Amanda’s Shower Advice
Dear (Clayton &) Amanda – “What marriage advice would you share?” I always think this is a weird question because it reduces the most important relationship down to a quick response… I don’t like to give such a thin answer to such a weighty subject. Marriage is our most layered and complex of relationships and…
Clayton Happy Birthday #27
I know that every parent feels this way, but what happened to time?! I remember the day you were born and it was about now that I finally held you. It seems not so long ago that you were my little boy and I was taking care of you every day. Now those days are…
A Letter to my Future Daughter-in-Law
Dear Amanda – I am ecstatic to finally know you by name! I have been praying for you since before you were born and I look forward to being “related”! You are not what I imagined – you are MORE! I am grateful to our good God who has answered my prayers beyond my wildest…
The Other Woman
I am no longer the main woman in Clayton’s life. I have actually known this for a year. And I knew it would eventually happen. I even have prayed for it and yet now it is a bittersweet reality. My son shares his heart with someone else. She makes him happy. She asked me recently…
Happy Birthday Clay
You are 26 today! When you were born, I could not see this far into the future to imagine what you would be like as an adult. Of course I hoped and prayed for a son to grow into a godly man. Together your dad and I worked hard to instill values and habits that…
24 is Pure Gold!
Today, Clay, you are 24 years old. Kobe’s number! How is this possible?! You are the same age your dad was when I married him. He seemed older than you feel to me. Perspective is interesting isn’t it?! I wonder at what I can say to you today that would be even be close to…
Running to Win
Today, I watched my son run a race; actually he and 8 friends ran a marathon (26.2 miles). I am proud of them all for finishing! I personally hate to run. I cannot imagine doing that for 4-6 minutes, let alone 4-6 hours! I often wish I had that kind of drive and commitment, but…
Like Father Like Son
Hey Jim! … So yesterday our son told me he is interested in vocational ministry. I must admit that I find that daunting and I am not sure why. Perhaps it is because I can see how things have changed or because I have become a bit jaded. Maybe it is because I have seen…
Clayton at 23
Happy Birthday Son! It has been a whirlwind. I blinked and my baby boy was all grown up. You are still one of the best chapters in the book of my life and I like to reread it over and over as it makes me so happy. I have always hoped to raise kids who…
Clayton – My Son the College Graduate!
Dear Clayton, I have written many letters about what I hope for you, advice I want to share, and prayers I pray for you. In a way, this is no different, but I do want to acknowledge my specific sentiments for you on the occasion of your graduation from college! (And, I am sure it…