Meet Lynette

There are very few ladies in our church that I have known longer than I have known Lynette Vaninwegen. I have known her first, as a baby when she was born in Grand Forks, ND, next ,as a child growing up at the same time as my own children did, and attending Christian schools from Kindergarten through her Senior Year of high school, then, as a young single adult, attending one year of Bible College and working jobs in our community, and now, as a lovely godly wife, mother and faithful servant of the Lord. I am happy to “introduce” her to each of you.

I remember Lynette as a very enthusiastic child. She was involved in every church activity available to her (attended Bible camps and youth conferences, loved to sing in church programs and musicals, played both flute and piano, and began singing in our church choir at a young age). She participated in school activities too, such as cheerleading, orchestra, and class government. She also had a part-time job working in the local hardware store .

Lynette is a great admirer of her mother, and seeks to follow her example to serve the Lord with her whole heart, and to enjoy the ‘simple’ things of life. One of her fondest and most precious memories is getting up each morning and finding her mother at the kitchen table reading her Bible.

Lynette attended one year of college at Massillon Baptist College in Massillon, Ohio. After college, she worked as the insurance clerk for Ecolab in Grand Forks. She met her husband Mike when the Lord brought him to Grand Forks AFB and to our church in 1995. They were married on June 6, 1998 at their beautiful outdoor wedding in Turtle River State Park. In just a few days they will be celebrating their 13th anniversary!

They have two boys; Coleman age 7 and Vincent age 4, who are privileged to live right across the yard from Lynette’s parents. What a blessing for them to live so near their maternal grandparents! She loves living here because she hasn’t really lived anywhere else with the exception of one college year. The thing she appreciates most about living here is the church she attends. This is her HOME and she loves it.

Lynette is a stay-at-home Mom and she loves that too. Her husband retired from the Air Force and now works as a civilian at the base hospital. Lynette also volunteers at our Christian school teaching elementary music and 10th grade Music Appreciation, which she loves very much! Mrs. Shaffer trained Lynette to take over the kids music program of our church and Christian School and Lynette has done an exceptional job!
She also enjoys her work with the cheerleaders and fund-raising projects of our Christian School. Her work there is much appreciated also. Lynette is a faithful member of the Lydia ladies missionary prayer group and an encourager to her group leader.

This lady has a passion for music. She has been singing since she was very young. How thankful she is that she can serve the Lord at church in the music ministry.

It is her prayer that He will always get the glory from the voice that He gave her. We LOVE hearing and watching her frequently sing beautiful and edifying specials in church.

She also enjoys making jewelry and sells it at craft shows and the farmer’s market in Grand Forks. This craft enables her to be a stay-at-home mom which she appreciates very much.

This past January she became a Norwex consultant, selling cleaning products that use no chemicals.

Lynette especially loves the book of Psalms. She strives to love God with the same passion as David, the psalmist had.

Psalm 32:8-10-- “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.” This passage has taught her a truth that stays with her throughout her trials, failures, disappointments, and even victories; and that truth is to “NEVER harden your heart to the Lord.”

Any story about Lynette would not be complete without telling of the love and respect which she has for Pastor and Mrs. Shaffer. She considers them to be like second parents to her. They have stuck by her and have lovingly guided and encouraged her to make wise choices for the Lord and not for the world. When she has followed their counsel, the Lord has blessed her.

Indulge me a little please while I reminisce on my own relationship with Lynette. She was a frequent visitor in our home while growing up, as she and my daughter were ‘always’ together in those days. How cute she looks in one of our home movies, dressed up and parading around at a birthday party. It seemed that whenever we couldn’t find some lost article in our house, she had an uncanny sense of where it was. I remember well the time she spilled pickle juice all under my refrigerator and I (regrettably) over reacted with disgust. We even took a fun trip to Texas and Colorado together. We all enjoyed attending her lovely wedding. I remember the many hours she and I used to practice church special music together. I have many good memories of Lynette.

My husband and she share the same birth date which in itself is special to us. He loves to joke with her on Sundays, saying, “You look COOL today, Lynette.” She replies, “Thanks. You don’t look so HOT yourself!” Their playful banter always brings a smile to my face.

I invite you to think on your special times with Lynette. I am sure it will be pleasant and rewarding. You might even like to comment on some of them on the comment section of this column. The Lord has blessed Lynette for her faithful spirit and she is a blessing to us.

To read more about our Lynette…please go to this month’s ‘Biblical Helpmeet’ column to read how God answered Lynette’s biggest prayer!