A Legacy that Learns
This reflection explores the tension many feel when looking back on their upbringing with both gratitude and grief. It wrestles with the temptation to oversimplify the past, the cost of pioneering a new path, and the pain that often comes with generational growth. Yet it offers hope—pointing to the fruit that emerges when families commit to a shared legacy of faithfulness, humility, and love across generations.
Unto the Least of These
Sister Marian’s 70th birthday celebration was more than just a milestone—it was a moving tribute to a life poured out in love. Though she never married, Marian became “Aunt Maresy” to generations, weaving a vast spiritual family through simple acts of care, hospitality, and joy. From babysitting grandchildren to surprise turkey bacon miracles, her story unfolded in laughter, tears, and testimonies from around the world—each one a witness to the quiet, powerful legacy of a woman who made everyone feel like family.
A Father’s Joy
Each week, my mind swirls with topics to write about—Scripture, missions, shifting legal tides, politics. Yet, again and again, I return to the same subject: my family. My children are my highest joy, my deepest focus. I want to see families thrive, marriages endure, and children grow in faith. Critics may misunderstand our way of life, but they do not offer something greater—only noise. The true gift is this: a life rooted in love, faith, and the flourishing of the next generation.
A Life Poured Out: The Joy of Serving Beyond Ourselves
Our recent ministry trip to Mexico was a powerful reminder that true joy is found in serving others. From deep fellowship with believers to witnessing our children embrace the work of the kingdom, we saw firsthand how God’s love transforms lives. Whether through preaching, music, or simple acts of service, this journey affirmed that we were created not for self-fulfillment, but to love, give, and pour ourselves out for Christ. As we reflect on the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the grace given, we are reminded that the greatest purpose in life is to glorify God and serve His people with joy.
The Cost of Selfishness and the Rewards of Love
We raise our children not for immediate pleasure but for a continuity of faith, a generational fire that will burn until the Lord returns. We give up our time, our pride, our selfish wants, all for the King’s glory. And at life’s end, those who chose this path will find themselves surrounded by blessings, hope, cheerfulness, and growth. The selfish, however, spin inward, trapped in a narrowing, solitary orbit.