Dw Turns 55 Today!!

Linny Saunders81 Comments
That sweet man of mine is 55 today. The Lord has done so much in his life since I met him 34 years ago. He is a tender-hearted man, defender of orphan and widow, advocate of family, challenger of men.
Most recently Dw got a letter from a former employee on our staff….they said that he was the most generous man they had ever met (yes, that would be him). He is a faithful servant of the most high God, grace-filled and kind to all. Not many men, at age 53 are finding two little ones {ages 1 and 2} in an orphanage and calling me to tell me he has already been to a lawyer to bring them home. Nor are there many men at just about 55 trying to figure out what kind of vehicle to buy and how many extra seats that would allows for future additions. Nope, not many men. Not many men at all.

I have often said, “If someone has a problem with Dw, it is definitely their problem.” He just doesn’t have it in him not to be grace-filled and tender. It’s just not even in his DNA.
At night when Dw climbs into bed, there is no doubt that he has worked hard, selflessly, diligently and faithfully serving the Lord all day long.

I am so thankful that many, many years ago, God heard the cry of a very broken young girl and brought me a man that is not only my warrior-husband…my children’s loving father….but also my soul-mate and best friend.

His buddy, Stuart, flew his plane up on Sunday and surprised him for his birthday.Would you join in wishing this sweet man of mine an extra special Happy Birthday?

81 thoughts on “Dw Turns 55 Today!!”

  1. Happy Birthday-we share the same one! I am 34 today. You are such a beautiful family and I love the pictures. You are a great man and your family must be so proud of you. Some day we will meet you. Have a great day!!

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  2. Happy Birthday Dwight!!!

    I have never even met you, but I have no doubt in my mind that you are a truly awesome, God-loving, God-fearing man that simply wants God's will for his life. Your children and beautiful wife are so blessed for having you in their lives!!

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  6. Happy Birthday Dw!

    Thank you for raising up a generation of mighty men and ladies for the Lord!

    Thank you for being an example to so many and allowing the Lord to use you.

    I wish you could have been my dad.

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  9. You know who and I are wishing you the happiest birthday ever! Honestly, last summer I wasn't sure if you would make it to this birthday. I am so glad our Father is so faithful to the faithfilled!!!!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  18. Happy Birthday! Celebrating along with you as my love turns 34 on Thursday. I continue to be in awe as how the Lord works through my hubby, transforming all he touches.

    Big hugs for this day,
    Sara

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  20. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I will always be so grateful for the opportunity to get to serve with you in Uganda. If the LORD wills, I will be seeing you again some day and would love to meet ALL of your family!
    Loves from,
    Shonni

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  24. Happy, Happy Birthday Dw!! I think that wife of yours is pretty stinkin' delighted with you–and we are too!! Someday we hope to be in the same place at the same time and hug both your necks!

    With lots of love from Texas ~

    The Winder Family

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  26. Dw, Have a wonderful day!! I love how you and Linny just are so darn cute together!!! And I love looking at pictures of you and the children!!!
    Kathie in NY

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  28. Happy Birthday…from the Brewers…you don't even know us, we are the family of Justin and Shauna and we have learned amazing things about you and now this year my husband and 17 year old daughter are going to Uganda to continue some of the work you did last year with your team that included Justin. Your whole family inspires us, and we are so thankful to our Lord for you and your amazing family and your example to all of us.

    The Brewer Bunch

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  29. Happy Birthday! Wow we share the same special day. Have a wonderful day you are all such a wonderful sweet and beautiful family. Would love to meet you someday. Thanks for all your time, prayer, guidance and support. Your like the parents and mentors I always dreamed of. I cherish our friendship. Love the pictures and enjoy yourself!
    Love Jill

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  30. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! To one awesome Dad, Hubby and Brother!! You are truly one of God's dearest followers and examples to many many people. Hope your day is wonderful!! Ellen in Illinois

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  31. DW, Happy birthday! You are a wonderful man, although we have never met. I hope to meet you when we arrive on the most high. Your wife, with her postings, has helped me more than you will ever know. You are blessed.

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  36. Happy Birthday, you sweet sweet man! You had me at "Linny, how big are your arms!!! " We are blessed to "know" you through the blog world, and I cannot wait for Jeff to get a chance to love on some orphans with you in Uganda.
    Enjoy your day with your big Ol' Honkin Happy Family!!

    Hugs to you, dear one!

    🙂
    Amie

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  42. Happy Happy Birthday! You are an amazing man of God and an example and hero to so many! 🙂 I pray that this year is filled with hope and joy! 🙂 Much Love!

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  45. Not only does his smile portray how kind he must be, but seeing your precious beautiful children all gathered around him on the bed, you can tell how much they love him and how much he loves them! Your family brings joy to my heart and It excites me for the future of Jim and I's family! Oh how I would love to have a whole bunch of little ones running around like you do! :0) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR HUSBAND!

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  46. Happy Birthday, DW! It's a privilege to lift you and your precious family up in prayer every day. Reading about your wonderful, God-filled lives on the blog! How grateful i am to "know" you and your family! i now dream of running orphanages and adopting children…oh my…Happy Birthday…May the Lord continue to pour out His awesome blessings upon you! In His Perfect Love, cindy

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  49. Happy Birthday DW…that's a mighty comfy looking crawl space that your laying in LOL I noticed the lap top has Linny let you out long enough to post????? *grin* the fingers should have healed by now, and I know that there are others as well as I that would like to hear YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY!!!!

    Again Happy Birthday…….

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  54. Happy Birthday, Dw!

    It was an honor to have you in our home…if even for just one night-or HALF night!

    Thank you for setting such a good example of a Godly, truly Godly, man!

    Hope your birthday ROCKED!

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  56. Happy birthday to an amazing pastor and friend. So very thankful that God brought you into this world and into our lives. Hope you had a wonderful day! Love you guys!

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  58. Talk about a legacy! You have deffinently left your mark. Heres wishing you the best birthday surrounded by your family and friends.
    Your whole family is a true testament to the love of Jesus Christ.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY DW!!!!
    P.S. Linny you dont look a day over 35 in that picture, and Im not even kidding. WOW!

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  60. What a wonderful post, and great pictures! I especially love the ones of Liberty cuddling right up next to him. : ) Happy birthday, Dw!! You are a very special man, and someday God is going to throw a big party in heaven for you and your faithfulness. : )

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  61. Happy birthday, Dw!!! As I have become a Linny fan, my husband has become a Dw fan. (We have even listened to your inspiring sermons online.)

    What a wonderful example you are of what God wants husbands and fathers to be like. Thanks for the blessing you are to your precious family and all the people you touch as you glorify God in all you do.

    May the coming year be full of blessings.

    Kathie

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  71. Happy Birthday DW! Thanks from a now grown daughter, for taking care of her Mom SO many years ago back in "our home town". I'm am so blessed to have "met" you and your sweet family through Linny's blog!! Still amazing at how great God is to bring our families together in now much happier times!

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  77. Happy Birthday Dwight! Hope it was a great day. Well – of course it was! Starting out with breakfast in bed – awesome!! I appreciate you and your ministry and your wonderful family so much. Thank you for being God's faithful servant.

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  79. happy belated birthday, Dwight. I thought I left a comment yesterday but it must have not gone through. I am so very glad that YHWH has blessed you and Linny together and for your heart for the orphans 🙂

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  80. Happy Belated Birthday, Dw! I hope you've had a wonderful time celebrating (hey, why not continue the festivities into the weekend, too?). You have such a beautiful family; I admire you guys a lot! May the Lord's goodness and kindness forever shine in your heart and may His blessings overtake you! :o)

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  81. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DW!!! I don't know how I missed this yesterday, so a very happy belated birthday to you. I hope your day was wonderful!

    Reply

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