Bethany, Chris, & Family

Left to right, top to bottom: Christopher and Matthew, Timothy, Kyle,

Chris, Matthew, and Bethany; Christopher and Bethany having a fun moment over the purchase of their home in Millinocket; Bethany with Rachel.

In July, we had a wonderful family reunion -- pretty much planned and executed by Uncle Clifford and his family. To me, the most meaningful thing we did was to attend family revival and renewal services with speakers from our family: Cousin Chris, Uncle Cliff, and Grampie Wayne. The singing there was amazing and people also shared some family stories. Grampie was so moved by the family stories that he said somebody ought to be writing these down for the benefit of future generations. That was one of the sparks that lit the fire in my heart to start a blog for all of you. Now I would like to encourage you to leave comments if you want to add details to any of these pages. And maybe you have a story of your own. If you do, please email it to me or send it as a private message on facebook. I would LOVE to have more points of view on these pages than my own.

Bethany is our youngest. And people keep telling her that I look like her. Of course, I joke: "no, she looks like ME. I had these genes first!" She, Chris, and the family live in Millinocket. Christopher works for the information services department at the Millinocket hospital. And I have the feeling he is beloved of the staff because he is a very caring compassionate person. Bethany is a wonderful cook. She cooked at Joyce's Restaurant, The White House Restaurant, and Helen's Restaurant all in the Machias area. She went to work at a restaurant in the Bangor area, but they didn't like her because she had to use two hands to crack an egg. That must have made her too slow. But all things work together for good! After she left that job, she worked in for a computer company in the Bangor area and met Chris! She also had a job that was easier than working over a hot stove in the summer weather. At this point in time, she is nurturing the family at home and finding that very satisfying.

Timothy is a junior at Sterns High School and I think his favorite subject is biology; Kyle is in the 8th grade and I was interested to find out that he has been involved with kayaking at the school; Rachel is in the third grade and is becoming a very cordial and conscientious helper at home. They all like their youth groups. This is just another sweet family, as you can probably tell by looking at them. 

There are things in life that are difficult to endure and hard to understand. As with all of us, Bethany and her children have endured some of those hardships such as when Bethany was left as a single mother and had to work through some very difficult issues. But GOD is always faithful. The one who said He will restore what the locusts have eaten has ministered amazing grace to Bethany and her family. One of those blessings was to send a Christian husband and dad into their lives to love them and enjoy life with them. 

God never promised us that life would be easy. We have been reminded of that many times over the last few years as we have seen serious illnesses, losses of employment, death, a premature birth (Matthew), financial hardships, and many other trials. We have come to learn that GOD has the last word! It is through those difficult times that we learn to trust in Him for all things. It is through those times that we develop character. And it is in those times that we have opportunities to bring glory to the GOD who comforts us and lifts our spirits. So we are thankful for the trials, just as we are for the joys and the easy times.

Be brave, families. Be firm as Joshua, who said, "as for ME and MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord." Taking a stand like that might not be very popular in our culture but the rewards compare with nothing else the world has to offer and the results last forever. Living for Jesus and loving one another are two of the greatest gifts that you can give to your children. 

Grampie has said many times, "the best gift a man can give to his children is to love their mother." And let me add to that: the best gift a woman can give to her children is to love their father. We both will tell you that it is the Lord who enables us to give that kind of love to each other. Is it moonlight and roses all of the time? Do we fail to show the love we have sometimes? (No and Yes) But this life is one that we would not trade after 47 years of marriage and more than 50 years of knowing Jesus.