2021
2021 brought us many precious memories, along with caretaking responsibilities, weather challenges, and difficult goodbyes.
Blog
a gentleman in the truest sense of the word
In honor of Grandpa Mann’s birthday, I’m sharing a tribute I wrote after he went home to Heaven this summer…
Happy Thanksgiving!
Everyone wanted their own chance to say hello this year, so we’re each sharing a few paragraphs (some with more help than others).
A Tribute to Our Shepherd Pastors
I don’t know who said it first, but my daddy always quoted J. Vernon McGee as saying, “We should always be ready to preach, pray, or die.” But growing up going to church, I found that there was more to being a pastor than preaching a sermon: A pastor must not only teach God’s Word,…
she spent her life being about her Father’s business
Oh how I’d hoped to give you a hug this side of Heaven.
But you touched my life from afar. Just like you did the lives of so many others.
What I wish for my children… (a mother’s prayer)
Last fall, I was asked to share with a local mom’s group about some of my specific goals for my children. I was glad of the opportunity, because it forced me to actually think through and write down some specific ideals. It also brought me face to face with the reality of our humanness–theirs and…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Friends and Family, Merry Christmas! Mommy was busy this year so I (Ruth Anne) am writing our Christmas letter. We have had a very busy year, with several remodels and the farm chores to boot! We have had an important project which has now stretched for four years. Any guesses? Our house! This year…
shouting God’s battle cry through the hard things in life
I still remember my aunt’s phone call that summer of 2006. My cousin Brian had met a girl. I was newly married myself. And I couldn’t have been happier that my strong but tender-hearted cousin had found the girl he wanted to marry. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room the next January. Heartland’s…
air mail, love stamps, and the delayed gratification of the postal service
“Letter writing is such a heartless method of communicating. First, one has difficulty putting into words what he really feels—then he must worry for fear what is written is misunderstood—and that for a good long time, since he cannot erase once the post-box has banged shut, and then he must wait—and that is worst of…
From Our Family to Yours
Dear family and friends, “Momma, when I grow up, will you ask Daddy to help me build a house?” Our Sara Bear loves to talk about plans for her future house. “Which color do you think my house should be? Pink and black?” You’re never quite sure when the subject is going to come up….
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!
Dear Everyone, My name is Sara. My family calls me Sara Bear or just Bear. Sometimes they try to call me other things like Cutie or Pumpkin or something silly like that. But I always remind them, quite emphatically, “I’m Sara!” This year was a busy one for me. I had to help Daddy with…
God bless us, every one.
Dear Everyone, My name is Sara Elizabeth but my family calls me Sara Bear or just Bear. Since my mommy is really busy, I am writing our Christmas letter this year. There’s this pretty white stuff coming down from the sky outside and it’s really, really cold. But my family says it doesn’t look much…
The End.
The End.