From Two to Twenty-two, God’s Blessings Continue. . .

Almost 44 years ago two people promised before God and witnesses “to have and to hold; for better or for whose; through sickness and in health; until death do them part.” Thus began the marriage of myself and my wonderful wife. Little did we know then how God would multiply our family with children and grandchildren.

Starting in 1969 and every two years thereafter until 1975 God blessed our union with four incredible children; three girls and one boy. What a blessing these four have been to us over the years! And the two became six.

Several years later our children began their search for life mates and our family again began to multiply. By 1998 we had four wonderful additions to our family. No longer did we have four children, but now we had eight God fearing, awesome children in our fold. And the two had become ten!

In Psalm 127:3-5, the Psalmist describes the blessings that come from children:

Children are a gift from the Lord;

they are a reward from Him.

Children born to a young man

are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.

How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! (NLT)

In 1997 an amazing phenomenon began to take place, within four days in the month of February we welcomed the addition of two grandchildren into our family. Words cannot explain the absolute joy and wonder of watching your children have children of their own. In the years since 1997 nine more grandchildren have joined our happy growing clan with another on the way. WOW! At present count, the two have become twenty-two!

Solomon, in Proverbs 17:6, gives a wonderful word picture of what we have been experiencing as our family as grown.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged,

and parents are the pride of their children. (NIV)

Heavenly Father, only you could have foreseen how two could become twenty-two. What a blessing you have given to us as we have watched our children grow into individuals who desire to serve you What a blessing it has been to welcome four more children into our family who also desire to serve you. And now Lord, what an amazing blessing it is to see 11, soon to be 12, grandchildren being raised in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord”! We pray that you will continue to mold and shape each member of this family into the image of Jesus Christ so we can serve you to our fullest as long as you leave us on this earth. Thank you Lord!!! Amen.