About

"Did you ever take a real trip down inside the broken heart of a friend?  To feel the sob of the soul - the raw, red crucible of emotional agony?  To have this become almost as much yours as that of your soul-crushed neighbor?  Then, to sit down with him - and silently weep?  This is the beginning of compassion." (Jess Moody)

Compassion. What a "wunerful gutt" idea God had when He planted such an amazing emotion in us.  Not everyone has it.  There are those whose hearts are hard and cold.  But those who have suffered and survived, those who have chosen better over bitter, those who have experienced God's comfort through His presence, His word, His people - they are the ones who "get it."  They know how to comfort.  They know how to care.   Ah, yes, they are the ones I run to when life hurts.  Their arms hold me close, they listen, they pray. They are my anchors in the storm.  I've learned so much from these amazing giants. 

There have been many along the way who have challenged, encouraged and strengthened me.  You may find their names to be unfamiliar, but I’m convinced that if you knew them, you would love them as I do.   My gratitude goes:

To Linda Castor for responding to the Holy Spirit's gentle nudge  to send a  baby blanket to me (see The Billy Project Story).  Because of her love and obedience many have been touched and comforted.  Thank you, Linda. 

To Sabra Liedtke, for being the voice of reason, and for refusing to accept my excuses.  She is the finger in my back that pushes me onward.  She has suffered much, and out of her suffering God is crafting a beautiful woman of God.  Thank you for being my friend.  

To Jann Dell, my border buddy who encourages me when it's all uphill, "I know you can, I know you can, I know you can!" Thank you for your photos, writings and suggestion for this website!

To Janell Bird whose prayers and support keep me encouraged and focused when life tilts on its axis.  We've cried together, laughed together, prayed together.  You are my heart-friend. 

To Jim and Mary Butler: My mentors and my friends.  "And having done all to stand, stand."  How many times have you spoken those words to me and strengthened my trembling heart? You challenge me ever onward, pick me up when I stumble, challenge my thinking, broaden my horizons.  Thank you.

To Doug and Rachel Nelms: You've taught me the value of prayer.  How many times have we cried together, laughed together, sighed together?    By watching your lives I've seen suffering up close.  I've watched you in the fire, and rejoiced with you when you emerged from the flames stronger, better, unscathed.  You give me hope in my own storms that "this too shall pass."   This side of eternity you will never fully know the impact you have made on us.

To Julie, Alisa, Ana, Susan, Katy, Joanie, Alice, Joyce. . . and a myriad of other "real live saints" who have prayed for me and loved me through thick and thin - thank you! 

To Jennifer, Henry, Brandon and Cruz Fresquez:  I love you as if you were my own.  You are even now in the fiercest storm of your lives.  Hold steady.  Hold on to the hand of God.  He will be a sure anchor in your storm.  The last chapter hasn't been written.  Don't waste your pain.  God has a plan for your lives, and dreams for your future.  Never, never, never give up.

 To Kim and Ashley Garrett: You are daily reminders that move me from "hoping" to "believing" that God can do the impossible.  What an amazing work God has done in your lives.  You are "miracles" in the making.

To my brothers, Ron and Randy Hunter, my sisters-in-love, Kathy and Pat Hunter and your families:  When life shattered, you saw me at my worse.  Still, you believed in me and patiently helped fit the pieces back together.  "Thank you" doesn't adequately express my gratitude.  My love for you is great.

To Mom and Dad:  Thank you for giving me life, for teaching me HOW to weather the storms, for modeling Christ, for loving me through the difficult times, for providing a haven in the midst of life's worse moments.  You have always been there and I am above all women most blessed.  God knew I needed YOU.

To Paul, Diana, Andy and Ben - bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, the beating of my heart - it is forever linked with yours.  I believe in you.  I love you.  I anticipate the awesome things God will do in and through you in the days to come.  You give me reason to live when life is at its darkest.  You give me reason to sing when the sun is shining.  You are mine.  I am humbled that God has called me to be your mom.  I'm thankful beyond measure for you.

To Kevin - my son-in-love, a source of strength and joy in my life, the answer to my prayers for a godly "got-it-together" mate for Diana.  Thank you for accepting us "warts and all."  Thank you for loving my daughter as Christ loves the church.  Thank you for being "God with skin on" to my precious grandchildren, Hunter and Rachel.  You will make it easy for them to one day accept Christ as their own because you model for them every day what a loving, godly father is.  I love you.

To Lauren  - my first daughter-in-love.  You became "mine" in April of 2011.  You are a delight, the perfect help-mate for son Andy.  Together God will bless your lives and your ministry in unimaginable ways.  Thank you, honey, for welcoming us into your life.  I love you.

To Amber - I look forward to the day when you and Paul tie-the-knot.  We're an anomaly to you .  Our ways are foreign to you.  But love is love and it's what we feel for you.  I pray for you often.  You've already found a place in my heart.  Thank you for walking with Paul through some difficult days.  You are wonderful!

To Rob - my soul mate and fellow dreamer.  We've weathered many storms and our anchor has held.  Thank you for loving me, for believing in me, for encouraging me to reach for my dreams.  I could not have done it without you.  My favorite place to be is in your arms.  I cherish the prayers you have sent heavenward on my behalf.  More than once God has touched my hurting body in answer to your prayer.  I love you.

To Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Master of life's storms, my Abba - Andrae' Crouch said it well when he wrote, "How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?  Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.  The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude.  All that I am, and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee."

From my heart to yours, 

Ronda       

"All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."   II Corinthians 1:3-4 (the Message)

Scroll down to view Mission Statement

"Are you tired? Worn out? . . . Come to me.

Get away with me and you'll recover your life.

I'll show you how to take a real rest.

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.  

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

 I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly*."

  Father God

* Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

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