Family
Family is so very important in my life.
I am blessed to have been born into a loving, Christian home and had a great childhood.
I have known my soulmate, Andrea since 1978 and we were married on October 10, 1981.
We have three wonderful children, Bethany Mae, Abigail Christine and William Eric.
Family is where we experience unconditional love in action and I am grateful for family every day.
Faith
I am a Anabaptist (Mennonite) Christian. My faith has always been important to me even as it has been shaped over the years, sometimes stretched almost to a breaking point but always bouncing back to a fundamental belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I believe that we are all created in God’s image and are given a soul that thirsts for a relationship with our Creator.
I yearn for things that feed my soul and I pray that God’s love for all will flow through me to others.
Fun!!!!!
We are all better when our inner child shows up, usually when we’re having fun with those around us.
Golfing, travel, music, games, cycling, writing, and just being goofy around those I trust and love are all ways I have fun.
My children lovingly refer to me as the #4 clone from the movie “Multiplicity” ….at least I think it’s lovingly. 😉
My Mission Statement
My life journey in this world is to make footprints that are valuable to others and are pleasing to God; Impressions that reflect my values and beliefs while helping others along the way.
To do this:
- I will walk humbly* with my God, look to the example of Jesus as my guide and listen to the Holy Spirit in my soul.
- I will try to make amends when I step on others or crush part of God’s creation
- I will ask for directions when I am lost and try to learn from others. I will carry others when able and will allow myself to be carried when needed
- I will look for the face of God in those I meet and try to see the unique gifts that God has given them
- I will acknowledge my own gifts from God and use them with courage and trust
- I will walk hand in hand with my family as we give and receive love, no matter what.
As I look back at the footprints I’ve already made, I see a wandering path with many detours, over hills, through deserts and across rough terrain but also along sandy beaches, through lush valleys and wide fairways.
My footsteps bring me to this point and the journey in itself is worthwhile. Yet as the song says “this world is not my home. I’m just a-passing through”**, so my path must always have a direction that is in line with God’s will, not my own.
I am thankful to God for surrounding me with love and so many great travel companions.
* The Bible, Micah 6:8
** JR Baxter, Jr.
1946, Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Co. in Sentimental Songs.