Saved
50 years ago today Jesus saved me. I was 9 1/2 years old and we lived in Calabasas. I remember it like it was yesterday. Jesus Saved me from sin. from Hell. from falling. from myself. for good works. to be His His treasure. Forever. again and again. because I called on Him and asked…
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…
Remembering Connie
I know I am a very wealthy person. I count my assets in friends. I have many who are all around the world. Some I have lost track of. Some are already in heaven. Some were for a season and some are forever. One of my best friends is a Constance Josephine Lewandowski Degrafft. She…
The Heaven Reflection
A Jimbo Reflection (a birthday reword of The Rainbow Connection with gratitude to Kermit) Why are there so many thoughts about heaven And what everyone’s doing today? Jim’s so happy, singing and playing Heaven’s so hard to convey This life is short; the next is forever I know it’s real – wait and see Someday…
A Good Pun is its own reword
Happy 63rd Birthday to my Jim! In honor of my funny honey, I have dubbed today “Corny Joke Day”; since he would have been 63 I have quite a list of groaners! Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long? Then it would be a foot! What do you call 2 crows? Attempted Murder. Why…
I cannot remember your laugh!
Dear Jim, I never thought it would happen, but 8 years after you went to heaven I cannot remember what your laugh sounds like. I cannot remember other things about you but nothing bothers me as much as not remembering the sound of your joyful silliness – one of my favorite things about you. I…
Hank Plow
Jim has several cousins on both sides of his family, but some on his mom’s side were also friends! Richard Howard lived in Scottsdale, walking distance to us when we lived there. He grew up in Arizona, so his parents and brother were also nearby. When we moved to the state, he was very excited. …
Earl Degrafft
One of the amazing and greatest blessings of living across the street from Downey First Baptist was the family that moved into the house in front of ours. Earl and Connie Degrafft, who went to church with us, who were almost empty nesters (Susan was in high school, but the older 4 were grown), who…
DFB is 150
Downey First Baptist is 150 years old. Today was a celebration. Dennie led the challenge from Philippians 3 to forget what lies behind and press on to the goal to win the prize. There were many friends, former staff members and memories to share. It was fun to stop and remember the importance and the…
Emily at 26
26 years old is an age that seems different than 25. I am not sure why. You have been married for 3 1/2 years and you are making your way in the world. I guess for me, when I turned 26, even though I had been an adult for 7 years, 25 feels young, but…