Faith has been the steady foundation of my life, guiding me through joys and sorrows, shaping my character, and sustaining me through challenges. It has been my anchor, keeping me steady through the storms of life, and my compass, leading me through decisions both big and small. Looking back, I can see how God’s hand has been present in every chapter of my life, guiding my steps and providing strength when I needed it most.
I grew up in a Christian home where church was not just a Sunday obligation but a central part of our lives. Church was woven into every part of our week—Sunday School, worship services, and Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Everyone in our small town seemed to go to church; it was simply a way of life. It was in those early years that I developed my deep love for hymns and scripture, as we would often gather as a family to sing songs of faith and read from the Bible. I grew up believing in God, trusting in His plan, and never questioning that He was with me. The simple faith of childhood became the steady faith of adulthood, a faith that carried me through life’s greatest challenges.
That faith deepened as I faced life’s trials. One of the most difficult moments came when my sister passed away in a tragic accident. I was supposed to be in the car with her that weekend, but at the last moment, she encouraged me to visit relatives instead. That decision saved my life. Losing her was devastating, and yet I knew, even in my grief, that God had been watching over me. I wrestled with the pain of that loss, wondering why things happened the way they did. But through time, prayer, and reflection, I came to understand that we are never alone in our suffering. That moment left a lasting imprint on my heart, reminding me that God’s hand is at work even when we don’t understand His ways.
When I married Angela, our faith was the common thread that bound us together. We were married in the Methodist Church, and our life together has always included the church. We raised our children in the same faith tradition, ensuring that Sunday School and worship were constants in their lives. Even when life became busy—teaching, raising a family, balancing responsibilities—faith was never far from our hearts. I look back now and see how much our shared faith shaped our marriage. We prayed together, served together, and leaned on each other during hardships, always trusting that God would guide us through. Faith didn’t eliminate the struggles, but it gave us the strength to endure them.
My faith has also given me a heart for service. Whether in education, quilting, or simply being a listening ear, I believe that small acts of kindness matter. In my years as an educator, I sought to instill values of integrity, perseverance, and respect in my students. I didn’t see myself as someone particularly remarkable, but hearing later that my efforts made a difference in students' lives was a humbling experience. Education, much like faith, is about planting seeds, and sometimes you don’t see the full impact until much later. In retirement, I found another way to serve—quilting. It started as a simple pastime, but over time, it became a ministry of sorts. I make quilts for people who need comfort—friends facing surgery, individuals going through hardships, and even complete strangers who simply need a reminder that they are loved. It’s a small gesture, but I believe that God works through even the smallest acts of love.
One of the most profound lessons faith has taught me is the power of forgiveness. There was a time when I held resentment in my heart toward my father. He made choices that deeply affected my life, and for years, I carried the weight of that hurt. But before he passed away, I knew I needed to forgive him. Standing by his bedside, I took his hand and let go of years of pain. Forgiving him wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. In that moment, I felt God’s grace wash over me. I’ve learned that holding onto bitterness only harms the one who carries it, and true freedom comes through forgiveness. I have come to understand that forgiveness is not about forgetting, but about releasing the burden of anger and allowing God to bring healing. It is one of the hardest, yet most liberating, things a person can do.
Today, faith continues to shape my life. Angela and I have remained deeply connected to our church, finding joy in serving and worshiping together. The Bible studies we’ve participated in have strengthened our understanding and deepened our relationship with God. Our church family means the world to us, and we cherish the friendships and shared moments of worship. There is something special about being part of a faith community, about knowing that you are surrounded by people who will pray with you, encourage you, and walk alongside you in both the good times and the hard times. I am grateful for every Sunday morning, every shared meal, every hymn sung in unison, and every quiet moment of reflection in God’s house.
If I could leave one message for my children and grandchildren, it would be this: Trust in the Lord, always. Life is unpredictable, and hardships will come, but God is faithful. Stay connected to your faith, support your family, and remember that the small things—kind words, thoughtful gestures, moments of gratitude—are what truly matter. I pray that they will find the same comfort in faith that I have, that they will turn to God in times of trouble, and that they will never forget the importance of love and kindness.
When I look back on my life, I hope to be remembered for my kindness, my faithfulness, and my willingness to serve others. I know that everything I have done has been by the grace of God, and I am grateful beyond words for the life He has given me. The greatest legacy I can leave is one of love, faith, and service. In the end, I want to be remembered not for accomplishments or titles, but for the way I treated others—with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of God.
I grew up in a Christian home where church was not just a Sunday obligation but a central part of our lives. Church was woven into every part of our week—Sunday School, worship services, and Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Everyone in our small town seemed to go to church; it was simply a way of life. It was in those early years that I developed my deep love for hymns and scripture, as we would often gather as a family to sing songs of faith and read from the Bible. I grew up believing in God, trusting in His plan, and never questioning that He was with me. The simple faith of childhood became the steady faith of adulthood, a faith that carried me through life’s greatest challenges.
That faith deepened as I faced life’s trials. One of the most difficult moments came when my sister passed away in a tragic accident. I was supposed to be in the car with her that weekend, but at the last moment, she encouraged me to visit relatives instead. That decision saved my life. Losing her was devastating, and yet I knew, even in my grief, that God had been watching over me. I wrestled with the pain of that loss, wondering why things happened the way they did. But through time, prayer, and reflection, I came to understand that we are never alone in our suffering. That moment left a lasting imprint on my heart, reminding me that God’s hand is at work even when we don’t understand His ways.
When I married Angela, our faith was the common thread that bound us together. We were married in the Methodist Church, and our life together has always included the church. We raised our children in the same faith tradition, ensuring that Sunday School and worship were constants in their lives. Even when life became busy—teaching, raising a family, balancing responsibilities—faith was never far from our hearts. I look back now and see how much our shared faith shaped our marriage. We prayed together, served together, and leaned on each other during hardships, always trusting that God would guide us through. Faith didn’t eliminate the struggles, but it gave us the strength to endure them.
My faith has also given me a heart for service. Whether in education, quilting, or simply being a listening ear, I believe that small acts of kindness matter. In my years as an educator, I sought to instill values of integrity, perseverance, and respect in my students. I didn’t see myself as someone particularly remarkable, but hearing later that my efforts made a difference in students' lives was a humbling experience. Education, much like faith, is about planting seeds, and sometimes you don’t see the full impact until much later. In retirement, I found another way to serve—quilting. It started as a simple pastime, but over time, it became a ministry of sorts. I make quilts for people who need comfort—friends facing surgery, individuals going through hardships, and even complete strangers who simply need a reminder that they are loved. It’s a small gesture, but I believe that God works through even the smallest acts of love.
One of the most profound lessons faith has taught me is the power of forgiveness. There was a time when I held resentment in my heart toward my father. He made choices that deeply affected my life, and for years, I carried the weight of that hurt. But before he passed away, I knew I needed to forgive him. Standing by his bedside, I took his hand and let go of years of pain. Forgiving him wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. In that moment, I felt God’s grace wash over me. I’ve learned that holding onto bitterness only harms the one who carries it, and true freedom comes through forgiveness. I have come to understand that forgiveness is not about forgetting, but about releasing the burden of anger and allowing God to bring healing. It is one of the hardest, yet most liberating, things a person can do.
Today, faith continues to shape my life. Angela and I have remained deeply connected to our church, finding joy in serving and worshiping together. The Bible studies we’ve participated in have strengthened our understanding and deepened our relationship with God. Our church family means the world to us, and we cherish the friendships and shared moments of worship. There is something special about being part of a faith community, about knowing that you are surrounded by people who will pray with you, encourage you, and walk alongside you in both the good times and the hard times. I am grateful for every Sunday morning, every shared meal, every hymn sung in unison, and every quiet moment of reflection in God’s house.
If I could leave one message for my children and grandchildren, it would be this: Trust in the Lord, always. Life is unpredictable, and hardships will come, but God is faithful. Stay connected to your faith, support your family, and remember that the small things—kind words, thoughtful gestures, moments of gratitude—are what truly matter. I pray that they will find the same comfort in faith that I have, that they will turn to God in times of trouble, and that they will never forget the importance of love and kindness.
When I look back on my life, I hope to be remembered for my kindness, my faithfulness, and my willingness to serve others. I know that everything I have done has been by the grace of God, and I am grateful beyond words for the life He has given me. The greatest legacy I can leave is one of love, faith, and service. In the end, I want to be remembered not for accomplishments or titles, but for the way I treated others—with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of God.
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