Vonnie

Today’s mug represents a person who loves coffee but loves the people in her life even more—in a concentrated, robust, full-bodied way—like espresso. Like the cup on the front of the mug, she is also beautifully feminine, but the most captivating aspect of her beauty comes from what’s inside. In the picture you can see that there are two coffee beans painted on the inside of the mug. I’d like to think that these represent her love and compassion, which are the source of all that fills this cup of life—a life worth celebrating. Her name is Vonnie. 

Vonnie has known me since I was a cute little newlywed. We went to church together for years, and we’ve taught together for about nine years. As a poor young college student, I did laundry at Vonnie’s house—and when someone sees your bra cycling around in her dryer, well, she starts to feel like she knows you pretty well (or so I’ve heard). :)

Having watched me “grow up,” Vonnie has been a strong and welcome influence in my life. I could never look back on my history and envision my life without her in it. She’s been such an integral part. Vonnie has believed in me, encouraged me, and supported me in all the important areas of my life. When my dad passed away in 2010, Vonnie made sure she checked to see how I was doing and that I was taking enough time to grieve the loss. When my mom passed away in February of this year (2013), Vonnie was there, taking the time to inquire about how I was doing—and her inquiries both times came with lots of hugs and sincere sympathies. One thing I’ll never forget is how Vonnie spoke into the very depths of my heart about doing a good job presenting who my parents were at both their services. She made sure I knew that I was a “good daughter” and had honored them well. That meant the world to me. 

Vonnie has a way of speaking into an area of your life that comes with undeniable wisdom and experiential authority but is seasoned with a hefty load of grace. So many times she has steered me back on course in my thinking, shown me a spiritual “mirror” when I’d lost track of who I really am, or just hugged me when I’ve really needed a hug. I am so grateful for her investment in me.

Vonnie loves deeply, prays fervently, enjoys life intentionally—and her laugh…well, it’s the kind where her eyes squint up, her face turns red, and she’s basically bursting at the seams. I love it when Vonnie’s cracking up about something—it makes my day.

Since she grew up on country music (as I did), we share a love for “the old songs” and artists. I’m pretty sure that like Reba, Vonnie was country when country wasn’t cool.

A genuine lover of people and of God, Vonnie has taught me a lot about love. She loves her family with a joyful devotion that is unmatched, and she loves God with heartfelt adoration and authenticity. Many’s the time I’ve seen Vonnie cry in prayer, out of her compassion for someone, beseeching God with the utmost fervency. It is truly a beautiful thing, and I believe it has caused my compassion to grow as well.

I can’t really put into words all that Vonnie means to me or describe her in a way that truly does her justice, but I can say this—when you’ve been loved by Vonnie, you know you’ve been loved exceedingly well. The best way I can describe her is through God’s eyes, so I’ll end by sharing this poem I wrote for her—from Jesus’ perspective—in 2002. I love you, Vonnie Bittner. You are like a candle that does not go out, a persistent beacon of light in the depths of my heart—unforgettable and indescribable.

A Knock to Remember

Sweet Vonnie, of noble character, I delight in you.

Do you remember the first time I knocked at the door of your heart?

You gave me your life, I became your first love,

and later I blessed you with a love you could give your heart to.

I have equipped you to undergird and love your husband in such a way

that you bless his every breath. You have worth exceeding all limits,

and because your life belongs to me, you touch the lives of many:

with eager hands you show love to children, bestowing upon them words of blessing,

as a gardener tends a flower bed. Truly you reap much joy from this,

and your labors do not go unnoticed by me.

So also, you encourage mothers, nudging them gently as they have need.

You exhort your sisters through prayer and good will.

As a cook seasons a dish, so you add flavor and substance to their lives.

Your family’s needs are met as a result of allowing me to shine through you;

your love and care of them is a crowning glory unto you.

I am pleased, my child, as you give heartfelt labor to the cause of Christ,

and seek me at all hours, and give heed to my voice.

I see you accept and embrace the ones who need me the way that you did,

 that hour that my Spirit beckoned you to come.

Having the eyes of Christ, you see the beauty and treasure in others,

a picture of who I’ve created them to be. And you stand in the gap for them,

pleading for their souls with all your might,

desiring for each one the abundance you know is available.

Your home and your person eng3ender respect and admiration.

Your husband is respected at the Salem City Gate,

in large part because of your loving submission.

Your talents are as linens that you spin for me, and invest in my kingdom.

You fulfill your tasks with diligence and find my blessings, left as surprise gifts for you.

Keep giving away all that I give to you, for then your storehouse will never be empty.

Your outward beauty is enhanced by your inner life, hidden in me,

that reflects and admonishes my servants in the fear of the Lord.

The praise you receive in this life is because of the high esteem you hold me in.

But I tell you the truth, dear Vonnie, my precious child,

the things I have prepared for you are too wonderful for you to imagine.

As you consider this day, all that I have done through you,

remember that it is because of all that you’ve allowed me to do in you, since that first knock;

and I will do even greater things through you.

I will open wide the gates of heaven as your heart remains true to me.

I long to sup with you and show you all the wonders I have in store, my love.

Remember the sound of my knock, and listen for it always.

Your Lord, Jesus Christ