Personal Stories & Words From The Heart
Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
Dear Friends,
In our book, Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture, Susan Hunt and I asked women between the ages of 70 and 90 to write a brief story for the end of each chapter. Each woman shared a glimpse into what aging with grace looks like for her. Dianne Balch, our first guest writer for this What She Said series, is one of those storytellers. Dianne and I met about twenty-five years ago through the national women’s ministry of our denomination. What a joy and fun to reconnect for this project! In this week’s devotionals, Dianne shares some of the gems the Lord has given to her since she met Jesus at the age of thirty. During their fifty-four-year marriage, Dianne and her beloved husband, Dave, moved over twenty-four times. Since moving is one of the highest stressors we can experience, imagine the life lessons Dianne can offer just about moving! When Dianne and Dave entered Christian ministry in 1972, much of their work centered on the business and professional community. In New York City, they co-founded Business & Professional Outreach, Intl. under the umbrella of Redeemer Presbyterian Church after establishing Executive Ministries for 15 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. Redeemer Presbyterian Church of New York City started as a prayer group in the Balch’s apartment. Dianne served three years as a deaconess and served on the Women in the Church (WIC) ministry Council for seven years. Tim Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Church, and I remember how the women of the PCA were called to pray for this new and challenging endeavor. Dianne and Dave were key to establishing the roots of this church that has grown into such a strong voice for the Gospel. After Dave’s death in 2016, Dianne struggled to understand God’s plans for this new season of life. After several moves, she settled into her newest home at the beginning of the pandemic. Imagine once more – Dianne is about eighty years old, in a new location without a lot of time to cultivate relationships in her new local church. Yet, Dianne continues to follow her passion and not only teaches weekly Bible studies but mentors both young women and men.
I’m so grateful the Lord reconnected Dianne and me through Aging with Grace. Not only did Dianne write a story for the book, but when asked to participate in two other projects, she immediately said yes. How grateful I am that once more, Dianne said yes to writing this devotional even though she expressed concerns about her ability to do so. I know that, along with me, you will be grateful she said yes!
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Get to know Dianne and soak up the wisdom of a life dedicated to following Jesus:
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.