Sunday Snapshot: Joe

Anyone that's been reading this blog of mine is getting a sense of who I am. But there's one part of me you haven't really met: my husband, Joe. Yes, he is as much a part of me as my right hand. We were asked once in a couples' small group what we liked about our spouses. The best I could come up with using few words was the purity of his motives. Truly, I have never met someone who really tries to do and say things always with the best of intentions. He has a great heart, this husband of mine.

I HAD to include this next picture. It totally makes me giggle, because he looks like he's ready to be president of something, but in real life, it's really all about blue jeans & a comfy sweatshirt!

Or maybe shorts & flip-flops on the beach...ya, that's totally his speed.

Totally "Daddy" material, and after many years of experience has perfected the art of self-defense (or should it be self-preservation??)

Our children know that Daddy will play, coach, listen, teach, love, comfort & defend them. They also know that he will say "no" when it's appropriate & he is quick to forgive when an apology is given. They also know they can count on him to slip them a Re*se cup every now & again & that his ornery sense of humor is to be expected when they least expect it! Did I mention that the man also knows how to wash a dish?

Joe's profession is in education. It's also his calling. He is passionate about reaching the wounded children in our schools. In a society that has a "throw-away" mentality, even where children are concerned, he has made it a mission to encourage & empower those truly called to educate our children to work with "the least of these". He has a gift to see past behaviors & attitudes to the potential within. He has been asked many times, "What are you trying to achieve? What are you trying to sell?" Can you guess the answer?

HOPE.

You know how the bible says God likes to use people in their weaknesses? I KNOW it's true. Can I just tell you that from the beginning of our relationship, I have rolled my eyes been on Joe's case about his grammar & language stuff in general. Ya, well, I'm pretty sure God has quite the sense of humor, too.

This is Joe's first book. Through a series of amazing events, a publishing company pursued Joe to write a book on the topic he speaks about at conferences. Usually, it's the other way around. The feedback Joe has received has been so affirming. It's been so cool to go to a few conferences with him & see how his book & encouragement has impacted people. We've heard amazing stories, some told through many tears.

"Each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33

I am thankful every day that God placed this guy in my life. He has been my biggest fan, believing in me & loving me right where I am. Yet, he pushes me at the same time to explore the gifts God has given me. I will never forget when I got the phone call about taking Kaya as a foster placement. Of course, I called Joe first. His first response was, "Dardi, I KNOW you. How are you going to handle this? I need to know that no matter what, you will be okay." There is something very special about knowing that someone on this earth KNOWS you & wants to be on a wild walk of faith with you.

Well, if you've made it this far, thanks for letting me share my mushy-gushy love for my hubby! Be sure, we do lots of laughing around here...it's not so intense & serious, but I did want to take a minute to share a glimpse of my husband. And while we're at it, I would like to ask for your prayers. God put the desire in Joe's heart years ago to offer a conference where people could walk away with lots of good information & real, doable things they can use to reach wounded children. The conference is becoming a reality & is scheduled for next month. Would you please join me in praying that the response would be overwhelming? That every seat would be filled? I ask this for a couple of reasons. First, as his wife, I see the heart & soul he has invested in this & want to see him affirmed. Second, he works very hard to provide for our family so that I can remain at home, so we hope this will help out financially, as well, especially since we are in the midst of another adoption. Third, I believe this is such a great opportunity to give people a "boost" in their calling to work with children. If you are interested in taking a peek at the brochure, you can go here. Thank you so much for your prayers!!

Happy Sunday, Friends!!