Whatever the person you wish you were, start being today.

Jeanne Ann Harmon, Jeannie, 60 years young, December 16,1948 - February 12, 2009

Jeannie was called home to Jesus on Thursday, February 12, 2009 in Colorado Springs at her home. She was born on December 16, 1948 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Gorden Buckli and Eunice (Ebert) Buckli. She had two younger sisters, Jerilyn and Barbara.

Jeannie went to Apostolic Bible College and received a certificate of Bible Study in 1970. She continued her education at Judson College where she received a Bachelors Degree in 1982. She married Patrick Harmon on September 15, 1973 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They adopted their daughter, (Amy) Renee (Harmon) Batron on August 3, 1979. Shortly after, they moved to Elgin, IL where they were residents for 17 years. They adopted their son Michael Christopher Harmon in May 1990 at the age of 4. They were foster parents to Candy Savord from 1986-1989. They became Colorado Springs residents in 1996.

Jeannie's main passion was her love for God and caring for others. She was whole heartedly involved in any church to which she belonged. She was in singing groups, taught Sunday School and small groups, directed children's musicals, and was involved in women's ministries. She was always available to lend a hand wherever the church needed her.

Jeannie was a Senior Children's Book Editor at Cook Communications for 15 years. During this time she authored/edited many children's books. One of her other passions was Christian writing. It was her profession as well as her hobby. She taught a small group at New Life Church, Writing to Encourage Others. She also taught classes through the Christian Writer's Guild.

Jeannie had type one diabetes and fought through many trials including blindness, kidney transplant, heart surgery and many foot surgeries. Through it all she never lost her faith in God and had an indomitable spirit strengthened by her unwavering faith in God

She is survived by her husband, Pat, her two children Renee and Mike, her beloved granddaughters Megan and Haley, her mother Eunice Glenna, her step-father Ray Glenna, her sisters Jeri Kiner and Barbie Hilderbrand as well as their families. She was preceded by her father, Gorden Buckli, September 18,1955 and her son-in-law Garrett Batron, January 9, 2008.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2009 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Blunt Mortuary, 2229 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 10:00 am at Blunt Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her honor to the Tupelo Children's Mansion, PO Box 167, Tupelo, MS 38802, 662-842-6982, www.TCMM.org

Tonight, my wife and I watched the movie Fireproof. All I can really say is.... Wow. This movie was fabulous. If you don't know anything about the film, it was produced by the same guys who created Facing the Giants, which was another stellar movie. Kirk Cameron plays lead role as a heroic fireman who is locked in a failing marriage. He eventually accepts his father's challenge to take part in a 40 day experiment, called The Love Dare, that teaches him the true meaning of love.

I give the film a big two thumbs up. The movie reminds us that marriage is a covenant, in which you hold to the fireman's adage, "Never leave your partner behind." So when times get tough, that's when you persevere - not run. Whether your marriage is wonderfully rock solid or it is suffering from years of emotional damage, make it a point to see this movie.

After watching the movie, I went and purchased The Love Dare book from Amazon.com (right now it's only $8.00). It goes without saying that I love my wife with all my heart, and I know that she loves me just the same, but in a society that cheapens the value of morality and promotes selfishness, I think it's important to fireproof my marriage and protect it from every fiery dart that serves to destroy it. Marriage is such a sacred and beautiful thing.... but like anything worthwhile, it requires dedication, hard work, and a true commitment.