May 16 Grad card for Chris

Here is the card that I designed for Chris's graduation:

All of these photographs are from Townsend Park, and Bear Creek, out in Cannon Township. When Chris, Matt and Emma returned from Texas in 2012, this place became one of our favorite spots to hang out. We would bring nets with us and dangle strings loaded with a piece of hotdog and catch crayfish. It was so much fun. I have many posts from 2012-14 of us "fishing" here. I love these memories of the grandkids so much.

This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man gloat in his wisdom, or the mighty man in his might, or the rich man in his riches. Let them boast in this alone: and understand that I am the LORD who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken." [JEREMIAH 9.23-24]

This passage from Jeremiah 9 is so essential to our lives--no matter who we are or what we are doing for a career or with our families--it applies to the deep parts of our very selves. Why? Because all of us suffer from PRIDE and our culture glories and encourages people to this state of mind. God tells us the very opposite in His Word. Are we wise? Are we strong? Have we been blessed with riches? All of those things, although not evil in themselves, can lead us to depend totally upon OURSELVES for any accomplishment or blessing that comes our way in life. That's NOT God's perspective at all. He says that understanding HIM--His JUSTICE, His RIGHTEOUSNESS, His UNFAILING LOVE--that's what is worth boasting about. Do we really know our God? John 17.3 says: "This is the way to have eternal life--TO KNOW YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth." The only way we can really know God is to study who He has revealed Himself to be through the life of His Son as told to us in the Bible. 

This is what I pray for Chris as he enters this new phase in his life of career and family. Life is full of really hard stuff. Finding meaningful work is difficult. Finding employment that actually supports a family is challenging. Loving a wife (as modeled by Christ's love to us) is impossible without the Lord as King of your life. 

I suppose this is rather "preachy" of me ... but I am an older person who has made very unwise decisions that affected my entire family right down to my grandchildren. I can't undo those decisions. But I can trust the Lord to perform His will for His glory in each life of my kids and grands. And I believe He will answer my prayers for my loved ones.

 

May 16 After Graduation

Saturday (cont):  We had the opportunity to greet Chris after the Commencement ceremony outside where it was SO beautiful weather-wise.

I snapped these pictures rather quickly. I am sure Emma must have better ones than these--but these will have to do for me. 

Chris looks very distinguished in his cap, gown and hood, doesn't he? Goodness!

Ella is so photogenic. She has a beautiful smile. I've rarely seen her take a "bad" photo. I think they look really nice together as a couple. I'm thankful they have a date set for their wedding and I'm looking forward to it very much.

I gave Emma my phone to take this of me with Chris. I look about 85 in this picture ... oh well. It really doesn't matter, does it! I am Chris's grandma who loves him!

Here is Diana and Chris. This is not a good picture of Diana, but she has been recovering from knee surgery and a bunch other health issues for weeks on end. I feel very sad for her struggles, physically and mentally. You are loved, Diana.

Chris and Emma. 15 months separate them in age. Beautiful kids. Emma made Chris an enormously cool book (47 pages!) of his sports' career. She did an amazing job on it and gave it to him after graduation. He seemed to enjoy looking through it. I hope he appreciates how much Emma loves him and wants what is best for him. Their family has lived through some really difficult years ... and all of them carry the pain of it.

Heavenly Father, You love us with an unending and redeeming love. Please restore the years for this family--all of them--and bring healing and peace to them in the mighty name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ.

Chris rendezvoused with some of his friends ...

Dear Jesse and Chris.

Sweet Kaity-Girl, who has grown up so quickly, too fast ... Lord, please place your arms of protection around her.

It sure was a good time being with family today. Really proud of Chris's accomplishment of his degree, his football career, and praying his days ahead will be one that bring honor and glory to Your Name.

May 16 Olivet 2026 Commencement

Saturday:  "The family" has been pretty excited about Chris's upcoming college graduation, and Saturday was THE DAY. We carpooled in two vehicles and showed up to celebrate with Chris. I have too many pictures! Sadly, since I have not been using my camera (various reasons), I am left with my phone only to take pictures and they just aren't the same quality unless they are close-ups. Zooming in really messes with the pixel quality and I've just been too lazy and not had enough "capital" to see to my camera issues.

Anyway, here is what I feel are my best photos of this important event! It was held in the Cutler Event Center on campus, very near the football stadium actually.

The procession has begun ... can you find Chris? He is sixth from the right ...

I combined a bunch of these because I have way too many pictures and couldn't choose between them very well. I like these of Chris very much.

Emma and Dakota drove with me, and I was so glad to have them navigate to and from the college with me. Did I mention that the bleachers we were sitting on were absolutely THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE seating ever??!?!? Ouch. My lower back STILL hurts two days later.

I picked up a Commencement folder, very purposely, so that I could identify the various speakers I would post here; but I cannot find the folder anywhere, which is so annoying. I believe this gentleman below is the President of Olivet University. He gave a very nice speech about making a difference in the world.

Here is Jesse and a tiny bit of Kaity. Jesse has very painful knees. I can only imagine the agony he had sitting all squished up in these bleachers.

It took a very long time to get to the part where each student was announced, hooded, received their diploma, was photographed, etc. But here is Chris's row heading on over to do exactly that.

I got out of the bleachers to take a few shots because I knew my phone was not going to do a good job at distance. Thankfully, Emma had her camera and took really good photos all the way through. I surely hope I wasn't blocking her view some of the time.

Chris! All of us love you so much!

Chris is finally next in the line to go up the stairs to the stage ...

When they announced "Christopher Pahman" we hesitated a little bit, but then I heard Jesse bellow out some praiseworthy words and then the rest of us gave a good yell for Chris.

Here he is receiving his hood. 

Shaking hands with the man ...

Chris now has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Training (I hope I am saying this correctly). 

Chris has been hired at his high school alma mater as a defensive football coach for the 2026-27 football season! Isn't that cool?

Back in his row, socializing with friends sitting behind him ...

Once all of the diplomas and hoods were presented, they had the class of 2026 turn around and face the family and friends who were there. Much clapping and cheering ensued.

And Chris, of course, STILL socializing ....

I took a few more pictures afterwards. See next post.

CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!