Personal Reflections

If you would allow me this privilege I would like to take this posting to reflect on a special milestone in our lives. Today Ann and I celebrate our 37th Wedding Anniversary. We were married in Huntsville Alabama on February 26, 1972 by Pastor Billy Nettles at the local church where Ann attended. As I was driving home last night I began to reflect back over the years that we have spent together. All of our married life has been spent in the ministry; I was preaching when we met. We began our Pastoral journey 6 months after we entered into our marriage. The Lord reminded me of the one constant presence that has been with us throughout these years. The constant presence has been our relationship with God. It goes without saying that we love one another and that our love has grown over the years but through all of the challenges that life has brought our way we could always rely on our developing relationship with God. When ministerial transition came, God was present. When we encountered financial challenges, God was present. When Ann's parents passed away, God was present. When our children were born, God was present. I could go on and on naming other events, situations, and challenges but the message that the Lord wanted me to share with you is found in the phrase; God was present. Many years ago God placed in our individual hearts a desire to know Him and follow Him. We have helped each other develop that desire and passion and today that desire and passion is greater than ever before. As you look at your companion, your family and your friends today remember that God desires to use you to encourage them in their walk with Christ. Take a moment and encourage someone today through an email, a phone call, or a note of encouragement. Make contact with someone today and let them know God is present! I can boldly declare that God is still present with us and for that we are thankful. The meeting at Lakeside closed last night. Every night was AWESOME! The presence of the Lord was sensed and felt by one and all. The lives of many people will never be the same because of the Love of God that was revealed through Worship, the preaching of the Word and the ministry time in the altar. Only Heaven fully knows all that was accomplished. We give God praise and thanksgiving for all of His many blessings.