Sara

Sara Elizabeth Luebben Smith came into my life for the first time on July 4, 1987.  Her mom (Sally) flew out to visit me after a few months of writing and phone calls in May of 1987; and well, things went rather well, so we both knew that it was critical that Sara and I meet, to see if this might be the future that the Lord had in mind for us.  So in July I flew back to Chicago, where Sally came to pick me up, and Sara and I got to know each other for the 1^st time.  She was not quite 5, and I don’t know how much she might even remember this visit; but Sally and I sure do. 

Sara seemed to take to me right away, and she was so adorable and joyful, there was no question that I could love her as my own if the Lord willed.   And guess what – the Lord did will.  I proposed to Sally, and also Sara for all practical purposes, long distance, with a large sign in their front lawn on September 9, 1987. 

I was not able to experience Sara’s birth and earliest years, but was able to help her learn how to ride a bike, dance on the fold-out couch together to the Nutcracker Suite, camping, exploring the beautiful northwest and country together.  I missed the diapers and sleepless nights with Sara, but was there for almost all of her milestone life events; not such a bad trade off all in all.  One of the very special highlights of my life was when Sara agreed for me to adopt her, at age 6.  Some of the most difficult years were seeing you face such hard times in your late teens, and not being able to protect you like a father should, or so longs to.  But you have grown into such a beautiful and wonderful lady, wife, and mother.  God has blessed you with four living children, one in heaven, and one on the way!  Wow, hard to imagine that that 4 year old girl I would meet on the 4^th of July would be turning 30 and carving out such a wonderful life.  

I love you Sara, you are my first child, my first daughter, and mother of my first five grandchildren (Ethan being with our Lord). Mom and I are so grateful that you maintain a faith in our Lord; and hope and pray that you and TJ will grow in the Lord, and help your children grow in the Lord as you enter your 30’s.  Just think, in the next 10 years Auston will be 21, MaKenzie 19, Tray 17, Brenna 15, and your newest child 9.  The Lord has placed them under your care, what a blessing and responsibility. Trust and lean on Him, and make sure you expose your children, our grandchildren to Him as often as you can, and trust Him with their lives, as we have trusted our precious Savior with yours, and been so very blessed.

Clifford

Clifford Jason Luebben was born at 2:20 early Friday morning on April 28, 1989. You were the first child I was able to witness being born.  This was such an amazing experience to behold; how can anyone ever doubt that there is a God who witnesses the wondrous miracle of birth?  I will never forget that amazing night; or rather, early morning.  You were such an observant, and calm little one; the Lord was gracious to allow my first baby experience to be a baby such as you.  You had a great big smile, and seemed to take-in everything going on around you from your earliest months.
 


You were an easy child to raise: didn’t fuss much; slept through the night early on; were not inclined to get into trouble; had a great imagination; loved learning; playing with your siblings; thoroughly enjoyed your family.  You were also such a great big brother to Josiah, Micah, and Elizabeth; and close friend to Josiah during your pre-teen years.


It seemed that it was in your sophomore year of high school that the Lord really grabbed ahold of your heart in a new and powerful way.  You had always seemed to love and follow Him; but sensed Him calling you to be a missionary, and after your first short term mission trip to Guatemala, began living such a sold-out life for our Lord.  And now, about seven years later, you have traveled and served our Lord in a handful of countries; quite an amazing experience for such a 23 year old.

College brought another person of interest into your life from your very first month; and now that person of interest, Jennifer, is not only your wife of one year, but is carrying your first child.  Clifford, my first son, you have been such a sold out servant of our Lord.  You were such a pleasure to raise; and now you and Jennifer will be raising your own child, WOW!  We know that you two will raise our newest granddaughter in the love and admonition of our Lord.  This gives your mom and me a joy that you cannot imagine – and yet, if the Lord tarries, we trust that this is a joy that you, too, will someday experience.