I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12
These verses (Psalm 77:11-12 and Psalm 103:2-5 below) were part of my devotions on Saturday (12/27), and I was encouraged to be “intentional as 2025 draws to a close . . . to remember and rejoice in the reality of God’s goodness this year.” One of the ways I do that is to scroll through my photos on my phone from the last year. As I did this, I made a list of things for which I am thankful (and there are certainly more than I list here). I would not consider them as “miracles” or “mighty deeds,” but, I do think they are examples of blessings and God working in my life.
Claire: Our oldest graduated from Drake in three years, then in the fall headed to Glasgow, Scotland for a full year of grad school. She also squeezed a quick adventure to Paris.
Cai: Our son continues to grow into a responsible young man. He finished his first year of college and then moved back home after we had “forced” him to live on campus the first year. He has kept busy with his friends, building computers, and golf. He also enjoyed being a hockey fan with Rebecca. He is always out and about doing his things, so much so, I didn’t get many pictures this year. I am so very proud of him.
Leah:
Those of you that know – you know the ups and downs Leah has had in the past year – and that of course means that Rebecca and I have gone through those as well. I am not going to go through all the details here – but we did get to spend some great moments with her, went through some difficult times, with a couple of moves and hospital visits. On her best days, she is a most beautiful, joyful and fun girl with her wit and sense of humor – and for those days, we are so very thankful.
Everyday Beauty: I have tried to be intentional about seeing the everyday beauty in our lives – those places that we often take for granted and fail to see even when they are right in front of us. I appreciated the beautiful maple tree in our front yard, the waterfalls in a nearby WI State Park, the northern lights, and a ship coming in under the lift bridge this year.
Adventures with Rebecca: We have been on this adventure for 24+ years and we enjoy going on short trips together. We took a day trip in the spring up the north shore of Lake Superior to Gooseberry Falls and the black beach in Silver Bay. Of course, it was not exactly a typical warm day for going to the beach.
We also made two different trips to Wausau – one to visit their Y (a work thing for me) and another to see Trampled by Turtles in concerts. Of course, we always try to visit our dear friends in the area as well.
We also made the trip to Grand Rapids, MI for the second year to visit with cousins on both sides of my family and some dear friends from my college days and to watch Claire row. The image captures the specifics – but the time spent with our daughter, and with family and friends are the most important parts of the trip.
God’s redemptive work and presence in my life: I don’t have a picture for this, but maybe all the other themes and photos remind me that despite the pain, doubt, and fear I have, God is still working in me and reminds me that He is still with us (Emmanuel).
As I said in a previous edition, I don’t share these to boast, but rather to be intentional about remembering and practicing gratitude for the way God has worked in my life. During the struggle, it can be easy to let the bad stuff wear you down -and at times it really has, so it is good to talk to your self and remember that God is good and that his love endures forever.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5
A Long Intentional Walk 