Heather Fawn's Birthday, April 9th

On April 9th, many many years ago, a little girl was born in Garland, Texas to a young Pastor and his wife. She was their first born. A once quiet and peaceful life became very noisy as this active, talkative, and dramatic person came on the scene. Today, she is the same girl, just older and with an intimidating vocabulary and brilliant mind. She loves Jesus, witnesses to the lost and still sees everything in black and white. She is strong in her faith and has touched the lives of people all over the world. But I was the first. Thank you Heather and thank You God! Happy Birthday #29+++++++!

http://www.facebook.com/heatherfawn

Marlee Turns Three

April 2nd, my grand-daughter, Marlee Eden, turned three. What a special day it was! She continues to light up my life with her presence. She came along at a time when I really needed her, and she has made this grandpa very happy. I look forward to watching her grow up and become the great woman of God she is destined to be. Happy Birthday Marlee!

Aaron's Birthday, March 3rd

My son Aaron turned 33 on March 3rd. Wow! I can still vividly remember the first time I saw him all wrapped up in a blue blanket. He was so tiny and yet had a strong personality from the beginning. He always knew what he liked and did not like and was never afraid to let it be known. I am glad that he decided early on to love the Lord and give Him his life. He is a good son, husband, father and brother. He leads our church in worship on Sundays with the pure heart of a true worshipper. I am proud to be his Dad! Happy Birthday Aaron!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!!

Today we celebrate the birth of a wonderful lady---My Son's wife, Stephanie. We have known her since she was a baby and were delighted when she bacame a part of our family (thanks Aaron!). She is everything I would want in a daughter-in-law and much more. She has given us two near perfect grand-children (Ethan and Marlee) and she has made Aaron a very happy man. She loves the Lord too! I can tell you this much, I am celebrating her life today!! Thank you Jesus!

Valentine's Day 2011

Ruth and I spent this Valentine's Day with Don & Cindy Normand. We met them at their home in Keystone Heights for early lunch then drove to Gainesville to see the movie, King's Speech (about King George VI's battle against a severe speech impediment). It was very enjoyable to watch this movie with a couple who knew all the inside stories surrounding the Royal Family of that era. It was a very enjoyable day all around with perfect weather and perfect company. On the way home, Ruth and I stopped at our favorite sea food restaurant for an intimate meal before returning home. Then we get out our computers and start emailing and facebooking the ladies in our lives to wish them all a Happy Valentine's Day.

God has blessed me with a wonderful group of "special" ladies: A loving wife (Ruth); and great mother-in-law (Ethel Pratt); a beloved sister (Joy Bittner); 2 sister in law's (Mary Ann Thomason & Glenda Boothe); a wonderful daughter (Heather Fawn); a precious daughter-in-law (Stephanie Thomason) ; 3 lovely step-daughters (Amy Donohue, Angielyn Hughes, Ashley Spurlock); an absolutely perfect granddaughter (Marlee); a totally delightful step granddaughter (Daylan Spurlock); and some super nieces (Dawn Miller, Denise Downey, Marcy Malone, Karen Pratt, Danielle Hill, Katrina Phillips, Crystal Stone, Brianna Thomason); a host of female cousins and second nieces; and last but not least all my precious Sisters in Christ!

I must include those special ladies who have gone on to Heaven for which I will always be thankful--my Mom, Irene Thomason; the wife of my youth--Norma; and my wonderful sister-in-law, Carolyn Thomason.

I am a RICH man!!!

To all of the women, ladies, and girls in my life: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY & ALL MY LOVE!

Good bye dear friend!

Doug Anderson was promoted to His Heavenly Home on Monday, January 10, 2011 after a lengthy illness.  His wife of over 30 years, Linda, and his children and grand-children as well as a multitude of friends will miss this wonderful man of God. Always positive and upbeat about his situation, Doug faithfully served his church, his family, and his friends while experiencing severe physical challenges for most of his adult life. Doug was a man of integrity, a man of deep spiritual insight, and a man of intense passion for the things of God. He lived for others, asked little for himself and displayed great faith and confidence in the Lord. There was not a prejudiced bone in his body and he proudly introduced me as "My Pastor".  In over 38 years of pastoral ministry, I have not seen anyone deal with physical pain and difficulties with as much grace as he. He was and will always be my friend and brother in Christ. I will personally miss him greatly, but I am glad he is with Jesus and free of pain. 

Ruth's Birthday!

Today, January 6th, is Ruth's Birthday. I celebrate her life with great enthusiasm as should any husband. I believe she is God's gift to me and I am so happy to be a part of her life. She completes me. She blesses me. She pleases me. Though we met only 3 years ago, it seems like we have been prepared all of our lives for this time we have.  I just want to say that I love her and thank God for bringing her to me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH!

Do You Have God's Ear?

I was reading in George W. Bush's new book DECISION POINTS where he spoke of the people who aspire to being near the President or to at least have access to him. He said that the reason people want the President's ear is that there is great power for those who have it. I immediately thought of the most powerful person in the Universe: Almighty God, and the unlimited access He has given to those who come to Him through Christ. We Believer's in Christ have the opportunity to boldy enter God's Presence to ask for anything we want. Jesus Christ said that we can "Ask anything in my name" and we will be granted our request. (See Matthew 7 and John 12, 13, 14). It is clear. We have God's Ear!!! What power awaits those who believe this and use this awesome access? Let us find out!!!

November 15, 2010

I turned 60 on my last birthday (Oct. 24) and had a great day. It was Sunday, so we spent the morning and evening at church worshipping God together with the great people that I have pastored for over 15 years (and some new ones too). Also with me was my wife of two years, Ruth, who made my day even more enjoyable with her joyful spirit. I can say that I am a blessed man and have lived a blessed 60 years. I don't feel this old and I am always shocked when I look into a mirror. I think it is because my inner man is renewed day by day through the indwelling Holy Spirit. He makes me feel young and alive. For this I am thankful! I have the most wonderful family any man could ever want and some of the greatest people on earth are my friends. Thanks be to God!

Aaron & Stephanie's 6th Anniversary!

Today is Aaron and Stephanie's 6th Wedding Anniversary.

I am very proud of them. They have formed a perfect union in Christ and are very much in love. They make a great team as parents of Ethan and Marlee, and in serving the Lord together. My son is a happy man, and for this I am forever grateful to Stephanie.

Love you both very much!

Happy Anniversary!