He Could Use Some Joy

Linny Saunders119 Comments
Life is so weird sometimes, isn’t it?
I remember walking around WalMart a few days after we lost our home to 
the fire.
I saw people laughing, talking, joking around…
and here we were grieving the loss of everything familiar.
Dw and I both commented how we felt like we were in a bubble…
life appeared to be going on for everyone else and it just felt so very weird.
Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, yesterday my precious mom-in-love 
stepped into eternity.
Although death is part of life…no matter the age, the season or the expectation of, 
it is still painful and it is still hard.
Grief is necessary.
We need to grieve.
We need to feel.
We must be real.
We need to remember.
And as it turns out, today is that sweet husband of mine’s birthday.
{Kind of amazing to think that when my mom-in-love was 
giving birth to her youngest son {my hubby}….little did anyone know that
57 years later, minus one day, she would pass away.
Timing is always interesting, isn’t it?
As a family, we are such the celebrating type….
{in fact Emma who is known for her thoughtfulness, has free flight privileges 
because of Josh working for the airlines.  So she flew yesterday to be with her Daddy.  
She said she couldn’t bear the thought of him being alone on his birthday 
with his mom dying.  She will stay by his side until Daddy comes home.} 
And so even though it’s his birthday, naturally he is grieving,
{as we all are}.
So I got to thinkin’ that quite possibly a few of you would be willing to 
wish that man of mine a big ol’ happy birthday.
He’s been my best friend for the last just about 36 years…and I just know
he will love some Birthday Joy from all of you……
Awww, come on, don’t be bashful.  
It will make him smile.  

119 thoughts on “He Could Use Some Joy”

  3. Happy Birthday Dwight!!! I'm sorry that it has come on the heels of losing your mama, but I know that she's dancing with Jesus celebrating her precious son's birthday. I pray that as you grieve your heart would be comforted with many, many memories of the love you shared with her. I pray that the Holy Spirit would sing over you during this time.

    Much love and prayers,
    jenn H

    Reply

  7. Happy birthday Dw!!!! This may be Linny's blog, but we're your blog family, too, and we love you! You are an inspiration and the definition of a hero! I pray that you feel the presence of God's arms around you as you grieve.

    My thoughts are with your whole family, Linny. (Also, typo, not that it matters – you wrote 57 years plus one day, and it should say minus one day.)

    Reply

  10. I don't think I know the sentiments to share – such joy for heaven, such loss for you…
    And along comes another birthday!
    I can share something that is on my heart fresh from our Wednesday Evening Bible Study only a few weeks back…
    Our time here is short – anyone who looks at God's timing (his day is but a thousand years…) and our time here appears even shorter. Our only value lies in what we place in the eternal… HIM!
    And although, dear brother, we have never worshiped in the same church (at least I don't think we did – lol!) I see by your testimony, your fruits, bother personal and within your family, that you are laying your foundations in Him….
    NOW THAT IS WORTH CELEBRATING!!!!

    Reply

  14. Happy birthday Dwight! I am so privileged to have "met" you both over this blog and I celebrate your birthday and the person you are! You're so selfless and ready to serve God no matter what. I know God STILL has great plans for you and your family, and I know you'll lead them as God guides you along. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Natali

    Reply

  16. WOW!!! I love it!! Your blog looks great!!

    YIPPEE JESUS!!

    I'm feeling the need to update too!!

    …someday!

    Okay- now I will go back and read the post! 😉

    Love you dear friend!!

    Reply

  17. Happy Birthday! While today may be bittersweet for you, without a doubt your mom is probably beaming with pride. I am sorry you are celebrating and grieving all at the same time, but wish you a love-filled healthy and happy day, week, month and year!

    Reply

  22. Happy Birthday Dw! May this be a blessed year for you and your family. I love when Linny shares funny stories about you! We all know that you are really a superhero, Linny just hasn't posted the pics of you in your costume yet! 🙂

    So sorry to hear about your mom, I will be praying for you through this difficult time.

    Becky

    Reply

  24. Happy Birthday DW! I know today is full of emotions. A sadness for your loss, joy for where your mom is at, but also gratitude for your mother and her love and the life she gave you. May you find a little bit of celebration in there too! You deserve it!!

    Reply

  25. HaPpY BiRtHdAy to an amazing man, DW! Though I have never met you, I can tell through Linny's written words that you have such a gentle and kind heart. I'm so sorry that you will be missing your mom, but remember one day you will be back in her loving arms. Your birthday here and your mom's rebirth into Eternity with her creator are two back to back days to celebrate in the years to come. <3

    Reply

  26. Happy birthday, DW! How difficult to feel like celebrating when you are grieving the loss of someone so dear. May He strengthen you and fill you with a peace beyond understanding. We celebrate the life that you are allowing God to shine through. Thank you for leading the way for so many to follow after.

    Reply

  29. Dwight, even as you grieve, I hope you are able to find some joy and happiness in celebrating another year of your incredible life. You are an amazing blessing to many on this earth and I am anxious to have the privilege of meeting you in June! Happy Birthday!

    Reply

  30. Dw,

    I am a mom of young boys, and as you certainly know, boys generally have two volumes: loud and asleep. They are asleep now, but if they were awake, they would be singing HAPPY !!!! BIRTHDAY !!!! TO !!!! YOU !!!!
    as loud as you can imagine.
    Hope that brought even a little teeny smile to your face.
    Angela

    Reply

  35. Happy Happy Birthday DW…I know the pain you are feeling loosing your sweet Mom but I also know the peace you have in knowing where she is….May this be the blessing you need in this year to come…Happy Birthday.

    Reply

  36. I have a prayer request that is urgent. I was trying to find your email address on the site but was unsuccessful so figured I would leave a comment. A little 3 year old girl named Chloe fell on a screwdriver and it went into her sinus cavity and possible her brain. She should be in surgery now. Here family had been putting sod down in their back yard and somehow she got ahold of the screwdriver. I would appreciate it if you could send this request out to the knee team. If I get an update I will let you know how everyting goes. Her aunt is my neighbor. Thanks so much

    Peggi

    Reply

  38. Happy Birthday DW from Australia. The One you love and serve truly does change our mourning in to dancing. Blessings in Him for your new year.

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  40. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HUBBY OF YOURS..WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN YOU HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE AND A GODLY MAN..AND AN AWESOME FATHER..HOPE TODAY IS AWESOME..

    Reply

  41. I lost my Grandmother the day before Thanksgiving. It was hard to be thankful but we gathered as a family and thanked God for our time with her. I pray tonight for you on your birthday. I hope it brings happy memories of your Mom. That you take THIS day to be together to celebrate her giving life to you but also the difference her life made.

    Reply

  43. Happy Happy Birthday!! You are such an amazing man of God who encourages us to follow hard after the Lord. Thank you for saying yes to whatever He asks of you even when the world is scratching their heads and wondering what is going on. May you feel His peace that passes all understanding today.

    Reply

  44. That is interesting. My grandma passed away a couple of days after my dad's birthday. And my grandpa passed away the day before my uncle's birthday.

    Happy Birthday, Dw!!!

    Reply

  47. Happy Happy Birthday DW!! I pray that you will be filled with an overwhelming comfort and peace. You are such a HUGE blessing to so many. You and Linny have been such an important part of my growth these last few years. I am so thankful that God lead me to Linny's blog.

    Wishing you blessings abundant this year!!

    Reply

  48. Happy Birthday DW…praying for you and your loss but knowing your precious mom is with Jesus…may He comfort you and your family. Can't wait to wish you a happy birthday in person in June…many blessings, Craig and Sherry

    Reply

  50. Happy Birthday DW! I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom but rejoice in that you were able to be with her as she slipped into the arms of Jesus. Your family is so special and I know you can feel the love they have for you all across the country. So glad Emma Joy is able to be there with you. God Bless!

    Tricia Thompson

    Reply

  51. Happy birthday Dwight. I am so thankful for you and your friendship with Jonathan. Thank you for being a solid, godly man in his life. Praying that even though you are away from most of your family tonight, you will feel loved and celebrated.

    Reply

  53. Well, now! Happy Birthday, Dw! I feel like I know you through your wife's beautiful blog (I'm loving the re-do, btw!) I also want to say that I am sorry for the loss of your mother – words fail me, but know that somewhere out here is a total stranger thinking about you and sending up good thoughts…

    Christie

    Reply

  56. Happy birthday, Dw! So very sorry for your loss, but praising the Lord with you that you will see your sweet momma again someday. Blessings to you…

    Reply

  59. Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Mr. Saunders! Happy birthday to yoooooou!
    Hope you have a wonderful day 😀 And praying for you all as you grieve.
    Oh, and Miss Linny, I love the new look for the blog! 😀 It's beautiful!

    Reply

  60. Such a blessed man and such a blessing to others. I hope you find (found) some happiness on your birthday, and pray that God gives you joy and peace as you re-live those special days with your mom through pictures and stories.

    Reply

  61. Happy birthday — know someone in Ft Worth TX is thinking of you on this special day, praying that you have a little light in this dark time, and that you are greatly blessed, just as much, if not more than, how you have blessed others! Much love!!

    Reply

  63. Happy birthday Dw!! Cupcakes and hugs are in order for such a special occassion! I hope that you are surrounded by special people who can make sure you get those hugs. As for the cupcakes, well, I happen to know of 'someone' who lives nearby and is pretty handy with the cupcake batter. 😉

    Reply

  65. Happy Birthday Dwight! We are so thankful to have met you and your sweet family. God is so good to give us friends like you guys in our new city. Our prayers are with you as you grieve your Mom's passing, but we are so thankful you can grieve we the hope of a reunion one day. God bless you today and may this be your best year yet! Stan and Shelby

    Reply

  67. Hello Linny, I love the new purple makeover on your blog, especially the purple heart instead of the usual orange square with white letter "B" on it 🙂 That's a new gadget I must try on my blog 🙂

    Dwight, I am very sorry to hear that your mother passed away, I know that you love her very much and it is very hard and sad to have someone you love very dearly gone. I pray that He, our Lord, will comfort you with His presence and that your mother has gone to Him. My mother just shared with me very recently, like 10 mins ago, before I read today's post by Linny, it is about David Wilkerson's post, about a little girl who died, the day before she died, she saw heaven and her face brightened and her mom asked her why, and she explained, you can read about it in here:

    http://www.davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com and the post is Thursday March 29th 2012, "Listening to God".

    Today's post in there is talking about the amour of God 🙂

    Happy birthday, Dwight, your family loves you very much and I am with you in your sadness for your mother because you love her so much and miss her presence.

    The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Cor 15:26).

    Reply

  68. Happy Birthday, DW!

    I'm sorry about your mom! I pray that your heart will be comforted during this time of grief.

    You have a beautiful family and I love reading Linny's blogs!

    Blessings!

    Reply

  69. Blessed Birthday, Dw!
    May the Lord continue to use you mightily for His glory and His kingdom purpose. Your obedience unto the Lord is an inspiration to many of us. May the Lord richly bless you and yours!

    Reply

  70. Happy Birthday DW!!!!! All of us from RI are wishing you the very best!! Your mama is with you and you know she always will be close to you.

    Sending all our love and big hugs to you!!! Wish i could send some pie, but you all will just have to come get that in person one day!

    God Bless!

    Reply

  71. Happy Birthday DW!
    Sorry to hear about your mom….she seemed like such a sweet and loving lady! You are a wonderful dad and husband and we are so thankful for all that you do!
    Love the Funkhousers!

    Reply

  75. Dw, please accept our condolences on the loss of your mom. How wonderful to know she's enjoying her graduation party though, and that one day you will celebrate with her.

    From a bunch of crazies in NY, we wish you a happy birthday (a day late)!

    Reply

  76. As one who know what it is like to loose a parent I grieve with you. Blessings on your birthday as you hopefully are able to remember many sweet memories. Happy Birthday!

    Reply

  78. I am praying for you today, Dw, that God will bless you with memories of many happy birthdays past. I am so thankful that I have come to know you and your sweet family through this blog. I even feel like I know your mom! I rejoice with you that she is spending today in the presence of her Lord. Thanks for being a man of integrity and a wonderful husband and father. I'm praying you and Emma have a really special day together!

    Reply

  79. I love that Emma wanted to be with her Dad during this time. All you wrote, I could keep it together but when you wrote that part, I cried my eyes out. There is really no big honor as a parent then to have your (almost!) grown child WANT to be with you, to consider your feelings and treat you like a beloved friend. It certainly is a testament to her Dad (and Mom!). Although today is a difficult day, Happy Birthday! Enjoy your time with your daughter and your extended family! It probably has been years since you celebrated your birthday with your brothers!!!!

    Reply

  80. Happy Birthday, DW. I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I have to wonder if she and your Heavenly Father are nudging each other this morning saying, "That's our boy. He is such an amazing man. He is our beloved." I hope and pray you find some joy in the midst of your grief.

    Reply

  83. I'm sorry I'm a day late wishing you a happy birthday! I, too, celebrated my birthday this week in grief… A funeral visitation for a 20 year old who was attacked and murdered and an uncle in the hospital with multiple tumors being one of the main reasons for admission.

    I hope you are able to find some time for celebration, to remember the best times with your mom, remember her joy and life, remember the promise of life eternal and of meeting up with her again in the not too distant future.

    Reply

  84. DW… Happy Birthday from Oklahoma and from the whole Hintz crew… What a day, I am sure… Joy for your mama to be safe and at home with Jesus… sad for missing her here on earth… But God is so very faithful to carry us through all of those difficult times, We know you know that… Thanks DW for your selflessness in serving others and taking others along on the journeys you take… Lou and Greg are so grateful… and I can tell you our whole crew is… It is a life changer for all of us as we seek to see what God wants us to do now… Praying for you! Happy Birthday DW!!!

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  85. Happy Birthday DW!

    If I may encourage you and Linny at this time. We all have heard of historic heroes… Smith Wigglesworth, A.W. Tozer, Corrie Ten Boom, George Mueller, etc. The list could go on and on. Their reputation for a heart after God and miracles, signs and wonders confirming the Word and that the Lord was with them…that reputation has outlived them.

    Today…YOU are living that kind of legacy. Living for God in such a way that compells us to love and live differently. Uncommon.

    I expect that your mother had a heart overflowing with joy because of you and your family.

    Reply

  91. Happy Birthday DW! We are praying for you all and hope this day is a sweet one filled with good times with your kiddos and sweet memories of your mom. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  92. I so appreciate your posts – all of them!

    Happy birthday DW, my heart and prayers go out to you in this time of happy and sad!

    P.S. LOVE the new looks! 🙂

    Reply

  93. Happy Birthday, dear brother Dw! Looking forward to meeting you this summer when my girl & I are in Phoenix! 🙂 I am praying for God to be your ever present Comforter…as I KNOW He is!

    Blessings…Nancy in CT

    Reply

  94. Dwight, it is such a privilege to "know" you through reading Linny's blog. I know that you two together make such a wonderful team. First of all, I want to say that you have my sympathy and prayers in the loss of your precious mother. I understand and even though there is joy in her salvation and in eternity, there is heartache for those left behind. My prayers are with you all. I also want to say happy birthday and many more to you. I hope you are able to have a blessed day and sweet memories of your mom.

    Reply

  97. Dwight, you have been such an encourager to so many. It's my honor to be able to return that encouragement to you! Happy Birthday to you. Sending love and prayers for you and your family.

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  98. Happy Birthday Dwight! I pray your heart is comforted in Christ as He is with your mother now. I pray you are filled with peace and joy that only He can give. I pray you are blessed and reminded of His goodness. I look forward to meeting you and going to Uganda with you in a few month. I know the Lord has great things for us. Blessing to you my brother and God be with you! ♥ Robin

    Reply

  99. Happy Birthday DW,
    what a blessing to have your daughter Emma by your side, may God bless you and your family, this day and many more to come,
    may He bless your family with all the beautifull and precious memories you have of your dear mom, carry them on …you are who you are because of this woman and because of Gods grace, may He comfort you like only He can.

    Adriana

    Reply

  101. Happy Birthday Dwight! I think I can tell you Happy Birthday on just about every form of communication! I know that this birthday was a strange mix of emotions – but I also know that as one life passes, your gratefulness for life today increases. Blessings, friend. Your Mom did a mighty, fine job.

    Reply

  105. Happy birthday to you DW! I hope that even while grieving you can stop and find joy in your mom today as it was she that did all the hard work for you to be born today 🙂 She must have been an amazing woman. I am so glad you were able to be with her as she let go of your hand to grab His. Be blessed and loved today. Glad Emma is with you!

    Reply

  107. Happy Birthday, DW and enjoy your day even amongst the sadness of losing you mom. Remember the good times you shared together and her sweetness she added to your life. May you feel God's presence in this time of your life, and remember there is the promise of heaven. Hugs and Happy Birthday!

    Reply

  108. happy birthday dwight. you remain such a wonderful inspiration to us all with your boundless energy and love for the precious orphans..even if you are OLD. Tee hee just had to throw a little jab in there. I am sure you are of a kindred spirit and enjoy the perks that come with aging. Enjoy your day….your mother would like to see that.

    Reply

  109. Ecclesiastes 3
    A Time for Everything
    1 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
    2 a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
    3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
    4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
    5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
    6 a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
    7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
    8 a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

    May God give you all that you need as you walk through each path in this Journey called Life.
    I Pray that this new year in your life will bring lots of Joy, Happiness and Prosperity.
    Happy Birthday, DW! Hugs ~ Jo

    Reply

  111. Happy Happy Birthday from beautiful Lake Worth , Florida. May the Lord bless you abundantly with the peace that comes only from the loving Father above.

    "How can God ever expect us to say goodbye to the eyes, ears, & hands of those we cherish more than our own? Is it because His heart awaits us at 'Home'? Because if we don't goodbye here, when will we meet Him there?" by Ann
    Voskamp

    Reply

  117. Happy Birthday Dw!!! I'm sorry about your mom. I still miss my mom and she's been gone twenty-two years. LOVE the new picture and the new look of the blog!!!!!!!!

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  118. Happy Birthday, Dwight! I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I just lost my mom a little over a week ago and it is hard, hard, hard! I'm sure your mom is celebrating with Jesus, and if there's cake involved, I'm sure my mom's having a big piece in your honor (she had a big sweet tooth 😉
    ((hugs))

    Reply

  119. Happy Birthday to a true man of God. Your obedience and the way you serve has blessed me and my family. Thank You for sharing your life with us. We really feel like we know you all and so we send love and blessings to you on your special day. Lori Florida

    Reply

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