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March 14, 2010
Hi Josh and Nick,
This weekend we were at the Oregon coast just relaxing and taking in the beauty of God's creation. (BTW - I put some of the new pictures on the Oregon page.) While we were on the beach on Saturday morning I had an overwhelming desire to shout from the rooftops so the whole world could know how much I love your dad. Since that wasn't real practical I drew in the sand and took this picture instead.
Your dad is an incredible person. I know that you have heard that from me over and over but I am convinced that a lifetime of being with him and being his wife would never convince me otherwise. He keeps me grounded in a way that only he can do. When I doubt God or struggle with circumstances in our life he always helps me regain my perspective and trust in the Lord. He has a way of bring out the best in me. I tend to get pretty serious from time to time and he has the ablitiy to help me lighten up and see the joy in just being alive. He is funny and playful and yet has a seriousness about him especially concerning his walk with the Lord. He is a man of high integrity and challenges others to walk a life of integrity. Whether he is at work, at church or at home he is constantly challenging all of us to do our best to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. He mentors several men - helping them navigate the pitfalls of life. He faithfully serves the Lord and our church by heading up the DivorceCare Ministry and yet tirelessly works on our ministry Keeping Families Connected. I admire your father more than anyone I have ever known. I look forward to the day you get to know your dad the way I know him and others in his life know him.
Love,
Barb
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October 7,2009
Josh and Nick,
Josh this is your senior year and I know it will be tough in many ways but loads of fun. Both Elaine and Pam had seniorites real bad - that's part of being a senior. Just stay focused on the goal of graduation. Be diligent in your classes and you will be fine. But try and have fun at the same time. Kind of a hard thing to do (be diligent and have fun) - but so much of life comes down to the very same thing - learning to live balanced lives.
I thought you'd like to see a picture of your Dad as a senior in high school. He is quite handsome and in great shape - I've always loved your Dad's arms. :-) I wish I would have known your Dad way back then. He is so incredible and such a good man. It makes me sad that you have missed growing up with such an awesome example of godliness in your lives. Always know not one day has gone by that you have not been in his thoughts and prayers. You are and always will be loved.
Barb
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July 1, 2009
Hi Guys,
A couple weeks ago was Father's day and this week is Nick's birthday. A sadness has come over your Dad. This is one of those times when I can see his heart breaking over what has happened to all of you. It makes me so sad to know that the man I love so much is hurting so much. I wish I could take his pain away. But we know that this is the journey God has us on and we are willing to accept it.
I want to assure you that he loves you both so much. I hope one day you will know and understand the depths of his love for both of you and the sacrifices he made for you. He truly is the most amazing man that I have ever met. He has the biggest heart of any person I know. He is always willing to give of himself for his family, friends and church. I am honored to be his wife and you are most blessed to be his sons.
Have a great summer and always remember you are loved.
Barb
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December 8, 2008
Josh & Nick,
It has been 3 1/2 years since I wrote the note below. I want you to know that my feelings for your Dad have not changed. He is so amazing and every day I count it a blessing to be his wife. I am more in love with him today than I was 9 years ago when I married him. He truly is the very best man that I know.
We celebrated our 9th anniversary in July and I can honestly say that even with all the terrible stuff we endured trying to protect you and fight for your right to be with your dad it has been the best 9 years of my life. Your Dad is and always has been my "exceeding abundant blessing from God" (Ephesians 3:20)
In the world's eyes personal status, prestige and financial success are what matter but God holds up different qualities as success. In Isaiah 66:2 it says that God esteems a humble and contrite spirit and one who trembles at His word. There are lots of things that money can buy but these qualities can not be bought. Your dad is a humble man who always puts God's plan above his own. He is a man of integrity that obeys God even when there is a personal cost. He reminds me of Joseph in the Bible. Even when Joseph was falsely accused and sent to prision he refused to dishonor God. That is your Dad - he refused to dishonor God even though he had been falsely accused on more than one occasion. I respect your Dad more than any person I have ever known and I would gladly sacrifice everything this world has to offer to spend my life with him.
I am so blessed that your Dad has been in the lives of Elaine and Pam. They have been given the privilege of knowing what a godly man/husband looks like. I am convinced that your Dad's influence in there lives is one of the major contributing factors to them marrying godly young men. Had it not been for your Dad they would have never known what a great marriage looked like. It is my prayer that you be given this opportunity and privilege as well. Great marriages are possible, you just have to make sure that you are marrying someone who loves God with every ounce of their being as opposed to someone who knows how to talk a good talk but whose life doesn't line up with what they say.
I just wanted to give you an update. We pray for you daily. I put up your Christmas stockings last night - like your stockings you will alway have a place in our home. I think you are the most loved sons on earth. :-)
Barb
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May 2004
Dear Josh & Nick,
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about your father. He is a very special man. I love him with all my heart and I am so blessed to have him for my husband. We got married in July of 1999 and every day has been a blessing.
He is the most honorable man I have ever known. The first thing that attracted me to your Dad was his love for the Lord and his desire to become just like Jesus. He is committed to God, family, friends and his church. He is gentle and kind—a rare quality for a man in today's world. He really is quite amazing. I wish you could see him through my eyes. He is godly, a man of integrity, faithful, extremely loyal, has a wonderful sense of humor, a very playful spirit and a heart of gold. He is a great friend and will do anything for the people he loves.
Let me assure you he is an awesome father. I know that you have been told a lot of things about your Dad, but I will venture to say that most of them are not true and do not accurately describe his actions, true character or his heart. Your Dad was willing to give up everything (and did) to fight for you. Contrary to what you have been told he never abandoned you, the truth is not one day went by that he wasn't fighting for you. He pursued every legal means he could to have you in his life. He has never given up and has always maintained hope. You are and always have been a huge part of our lives. We have your pictures are all over our home. He loves you more than you will ever know. You are constantly in his thoughts and prayers. There are many days his heart is so heavy and burdened because of the separation from both of you. I can see the pain in his eyes and hear it in his voice—I'm not sure how he survives the heartache—I know I couldn't. But your Dad has an amazing faith in God that sees him through. He knows God has a bigger plan and he trusts Him.
My prayer is that someday you will get to know your Dad the way I know and love him. He is my best friend and I trust him with all my heart. You are very blessed to have him as your Dad. I don't think there are two more loved sons anywhere on the earth.
You are loved.
Barb
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