When I look back on my life from the vantage point of many years, I can’t imagine any way to live life better than I have. Without Jesus my marriage would have failed. Without Jesus I would have lived a very messed up life causing no end of heartache to myself, my family, and others with whom I came into contact. When I allowed Jesus to be my guide and protector, He kept me safe and lead me in the best way to walk. Both Frank and I learned to depend upon Him in our toughest times and felt His peace and joy throughout our years together. When God took Frank home, I couldn’t think any marriage could have been better for me. Primarily because we both sought to live as Christ would desire us to live. We often lived in hard places in our relationship, but we eventially turned to Jesus to teach us how to love one another. Marriage is all about learning to love someone more than yourself and being willing to do what is best for the other person. I believe it is about learning to love as Christ loves us. Jesus is the greatest forgiver, protector, and lover the world has ever seen. He knows how to take a sinful, willful, rebellious heart and clean it up, forgive it and make it new. If He can do that with me, He can do it with anyone who is willing to believe and surrender to His loving will. I’m so very glad I followed Him.

Jesus has never failed me. He is always with me in good times and bad. Through rejection of some people at a church we were led to pastor; a time of resigning to avoid an ugly battle; a time of an unknown future, Jesus has walked with us and given us strength and joy in Himself to get us through. Losing my mom, brother, and dad in four years was another challenge we faced that also involved imoving back home to be close to my dad after my mom died. God led the way with a job and new home. Our sons were all grown and well on their way to their own lives. Jesus has been with us to comfort, care, and guide. Through Frank’s two cancer surgeries and the radiation with its accompanying side effects, He has been with us. God answered so many prayers during these years for health, strength, and opportunities to serve. Thirteen years later, we were still comforted by His presence as Frank was called home to be with his Savior and Lord. I was engulfed by His arms and carried through that first year. The second year I was shown how to walk more closely with Him.

I am grateful for each experience, even the difficult, seemingly hurtful ones, because they pushed me into Jesus and His love and power. I wouldn’t know the depth of His love and grace as well as I do without those experiences. I know He will continue to be here for me whatever life brings my way. It is my prayer that those who read this might come to know Jesus as I know Him.