“He [the blessed man] is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” -psalm 1:3
If there was ever a time a son could say, “my mom is the greatest woman I know,” this is it. It may have taken me years to get out of my teens and realize it, but I have.
I’m so glad you’re here.
My mom would never write this post herself, so this is my forward and my encouragement to the woman who has meant the world to me, my father, and every one of my 10 brothers and sisters.
This passage in Psalms is one of her favorites. I’m pretty sure I was five the first time she had us memorize the whole thing. And when I sat down to write this first post, it’s the only thing that came to mind.
It was a little over 25 years ago that my mom was happily expecting her first child. Little did she know how many lives she would be intricately a part of at that time, and the things life would throw her way. But she did know then that Jesus could do anything, and that if she planted herself by his stream, she would be ok. Today, after successfully raising 5 children, marrying 2, continuing with the last 6, surviving breast cancer, and many more things we’d call accomplishments, she knows more than ever.
Of course, nothing’s really been easy. But if you know anything about Toni Rypkema, it’s that she’s always been patiently planted by that stream. Even when at times there has been no fruit, the water has felt like a trickle, and her way hasn’t seemed prosperous.
But that’s the greatest thing about her. She still knows it’s Jesus that holds her, and so she patiently waits.
If you’re looking for what it means to sit by the river of living water, you’ve come to the right place. Here my mom will share with you her story. Through the days, you’ll see what has shaped her in this life, but I can promise you one thing, you’ll always find Jesus in her posts and encouragement in her thoughts.
It’s just who she is.
P.S – Follow her on facebook to read many posts from her pre-blog days and see pictures of her family.