Valentine's Day

I suppose I am dating myself by quoting from one of my favorite Momas and Poppas songs from the 60's but here goes, "This is dedicated to the one I love." Actually, its dedicated to several women who have very special places in my heart.

First, I want to say how thankful I am for the love and influence my mom had on my life. Shown below in the kitchen of her mobile home in Florida where she and dad now live, she is the lady responsible for giving birth and making a home for my four siblings and me. Born in Kezar Falls, ME, mom was always willing to open her home to family and friends and she is the woman who has supported and encouraged my dad's ministry for over 56 years. She is a special lady to whom I will be forever indebted, for her example and for her prayers.

The next woman I want to honor on this Valentine's Day is my wife of 31 plus years. One week ago she underwent surgery and is just completing the first week of her eight week recovery. I have included a picture of her with two of my daughters-in-law and my granddaughter. They are all very special ladies as well. But my real Valentine is the woman who has been my wife and the mother of our four sons. She is a woman who loves the Lord and has shown me love and grace when I haven't always deserved them. I am thankful to God for this woman who fulfills Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." I have certainly found a good thing and favor from the Lord!

Then I want to recognize the three special women who have been added to our family by marriage. They are ladies our sons have chosen to spend their lives with and they are each welcome additions to our family. I have attempted to share with each of them how much I love them and appreciate the love they have for our sons and for the Lord. We couldn't have picked any better matches for our sons, even if we had been consulted. Marianne, who is married to our son David, and Jennifer, who is married to our son Joshua are shown above with Barb and our granddaughter Erin. Our newest daughter-in-law, Kelly, is shown with our oldest son Robbie in the picture below.

Kelly is having to spend this Valentine's Day alone while our son Robbie is on a short-term mission trip to Guatemala. She is a loving and devoted wife who has already begun to learn about the sacrifices we sometimes have to make when we want to serve the Lord.

I am a thankful man this Valentine's Day. I am thankful for my mother, my wife, my daughters-in-law and my granddaughter and I wish them all a happy Valentine's Day!