Today has been a day of joy and celebration of marriage with a lovely young couple I know and we have shared the blessings of their wonderful day. Very much in love they made their solemn vows and the delight and tenderness in their faces was so touching.
I have always loved the words from the marriage service which say “to have and to hold from this day forward…” Marriage is about giving of oneself completely to another, about having all of each other and holding on to each other through good times and bad times, poverty and wealth, sickness and health.
Having lost someone I love so recently there were some poignant moments today but overwhelmingly I wanted to say to everyone there hold on to those you have, those you love and cherish. Even if you have had some differences or difficulties, find a way through them and hold on to who you have.
There will come a time where you will have to let go but while you may then treasure each day, each moment. Keep short accounts with each other and forgive as quickly as possible. We never know how many tomorrows we may have so make the most of this day. Marriage is not a soft option, it takes commitment and determination to make it work, years of learning to live and love together. 
As their church family today, we wished the lovely young couple every blessing they can have and will be there for them as they grow in their love. So whom have you in your life that needs you? Hold onto them, find love and comfort with each other, most importantly hold on to God’s love for that is the one that will truly sustain you when the going gets tough. He will always hold on to you and never let you go. This lovely blessing was read at the end of the service. May God bless you and all those whom you have and hold dear
May your souls always bathe in the truth of light and understanding
May your love always lift your head to the heavens
While your feet remain deeply rooted in the earth
May your love be not only of your minds but of your hearts, and
May your hearts always be open to one another.
May your love be a sanctuary for one another and all you hold sacred
May your love always honour the One who first loved you
And inspired you to love one another –
The One who brought you together – the Lord and Creator of us all.
Amen
With love
Alice x
alicesapplesofgold 
Dear, dear Alice…thankyou for such beautiful words of wisdom..your deep faith and your love for our wonderful Lord…always shows in the smile on your face and the gentle way in which you care for everyone who comes to you for prayerful help…Bless you each and every day…Junexx`
Dear June
Thank you so much for your kind words. I was deeply touched by your sentiments. I love writing and really enjoy praying with people and helping them when they are in trouble or distress. God Bless you xxx Alice x
Hello June
Thank you for your empathy in church this morning. I have put another post on my blog this afternoon which you might like to read. Here’s the link https://alicesapplesofgold.wordpress.com/ If you sign up on the website you can have the posts setn automatically to you by e-mail which means you won’t miss them. Hope you enjoy this one. Lots of love Alice xxx