Happy Birthday Johnny Lingo

Are you in love with your husband? Still crazy about your hubby? My answer is absolutely! Yes! Yes! Yes! I often get the question, “Are you going to have any more children?” I really don’t know, but it is highly probable since I’m still in love with my husband.

John, if I had to do it again, I’d choose you.  Every year you get better and better. It reminds me of a quote, “An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.” -- Agatha Christie It goes both ways.  I’m more interested in you now than I was 21 years ago.

We’ve grown in love, and these last five years have been the happiest years of our marriage.  When we made the commitment to put each other first, our bickering stopped, and our eyes began to open. “I would say that the surest measure of a man's or a woman's maturity is the harmony, style, joy, and dignity he creates in his marriage, and the pleasure and inspiration he provides for his spouse.” -- Benjamin McLane Spock

It’s fun being on an eternal date with you.  We don’t have to spend a lot of money or travel the world to have fun together.  A happy life is made up of a lot of simple pleasures: sitting on the back porch swing holding your hand; watching the children play; feeling the refreshing cool night air roll in after a hot day; going for a 4-wheeler ride down the country road; hiking the mountain; holding hands as we walk through the garden; sitting in front of the fire on a cold winter night; reading the scriptures and sharing our latest discovery; coming up behind me to hug me as I work at the kitchen sink; all of these things and much, much more. “Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots.” -- Hoosier Farmer

You’ve always had a cheerful way about you.  I love to hear your laugh, and you’ve helped me to laugh through the tears and fears over the years.  You laugh at everything whether it’s funny or not.  When we first met, I didn’t think it was normal for a person to laugh so much. Laughter is good medicine, and you’ve been good for my heart. “Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.” -- Mother Teresa

I give you my heart and know you can be trusted with those things I hold most sacred and dear.  You have my loyalty, love, and devotion.  There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you because I know you always want what’s best for me.  “No, I don't understand my husband's theory of relativity, but I know my husband and I know he can be trusted.” -- Elsa Einstein

God has blessed me with you, and you are my best friend. In a world where there is so much loneliness, it’s encouraging to be with someone who really cares.  “The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.” -- B. R. Ambedkar

I’m grateful to be on this eternal journey with you. “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; else were your children unclean, but now are they holy.” D&C 74:1

It’s my desire that our marriage be made holy. It’s been almost 21 years since we went to the temple together, and we still look forward to the day when the Holy Spirit of Promise seals us for time and all eternity. If we want this relationship to endure forever we need to do more than make covenants in the temple. “And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.” D&C 132:18 

My whole life’s desire is to have this scripture fulfilled in our life. “And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.” D&C 132:19-20 

I love you sweetheart and hope you have a wonderful birthday. “When a wife has a good husband it is easily seen in her face.” -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Love,

Jennifer

Happy Birthday Emily - Red Marbles

Dear Emily,

Wow, it’s hard to believe our little Emily has grown up so fast. You’ve matured into such a beautiful young lady. It seems like almost yesterday God blessed us and graced our home with you. Emily Joy, you were well named. You’ve truly been a joy to us over these last seventeen years.

We are extremely pleased with your undertakings and accomplishments.  Over three years ago, you ambitiously and responsibly started milking cows. They didn’t think you’d last more than a month or two, and you’re still there. You have a special talent with animals. You learned to feed and care for the cows and seemed to like it. After a long day at school, you enjoyed this time being alone, having peace and quiet, and relaxing and thinking.  It was a time to breathe in the fresh country air, definitely fresh and certainly country, right?

The additional benefit of getting paid was welcomed. This new income allowed you to get a Sheltie pup that you had dreamed about for some time. You took great pride in your puppy. We watched you care for her, train her, and love her. Chelsea brought a lot of joy, and she loved you.

Before you were sixteen, you had the money to buy your own car. You can also buy your own clothes, a computer, Ipod, and whatever else you want. You have become more self-reliant, and we are proud of you. You are a hard worker, excel in school, and overcome challenges with courage. You are a dependable and trusted daughter. We continue to watch you grow and progress.

You have artistic talent.  After looking at your parents’ artwork, it doesn’t appear that you inherited the gift from your Mom or Dad.  It was fun going to Logan today to buy art supplies and go out to eat together.  You’ve decided to develop this emerging talent, and we can see improvements in your drawings each day. Keep up the good work.

As our paradigms have shifted over the last several years, you have thoughtfully and prayerfully taken your questions to the Lord.  You have a lot of great questions and insights. Keep the questions coming. Your quiet strength, common sense, gentle power, and loving kindness have been comforting and encouraging to our entire family.  We appreciate your happy smile and the support and love we feel from you. Thanks for being such a delightful daughter.

We thought you might enjoy this short story:

Red Marbles

During the waning years of the Great Depression in a small southeastern Kansas community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used extensively.

One particular day, Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me.

"Hello Barry, how are you today?"

"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas...sure look good."

"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"

"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."

"Good. Anything I can help you with?"

"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?"

"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."

"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"

"All I got's my prize marble here."

"Is that right? Let me see it."

"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"

"Not 'zackley .....but, almost."

"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble."

"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps."

I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.

They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary, we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts - very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last when Jim could not change his mind about color or size - they came to pay their debt. "

"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness, she lifted her husband's lifeless fingers. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined, red marbles!

Happy Birthday Crystalynne

On Thursday, June 20, 2002 we had our home study.  It was the final step in completing the paperwork necessary to adopt a child.  Timing is important in these matters, and it was the right time to have our home study.  On Friday morning I couldn’t think of anything except the adoption.  I called Jane, the adoption coordinator, and asked her what to do next.  She told me to wait for her to call. She would let us know when she had a baby for us.  

I asked her if she could tell me anything.  She told me about three different birth mothers.  They all sounded great, but one mother stayed with my heart.  She wanted Jane to find her a minister.  She wanted her baby to be placed in a Christ-centered home. I felt close to this mother because of the feelings of her heart.  Her values matched mine. 

The sex of the baby was not known, but this mother, Angela, was coming to Utah on July 1^st, having a C-section on the 2^nd, and flying out on the 5^th.  Throughout the next week and a half she would not leave my heart.  I called Jane and asked if there was any news.  Jane was on vacation and had not yet presented our file. Jane would present the portfolios to Angela Monday night.  I stayed relatively calm for the rest of the week and did my best to get things done.

Angela was flying in around 11:00 a.m. on Monday.  Jane was taking her to have an ultra sound so they could learn the sex of the baby.  Things didn’t work out, and at 5:00 p.m. they still didn’t know the sex of the baby. There was one family requesting a girl, we were requesting a boy, and the third family had no preference.  Angela ended up seeing all three portfolios. 

I told Jane that we were going to the car dealership to purchase a 15-passenger van, and if Angela felt drawn to us, it didn’t matter if the baby was a girl or a boy. Angela and Jane wouldn’t get to Jane’s house until 10:00 or 10:30 p.m., and it would probably be later that night when the decision was made.  I told Jane to call me with the news no matter what time it was.

We went and bought our van so we would have room for an extra little person in our family and ate at Golden Corral. Jaylee and I drove home in the other car and went to Wal-Mart to buy a baby car seat and a few other things we needed.  It was about 10:30 p.m. when we got home.  I was tired and went to bed. 

About 12:30 a.m. the phone rang.  My heart started racing.  It was Jane.  She told me that Angela had picked us.  I was on fire inside.  It just was so good, and it was true.  Jane asked me if I wanted to talk to Angela.  For sure, we talked for about an hour. 

Angela wanted us to know the reason she picked us.  When she saw our totally white family with so many children willingly accept a child of another race, she knew that there was a lot of love in our home.  She wanted her baby to be raised with that kind of love.  As she looked through our pictures, she could see the love.  Angela could tell that John loved me.  When asked how she could tell, Angela said, “Look at the pajamas. (We were all in matching pajamas) What kind of man would wear homemade, Dalmatian, spotted pajamas for his wife and children?” 

Angela wanted us at the birth of the baby.  She wanted us to bond from the beginning.  I asked her if she wanted both of us there.  She absolutely wanted us to be there.  She said, “You are the parents.”  Everything Angela did was for her baby.  She said that she had been praying for the placement of her baby for 6 months.  She was not placing the baby to make her life easier. It was because she wanted something better for her baby than she could give.  She felt that she would one day stand accountable before God if she did not place this baby.  Everything about Angela is humble, loving, and unselfish. 

After I hung up the phone, I couldn’t sleep.  The adrenaline was pumping fast.  I got up to do laundry and pack a few things.  The baby could be born as early as 10:00 a.m.  That would mean we needed to leave Logan at 7:00 a.m.

We took the children to Belinda’s home so she could tend them while we were at the hospital.  Before we went to the hospital, we went over to Mom and Dad’s house to tell them our exciting news. Mom wasn’t home, so I talked to her on the phone. I told her we had some news but wanted to share it in person.  When she walked through the door she said, “So what’s the big news?” I said, “Guess!”  She said, “You’re having a baby.”  I said, “Yes, today.”  That confused her a bit until I explained. 

We waited around all day. We were able to watch the whole thing.  On Tuesday, July 2, 2002, at 9:26 p.m. our baby was born, a beautiful baby girl.  Angela asked Jane if we were disappointed.  Absolutely not!  It was a miracle to have this little girl, and we know that she is supposed to be part of our family. 

I am not prejudiced at all, but she really was the cutest baby in the nursery.  Her lungs were wet, and she needed to spend a lot of time under oxygen.  She looked cold and lonely.  I just wanted to pick her up and cuddle her.  The best I could do was to hold her hands and feet.  We didn’t get to hold her that night, but were able to be in the nursery while the nurses worked on her.  Angela went down to the nursery in the middle of the night to hold her.  With Angela’s help, we decided to name her Crystalynne Angela Willis. 

Thursday was a tough day. Angela kept Crystalynne with her all night and spent the morning with her.  It was so hard to see them part.  Angela loves Crystalynne and left weeping.  Jane was going to walk me out to my car and then take Angela with her.  I asked Jane if she could just have a nurse take me out.  The pain was too great for Angela, and I thought it would be easier if she left Crystalynne instead of Crystalynne having to leave her. 

We took our final pictures and said our final goodbyes.  I embraced Angela and expressed thanks to her for giving us this precious baby.  I kept putting the baby back in her arms giving her one more chance to hold her baby.  After Jane and Angela left, I sat in Angela’s room and cried.  I felt so sad that she could not keep this precious child that she loved so dearly.  She did not think about herself, she only thought of the welfare of Crystalynne.  Everything that she did in the hospital was to give Crystalynne the best possible chance and a good start.  I pray that Heavenly Father will bless her for the sacrifice she has made.

Crystalynne, Angela sent you this letter on your 10^th birthday:

This is your special day......HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!  This day is a very special day for me. I still remember holding u, kissing your perfect checks- your perfect hands- looking into your beautiful eyes and telling you no matter what.... how much I love you.... So many years has past and you have grown into this beautiful young lady.  So many emotions so much love and time goes so fast.  I love you with all my whole heart. I wanted you to know that on this special day you are thought of more than usual and wish I was there to give you a big hug and kiss. My actions doesn't present that... but my heart over flows for you everyday. I wish you so much happiness today, full of laughter and joy.  Know you are special in so many ways: it countless. This past 5 months has been hard but the thoughts and pictures of u brighten up my hospital room and i cherish those pictures..  You are a true blessing to me...  I hope your day is a good one have a wonderful birthday.   Love you lots     Angela 

Happy Birthday April – The Hundredth Monkey

Dear April,

Wow, 12 years old already. You’re growing up so fast and becoming a beautiful young lady. We are proud of you and appreciate your desire to read, learn, understand, and live the truths of God. We feel very blessed to be your parents and enjoy this treasured time together.

You have a spunky little personality, full of fun and excitement. You like to tease your dear old dad, scare him by surprise, or take his keys just to get a reaction and see if he call still run. He’s still pretty fast, huh? We won’t mention that sometimes he uses the little undersized 50cc motorcycle to catch you. Oh, the fun we have together!

Thanks for your thoughtfulness, kindness, and love. Gentleness, sensitivity, and a genuine smile are some of your qualities that bless the lives of many. Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter and we appreciate your life of integrity. Thanks for the excitement and joy you bring to every occasion. You play a special part of our home, and our family would be incomplete without your sparkly personality.

We wish you a Happy Birthday and hope you enjoy this little story:

 

The Hundredth Monkey

The Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata, has been observed in the wild for a period of over 30 years. In 1952, on the island of Koshima scientists were providing monkeys with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. The monkeys liked the taste of the raw sweet potatoes, but they found the dirt unpleasant.

An 18-month-old female named Imo found she could solve the problem in a nearby stream. She taught this trick to her mother. Her playmates also learned this new way and they taught their mothers, too. This cultural innovation was gradually picked up by various monkeys before the eyes of the scientists.

Between 1952 and 1958, all the young monkeys learned to wash the sandy sweet potatoes to make them more palatable. Only the adults who imitated their children learned this social improvement. Other adults kept eating the dirty sweet potatoes.

Then something startling took place. In the autumn of 1958, a certain number of Koshima monkeys were washing sweet potatoes—the exact number is not known. Let us suppose that when the sun rose one morning there were 99 monkeys on Koshima Island who had learned to wash their sweet potatoes. Let’s further suppose that later that morning, the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes.

THEN IT HAPPENED!

By that evening almost everyone in the tribe was washing sweet potatoes before eating them. The added energy of this hundredth monkey somehow created an ideological breakthrough!

But notice. A most surprising thing observed by these scientists was that the habit of washing sweet potatoes then jumped over the sea …Colonies of monkeys on other islands and the mainland troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama began washing their sweet potatoes!

Thus, when a certain critical number achieves an awareness, this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind. Although the exact number may very, the Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon means that when only a limited number of people know of a new way, it may remain the consciousness property of these people. But there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to a new awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness is picked up by almost everyone! …

You may be the "Hundredth Monkey"…

Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Jaylee – Our Attitudes

Dear Jaylee,

Nineteen years ago we were very excited to receive our new baby girl – That was you, and what a joy you brought to our home! Our lives changed upon your arrival. We knew very little about parenting, and, as a result, we learned by practicing on you. Thanks for being so patient with us throughout the years.

We are actually quite amazed by how perfect you have turned out. You are really an amazing intelligent young lady, and we are so very grateful to have you. There is no doubt that God has watched over you and us during the course of our journey so far, and He continues to care for us. 

You have a bright mind guided by a conscience. You have demonstrated a desire to learn new things, find the truth, and grow in understanding. God is aware of that, and when the student is ready, a teacher will surely appear. It simply works that way, you know.

It was a joy for us to go on a date with you today, shop, eat at Café Rio, enjoy the afternoon, and just talk, laugh and have fun together. We love having adult children.

We were glad to see your new apartment and meet your new roommates and friends. That was sure thoughtful of them to plan, prepare, and put on a surprise birthday party with cake and all. Good friends prove to be very valuable and should be treated with high regard.

Jaylee, you have grown up a lot lately and developed a lovely, exciting and pleasant personality. Our little girl has grown into a wonderful woman. We are proud to be your parents and thank you for all the joy you bring us. Thanks for being the perfect YOU, because you do that the very best.

Gotta close with a little thought. I once heard the phrase “Attitude determines Altitude.” Charles Swindoll observed this same thing and expressed it in words entitled:

Our Attitudes

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

The proposition that your attitude determines your altitude and attitude being the one string over which you have personal control by decision may prove to be a valuable truth worth pondering.

Happy Birthday with Lots of Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Jared – An Old Farmer’s Advice

Jared, you are a son to be proud of.  As we read about Samuel in the Bible, we are reminded of you.

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.” 1 Samuel 2:26  As you may recall, the Lord rejected the house of Eli, killed them all in a day, appeared to Samuel in his youth, and anointed him as a prophet of all Israel to replace an wicked prophet “for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” 1 Samuel 3:13 “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1 Samuel 3:19

You are growing into a wonderful young man, and it’s a pleasure to be your parents. Thank you for your happy and cheerful disposition, jolly smile, enduring patience (most of the time), and an amazing sense of humor. We can’t help but laugh at and enjoy your jokes. You have a special way to ease stress and make situations brighter. Your optimistic and confident attitude mixed with good fun makes life better for everyone. Thanks for the being YOU.

As birthdays pass by and time marches on, you work and act more like a man than a boy. Now, chores are more easily done around the house. You seem to have more common sense, understanding, and dependability. I guess it comes with age, but you seem to be getting it while in your youth. You are like a partner now, not an apprentice. You work hard, focus, and accomplish much. Thank you for all the good you do.

Since you milk cows and work on a farm these days, you may appreciate a few wise words of wisdom from an old farmer who knows what he’s talking about from experience. Let us know if you like the advice and what you think.

An Old Farmer’s Advice

Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

A bumblebee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.

Meanness don't jest happen overnight.

Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You cannot unsay a cruel word.

Every path has a few puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave his face in the mirror every mornin'.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Birthday of My Queen

On days both dark and sunny

Jennifer is my precious and loving honey

To me her birthday is a special day

I hope it brings her joy in every way

Such happy times we share

Few things could ever compare

Each year our bond just seems to grow

And she makes me happy, you know

We've been in love for quite a while

And she seems to always share a smile

With deep blue eyes of light

She gives me much delight

I find her so very cute

With absolutely no dispute

Each day she walks to exercise

And then we often romanticize

Our love is deep and often shown

A fantastic family we have grown

Too many children, some may say

But they just came anyway

She is a very special friend of mine

Who walks a nearly perfect line

She offers love and support to me

And reminds me what I'm to be

When I feel a little bit sad

She has a way to make me glad

She simply just appears

To wipe away my tears

If I have a disappointment

With me she makes an appointment

Throughout the many years

She has helped to ease my fears

She is a woman of faith, no doubt

A useless point to debate about

She firmly claims her mind and will

Determined her mission to fulfill

When another tries to push or shove

To alter sacred doctrines from above

She has a way to be straight and clear

And speak the truth without fear

She is not the type to surrender to evil

But does her best to be civil

The arrogant, pompous, and pushy

Just seem to be far too mushy

Sometimes accused of doing wrong

Or being a little headstrong

It’s not her nature to be formal

Some say, “Just be normal”

Come hear our brilliant and perfect precept

For surely you must accept

We claim the power to condemn and save

Authority to us God gave

She’s willing to consider a recommendation

But requires a reasonable explanation

Please, kindly me persuade

And just stop the masquerade

She hates to be a fake

And seeks to stay awake

To escape the pit and mire

And do all the Lord may require

My sweetheart with pure intent

Is not easy to be bent

She’s a woman with desire

To receive the full and burning fire

Refusing to bow and say, “Yes sir”

Often, causes a great big stir

When wolves speak in the name of the Lamb

She promptly rejects them, by damn

Only in God, will she place her trust

And obey Him as she must

She chooses His pathway bright

And daily receives more light

God softly speaks from time to time

To present a new paradigm

Her heart has often grown and changed

As beliefs are being rearranged

Determined to ascend God's mountain

And partake of the everlasting fountain

She is overcoming confusion and strife

As she seeks Eternal life

Today is the birthday of my queen

On the path to be pure and clean

A precious and lovely queen to me

And a divine mother of love to be

I Love You Sweetheart

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Joseph and Marianne

February is a busy birthday month. Rachel’s was on Friday, Joseph’s is today, and Marianne’s is on Wednesday. Joseph turned five, and Marianne will be three.

Last week we bought their birthday presents. When we got home, we just put the shopping bags on our bedroom, closet floor. The next day when Joseph and Marianne woke up, they found their presents. Without even asking, they started playing with their new toys. I guess we didn’t do a very good job of hiding them.

They didn’t want to wait a whole week to play with their new stuff, and we didn’t think it was a big deal. So, they both enjoyed an early birthday.

Last week they were drawing on the patio with their new sidewalk chalk. It’s a little wet and snowy to be doing that today.

They love to play outside. While the older children worked on their schoolwork, they went sledding down the little hill and played with their new balls, trucks, and loaders.

Marianne enjoys her dump truck and loader just as much as Joseph enjoys his. Playing in the snow is even better than playing in the dirt. Their new toys don’t get all dirty. This means they can bring them inside without having to first clean off all the mud and dirt.

Joseph was so excited to help April make his birthday cake. He took the mix out of the package and tried to open it. He pulled and yanked on the plastic bag and ended up spilling the mix all over the counter.

Marianne wants brownies for her birthday. She can help make them on Wednesday. Baking is almost as much fun as eating the finished product.

Rachel’s Birthday – My Family

It’s Rachel’s thirteenth birthday today. She’s as angelic and sweet as she looks in the picture. Being her parent has been a real joy.

This is one of the scriptures Rachel likes:

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:1-4

Rachel wrote this poem about a year ago.

My family – by Rachel Willis

My family tests me every day

With all the things they do and say

Like tease a little here and there

They test my patience everywhere

When they hit me on the cheek

Do I begin to fight and shriek?

Or if they want to play a game

Do I say no and say with shame

You’re way too little to play this game?

Or do I say yes with a smile

So I can go the extra mile?

Do I overcome all my tests?

So I can act my very best?

So when I look into His eyes

I think about the little guys.

Happy Birthday, Rachel! We love you.