I am from...

I am from homemade quilts, and corn bags, and attic bedrooms

I am from wide open spaces, and raw unspoiled beauty and freshly plowed earth beneath my feet

I am from a daddy with grease-covered hands, and a family that loves old trucks, and do-it-yourself projects.

I am from homegrown garden produce, and Squeezo-straino freezer jam, and hours of raspberry picking.

I am from the tall white farm house, not large but large enough as it grew to expand to spread the love that was nurtured there.

I am from summers spent in Camp service, loving children to Jesus and learning to love Him more; from Choose the Right Door! And black light gospel presentations, and “It only takes a spark” and “ I have decided to follow Jesus”

I am from the white blossomed over-grown cherry trees, and the raphiki tree whose strong limbs held us all.

I’m from Little Lost Kids, and tree fort adventures; from dress-up clothes, and sleep-over birthdays.

I’m from the story of the Wordless Book,  that led me to the Word made flesh, the sweetest Name I’ve ever heard.

I am from prayer at the flag pole, and high school Bible study, and Christian t-shirts, a zeal for bearing the light.

I am from “quit ritchin’ around” and “there is no such word as cain’t” and People need the Lord.

I am from Friday night pizza, and smilin’ Irish eyes, from my parents and my siblings who I love so dear.

I’m from a momma who prays with me, who models motherhood and service to the Lord as a beautiful tapestry, not a frantic race.

I'm from my daddy who loves me; whose love for the Lord, and for His people, is evident to all who meet him.

I am from Good News Clubs in the public schools, and VBS at my local church, and “Stand up and Shout it if you love my Jesus.”

I’m from laughing long and loud, and teasing, and talking about bodily functions at the dinner table.

I’m from “it’s time to climb the golden stair” and “quit your cryin’ or I’ll give you something to cry about” and “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever”

I’m from “Is God good and can you trust Him?" From burying my friends who now share with Him in glory. From learning lessons I thought I was too young to grasp.

I’m from October camping in the Adirondacks and fireside readings of the Cremation of Sam McGee.

I’m from North Chili, and Irish potato farmers, and Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonites, and pecan pie and sticky buns.

I’m from  a coal-shoveling Irishman aboard the doomed Titanic who rowed others to their coming rescue and later wrote his tale in a gospel tract pointing the dying world to the One who alone can save them.

I am from Friday nights watching Planet Earth, and cultivating orchids and a household of science nerds “Did you know…?”

I am from “Don’t be bad,” “Have fun storming the castle” and “The more we get together, together.”

I am from cousin sleepovers, and Sunrise services, and the annual Haggan “Easter Parade”

I am from Townie Times, whether snuggled together on one bed to watch a movie, or a dance party in the living room, from telling secrets and bearing our souls, 

I am from the memories of camping trips, of family times whether elaborate or simple, living and loving one another on our journey here on earth.

Most of all I am from the Lord who knows me and loves me, who gives grace for each moment and joy for the journey;

I am from the One Who makes beauty from ashes, Whose promises are true, and Whose faithfulness will carry me thru.