Landon James Johnsen

Here’s the cute little guy….

A Day in the Life

I had an interesting day here in the Conejo Valley today. I started out on a 4-5 mile hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, above Paramount Ranch, with our Elder Chairman Gary Rafferty. Almost two hours of incline and switchbacks made me sweat. Then I went to the office with dirty socks and dusty tennis shoes.

Then after our prayer meeting was over tonight, Karen and I went to watch the USA Olympics Water Polo team have their last stateside practice! They were using the Oaks Christian Olympic-size pool, which is only about a mile away from our home, since the team’s coach lives in Westlake Village. (Oaks is one of the best prep schools in the nation, with the children of Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, and Will Smith, being among the students.)

I feel fortunate, and thank God, for these unique opportunities. You just never know what a day might bring around here…

- Dale

Reflections on an illness

It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced having a tiny virus knock me down for 2 1/2 weeks (so far) — sapping energy and clogging up my breathing apparatus. As a result of rotating between being out of commission and “playing hurt” — I’ve had time to reflect on Paul’s commands”In everything give thanks” and “Be content in whatever circumstance you’re in”. If Paul could write that from a prison cell, certainly I can practice it on the couch.

So here are a few things I’m thanking and praising my God for, even in my time of sickness:
* My son chose to serve God as a pastor, has graduated from seminary, is being trusted to oversee student ministries in a good church, and his beautiful wife will give us a grandson in November.
* My daughter is walking with Christ, lives nearby, is a happy newlywed who just got promoted to be the Starbucks District Manager in her preferred region, and we just got the wedding picture proofs.
* My wife of 31 years is full of happiness and has the energy to attend Sam’s cousin’s 8th grade graduation dinner tonight in Granada Hills.
* We get to live in a beautiful part of the world, in a free nation that allows our faith to flourish.
* I get to serve the Lord among a marvelous church family full of great people who are encouraging and supportive, and are serious about growing spiritually to become more like Jesus.

Did I mention that I feel blessed by God?

If an illness can be used by the Lord to bring these reflections to the surface, it’s all worthwhile.

– Dale

Our Daughter’s Wedding – One Week Later

It’s now been 172 hours since Beth and Sam’s nuptials. It was a gorgeous day. Many family and friends said sincerely that it was the most beautiful wedding they’d ever attended. The bride and groom were calm and radiant — and are now honeymooning in Hawaii.

The most surreal moment for me was the father-daughter dance. We felt all alone, secluded, oblivious to all the gawking guests and flashing photos, as “I Loved Her First” proclaimed my unique daddy status in Beth’s life.

Here is a tiny sampler gallery of the event. Enjoy!

-Dale

Oh My Aching Back

Yesterday was the big move day for Karen’s mom. It was the third move in six months: Atria Hillcrest (some assisted living near Karen), then Castle Hill (larger room, less cost, but independent living), to now the last destination: OakView at University Village (brand new, very nice, and lots of care-giving).

WillaMae’s health has slowly deteriorated to the point that she can no longer stand or walk without a walker, and attempts to do so can easily result in her falling to the ground. But breaking a bone is something she might not recover from — hence, the higher level of care.

So after our Men’s Breakfast on Wednesday, I got the UHaul and spent 11 hours running hard to load and unload the truck, doing the final packing along the way with some help from our Home Bible Fellowship group and a couple friends from our previous church, and Sam (my nearly son-in-law). (Thanks you all!)

So this morning, I hurt. Cramped back muscle. Tender arm tendons. Yet wedding plans march along, while setting up her TV and phone are on tonight’s agenda. Pray for me to find joy in the tiredness of serving my mother in law — and for her health to rally in her new environment.

- Dale