This morning despite rainy Kansas weather, Gigi, my sister and brother-in-law (who are here visiting), and most of the Leavenworth Maxwells gathered at the Leavenworth National Cemetery to visit my dad’s grave.

My dad did not lose his life serving his country, but he was seriously wounded in that service. God spared his life then, perhaps because he was not yet a believer in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t until his early 40’s that my dad was born again.

One of the things we did at the cemetery was share memories of Grandad, as he was called in his later years. The changes Jesus made in his life at salvation, that were evident right away and in the ensuing years, were a big part of those memories.

We sang, we prayed, and we shed a few tears. We rejoiced in his legacy, and knowing where Grandad is now and that we will see him in heaven one day.

As we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service for our country today, we are also reminded of the One Who gave His life to purchase redemption for every believer. His blood paid the penalty for our sin.

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,
being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).

The yearly mulching-at-Gigi’s happened in an eclectic fashion. Getting this many folks’ schedules to coordinate just wasn’t working, so we did it in several sessions.

Melanie and her kids, along with Anna Marie and her kids, with some help from myself, took one late afternoon to work on it. We made good progress and mostly took care of the front area along with maintenance in the back.

Another morning, Dad and Mom worked over the whole back area, spreading mulch. That evening, Melanie and crew, along with Christopher’s family, and Anna, pitched in to finish it out. We’re grateful for so many helpers to tackle the big project. Of course, we ended with a pizza party.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

Happy Tuesday! I’m catching up on some recent events–thankful to have an opportunity to compile them.

Mother’s Day truly was a beautiful day of celebrating the mother (s) in our lives. I forgot to mention a Happy Mother’s Day to my sisters-in-law!

Anyway, we made Mom her favorite food, gave her gifts, enjoyed worshipping together with our brothers and sisters in Christ and celebrating moms there too, and then late afternoon, 7 out of the 8 Maxwell grown “kids” were together. Sadly, John’s family was quite under the weather, otherwise they would have been with us too.

We’re very grateful for a mom who loves us, poured her life into educating and raising us, and still invests!

“Strength and honour are her clothing;
and she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25).

Today is Jesse and Anna’s 1st Anniversary! Congratulations! We love you both so much and delight to see the Lord’s blessing.

I realized I hadn’t finished with the final part to their wedding pictures, and I thought it fitting to do so today. If you haven’t seen Part 1 and Part 2, you can click on the respective links.

Because of COVID regulations, Jesse and Anna weren’t able to have a reception, so we took photos in the park, and then they came back for family good-byes.

Jesse and Anna were such a fun couple to photograph; their love for each other was very apparent, and Anna’s giggle is contagious.

Happy Anniversary!

Then onto family good-byes.

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether”
(Psalm 19:9).

We’re excited to share the news that a baby is on the way for John and Chelsy! Their two boys bring them such joy and are a blessing for sure. Chelsy is due in late September. Congratulations, John and Chelsy!

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).