Happy Birthday, Jane!

Jane is...Happy Years! She is known as Janie by High School friends. Her mother named her Lana Jane. I am blessed to know her as my wife.

For the fun of it on this happy day I am sharing a picture or two of this great gal, lady, mother, friend, profound blessing to so many, not least, happily, ME!

Larry L. Huff

My Dad would be 70 Today

(Nov. 7, 2009)


Today my Dad would be 70. He died in 1993, having just turned 54.

I miss my Dad – so hard to believe he has been gone so long. Today as I hurt for our friend, Tom McCall, who just lost his own Dad, I feel the deep inner pain, the sense of loss that just will not go away. Death is so final, and efforts to write about it always seem futile.

I remember my Dad as one who worked hard and gave his best along the years of life. He and my Mom had seven children, losing their first at the age of 3 months. Dad was a woodsman all of his life, proving the adage that you ‘can take the man out of the woods but you can’t take the woods out of the man’. Even when we lived on the plains of southwest Kansas he did a little bit of tree work. Later, in North Central Kansas, he found a happy niche as a local tree surgeon, felling trees around town on his days off, hauling the firewood home to heat our big house on the edge of town.

Of course Dad’s real job was as a Highway Patrolman and he served Kansans in this capacity for 23 years. I always enjoyed seeing him in uniform and hearing him check in on the radio: “334 Garden City” or “334 Salina” as the case may be. I’ll never forget his early morning return from a tragic wreck in which three had perished. I was up at about 5:00 AM or so and as he came by my room he just held up three fingers, sober and dutiful.

He was 43 at the time, younger than me as I write today. As I pass these years I often wonder, “What were those years like for my Dad? Did he have the same feelings I have now? Who was he really? Can I understand him now that I am passing through life as he did?” Maybe I can. I know this. For years now I’ve found myself asking, “How did Dad handle this?” And I try to answer so I can get a good idea for how I should handle whatever it is. Always I remember a man who loved me and showed it by steady faithfulness. After I moved out and started my own home he really worked to keep channels open. He loved my wife, Jane, and by word and example supported our marriage.

This summer we visited my Dad’s boyhood home in Emily, Minnesota, and spent most of a week with his seven wonderful siblings and their families. Wow! Once again I was reminded of one of my Dad’s best qualities, exhibited so well in the Huff clan of the North. He knew how to love – love in a way that was real; no airs, no ‘delusions of grandeur’ as he liked to say, no mean spiritedness about people. I didn’t always understand this kind of love, being a more emotional type, and in my teenage years I was annoying enough (and beyond “annoying”) to make for some real difficulty. But in it all he was steady and true, living a life of trust and dependence on God. His life and guidance, along with my Mom, of course, took me on a path in which I often encountered the living God. And much to my Dad’s joy, one day I surrendered my life to Jesus and He has made all the difference.

Those are my thoughts today on my Dad’s 70th birthday. I so wish he were still with us. How I would love to talk about life with him, making amends, listening, listening, listening. For now I just want to be more like him, which will be less than he wanted, but as much as I can hope for. And I say that with a happy smile. Larry Huff was a good man and today I gladly honor him as my Dad.

Jane's Mother: A Tribute

Yesterday, a time of memories and reminders….

Memories of a little mother not more than 5′3”, one not well known at all or of great accomplishments in the world’s eyes. She was not one to try to impress with words or deeds. Her life was one of hardships, struggles and pain but her living was one of grit, endurance and great love: Love for her Lord, love for others. Just simple, quiet, unassuming love.

So many things flood my mind as I think of her: a Bible full of verses underlined with dates penciled in, her sweet voice singing throughout the house, hearing her praying long into the night, a guitar that lies cold where once she could play up a storm, her cooking which was enjoyed by so many – all that and so much more.

This dear little mother gave me something far more than material wealth. She helped me to see the deep joy in the small things of life, in the simple everyday giving, loving and serving. She went on to be with Jesus this time last year. How I miss her but I am reminded of how blessed I am to have her as my mother and what an even more wonderful blessing is that I have the joy and privilege of being a mother to two precious boys! What wonderful gifts!

I hope I can be the mother to them that my mom was to me.

Where the Roses Never Fade

Jane’s mother passed away this morning at about 9:00.
She slipped away peacefully, beautifully, as Jane sang to her about roses that never fade.

Mom was a rose — beautiful, enduring, inspiring, fragrant, growing. She made life better for all who knew her.

She knew little more than to serve and to pray and to seek the Lord and His way of truth and wholeness.

Because of that, she was a flower – a rose – that brightened and colored our lives.

The centerpiece on the family table.

That she was and so much more.

And now she is in that land we all long for – a land where roses, and all things, never fade again.

Heaven is sweeter for her passing.

We would so appreciate your prayers for Jane and all of her family during these days.

Mom reading to our son Lawrence.

Where the Roses Never Fade

I am going to a city,
Where the streets with gold are laid;
Where the tree of life is blooming,
And the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

Loved ones gone to be with Jesus,
In their robes of white arrayed;
Now are waiting for my coming,
Where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

1. Mary Ellen Huff Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm e

   I think that’s the first time I’ve seen an older picture of her - Jane looks sooo much like her! What a lovely looking lady.

   I am so sorry for your loss as a family, and especially for Jane. Please give her a big hug for us. I know her Mom was incredibly proud of the wife and Mother Jane is, and the kind of person she is in every way. I am doubly sorry her Mom passed away on Mother’s Day. Even though she knows her Mom is in heaven I’m sure that from now on Mother’s Day will be bitter sweet.

   When is the funeral?

2. Randy Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 1:08 pm e

   Thank you so much, Mary.
   The funeral is Thursday, May 15.

3. Anita Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 2:27 pm e

   Please pass on my condolences to Jane and family. I’ve been through this recently and will keep her in my prayers.

4. Steve, Rebecca & Family Says:
   May 17th, 2008 at 1:31 am e

   We are so very sorry for your loss!! We will be remembering you all, Leisa, and the rest of the family to our loving Father!

5. Jane Says:
   May 21st, 2008 at 2:17 pm e

   Dear Family and Friends,
   Thank you so very much for all the cards, flowers, calls and prayers during this time. I am so glad that I got to stay with mother in the hospice section of the hospital - technically it isn’t called that but it is much like one. There are no words to describe our days together…I was given a precious gift of time, service and in some sense, too, releasing mother to Jesus as she took her last breath, knowing that her next breath was in a land beyond our understanding. Heaven will surely be worth it all!
   Love to all,
   Jane

Timesof Life

Jane’s Mom with Lawrence. She has been a great,
loving Grandma and wonderful mother-in-law.

Mom with her own Mother and my Bride on our wedding day.

Early last Tuesday morning we received a call, one of those calls we know will come sooner or later yet we can never seem ready for them. Jane’s mother had suffered a severe stroke and was taken by ambulance to an ER near her home in Indianapolis. Jane left right away for the four hour drive to be with her.

Later Tuesday she was able to see Mom and spend some time with her. The stroke had been devastating, she was not responding, things did not look good. At age 83, having suffered nearly six years with the effects of a previous stroke, the doctors gave the sober news we didn’t want to hear. Mom’s body was beginning to shut down.

Jane and her siblings have been saying good bye. Mom raised eleven children, lost one, loved and worked like a humble champion and will be remembered with a forever love in the heart of each of her children. She will always be with us in memories of her cooking, her prayers, and her gentle, compassionate care.

These are times of life that remind us to consider what matters, hold our loved ones closer, set our hearts more toward heaven.

And these are times of life when we ask for your prayers. The Lord is with the family, sustaining and giving a beautiful and gentle grace. We do ask for your continued prayers as we say goodbye to a mother, a mother-in-law, and Grandma.

1. Jay Says:
   May 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm e

   You’ve got ‘em. We love you guys!

2. Dale Says:
   May 3rd, 2008 at 12:27 am e

   Our love to you. God’s grace and peace be yours in full measure.

   Dale and Deb

3. Jason Miller Says:
   May 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm e

   Love and prayers from our family to yours.

4. Stephen Says:
   May 4th, 2008 at 10:22 pm e

   Randy, praying for God’s comfort for you and your family (2 Cor. 1:5)

5. Randy Says:
   May 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am e

   Thank you Jay, Dale, Jason and Stephen for you interest and prayers. We have been very aware of God’s comfort and enabling through these days. Jane’s mom is in hospice within the hospital and not expected to be with us much longer. Jane is still there with the family and we are very grateful she can be.
   We appreciate your continued prayers.

6. Chris Says:
   May 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am e

   Hey, we are praying for you and the family… God Bless!

   Chris and Hsin

Ode By Elliot

Well…as some of you know, our first video post was not what we thought it was. Ol’ yours truly techno-genius clicked on the wrong picture. But now it is fixed, I promise!

Thought you might enjoy a bit of the fun we have with a guy like Elliot around. More to come — we can be sure of that!

Take a look here.

( http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=deed367030aadfcfc59b )

Randall Lawrence — My Favorite Eldest Son

No parent can say how dear are their children. But we can try. Randall Lawrence is our first born. Yes his first name is mine as well and I couldn’t be more happy and proud. We call him Lawrence, and that name is for his Grandfather whom he never knew.

Lawrence is our 6,7,8,9,10, 11 year-old and I want to say a few bragging-dad words about him.

Lawrence has always loved drawing and this year he once again won local and state in the WCTU poster contest. (To his delight, the prizes were cash, which he saved.) When he was younger he drew more pictures than one could count: various battles, thousands of little soldier men, even a panorama of the living room. But our favorite was the subject that captivated his mind as early as 3 years old. That was the cross. For some reason he drew crosses — and often he would put Jesus on the cross. Who can know why this captured his imagination, but we wonder if it shouldn’t capture ours as well.

Lawrence loves to play basketball and we’ve played alot of round-the-world, 3-point shoot out and pick up ball with his friends. The other day he got some new ball shoes, so look out! One of our co-workers here calls him "Mr. Basketball". As you might guess, he enjoys the name.

This last year he had the itch to do outdoor work and a neighbor asked him to mow his lawn. He was 10 but we loved his initiative so we said, "OK". I helped him some the first time or two but then it was, "I can do it OK, Dad."

Then we learned we could not use the school lawnmowers. Understandable.

"What if I took some of my savings and bought my own lawnmower, Dad?" What if, indeed. I got out my "father’s easy answer book" and looked for the section on ‘budding tycoons.' We decided to let him buy the lawnmower. This year he added a weed-eater to his arsenal.

We don’t exactly live in the suburbs, so finding lawns is a bit of a trick, but he has two and will get others — there are probably 20-30 houses within a mile or so and he has done some door knockin’. And he does other odd jobs to add to his savings. Best of all, as he earns he is learning the tithe, which is, as we try to teach him, God’s gift to help us remember from whence all gifts come.

Lawrence’s best qualities are his eagerness to work and save, desire to help his Mom (just yesterday: "You work too hard, Mom. I’m going to clean the house this afternoon."), and his gentle, quiet spirit. He has a spiritual openness that we covet and want to cultivate.

Raising kids is a high calling. I’m glad God trusted us with a son like Lawrence and we pray we will make good on that trust.

1. Jenny Says: June 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm e

   Wow! It makes me really excited to watch our kids grow as I read your blog. The preschool years seem so sweet and fleeting–but what joy to think how fun the “tween” years and teenage years beyond will be, as well. The picture of you and Lawrence building the treehouse is priceless. God’s richest blessings on your wonderful family!

2. Mother Says: June 17th, 2007 at 3:28 am e

   I loved it. Lawrence is off to a good start. Remember your first summer mowing lawns, Randy? I think you were a little older. It was really a nice piece that you wrote about Lawrence. May God bless you as you continue on. You are doing well.

3. Jay Wisler Says: June 22nd, 2007 at 1:14 am e

   You have been blessed. Very touching.

4. Mary Ellen Says: June 22nd, 2007 at 4:33 am e

   He is one great kid, and so is that other one of you with the really cool name! Can’t wait to see all four of you in just a week - our kids are counting the days…literally.

5. Sarah Fry Says: June 22nd, 2007 at 5:23 pm e

   Wow - that picture brings back happy memories! I just found your blog on the hobe sound blog log. I’ll look forward to looking in on your busy lives!

   We’re doing great - we just moved to Indiana so that David can continue studying in Chicago. We miss the south - it was a wonderful 4 years. During packing, I found the wonderful information you had put together for us about the house and the area when we moved to Mississippi. It was such a blessing.

   Trust all is well with you all. I’m anxious to read up and see what’s going on in your world.

   Blessings! Sarah Fry

6. Randy Says: June 26th, 2007 at 11:15 am e

   Thanks everyone for coming by — you can see I’m really burning up the blog world these days! Good to hear from you, Sarah. Glad you all made the move and are doing fine. We loved our years in the south, too, and we loved that Alta Woods neighborhood and that tree house! Hello to David — happy he can continue work up at TEDS. BTW, my sister and her family pastor in Kokomo at the PHC — you probably know them.