We didn’t have much money at all but on a whim - we decided to spend the little we had on a family trip to California - to visit our friends who had recently moved there. Five plane tickets purchased. Money exchanged into American funds. Car rental secured. Up! Up! and Away!

We were all excited…..it was the first flight for our sons……my second flight……and Randy’s third. Toronto to Los Angeles. 5 hours! Wheels up at 6 pm and wheels down at 9 pm (local time).

We did the normal touristy things - Disney Land - Knots Berry Farm - a side trip down south to San Diego where we took in the world famous aquarium and zoo - another side trip to Palm Springs (an oasis in the middle of the desert) - the Santa Monica pier - Venice beach - Laguna Beach - Manhattan Beach and the Griffith Observatory and of course a close view of the famous Hollywood sign.

While all those things were fun and amazing - two events happened in the course of our trip that were more significant and even somewhat life changing.

I had the crazy idea that we should head to the movie studio for the Price is Right and try to be part of the audience. We did just just that and can you believe it? Randy was selected to be a contestant. Craziness. When we arrived at the studio - everyone was instructed to stand in a long line and slowly - very slowly - we snaked our way until we finally met the director of the show. He asked us a few questions and then we were herded into the studio - where we found our seat and waited. Everyone was in place and we were pumped and excited. The stage hands got us all ready to begin cheering as they counted down to the beginning of the taping. And then it happened - Bob Barker - entered the stage and welcomed the contestants up. You know the drill! The first name was called. Come on down. The second name was called. Come on down. And then it happened - Randy Jolliffe - come on down - you’re the next contestant on the Price is Right. We both jumped to our feet. Randy clapped his hands together and jogged down the aisle to the stage. I was jumping up and down and cheering as loud as I could.

Randy won the third guessing price game and then rolled 95 cents on the big wheel. He was the highest spinner of the day and thus, qualified for the Showcase Showdown. He ended up coming in second but after the prizes were converted into cash - our trip was paid for and when we went home - we put the money right back into our savings account. God provides in mysterious ways. Randy was a good sport that day. Bob Barker introduced him as “a minister from Canada!” It was ever so fun to watch the show weeks later…….our kids, our family and our friends delighted with us in that unexpected encounter in Hollywood. It’s a great memory.

Our second “life changing” event occurred on a Sunday evening. Randy, the boys and I - attended a church - pastored by Charles (Chuck) Swindoll. Swindoll is presently 91 years old and wears many hats - pastor - author - educator and radio preacher. He founded the radio program - Insight for Living. It was while he was pastoring in Fullerton, California, that we met him.

Zac, Ben, and Pete were 7, 6 and 5 at the time and after a full day of California sunshine - fell asleep during the evening sermon. After the service concluded, Randy and I made our way down to the front of the auditorium (we were in row 4 so we could keep our eyes on our sleeping sons) and waited in line to introduce ourselves. Chuck Swindoll was warm and grandfatherly - taking Randy’s hands in his and so very encouraging in his words to a young pastor. Then he cupped his big hands around my face and said something so profound - “I’m looking for scars that every pastor’s wife carries!” At the time - I quipped “no scars here!” He smiled. He knew. The scars would come. He was right! I was wrong.

Randy and I pastored the local church for 35 years - in Orillia, Listowel, Cambridge and Alliston. We knew the ups and downs of ministry. I often reflected back on Pastor Swindoll’s comments.

Someone shared this with me a long time ago and as I share it today - I realize that some of these statements happened to me - in my life - when I was a pastor’s wife.

This is for the weary pastor’s wife!

“I see you. I know the load you carry. It’s a heavy one because it’s a Holy one. The pressure you feel never eases. I see you worrying over the mental load your husband wears. I see you continually wiping the windows of the glass house your children live within. I see your victories, but I still see the tears in the bathroom of the nursery. I see the growth and new life, yet I still see the disappointments that quietly crush you. I see you on your knees, asking God for wisdom. I see you continually processing every situation. Analyzing words spoken. I see you forgiving those who have hurt you. I see you loving those who left you. I see you not serving behind your husband but beside him. Because somewhere along this journey, you’ve realized this isn’t just a ministry. This is your calling. The church isn’t just a church. It’s your home. And this congregation isn’t just some people. They’re your family. Because this calling is your heartbeat, your next breath. This ministry is your passion and these people give you life. I see you as you walk into the sanctuary with the grace you need to fulfill the work God has called you to do. Remember He hasn’t called you into perfection. He’s called you to love people like today’s your last opportunity. Quit caring what people think so much and stay focused on Him. Whatever you do, don’t get distracted.”

Thank you Pastor Swindoll for reaching out to me - at the time - a very naive 30 year old pastor’s wife. I knew you were in my corner. I knew your heart was for me. I’ve remember that conversation for almost 40 years.

And thank you Pastor Swindoll for your ministry and wise words throughout the years!

“Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it.”

“Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, then education, money, circumstances, than failures and success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, ability or skill. It will make or break a business, a home, a friendship or organization.”

“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the the memory banks of our children.”

“A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.”

And this one! “A teardrop on earth summons the King of Heaven.”

“Each morning, God deposits 86,400 seconds into our bank of time but nothing carries over to the next day. Spend it well.”

If I bumped into Chuck Swindoll on the street today, he would not remember me but I remember him. His words and touch made a hug impact on my life.

Our boys have only vague memories of the trip…….they were young…….but for Randy and I…..it was life changing…..we were on tv and we met Chuck Swindoll. Very cool.

The price was right!