Seventy Years Ago
Today I celebrate the person God created with me in mind before the world was even made . Humbly I thank Him for loving me that much when Jim was made. “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever…
Count it all Joy
Counting it all joy comes from James 1: 2, which says, ” Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” It is so…
2025 Gratitude Month Prompts
Every year since we were married (making this year #46), Jim and I began a practice in the month of November to think about and name the things for which we are grateful. There are a lot of things that are hard and overwhelmingly evil in the world, but we, as believers, are commanded to…
Route 66
Sixty-six. I do not feel this old but I guess most people wonder incredulously at the passage of time. Most days I do not feel like I am in the last third (or quarter) of my life but statistics would confirm that reality. Additionally, I believe that the older you are, the more important it…
Thirty Three is Overwhelming
Dear Emily, When I turned 33 you were one week old. Now you are 33 and in one week I will be twice your age! When I was 33 I was overwhelmed at the prospect of being a mom. I am still overwhelmed, but not with worry or anxiety, nor with sleep deprivation or with…
Passover 2025
This year I had the privilege of learning more about the significance of the Seder meal and the Passover. First Jennifer R., who is a missionary with Jews for Jesus, was giving presentations about it and she practiced with me as her audience. Then, I was invited to Dr. Ron Pierce’s home to enjoy a…
Happy Birthday Mom! #90
Today my mom is 90 years old. 32,850 days. 788,400 hours. 47,304,000 +/- minutes. 1 faithful husband. 4 amazing children + 4 spouses. 10 brilliant grandchildren+ 5 grand-spouses. countless friends. lots of travel. a plethora of pies. many meals. several million stitches sewn. Today is a truly remarkable milestone – Mom’s 90th birthday! It is…
Clayton is 29!
Happy Birthday to you Clayton. We certainly have been through many adventures and changes over the years. I realize that you have now lived longer without your dad than you did with him. That makes me sad! And yet the short window he and I had to steward our kids as parents still informs the…
Connor is 35!
Dear Connor As I sit here reflecting on the years since you both joined our family and formed a new one with Emily, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude to our good God for the wonderful man you are and the joyful privilege it is to call you “son”. Watching you and…
HBD Dianne Brouwer
While many people have left their fingerprints on my life, there are a few people who have actually altered my DNA. Dianne Brouwer, you are one of those people and I am a different person because you have been in my life! From the beginning of our time in Scottsdale, I watched with admiration how…