Tag: gratitude

Who Am I, That You Would Love Me?

2014-04-07 14.14.47I know who I am. I know my past. I know my heart. I know my thoughts. I know the dark corners. I know the skeletons. I know what I am capable of. I know the heartache I’ve caused. I know who I’ve pushed away. I know who I’ve cast aside. I know I let other people down. I know how I’ve neglected you. I know how self-focused I am. I know I insist upon my own way. I know I let you down.

And still, continue here

Flip-Flops and Hard Hearts

shoes2014It’s time to unpack the summer shoes! Well, for those of us in the Midwest, we might unpack them, but we probably won’t wear them for another month. But that’s OK; it gives us time to ease into them. You see, Midwest winters are so long that our feet forget what it’s like to wear sandals.

We can’t just jump into our strappy shoes and hop over here

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Sixty years ago this weekend, you turned 18 – and what a year that was! In the spring, you graduated from High School and then you met the handsome young man who would sweep you off your feet and love you for the entire rest of his life.
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photos here!

Raising the Roof!

Brian took me to my very first NBA game on Saturday to see the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. bulls ticket 001

Wow! It was an amazing experience.

The arena was decorated with banners and championship trophies all dedicated to the victories and glory of  the Bulls!  Brian at the United Center

Cheering fans raise the roof here!

Happy Birthday, Jenny

The stories your mom and grandma tell about your childhood makes me wish I had known you back then. From the toddler who cried and wanted to send her new baby sister back to wherever she came from, to the adolescent who declared that she would one day become a Supreme Court Justice, you sound like a fun child to be around.

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But I will always remember the first time we met. I’d been hearing about you from Bobby for a few weeks…

“Mom, there’s this girl I’m seeing. We’re going out again.”

“I think I might stay in Champaign this summer, is that OK?”

“She’s pretty special, I think you should come down and meet her”

And so we did. And, we fell in love with you, too.

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Jenny, you are the perfect fit for Bobby. Your personalities complement each other and you bring out the best in him. You challenge him to be all that he can be. You support him in his endeavors whether it is tinkering around the house, or developing a deeper love for the Lord and serving God. You are truly Bobby’s “Helper”

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” – Genesis 2:18 NLT

We loved visiting our newlyweds in your first apartment in Evanston. As a new bride, working your way through law school, you always had time for Bobby and our family. And, what a joy it was when Bobby had all of us down for your graduation celebration. He is so proud to be your husband!

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Jenny, of the many things I admire about you there are two that stand out: Your gracious personality and your loyalty to those you love.

You are gracious: You forgive offenses quickly. You always put other people first. You work hard to maintain and strengthen relationships. You serve the Lord willingly. You try to see things from God’s perspective. And you always have time for what is important.

Your loyalty to your family is observable in your words and actions. You and your sisters have each others’ backs no matter what. You look for the best in each other and you quickly give the benefit of the doubt. Your devotion to your family is admirable. Your unending prayers for them are a testimony to your faith in God.

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But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. – Psalm 103:17-18 NIV

Your mom and dad must have done many things right to raise a young woman who loves both them and the Lord so deeply.

I am so thankful that you are a part of our family. As you know, I have prayed for you since before I met you. It is my privilege to continue to pray for you, both as your mother-in-law and as your friend.