Grateful for Family & Faith

I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately, and the people and things for which I especially grateful.

I’ll start with my Mom, Pat. She just turned 78 and celebrated her 60th high school reunion. She is an amazing woman with a generous heart and a love for Jesus, and her family. Last week our extended family enjoyed a stay at a cottage that slept 18 — paid for by her!  We had a great time fishing, playing games… being together. But so much more valuable than that, I know she prays for us, really prays.

Next has to be my husband Ed of almost 44 years. We might not always see ‘eye to eye,’ but I feel like we always see ‘heart to heart.’  My partner and best friend, he lives out his love for me every day, truly I am blessed. He never discourages me from anything I set my heart to do. I like to travel, he doesn’t, and he is really okay with that – I go with his blessing.  And, when I take a stand of faith, I know he stands with me. He is great cook too and can fix just about anything!

I am grateful for each of our three children, Jon, Mary and Tim. They are each kind, caring and strong individuals in their own ways.  Each of them have different personalities, like to do different things… and I love to spend time with them. Plus, they are all so smart!

I am also grateful for my heritage of love and faith, and these memories to name a few: Great Grandpa Beverwyk who took me fishing in the creek; Great Grandma Beverwyk and her Pentecostal prayers; Grandma Bosgraaf who taught me about the love of Jesus and early Christians in the “catacombs” in her Michigan basement; Grandma VanZyll and singing hymns with her just before her move to heaven; Great Aunt Dorothy who taught me so much about Holy Spirit; Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Brandt who loved us unconditionally as a very young married couple – I loved Saturdays at their house, where we had burgers, creamed corn and ice cream with homemade hot fudge sauce; and my Dad who was there for me when I really needed him.

I also am so grateful for my grandchildren, Dominick, Kennedy and Alonna. Each one is unique and wonderful, and such a source of joy. I love every memory we have, and look forward to making more.

I am grateful for prayer too, and to be able to “pick up the mantle” and add to my mom’s prayers, and continue praying for each one in my family.  I pray and expect them to know and experience the love that God has for them.