Please permit me a personal interlude…

A week ago today, January 3, we had a party to celebrate June’s 80th birthday, which was January 2. It’s the first time our four offspring have been in the same room since 2018:

Mark, Matt, Bob, June, Melody, David

Nearly “everyone!” Back row: Melody, Matt and Amber, Bob and June, David and Cheryl, their son Sawyer, Mark’s son Taylor and Marissa, Mark’s daughter, Kesley, Mark. Front row: Matt’s son Emerson, David and Cheryl’s other boys, Davis and Caleb, and Brookie, the dog. Missing are the rest of Melody’s family who are in Grand Cayman: Cody, Shirah and Liana.

About 40 people turned out. We are blessed.

Her children rise up and call her blessed… (Proverbs 31.28, ESV)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Proverbs 127.3 – 5, ESV)

Flowers from long-time friend and blog-reader Laura McGlothlin. Thank you!