Thank you's..

     To my wife, Michelle, you have always supported and inspired me. Through three decades of marriage, we have enjoyed the blessings of success and overcome the obstacles of life in a world of instant fixes, self-help promises, and disappointment, we have discovered the blessing of believing in each other and never giving up. You are my one true love, and I will never stop adoring you- Randy
     My children, Joshua and Elizabeth, you have both taught me that being a father was the most exciting adventure ever. Years ago, I wondered if I could be something great when I grew up, you made that possible. It is the greatest calling I have, to be your dad. I started writing because of you, this blog exists because I wanted to reach out to you when I was no longer around to do it in person. I hope you find wisdom and answers among the thoughts and ideas here. I love you more than you could ever know.-Dad
     Mom and Dad, you are the foundations on which my life began, and the guidance, wisdom, and love you gave to me changed the legacy of our family forever. The importance of humor and loyalty in our family, blended with an unyielding faith and love for God, made us strong when we needed it most. Thank you for your devotion to us, your boys. I miss you both.
     Thank you to Marla Ehoff, who read my early writings and told me that they were more than just journal notes; that somewhere out there, were people who felt like me, and perhaps together we could learn from what God was laying on my heart, that through our struggles we can find beauty in the ashes of life's harshness. These are public writings now because of your encouragement.
     To the ragamuffins of this world, I write also to you, of whom I am one. Sometimes we feel as though we will never fit in. That very few others will know who we really are on the inside, and the world has beaten us up at every turn. Hold on to the faith and hope that is found in Jesus Christ. There is grace and forgiveness for our brokenness, and He who spoke the heavens into brilliant displays of wonder thinks of us as His own, His children. Keep turning your eyes toward God, He will wrap His arms around our pain and scars. Through the miracle of His grace and love, our failures and self-doubt can be replaced with happiness and a spirit full of life.

Randy Dysart