The One With 50 Years of God's Masterpiece

How quickly time passes when we aren't paying attention. For Paul and Linda, 6 months of courtship has led to 600 months, 2608 weeks, 18,262 days, 438,300 hours, or 26,280,000 minutes depending on how you prefer to look at it. Celebrating these two and all the time they have committed serving others together is an honor. They touch the lives of everyone they meet separately but I dare say even more so together. They have sincerely created and are still creating a legacy that will live on through eternity.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Paul and Linda are living examples of what it means to build a life on God's foundation and live out God's Word. They are leading 5 adult children in God's path as well their spouses and 22 grandchildren. Legacy? I think this is what God means when he says "we are God's masterpiece." in Ephesians 2:10.

Their confidence in God can be felt as they approach you and the love God has given them for people is released through their arms as they go in for that hug. Their passion for God and His plans for not just their lives, but the lives of those around them is evident in both their words and actions. More importantly and most cherished for me personally is the unconditional acceptance you know they have for you as an individual no matter where you've been or where you are currently in life.

It's hard not to think of Paul and Linda and not remember some of their greatest moments. Here's just a few favored memories from some of those adult children in their lives.

Paula was reflecting on some of her favorite times up to now and recalls when they dance. Sometimes they get up at church and just start dancing together. They love to dance at weddings and even dance at home together. When Jesus stirs up excitement in their hearts, they just can't help but dance through it. The joy of the Lord in their hearts overflows and carries them into dancing steps. You can see God's glory radiating through them in every step. The way they look at each other while they are dancing is the best. You can truly see how God created them as one through their eyes.

David recalls Christmas times shared together. Paul and Linda have a great way of keeping family together. Not just present in the same building, but truly "together". The heart of unity and standing united as one family pours out. When families comes together, stories and life are shared, jokes are told - yes, there's plenty of laughter, quality time is spent, hearts are united and love ties grow deeper within each other. The joy and unity of having everyone together spills over onto others as everyone joins together to celebrate the most important reason for the season - Jesus. The heart of Jesus is love and unity among not just families but the capital "C" family of churches wherever you are celebrating together. This shines bright not just in their hearts but in their actions as they enjoy celebrations together in unity.

When thinking about his parents and their past 50 years together, Joe remembers working on the farm as they were growing up. They instilled work value in them that transfers over to life value. Doing a job right the first time so you don't have to repeat the job was definitely preferred though there is grace in the training. If you found yourself on the job with your hands in your pockets, it was always encouraged to pick up a broom. The respect of obedience is carried out through not only in their words, but in their actions. Obey, Obey now, and obey willingly is a lifelong lesson that carries through in all they do. Joe didn't appreciate the lifelong lessons at that time in life, but he does now and he wouldn't trade those values for anything.

Mary's favorite memories so far are when they would do VBS for the kids in the community. She remembers them getting more than 20 kids in their mini van to get kids there. (Don't panic - they were all safely buckled in by God's safety belt.) Paul would take his teeth out for the skits and it was hilarious. The kids loved it. Seeing them support each other wholeheartedly as they minister and pour out to others is something that Mary will treasure forever. They lead by being true examples of leadership, sacrifice, encouragement of each other and their passion for Jesus.

Psalms 85:10 "Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!"

Tom thought long and hard about his memories because there are just so many. After great contemplation, his all time favorite memory so far was when everyone went to Disney together. The very first time they were able to go, Linda's parents were even able to join in on the trip. With running a farm, family trips were something that was planned and saved for far in advance so it was a truly special occasion. Having that time and experience together away from the every day routines was something to be cherished. They love to make those extraordinary moments into memories that last a lifetime.

Titus 2:2-8 "Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us."

This passage truly sums up the lives of Paul and Linda and how they live on a daily basis. They lead by example, teach and mentor, encourage people around them to live according to God's Word, serve others passionately, and truly do reflect the the integrity and seriousness of God's Word. God brought Paul and Linda together for a purpose and they've been living out that purpose intentionally with every dance step, every celebration gathering, every life-lesson, every time they ministry to others, and in every family getaway.