After writing close to three dozen books, I want to thank a unique group of people who, if they were honest, stand amazed!
To my 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Ladd: You gave me the only spanking I ever received in school, breaking a ruler over my behind in front of the entire class. I have two thoughts for you: I am certain I deserved it! and, it all goes to show that you just never know how effective discipline can be! Bless you . . . you deserve a crown!!!
To my typing teacher, Mrs. Whittington: I thought I outfoxed you by typing 100 words per minute (meriting a speed grade of an “A”) while making at least 30-50 errors (meriting an accuracy grade of an “F”), which all averaged out to be a “C.” This was my goal at the time—to pass your course and graduate. You proved the point that even a student who hated a class can end up effectively using the skills learned.
Thanks to both of you . . . and forgive me, please. I know I was a pain.
And to Dave Boehi: I wish you could’ve known these two educators who preceded you and bore the brunt of my youth. You would’ve liked them both. Thank you for corralling all this material from my writings, broadcasts and other ramblings and ordering them into a devotional that will help engaged couples . . . thank you! You have been a gift to millions through your skills of writing, editing and organization. Thanks to you and Merry, a lot of marriages and families have been served well over the past 25 years. You are a good man. Thank you!
To Bob Lepine: You had a vision for this devotional before I did. What else is new? Thank you for your friendship and faithfulness.
To Bill Eyster: You are a good man. Period. You know this wouldn’t have happened without you. Thank you for being a friend and world changer. And yes, thanks to his bride, “Spicy” Tracey, for standing by your man . . . because he wouldn’t have ever been here without you!
Thanks to the team at Gospel Light for another great job of serving both the author and the reader. To Bill Greig: You have been a good partner in ministry over the past 2+ decades. To Kim Bangs: Thanks for your servant spirit and all the hard work you and your team of Elizabeth Wingate and Carol Eide did.
And to Michelle, who knows where everything is—how to water our plants—and how to serve really well. Thank you for being a woman who is not merely a survivor, but a woman on a mission. You are amazing.
Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Summer of 2013