There are areas, it’s true

Where we don’t see quite eye to eye

And I must disagree with you

We’re entitled to opinions

So at least philosophically

We diverge on several issues

And so you disagree with me

But I like that we can talk about

Whatever’s on our hearts

And discuss a host of issues

That seem to tear some folks apart

I respect how you feel and

Think you do the same for me

We live somewhere in the middle

As we agree to disagree

So I say let’s keep talking

Let’s keep wrestling with things

So we can challenge one another

Embracing what perspective brings

Wisdom never flourishes

Within a vacuum, it is true

And I relish the exchanges

That I have with each of you

              By Frank Carpenter

A Marriage Blessing

It’s another wedding season and as I prepare for Austin and Jenice’s  ceremony I spend a lot of time thinking about them and praying for them. With my heart leaning in that direction, I paused to write the below wedding blessing to recite over them while we are together this weekend. These words are kind of the culmination of what I’ve been praying over them in recent weeks, and when my heart is focused in that way, it often ends up as a poem. So, Austin and Jenice, this is for you. Be happy forever!

Frank

A Marriage Blessing

May God bless and keep you

Through the passing of the years

May you feel His arms about you

In the triumph and the tears

May you celebrate together

The joy of simple things

And learn to find the beauty

In whatever this life brings

May God grant you wisdom

When you need it on your way

Love and patience in full measure

Along with countless happy days

Filled with faith enough to trust Him

And trust one another too

Even when you may not want to

Then, most of all, may you be true

May your home be a haven

Of encouragement and rest

So that you, and all who visit

Feel welcome there, and blessed

May God bless your union

And may you strive to understand

The mystery of faith together

As you face life hand in hand

May God gently guide you

And draw you ever near

May He bless your life together

From day to day, and year to year

                  By Frank Carpenter ©