Ryan K. Nelson

We are the Nelsons. I am blessed beyond measure as I have the privilege of being married to Sara and being the proud father of Reed, Ashton, and Landis. This is among my greatest gifts in life…My Family.

Sara Ann Nelson is my dream girl. This woman of God knows she is not perfect but she knows that she is loved so very much by God and by me. She is brilliant, an amazing writer, a devoted mother, a faithful friend, a wonderful counsel, a terrific cook, a woman whose beauty is so great that I cannot begin to express it, and a passionate pursuer of God.

Sara was born Sara Ann Vernon and grew up in a terrific family. She and all of her six sisters are committed to the Lord and are actively involved in the church. Her parents, Dallas and Pat Vernon, and her family are incredible examples of what a family is to be. I am blessed to be a part of their clan.

I met Sara in college while I was trying to meet another young lady at choir auditions. At the time I pretty much did the obligatory greeting, but after I realized she needed some help in one of the classes we had together I quickly fell madly in love with her…even though she lied to me about needing help in music theory (this is still debated to this day).

Sara has partnered with me in friendship, ministry, marriage, parenting, and all aspects of life. She completes me and I am humbled that God and Sara would find me worthy to have such an amazing woman as my wife. I am in awe of it frequently.

Reed Karlton Nelson is our first born child. What a gift to have a first child like this one. We didn’t know if he was a boy or a girl until he was born on June 23, 2003.

He was pretty easy to walk through infancy and toddler-hood. However, in his elementary years we are being challenged in ways we never saw coming. It’s not because he is a bad kid. It has more to do with the fact that we are inconsistent parents.

The things that Reed teaches us is unbelievable to me. His faith and perspective blow me away. Yes, he’s a pretty smart kid but that’s not why he blows me away. It’s really more about his child-like faith, which is the same as most kids. This little boy has a call on his life. I don’t know what it is, but with the compassionate heart he has been given, I can’t imagine God not using it for wonderful Kingdom things.

Ashton Lillie Nelson was an amazing surprise on November 28, 2005. Like Reed, we did not find out if she was a boy or a girl until the day of birth. When Dr. Victoria Garcia announced “It’s a girl!” My eyes filled with tears. We never thought we would ever have a girl. She is the first girl born into my family line in over 125 years. Wow, what an amazing gift.

Ashton is a very strong and courageous child. As a matter of fact, we try diligently to tame her will without breaking it. She believes she can do anything. She gets hurt and frustrated if she fails. But, within that determination is a very soft breakable heart when she fears she has disappointed. She is so loving and and loved.

Landis William Nelson changed our lives when he arrived on December 12, 2008. This little guy gave us fits as we anxiously awaited his arrival. Before he came into this world we had within us a fear of whether we would get to the hospital on time since Ashton arrived in less than four hours. However, that fear was put to rest once we got to the hospital. There was no sense of urgency when we got there. Nor, was there such a sense 5, 10, and 15 hours later. Finally, 21 hours after the labor began Landis blessed our eyes and our hearts. Sara’s first words to him were, “You’re in trouble.” This was because the labor took far longer than we imagined it would.

He’s a sweet little boy. He likes to smile and laugh. He wakes up once or twice a night. He loves to cuddle in people’s arms and fall asleep. He is a blessing indeed.

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