This is a day that will always mean a great deal to Deanna, the girls, and me. Students arrived from the mid-west, and west to just hang out with us. Students who went on Beej's last missionary journey. Students who knew him very well. Students who continue to serve the Lord with glad hearts!

We had a time of worship last night, and it was precious to me. We look forward to having our hearts further bound to theirs the rest of this weekend.

Another reason this is so special to Deanna and me is that today marks the 23rd anniversary of our wedding. Yes, 23 years ago, a shy, beautiful and unassuming young lady walked into a singles Sunday School room and caused my jaw to spontaneously free fall to it's fullest open position. I immediately bowed my head, and said, "Father, if there is any way, this is the girl I want to marry!"

Our first date followed closely, on September 25th, 1982. Our wedding, soon after that, on January 14, 1983. However, it was not as easy as I have made it sound.

Deanna had an attractive roommate. Deanna was convinced that my uncontrollable "stares" in her direction were being offered to the young lady sitting beside her. I could not make eye contact. I was frustrated. After class she quickly disappeared, and I could not find her. Sadly I retreated into the sanctuary for the service.

Much to my surprise, a tiny, 5'1" young lady stepped to the pulpit. I could barely see her head over the top of it. Music began to play, not the 'harps of heaven' indicating my obvious infatuation, but the music to which she would sing a song (solo) entitled, "Words and Music." The power, breadth, and depth of her voice, undid me. I struggled to see where she stored the necessary componentry to put forth such an offering.

There was no backing out. I was never known to pursue those I wanted to get to know with the passion or fervor that now overtook me. To my utter amazement, the Lord saw fit to unite our hearts, bodies, and souls for a lifetime. What a treasure she is and has been.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MY BAY!!!!

There is no other with your innocence, joy, passion, and love for the Lord, or for me. I have been blessed as deeply as is possible, to have stood side by side with the woman of my dreams, and raised two beautiful daughters, and one knightly son.

God is unbelievably good!

The weekend will entail opportunities to further hear from the hearts of those to whom we are ever increasingly bound. Thank you, Father.


Oh, who was the surprise? A young man who asked his parents for a trip to Indiana for his 18th Birthday (January 12). A young man we had never met or spoken to. A young man we had only seen in pictures. A young man who shared Jesus with the Muslim woman across the aisle of the plane, on his way here. A young man whose conversation was full of "salt and light" with that same lady, as she was off to be engaged in an arranged marriage. A young man who traveled from Utah. A young man who had crossed swords with BJ on many occassions. Who had in-depth conversations with him about being called to martydom. A young man who portrayed Christ both in the drama, and as best he can in life. Logan. Thank you for giving up so much to be with us this weekend! We are blessed. Thank you to each of the Awestar students who are here with us! Those who aren't, we miss you.

dad