Selections from Birthday Cards for Teckla 2024

  • What a beautiful woman you are inside and out. I have always remembered the “Blue House” days, pulling taffy, going out to cut down a Christmas tree, meals at the dinner table, your smile, laughter and tears as a handful of us sat around while you read The Chronicles of Narnia and Pooh.
  • I have always admired how well you get things done, mostly loving others well.
  • When I think of spending time with you, I’m reminded of how you allowed me to be a part of your family and your boys calling me Aunt Jo-Jo. You are forever my friend, and forever family.
  • The one thing I will forever be grateful for is that you were an amazing counselor and confidant to me back in the Blue House.
  • You were and are always someone I loved so much—you had the quietness and grace of a godly woman.
  • I will always remember your warm welcome when I first volunteered at the Pregnancy Resource Center. Thank you for your kindness and help.
  • I don’t know if you remember me (Class of 72), but I remember you, as this sweet, soft spoken and quiet young lady.
  • I so appreciate working with you at the Pregnancy Resource Center; it was so good to see your patience and caring that shined out in all circumstances. I was so blessed to know you.
  • We would meet in Pioneer Park in Walla Wall for prayer, Bible study and fellowship (singing, laughing, sharing). What a special time. Your friendship and love remained in my heart all these many years.
  • We still think about the time when we were homeless, and you welcomed me to live on your enclosed porch even though the house was full. Thank you for loving and caring for us while we were establishing our new marriage.
  • I always loved it when you prayed before my shift at the Pregnancy Center. I would arrive with worries about my ability to do the work at the Center, but somehow when you finished praying, I had no doubt that God had it all under control.
  • You and your family introduced me to the Nazarene Church in Walla Walla. You were instrumental in my accepting Jesus as Savior, and I will always remember your genuine and loving faith.
  • You took me under your wing and in your beautiful, quiet way, taught me so much, not only about volunteering at the Center but sharing your unshakeable faith in God and the importance of giving the day to our lord.
  • You made the WOW [Women of the Word] Bible study really come alive for me. You always had a way of digging deep into Scripture and bringing out truths I had never seen.
  • It was wonderful getting to worship with you; you led us all so well.
  • I will always remember your lovely playing on the hammered dulcimer and how sweet and gentle you have always been.
  • I will never forget that at my wedding, you spoke kindly about my character and my love of God. I have carried your kind words with me since then.
  • Thank you for showing me what a godly woman looks like; you are a Proverbs 31 woman.
  • I remember when you taught my children and me primer Hebrew. You were the best teacher! I will never forget your gracious patience towards me, my children, and everyone.
  • In high school we were buddies. You were so sweet and funny. You always made me laugh.
  • Thanks for the early years of helping me get the tools I needed to raise my son while at the Caring Pregnancy Center. My son is now an officer at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado class of 2028.
  • I remember your gentle and kind spirit. Your smile always made a room brighten up. It made you so approachable. Also, I remember your sweet singing voice.
  • Your sweet prayers always spoke to me. Your quiet, gentle spirit was so much what I wanted to emulate (still working on that).
  • I will never forget how you stepped up to take the president’s job at the Pregnancy Center. You were so faithful to bring board enrichment every month and lead us through the many changes.
  • God has used you to change lives and many of us are so incredibly thankful for your loving obedience, your surrender, and your love.
  • I have missed your sweet, gentle spirit, and remember fondly all our time together at the OYAN workshops.
  • We have enjoyed knowing you with your kind smile and the love you have for Jesus and family.
  • I will always remember your gentle, sweet spirit and your gentle and consistent presence in my life during a difficult time.
  • What we remember best is how special you made us feel. Always ready with a sweet hug, encouraging words, cheerful countenance, and a caring heart. Our encounters with you refreshed our hearts. Your gentleness is evident to all.
  • The very best times were when we prayed. Your heartfelt, deep, wise prayers still mean so much to me.
  • You were always such a bright light and calming influence at the Pregnancy Center. You brought much joy and God used you mightily there.
  • I visited your church [Olathe Fellowship] in 1985, and you were on the worship team. You were radiant for Jesus. It showed me that there was more than I had yet experienced of God. It began a journey that continues today.
  • You were a great spiritual leader in Women of the Word Bible studies and many women were blessed by your love for Jesus. You always modeled a gentle, quiet spirit and your prayers showed that had deep friendship with Jesus.
  • I have good memories of women’s Bible study in the Blue House. Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, and love during difficult years in my life.

About Mark

I live in Myrtle Point, Oregon with my wife Teckla and am the father of four boys. Currently I teach writing and literature at Southwest Oregon Community College. I am a graduate of Myrtle Point High School, Northwest Nazarene College, and have a Masters in English from Washington State University.
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