When my cousin-in-law asked me to share at my sister-in-law’s baby shower last August, I said “yes”–and then I thought of the fact that my own three daughters would be sitting there in the room listening! They know better than anyone else that I’m not a perfect mother. But they read and gave their blessing…
We’ve watched loved ones walk through diagnoses, treatments, and life challenges this year. But in the midst of the grief, the Lord gave us reminders of His faithfulness.
It’s been a tradition in my family for three generations… Grandpa Marvin and Grandma Mary started sending out a annual Christmas card picture the year their first child was born. I’ve heard that Grandma often included handwritten notes in each, until she finally began sending the same photocopied letter to everyone sometime in the 1980’s….
Grandma was a woman of many roles and responsibilities—a real-life Proverbs 31 woman. She was a thrifty cook and a meticulous housekeeper. A skilled nurse and industrious businesswoman. An avid photographer and a careful historian. She was a voracious reader and a frequent letter writer. A faithful wife, loving mother, precious grandmother, and doting great-grandmother….
I was born in a valley known for its production of peppermint. We named our first dog Minta as we sat on our front porch swing and watched the mint trucks drive by. When I was eight, we moved across a few fields to twenty acres planted in peppermint. My brother and I loved to…
Dear Family and Friends, 2023 has held triumphs and tears, but even in the grief we’ve been held in the grip of God’s grace. In January, we attended the award banquet for the 2022 Veterans of Foreign Wars “Voice of Democracy” audio essay youth scholarship program where Ruth tied for second place in Washington state….
Papa was a humble man with a hidden sense of humor.
One of his favorite sayings was, “Eat dessert first in case of the rapture.”
Papa was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was worth listening. He taught us so many memorable lessons—in both word and in deed.
When evening on the ranch was grey
His footsteps on the path were heard.
Before the dawn he would awake,
And work until the evening came.
Many who recognize the name of Elbert Hubbard would rightly associate his name with the Roycrofters and the arts and crafts movement. But a few years ago, my husband and I heard two stories about Elbert Hubbard’s writing which we will never forget. Hubbard was a well-known writer and philosopher in his day, many of…
2022 brought sweet family reunions, many medical appointments and procedures, a lot of sweat and tears, and so many opportunities to rely on the Lord.
2021 brought us many precious memories, along with caretaking responsibilities, weather challenges, and difficult goodbyes.
In honor of Grandpa Mann’s birthday, I’m sharing a tribute I wrote after he went home to Heaven this summer…
The End.
The End.
