This morning, I was on the phone with an insurance company, wanting to know about a hospital visit that Youngest Son made nearly two years ago. That made me go back in my e-mails to see what was happening two years ago. And this was one thing that happened two years ago around this time. Youngest Son and two of his cousins graduated from high school. Here they are with my parents on that happy day.
Christopher Yoder, Lem Yutzy and Gabe Heatwole
Alene and Mark Yoder
As you can see, Mama was well. Daddy had just started a round of treatment for Leukemia. Just two weeks before, he had driven himself to the hospital one day while Mama was gone, and had the fluid tapped off his lungs– about a half a gallon. The prognosis at that point was still pretty good, and we had a wonderful time getting our three sons graduated. Daddy was so proud of his grandsons.
I’ve been missing his prayers so much, but the thought that keeps running through my head is that “He prayed ahead.” That must sound strange, but Daddy prayed for the futures of his children and grandchildren. He prayed for our church and for the work of the church down the corridors of time. He prayed that righteousness would prevail, and that God would raise up a faithful generation. This morning I was reading in Job, and thought about how the influence of a righteous man is felt way beyond the parameters of his immediate family. It is my earnest desire that I would be a credit to the man he was, but even more, that his influence would continue to enrich God’s Kingdom, and that people would come to know and love Jesus because of Mark Yoder, Sr.
” . . . And I will always miss you, Daddy Dear.”
Delaware Grammy 
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful insightful man.
What a lovely post!! Thanks for sharing.
My Amish great grandmother prayed faithfully for all her children, grandchildren and all those of her descendants who were yet unborn. So, even if I never knew my great grandmother it is so comforting to me to know that I had been prayed for by her, as well as my children. What a legacy to leave behind! My mother especially has taken on that as her own legacy to leave behind, and she loves praying for her grandchildren. In fact, she is a very determined prayer warrior. On to other matters, I am taking a batch of freshly made creamsticks to Ellis, Joye and company to enjoy for lunch.
Your are blessed – as is our family by praying parents and forefathers. It is always refreshing to be reminded of that. Thanks.
Good picture!!
Prayers like your daddy’s are why Duet. 7:9 is true:
Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments…
May I also be faithful!!!
Your contents force out your readers for commenting.whole life insurance quotes