Make Every Moment Count
As you read this — Carl and I are flying home with full hearts and grateful souls.
What began in London carried us to Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, Cork, and yesterday, Portland, England — plus many more breathtaking places along the way.
We rode taxis, trains, buses, tender boats, and our own two feet — lots and lots of steps! We laughed with people from around the world, marveled at stunning cathedrals, and were captivated by the extraordinary performers aboard the MS Nieuw Statendam.
Yesterday marked our final excursion as we visited Portland Castle, a remarkable fortress built around 1541 by Henry VIII. It was constructed to defend England’s coast against possible invasions from France and Spain.

Its thick stone walls have stood watch over the sea for nearly five centuries. As I walked through its ancient rooms and looked out across the water, I was struck by the contrast between then and now.
Generations have come and gone, kingdoms have risen and fallen, yet here we are — alive, healthy, and blessed to enjoy this very moment.
Standing inside that historic castle made me profoundly grateful to live in the here and now, cherishing the gift of today and the faithful God who holds every age in His hands.

One of our favorite memories from this trip was being chosen to play “The Love Game” on stage. We answered questions about our marriage and somehow won! Only one question stumped us “What is the most sentimental gift you gave your wife?” I answered “my sunflower necklace.” We lost to Carl’s unforgettable answer: “a handheld vacuum cleaner.” Oh my!
But beneath the fun was a deeper truth. Time is precious.
The older we get, the more we realize that life is not measured by how much we accumulate, but by how deeply we love.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
None of us knows when we will cross over to the other side. But until that day, may we stop and smell the roses. May we laugh often, love generously, and live with no regrets.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17
Our journey may be ending, but the greater adventure continues. Each sunrise is another invitation to cherish the people God has placed in our lives and to make every moment count.
Why don’t you join us with letting the people around you see what true love looks like?