*Note to my Dear readers. My weekly postings here are, as of today’s entry, drawing to a close. At least for the present. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your faithfulness in journeying with me on this more than ten-year journey. Meanwhile, as I continue in the writing craft (focusing for now on reviewing and editing unpublished content), I request and treasure your prayers. A big thanks to all who have left comments on the jerrylout blog entries along the way. Each one has brought wind to the sails. Bless you! Please consider shooting your email address to me if you would like to receive our ‘Jerry and Ann Updates’, which go out monthly. In due time, God willing, further hard copy and e-book publications will be announced. Stay tuned. Warmly in Christ, Jerry
Over our years of marriage, Ann and I have spent a lot of time in each other’s company. We routinely live our lives in an almost continuous state of interaction. We eat together. We travel together (whether to Aldis or to Africa,). We share the same lodging arrangements. We pray together. We talk. We joke and laugh with one another.
Ann and I grieve together – consoling, comforting one another (words not always required), in seasons of pain or of sorrowing loss.
As with most husband-wife relationships, Ann and I have grappled with and navigated through plenty of the differences that mark us as distinct individuals. We still grapple at times. Some of the differences that characterize us could be easily detected by any third-party observer. But the fact that we are unique and that we differ from one another in plenty of ways, does not threaten our commitment in walking this journey together. The vows we voiced to one another long ago (before the coming of children, and of grands, and of great grands) remain current. Our pledge, by God’s grace, holds fast and remains as binding as ever.
Many couples find that rhythms of simply being in each other’s lives do factor in, helping to establish and reinforce their lasting bond. One that even mirrors the spirit and language of the marriage covenant itself. Through grace.
So, we meet the encouraging principle again. In grace, healthy, routine practices, undertaken in good faith translate somehow into “training”.
Where a well-tended garden is stewarded under the care of a seasoned gardener, fruitbearing happens.
©2026 Jerry Lout