HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH!

Thirty-five years ago tomorrow (July 14th), in Hays, Kansas, our son was born. It had been a hot summer. We were living in the upper floor of student housing while Gary was working on a masters degree. I had spent afternoons on the deck sitting in a child's swimming pool to cool off!

Josh's birth was easy and fast. We were thrilled to have a baby boy, and his "big sister" (only 23 months old herself) was loving and helpful. My aunt Marieta came to help me with the babies. It was a blessed time.

Joshua has brought much joy to us. He loves the Lord. While I don't remember him reading much as a child, he is a reader of good books now. He loves his wife deeply. He is an awesome father, loving his sons as much or more than any other father I know. He is a loyal friend and maintains contact with high school buddies as well as college friends. Josh (like his mother) sometimes has strong opinions and convictions; at his core he is a man of integrity.

The grace of God has covered Josh through what could have been a serious health issue many years ago. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute where he might have been a LITTLE mischievous. Today he is a junior high youth pastor. We thank God for our son.