I’m continuing a series of posts that are in honor of my 30 years of marriage to my hubby, Gary. About four years ago we went for our 25th anniversary (a year late) to the U.K.—visiting Tenby, Wales first; and then London, England last. But in between those two destinations, we visited Liverpool, England, since we are fans of the Beatles.

It was such a fun city to visit, especially since we were able to go on a “Magical Mystery Tour” via bus to see all the places around town that were hallmarks of the Beatles’ lives and even offered inspiration for some notable Beatles’ songs.

I’ll be sharing some photos below of our time there, but I’d also like to share a story about something wonderful that happened to us while visiting in that fine English city.

We ended up starting our time in Liverpool by attending Frontline Church—a church that is very much like our own here in the U.S.

We walked in “sight unseen” among these new Liverpool friends and started to chat with one or two people near the entrance. At some point, Gary and I were introduced to one of the church’s pastors, John Harding. At that time, John was in an associate pastoring role, but has now taken over the reins as the senior pastor of Frontline.

What impressed us most of all, was John’s generous invitation. He and his wife Kirsten invited us to their home for Sunday dinner after the church service!

Say what?!

As if that weren’t generous enough, this particular Sunday just happened to be a special occasion for their family, because they were celebrating their oldest son Soren’s decision to receive Christ. They had a special meal prepared, along with a delicious dessert in honor of Soren’s big day.

They shared all of that with us—strangers to them! Maybe they were hoping we were “angels in disguise!”

Well, sorry for the let down, John and Kirsten! Because we’re far from angelic! 😉

But, oh my!

Their sweet, little boys certainly were angelic! In fact, I’ve included a video below of Soren sharing about his big day, including praying the blessing over our meal in the cutest Liverpoolian accent you’ve ever heard!

[Tweet “This little family made our time in Liverpool so rich and memorable! #Christshonethrough”]

Now, I promised a “fun outing idea” that can be used the next time you go on a special family trip.

As you might already know, one of the reasons we came to the U.K. was because I wanted to visit a place where our ancestors once lived. Maybe you can’t go as far away as we did on our trip, but consider either visiting a nearby place where your ancestors lived OR going on a trip to a place that is memorable and meaningful to you and your mate.

Years ago, I took Gary on a “treasure hunt” to all sorts of places that had some sentimental significance to us and our history together as a couple. Each time we came to a particular spot, I had a clue that he had to decipher. If he didn’t figure out my clue, I’d reveal the “memory” with some kind of activity related to that memory.

For example, we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon, and though we couldn’t afford to visit Hawaii again at that point, we were able to park at a street with the name Waikiki Drive. Once we got to that spot, I read him a riddle giving him more clues to the “memory” I was referring to. After he figured it out, I pulled out our honeymoon scrap book and we reminisced over our photos from Hawaii. Then we moved on to another location, clue and “memory” in our continuing treasure hunt.

[Tweet “Now, the gauntlet has been thrown down for you and your spouse! #revisitmemories”]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’d like to listen to the Beatles’ famous “Penny Lane” click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ll be sharing more photos from our time in London next week, as well as another outing idea for you! I hope you’ll come back by!

[Tweet “Christian bloggers, join the From Messes to Messages linkup! #GodRedeems”]

 

What outing ideas are you going to make happen this summer with your spouse and/or family?

 

What special friends have you made on a road trip with your spouse? 

 

Please scroll down below to comment! I love connecting with readers there!

If you’d like more information about visiting some of the places we visited on our trip, then click on the links: Tenby, Liverpool, London. #travelhappy

In honor of our 30^th wedding anniversary, I’m offering a closed Facebook group with 30 quick and easy marriage devotions, one given each day through the month of June, 2017. You can join this group anytime in June, but it will close July 1^st. Once you’re included in the group, begin by doing devotional #1 and going through #30, or pick and choose only the ones that strike your fancy. Click on “Files” to access them all chronologically.

The group is free to anyone who requests it either by commenting and requesting below or by requesting through my personal FB page—Beth Oster Steffaniak—or through my Messy Marriage Facebook page.

I would absolutely LOVE it if you’d “like” my Messy Marriage Facebook page while you’re there, as well as subscribing here to my blog, Messy Marriage, though none of that is required to participate. 

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Here are some lovely linkups I join – Christian Blogger Community, Mondays @ Soul Survival, Testimony Tuesday, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Writer Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation, Coffee for Your Heart, Faith and Friends, Sitting Among Friends, Moments of Hope, Literary Musing Mondays, Fresh Market Friday, and DanceWithJesusFriday

Let’s Get this ‘From Messes to Messages’ Linkup Started!
Add any links that are uplifting, helpful and encouraging to our spiritual lives, marriages and families! Be sure to add a link on your blog back to “From Messes to Messages” or Messy Marriage as well. For linkup guidelines/button, click here.

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