Soul Scientist

35 years of marriage, tomorrow!

We’ve shared moments of celebration and challenge, delight and disappointment, and pretty much everything in between in these 35 years together as man and wife. All the while, we can look back and say God has drawn the boundary lines in pleasant places for us (see Psalm 16:6). All the while, we can look forward and say God has never left us nor will He in days to come for us (see Hebrews 13:8).

God has taken our little and made it much in His kingdom economy (see Matthew 6:33). Two sons, 2 daughters-in-laws, 3 grandchildren (so far!), and numerous students all along the way. We’ve made countless friends in a bunch of places, here, there, and everywhere. Three books and many articles published, 2 books and more articles releasing this year, 2 video series, and more books coming next year.

Yet, those thousands and thousands of words put forth in writing, speaking, and praying can’t begin to compare, much less encompass, all that our Good God has done in us, through us, for us, and with us. Better yet, none of those words can even begin to describe the joy of the eternity awaiting us in heaven with God someday!*

The song we chose for me to walk down the aisle 35 years ago in our wedding ceremony was Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. Please take a minute and delight in the lyrics of this song listed here:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

(Henry Van Dyke, lyrics and L.V. Beethoven, music “Hymn to Joy”)

*If you can’t say with confidence that you look forward to spending eternity with God in heaven, please take some time to consider these truths for your life today. If you’ll take that first step in faith, God will give you faith upon faith to keep moving forward to know the truth in His love.

A = Admit you’re a sinner

B = Believe Jesus paid for your sin through His death, burial, and resurrection

C = Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and receiving His righteousness in exchange for your sin is the only way to come to God

Here’s some Bible verses which will help lead you to what is true and eternal and will change your life forever. I’m walking-around proof that no one is past God’s reach in love and forgiveness.

Romans 3:23 and 6:23

Romans 5:8 and 8:9-10 and 10:13

1 John 1:9

John 3:16

2 Corinthians 5:21 and 5:17

And finally, one of my very favorite passages from Scripture – I hope that it might encourage you where you are right now. Psalm 40:1-3 NIV I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2026.