The Power of a Wife

Dear Geviene,

I have put off writing to you because I prayed so hard that I would never have to send it... but God had other plans. I have not spent a lot of personal one on one time with you and Bob. However for about 10-12 years I heard “Perkins Boys” stories. Then we came back to San Diego and I met other people with more Perkins stories. Some stories were crazy, demented and strange, but most were wonderful, kind and loving. Finally I met the two of you, but very honestly, my deepest love for you came via very short visits and mostly from the love and respect that so many people that I hold dear; Dottie, Charlie, Nita, etc., have for you, Bob and your family.

I also want you to know how much Durwood loves Bob. I can’t seem to speak of him in the past, as all of us still love him and look forward to seeing him again.

On one of Bob’s visits to San Diego he went to Los Angeles with Durwood, as they both had business there. When Dur returned he told me a wonderful story and it just affirmed my convictions about you as a wife. Bob and Dur were discussing their youth, early years of marriage and the church. Bob said that early in your marriage you sat him down and told him that your family was either going to serve the Lord... or else and he was going to have to shape up. Bob gave you the credit for straightening him out (He being the one “raised in the church” not you). You in my mind started Bob on the journey he has just completed, the greatest adventure ever and the wonderful peace of Jesus.

I just pray for more wives like you. If so, the church would have more great men and families like yours. Durwoods visit with Bob was profoundly good for him, as he still struggles with certain demons, and Bob’s faithfulness and your service to Bob deeply touched him... and me.

I just wish you every good blessing and we look forward to seeing you in San Diego in the near future. I send you my love and regards but mostly my admiration for the wife that you are. May we all have your courage and love.

Love to you

Estelle

From Uncle CB to Dad

Bob, I have prayed for your recovery every day and my plan is to keep it up as long as it takes.

Beyond praying though, I have thought about you every day. I can still see you up on the roof wearing that blue hat scooting along the ridge. The kind of spirit that keeps it all in perspective and goes about its business. You have been through a lot recently and even with all the great love and support you are getting... it’s got to be tough. I can only imagine what it would be like.

I have known you the great majority of my life (and I’m old) and next to my father you have been the most important male in my life. As I was growing up and observed you... the way you lived your life... you provided a great role model. It may have taken me a little longer than most but I did get it. You provided me a better example than my father did. You and my mother were the two most important people in developing my path to God and I am so thankful for that.

I saw in you an example of how it could be... no... how it should be. Not that anyone is perfect but that being human with flaws... you could still lead a life of honesty, integrity and fun.

None of us knows what the future holds, one day is about all we can count on. I just want you to know I have a picture of you on my heart and I will carry it as long as I live.

Love.

C.B

Acts 6:1-7. Problem #2 in the Early Church

In spite of all the euphoria associated with the rapid growth of Christianity there were problems. However, these problems, instead of stunting the growth of Christianity, pushed it forward.

The first problem was when Ananias and Sapphira lied about their monetary gift to God. God chose to kill them for that sin.

The second problem, found in Acts 6, was when Christian widows from a “Grecian” Jew background were discriminated against in favor of Christian widows from a “Hebrew” Jew background. It was a potentially devastating problem. After all the unity of the believers is the primary evidence for the deity of Jesus Christ (John 17). This feeding of these widows on a daily basis was a ministry of the church. The church provided food and serving tables for the food. As a ministry it was no less important than the “ministry of the word” that the Apostles were engaged in. James 1:27, states that “pure religion” was taking care of widows.

Whoever was in charge of this ministry previously had failed but the Apostles chose not to identify them or castigate them for obvious reasons. The Apostles could have taken charge and designated seven men to take on this ministry but chose not to. Instead they let the congregation of believers choose the men and gave qualifications as a basis for the decision. The Apostles leadership method was one of building the team and developing individuals.

The report of the neglect of the widows obviously would have been known by the greater Jerusalem population. So too was the solution and as a result the numbers of new converts grew at a phenomenal rate and included many of the Jewish priests.

Let’s not pretend that problems in the Lord’s church go un-noticed by non-Christians and let’s solve our problems so that God’s name is glorified and the church is made stronger.

Shared Family

Dear Bobby Lane,

On a day that honors fathers, I want you to know I think you’re the best. You continue to teach me so much in the way you live your life. I’m so thankful you and Geviene allowed us to be part of your family. I always wanted a family like yours. One in which the parents loved each other, are committed to each other, their family and the Lord.

Thank you so much for being an example for me and Fritz and especially for our children. What a priceless gift you have given all of us. It’s so nice to have a place to come “home” to. I love sitting between you and Geviene in church and when you hold my hand during the prayer. Again... thank you.

It’s been so hard to watch you battle this horrible disease. I can’t stand the thought of you hurting. I’ve been amazed at how well you’ve handled it all. The surgeries, soaks, pills, treatments, drops, juices and shakes! Yet through it all your faith in the lord has been constant. When I think of 1 Cor. 13:7, I think of you.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Thanks you for loving me, “my family”, and for sharing your family with us. You are my hero, and I love you dearly.

Sunshine

Living Memories

July 11, 1998, three days after Dad passes

Dear Geviene,

Bill just asked why I wasn’t sleeping. I didn’t really have an answer, but I got up to put words on a page, I hope there’s some meaning in them when I’m through.

For months my family has prayed for yours and when I would hear Grant pray for “Bro. Perkins”, it made me sad that he didn’t really know him and also glad how the circle of life flows. Someone who was so real to me was also real to my son, but in a very different way.

I felt comforted today. The service was so comforting to me. Words were expressed so well what echoed in my brain of memories. I was a kid – just a girl who had friendships and fun in your home. But I too – took away much more than the fun. As an adult, as a parent, as a wife, I draw from all those experiences. I know that I always will too. I have them so clearly in my head & my heart. As much as Arlene & Robert, as much as Robert & Martha, you and Bob are examples for me. I thank you for that.

It was good to see the family. I‘m sorry I wasn’t able to stay & visit. I’m so glad you broke in the line before the service – I needed that hug! But as I saw them & heard them speak and pray, it became clearer to me... Clearer like when I would read a fantastic article that Greg had written in a church bulletin; clearer as I heard a beautiful prayer while visiting in Corpus; clearer as I sat by a grand-daughter at a tea & listened to the childish conversation, clear that he will continue in the lives of those who he has touched... His family the most – but me in a small, yet big way. Maybe it was big because of where I was in my life; I soaked up a lot. I am so glad.

I am sorry for your loss. It is great. I know you’ll find peace in Christ & through him. The memories will be a comfort too – wherever your walk now takes you. They will not fade. My memories will continue to guide me & encourage me. Thank you. I just wanted to let you know what I felt. The love & appreciation I have for you & your family. You will continue to be in my family’s prayers.

May God comfort & strengthen you.

Much Love

Ruby

Faithful Love, Quiet Mercies and Unknown Kindnesses

Dad was sick for about a year before he finally passed. During that time a host of letters, cards and emails came through. I asked mom if I could have them and since she is down sizing she passed them to me. I cried most of the time as I was reading through all of it. I am publishing a few on our family page because a lot of my nephews and nieces were so young when Dad died that they don't remember him very well. My parents were incredible people. How lucky for me and my brothers.

June 21, 1998 (18 days before dad passes)

My dearest Bob and Geviene, words are very hard to come by when your heart is so full of gratitude. When someone has helped your family in so many ways it seems “thank-you” is inadequate. However, I came across a couple of lines on a book that brought you both to mind immediately.

When I was so tired I didn’t think I could move and I had no idea how I was going to clean house and care for our brand new child, Geviene and Carolyn came through the door and answered all my prayers. It was a small thing to you, but it was a mountain to me. Not only did you care for my physical needs but you also set an example of Christian love that has been with me from that moment. While that seemed like a mountain the next problem you solved was a whole mountain range. When we lost our home and everything else your offer to buy our house was wonderful and such a load off our shoulders. It made it much easier for us to get back on our feet knowing you were willing to help. Jack had a hard time understanding such love and kindness from outside his worldly family. It was a wonderful example for us both.

Through the years, with 3 growing children, you have been a great resource for love, examples, words of wisdom. For all this I thank you from the depths of my heart.

The book I was reading was “Good News from North Haven”. It is a fictional account of a small town and the members of a small Presbyterian church. The author is a Presbyterian minister and it’s a mix of churches and people he has dealt with. In a chapter entitled “The Little Things” he comes to a wonderful conclusion about how important little things are- “They are important because the mark a man or woman makes on this world is most often a trail of faithful love and quiet mercies and unknown kindnesses.”

This is you my dear friends. I hope the remaining time will bring you comfort and peace and that we will meet again in a far better place. With deep affection and gratitude.

Dixie

I've changed a few names.

Facing Death with Gratitude

I was in Houston this week-end helping mom prepare to move and was going through some of Dad’s papers. I ran across a package of printed emails that were sent to him when he was sick. I heard that Dad kept a Gratitude Book but have never seen it but here is an excerpt that Mom quoted in an email she sent out.

Feb 9th

- I’m grateful for Geviene who cares for me so much.

- For the book I am reading

- For friends who care for me

- For God who has always loved me

- For the cancer which has showed me how much I have been blessed

Feb 13th

- A family who enjoys laughing together

- A God who answers prayer

- Reminders of those who are praying for me

- Lunch with Scott’s family... loving grand daughters

Feb 14th

- Hearing and laughing at Rob joking with the nurses

- Rob’s progress at the clinic

- Cards and sentiments that people write in them

- News that a patients lung tumor was not malignant

Feb 15th

- Worshipping God with Geviene and Greg (in his room)

- Finding the right scripture

- Going to Scotts for lunch

- Talking with Walker