I took this photo on Memorial Day 2013 and posted it to Facebook along with this comment:
Confession: I’m in love with Anna’s violin teacher.
So glad she’s my wife!
I praise God for bringing me and Michelle together! I hope that after I am long gone, my children will always remember how much I loved their mother.
It is because of Michelle that I get to enjoy a home filled with the beautiful sounds of piano, violin, guitar, singing, and drums.
Our family has been blessed by countless people who have crossed our paths over the years! On this day I praise God for a dear couple in our church, Vonnie and LeRoy. Vonnie fell a few weeks ago and broke a bone, which eventually landed her at Presbyterian Homes in Bloomington. Today we loaded up the clan and a few violins and headed there to visit her. Her dear husband, LeRoy, was there – still caring, still adoring his bride.
Michelle, Jonathan and Anna played several songs. I just had to snap a photo of LeRoy and Vonnie because of the huge smiles on their faces! I was grateful for all my kids for going to visit, but my heart soared hearing these three using their gift to bless others. Before leaving, Zachary prayed over Vonnie. I am a proud father, thankful for God’s work in our lives!
We love Pastor LeRoy and Vonnie!
On Thursday, July 12, 2012, our family was invited to present our music program at the Yorktown Continental Apartments in Edina, MN. It was a wonderful time with some wonderful people!
Michelle had gone a few days before to scope out their piano. It was not in good shape! It was grossly out of tune and the sustain peddle did not work. But the kids played admirably and did their best with what they had.
We were told not very many people attended these activities, so we printed about 40 programs. We quickly ran out as the room filled up with perhaps 60-80 people. I believe there was a bit of confusion in the advertising. One resident asked if we lived in a trailer, and another asked how we managed to travel 365 days a year! Maybe that’s why all the people showed up – to see how this family of 9 survives living in a trailer traveling the country!
We are so thankful to the Lord for giving us opportunities to use our gifts and talents to bless others. We received a blessing in return: we were paid $150!
I was a new homeowner who was soon-to-be married, so I worked feverishly to finish the lower level of the townhouse. Everything went very smoothly with my first home-improvement endeavor, with some help from family members. When all the walls had been painted, the carpet had been laid, and the window treatments were in place, I just stood admiring the finished room, proud of how nice it all looked.
As I was patting myself on the back for a job well-done, I noticed something different about the mini-blinds I installed on the two windows: the pull-strings were different lengths. So, being a stickler for the details, I got the scissors out and clipped them to match the length of the pull-strings on the other blinds. Now everything was perfect!
Unfortunately, I hadn’t noticed that the other mini-blind had been lowered (therefore shortening the strings), while the one I had clipped was raised. The mini-blind was now dysfunctional.
So is my brain sometimes!
This afternoon our family had the wonderful opportunity to minister to the senior group of Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina, MN. Michelle grew up in that church and her parents still attend. We provided the program – a mixture of music and memories. They said it was their largest crowd – about 80-100 people. Praise God, we were well received!
We all took part in the program – even Aliyah was around to add more cuteness. I designed the bulletin and served as MC, sharing stories about each child as I introduced them. Michelle was our musical director (of course), selecting songs, creating arrangements, and getting each child prepared for his/her part. I was so proud of Michelle and our kids – they all did a fantastic job! Their hard work paid off.
Following our 45 minute program, we all received such wonderful comments. Two men even asked if we would do the program at some places with which they had connections. We are open to using the gifts God has given us to minister to others, proclaim His Word and encourage the body of Christ. We will walk through any door God opens for us.
All glory to Him!
Back in about 2003, Michelle and I bought a Bluegreen Vacation Club package – the cheapest one they had. We both agree that this has been one of our best investments. We never vacationed before, and with a growing family with little kids, cramming into one hotel room is not our idea of relaxing. We now book 3 bedroom units with full kitchens so we don’t have to eat out every meal.
The closest Bluegreen resort is Christmas Mountain Village just outside of Wisconsin Dells. We love it there! And since we homeschool and can travel in the off-season during the week, we can really maximize our points. We’ve been to Christmas Mountain Village several times, Branson, and Orlando through Bluegreen.
This past week, April 9-13, we were in Wisconsin Dells again. It was a wonderfully relaxing week. We spent time at the little indoor water park on site, played games, watched a few movies, hiked around Devil’s Lake State Park, visited the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, and went out to eat a few times. It was the right mixture of activity and down time, so we all returned home pretty refreshed.
Michelle riding the SkyCycle
Some of my highlights from this trip: watching Dolphin Tale with the family, smelling the pine trees at the state park, swimming with the kids, Pizza Ranch, Aliyah sleeping in the bathroom, teaching the older kids speed Scrabble, and watching some of the brave family members ride the High Wire SkyCycle at the Exploratory.
We could think of a hundred reasons NOT to go on vacation (too busy, not in the budget, etc.), but we prefer to focus on the one great reason to go: creating memories that last a lifetime. I love spending quality and quantity time with my wife and kids and making fun and lasting memories!
We came home and cleaned the garage and weeded the flower beds. Now when the family is sitting around the reunion table in 20 years, are they going to be talking about that clean garage or climbing those huge boulders at Devil’s Lake?
It was a Monday sometime in May of 1995. Since it was my day off, I threw on some clothes and a baseball cap and headed to the club to work out. First I wanted to stop off at Northwestern Book Store in Burnsville.
As I approached the entrance to the store, there she was! There was the woman I spotted two years earlier at the Edina bookstore. I remember that day in Edina: I was struck by her beauty. I purchased a David Meece cassette tape and she checked me out (well, she didn’t check me out, she waited on me). She said, “I like David Meece.” I don’t have a clue what I said, but I remember thinking I should ask her to go to a David Meece concert with me. But I was too chicken.
So now, here I am face-to-face with her again and she was talking to me! She said, “Have you received your coupons in the mail.” What a great opening line! As I was filling out a coupon card, I asked her, “Don’t you work at the Edina store?” She probably thought I was some sort of stalker, but we soon discovered we had mutual friends which put her at ease.
Our conversation turned to missions when she told me she was heading to LBI in Seattle to attend school to be missionary. I told her I had just returned from a mission trip to Jamaica through STEM and asked if she had heard of the organization. She replied, “Oh, I love STEM. I love getting their magazine and reading about the different teams, for instance…team 212.” I looked at her with a bit of shock and said, “Team 212? That was my team; you’ll read about us in the next issue.” The magazine hadn’t even come out yet!
After a bit more conversation, I went into the store thinking, “How can I get her name and phone number?!” When I walked out, she handed me a slip of paper with her name and phone number! Jackpot! (She would say later that she was embarrassed handing it to me because of what it looked like; she gave it to me because I was going to contact a mutual friend about missions to Mexico. I didn’t care why she gave me her name and number, I was just glad I had them!)
I walked out of the mall planning our life together. I called her the next day and asked if she wanted to get together. She was so busy, she only had time in the morning. Morning? Who goes on a date in the morning?! I took what I could get! We met at Pannekoeken restaurant in Bloomington (now closed). I call this our first date, but Michelle calls it a breakfast meeting to talk more about missions.
After one more breakfast date/meeting, she finally had a Monday evening open. But Monday nights I played softball and softball was my life! What do I do: spend time with the woman of my dreams or with a bunch of sweaty guys?
OK, so it wasn’t that difficult of a decision. Our first real date. You can read all about it in an upcoming post.
We read in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
If you look casually, a rope appears to contain only two strands. But it is impossible to create a braid with only two strands. If the two could be put together at all, they would quickly unravel! It takes a third strand to give strength to the other two.
What will make a marriage infinitely stronger is that third strand – Jesus Christ! What will make brothers and sisters in Christ infinitely stronger is that third strand – Jesus Christ!
Each cord is intertwined with the others, so intertwined that you become one.
Romans 15:5-6 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
One day as I was thinking about unity, the Lord gave me some insight. When two people get married, they tie the knot, they are united. When divorce happens, the knot is untied.
United vs. Untied.
Both words have the exact same letters in them. The difference? The “i” and the “t” are switched around.
When UNI (you and I) stand together we are united!
When UNI (you and I) stand before the cross (t), we are united!
Bottom line…I need to stand before the cross!
Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name – the name You gave Me – so that they may be one as We are one” (John 17:11).
Father, may we be one.
My Dear Michelle,
As I am heading off to Indiana to investigate a new chapter for our life together, I am reminded of how it all began. Since I love to tell the story, I hope you don’t mind if I share it with you.
Chapter One
Edina Encounter
What a wonderful day it was to visit Northwestern Bookstore in Edina! My mind was focused on Christian materials as I entered and my heart was focused on the beauty of a young woman as I exited. I realize you didn’t remember me, but you made quite an impression on me that day. Every time I would return, I looked for that woman with the auburn, curly hair. I would spot you occasionally, but not nearly enough.
It is so hard to believe that the woman I admired from a distance, is now that woman I admire right beside me.
Chapter Two
Where Would I Be Without Northwestern?
Could two years have passed since that first encounter in Edina? The last thing on my mind was love, but my first look at you changed that in a hurry.
I couldn’t believe it! There you were! Right before my eyes and you even talked to me! Well, I guess you HAD to, but I’ll take what I can get. I loved talking to you about missions and youth ministry and mutual acquaintances. You were so beautiful, so sweet and kind and gentle. STEM Team 212. You giving me your name and phone number. It was all so great…no wonder I walked away planning our life together!
Isn’t God good? Michelle, you are the treasure he gave to me. You are much more precious to me than a wonderful job in Indiana. Oh how I love you! And I know that that love will continue to grow.
I know that there are more chapters for us to write – I am so blessed to be writing them with you!
Mark
Today I got married to the one God chose for me. Michelle Oliphant became Michelle Opseth. Two becoming one. What a glorious day!
It started out on the golf course with my groomsmen: brother Paul, Peder Eide, and Steve Mohr. We had a great time together, but I was more excited about holy matrimony than birdies and bogies (well, for me, mostly bogies).
I wasn’t nervous at all. I never questioned whether I should be doing this. There’s a peace God gives when you trust that He has chosen the best for you. There’s no greener pastures, no one better. The God of love orchestrated this love story.
I arrived at Normandale Lutheran Church that afternoon. The wedding would start at 7:00pm. Michelle was already there getting ready. The sanctuary was set. The day before we got everyone and everything situated, putting the various musicians in their places and setting up a giant screen to show a video.
When everyone was ready, the pictures began. I’ve never smiled so much in my life. My cheeks hurt before we even got to the ceremony. Guests starting arriving and I started mingling. I was so grateful for everyone who came; we were so honored!
Time for the wedding to begin. After I walked in we watched the engagement video that I had Neil Jacobson put together. The wedding party entered. Again, honored to be standing with such wonderful men and women. Then down the aisle came 25-30 violinists all playing in unison – Michelle’s present and past students. What a sight!
We had phenomenal music during our wedding: Peder Eide and Lisa Johnson sang and Michelle’s Lutheran Youth Encounter music ministry team (Colleen Nori, Cathy Pino, and Hans Peterson) led worship. Amazing!
But all that pales in comparison to the Bride entering the sanctuary. Michelle looked so beautiful, stunning. All eyes were on her and who could blame them? The excitement was mounting in my stomach. My bride was here!
Our wedding was especially blessed – we had four pastors involved! We’re grateful to each of the pastors and the part they played in making this day so special: Pat Hall (pastor I was working with at St. John’s), John and Paul Chell (Michelle’s uncles), and David Holm (pastor of Normandale). It was also special to have our fathers pray a blessing over us.
Although it went by quickly, our service actually lasted about an hour and a half. My apologies to our guests!
We had a simple reception at the church, just desserts. We stood the entire reception, greeting guests and thanking them for coming. It was so good to see everyone, but we were exhausted when it was all done.
We helped clean up, packed up our stuff and headed to the Embassy Suites, courtesy of Pat and Deb Hall. In the morning we flew to the Bahamas for our honeymoon. But that’s another story.
I may not remember every detail, but I’ll never forget the joy I felt standing before the Lord and the congregation, committing our lives to each other in marriage.
I am a blessed man!
Husband ~ Father ~ Pastor 