2025 certainly has been filled with too many details that are hard to describe, except to say that it has been one of abundance in our opportunities filled with many blessings! This entry is at least an attempt to show the world that God is one of abundance through His outpouring of blessings!
Time moves too fast. It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close.
The year began fairly routine with Cindi nearing her 19th year of ministry of Taylor University and my serving Youth for Christ, into my 3rd year. Realizing our opportunities to serve in ministry is a tremendous blessing. I continued to speak in a variety of churches during the first portion of the year.
As the Lord helped me realize that His eyes watch, I received another call asking if I would consider coming on staff with MovieGuide to help serve in a development/pastor role throughout the region. Believe it or not, this new role would make serving the church a lot easier.
During the summer months, we had many transitions to make, but at the beginning of August I started a new full-time role with MovieGuide traveling five states to meet with friends of that ministry.
Jossy got married to Taylor! This marriage included the additional grandchild to our family with Claire (already 11 years old) created an instant family for Jossy as well as for us. My brother, Bob was involved in the wedding ceremony, making this an incredible experience for us. (I cannot tell you fully how much this blessed us and what an answer to many prayer this was!)
Jon and Staci also gave us the blessing of an additional grandchild, Miller (Kate); we welcomed her into our family in July. What joy to see that Jon’s family now includes three grandkids! Ellie and Jase had no problem making room in their hearts for this new little one and we have been truly blessed!
Jeremiah & Destiny also blessed us with an additional grandchild. In August little Liam (Edward) was welcomed into our family. It was a wonderful celebration to join together with family to welcome this precious little life!
There are so many tremendous opportunities that God has given to us this year. These are all opportunities to say how grateful we are for his provision in our lives. We realize that we aren’t owed anything, but that we are indebted to God who is the redeemer of our soul who has rescued us from sin and destruction. He has provided for us even in our present suffering.
Most recently, Cindi has had a few injuries resulting from falling. She is recovering well, although she is dealing with two broken ankles and a broken wrist. Though Cindi is frustrated and adjustments are being made, we feel that God has a plan yet to unfold before us a wonderful miracle or two. God is faithful and we are feeling blessed.
I am reminded that our love extends much more deeply than simply “going about our business” and simply living together. Our love carries responsibilities that demonstrate our love for one another!
For me, the year began with one word that the Lord gave me. It was a word to guide me throughout 2025. That word is watch. Psalm 34:15 reminds me that the “eyes of the Lord watch.” Indeed, we are experiencing this in both tangible ways as well as the intangible.
Let me start with some of those tangible ways and conclude with one note in my e-log that may count as the intangible.
We had many enriching experiences with Jase and Ellie. They are now 10 and 11 years old with 100% of the energy keeping us swirling with joy and laughs. Overnighters, family gatherings, baseball games, and lots of trips to Dairy Queen kept us hopping.
In May, I received a phone call asking if I would serve as Pastor of Lancaster Wesleyan Church. This would be a part-time role. Cindi had already been serving there for several months as their children’s ministry director. Again, a reminder that the eyes of the Lord watch! After much prayer, we decided that God was indeed calling us to this wonderful community and assist in ways that would help further the growth both spiritually as well as draw new people in.
That decision meant that I had to give up a few things in my schedule that would allow the attention to details needed to further these efforts.
My role with YFC would consequently need to change. I believe that the work and ministry with YFC was very fulfilling and I found it hard to say goodby to the daily ministry that helped provide Campus Life within our regional chapter. Tears were shed and communications were sent. Transitions are never easy!
Alongside that transition began a few of incredible news-worthy activities that again reminding us to see the hand of God at work in an accelerated timeframe. Again these are reminders that the eyes of the Lord watch!
The year continued with more exciting news. We also were surprised to be told that Jossy is pregnant with her first child. Several weeks into her pregnancy, she is finding joy in her life!
I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful we are to see the growth in our children in the addition to their family. God has truly used people to influence and bless them!
Wrapping up this year has reminded us that even though there are present difficulties, God has not abandoned us, The eyes of the Lord watch!
As I close this year's family newsletter, I am reminded that both big and small answers to prayer are in-keeping with the gift of a single word God gave me. That word is WATCH from Psalm 34:25: The eyes of the Lord, Watch!
