THE STADEM-RANGEN CORNERSTONE

From day to day, we experience God's unfailing love in amazing ways! He gives us strength and wisdom, helps us to mature so that we are teachable and refineable. The joy, ecstasy and praise for our Savior that flows from our lips rewards us with joyous, precious memories! Spiritually speaking, we feel like we have wings to fly with no gravity! (Now isn't that a mouthfull?)

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness--(Lamen. 3:22-23).

Joe and I did a little "detective" work before making our journey to their California home to surprise Sister Be and Brother Russ: a call to son Del Von and his dear wife Rea assured us that we could, "Go ahead and surprise them!" Surprise them we did!

Instead of "Yikes": "Who's at the door?" The "Two Jewels" welcomd us in with grace, having the hearts of each of us who know them well: This time it was Gary, Chloe, Joe and Estelle.

Though both very weak, their tenure can be described as truly phenomenal: Talk about unfettered spirit! They still walk slow but with dignity, no hurry! Both quiet and unobtrusive! Nevertheless, each with a smile in their voice, a sparkle in their eyes, a song on their lips (Think they were singing with us as we waited at the door, singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year"), a warmth in their touch, a depth to their beauty, a purpose for their lives, a joy in their faith and love in their hearts, each trusting in Christ for salvation and His will to guide them.

Very dear friends of Be and Russ stopped in to check on them while we were there, the Fiffers. We remember, they are friends we had heard about, concerning so many experiences Russ and his friend had together. Especially one scary one, when Mr. Fiffer asked his friend Russ to accompany him on a sail to Alaska, when they encountered a storm which would have taken them both to a watery grave unless God had more for them to do! Mr. Fiffer found his way to a church to pray as soon as they stepped on land, to thank God for saving their lives.

Russ has always believed in giving time to his fellowmen, large or small (in man's sight), no pay but the privilege of doing it [More about this will be given in a tribute to Russ, Bernice, and their Christian endeavors and ministry--Editors]

The same can be said of Sister Be, determined to live each day as Christ would dictate, keeping in mind the temporal nature of everything which, up to these last years, seems so permanent. There are few worthwhile things in life that do not involve some effort, discipline, self-control, concentration, perseverence and giving of time, energy and talent!--all these, both have done.

A serendipitious life is distinguished by surprisability! An eighth Beatitude might be, "Blessed are those who are surprisable, for the unexpected always happens." When we lose our capacity to be surprisable, we settle into life's ruts of responsibilities and demands with the terrible conviction that we must do everything ourselves. We know that God delights to surprise us with serendipities we never expected. You, dear Russ and Be, never expected....such as having a precious son and daughter-in-law, who make many trips down to "lighten your load," and at the same time, enjoy all enjoy great fellowship in family blessings! Grandsons too, of course.

We are praying for God's will to be accomplished [in the matter of Russ and Be's health--Editors]. We know you want to be in prayer on their behalf! Psalm 5:111-12: "Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: Let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: Let them also that love Thy Name be joyful in Thee. For Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous, with favor wilt Thou compass him as with a shield." Going-On-Giving-God-Glory, Joe and Estelle

TAKK AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!