On this date, 75 years ago, God joined together Frank Nickel and Eva Jantz in marriage. In commemoration of that union, which brought our family to be, we remember their marriage and honor their memory. First posted February 26, 2015
Bless the Lord, I have found you, the gem of my heart to cherish and hold you till death do us part. Bless the Lord for His providence year after year keeping each for the other, how precious, my dear. Bless the Lord, oh my soul for this wonderful day. Bless the Lord, oh my soul that He sent you my way. Bless the Lord, who in wonderful grace did impart such a precious companion, the gem of my heart. Bless the Lord for your hand and the light in your eyes, life's testing and toil shall but strengthen our ties. With Christ as our captain, united we'll stand, through joys and temptations, we'll go hand in hand. Bless the Lord, oh my soul for this wonderful day. Bless the Lord, oh my soul that He sent you my way. Bless the Lord, who in wonderful grace did impart such a precious companion, the gem of my heart. Excerpt of chorus only:
Written for Eva Nickel by Frank P. Nickel, on the occasion of their 25th Wedding Anniversary, Oct. 4, 1967. This was originally published as a song and was sung at each child's wedding. For a copy of the music, please contact Joyce. Photo credit: Family collection
This is a tribute to our departed mother, but when Dad first wrote this poem before her death, it was for a brother's passing. He intended that the names or pronouns in the last verse be substituted to give tribute to any loved one who is "promoted to glory." We have included it today since Mom passed away 21 years ago, on Mother's Day, May 12, 1996.
Home is where the heart is, we sometimes hear it said; the place where we expect to find a roof, a meal, a bed. But there is more—a motel too or even barracks may accommodate our body’s needs and serve quite comfortably. Our hearts are not content until some loved ones share our lot and we commune in deeds and words— yes, suffering, like as not. It’s in living for each other that our souls are gratified and if we’d have a super home then Christ must there abide. How soon things change. Our loved ones go and leave an empty place. Then heaven’s attaction on us grows, that new home beyond space. Where separations cannot mar our glad and peaceful state. Where toil and tears and pain are past and glorious joys await. Our mother has gone home and we will follow her ere long. She’ll greet us on the other side where we’ll unite in song of praise to Him who died, arose, has gone a place to prepare. We’re going home, where our heart is, rich fellowship to share!
