Back in January of 2016, before Ann Sophie, Nelson told me that his life lacked joy. It was just work, work, work. He was devoted to Jesus but needed a happiness-infusion. So I told him that throughout 2016 I would pray joy verses over his life.
>>>>>>>>>>
October 16, 2022
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11)
Mom gave me that one in January of 2016, the year I met Annso. I’m not sure what she meant by it, but I took it to mean that it would be a year where God showed me joy. And it turns out, Annso has been the biggest joy-bringer to my life by far. That was the year she came into my life.
I had not met her by January, but in a couple months I would. I know it means something different in the context of the verse, but I took it to mean that joy would come into my life, and it sure did that year. She has been such a joy to have around, brought so much peace through her kindness, not keeping score of anything between us, and always looking on the bright side.
I can’t thank you enough, Lord for your work there through her. I sure did pray about it, but through tons of anxiety, still went forward with it. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met and that I get to be with her and how devoted she is to me just amazes me every day.
What did I do to deserve her? I have no answer to that, but I do know she’s with me, and we even have a little baby boy together. Our marriage is amazing. We don’t argue about money, about anything, really. We go through each day, and whether we’re traveling together or staying at home, the days are good.
Thank you Lord for giving her to me, and I pray I can be the man she deserves. I pray for the ability to know what to do to help her keep growing into the woman you want her to be. Please help her to keep the faith and keep looking to you all the way along.
Thank you for the great Mom she is, for how she helps me, never looking for anything in return. You have been so great to me for sending her my way. Thank you that I had the courage to pursue her, despite resistance from some people at the time, and the fear in my own heart.
11 pm
Got a couple more days with Mom here before Annso, Astrid, and the Baby Boy come back from Germany. It’s been great having the time together, a very unusual thing, considering how busy she’s been and how things are going here. I’m grateful for the quiet and being able to spend the time together.
One more thing. I pray I can think up the best way to configure our house to accommodate the baby boy sleeping in our room. I pray that this house would only serve to help us and never to be a stumbling block in any way.
We are thankful for all the blessings you give us. Let this house be another miracle that only you could do, getting us the loan and helping us to pay less monthly as the result of taking it on. You are so kind to us, Lord.
I pray that when they come back, the Baby Boy can adjust quickly and well to this apartment and to me and the rest of us here in Rochester. Thank you for moving us here, for the church, the people at the church, the Mayo Clinic, and the small town that has everything we need. You are good to us. No doubt about it. Amen.
>>>>>>>>>>
“You make known to me the path of life…” (Psalm 16:11)