Happy 75th Birthday, Dad

My dad is 75 years old today. It's pretty hard for me to believe.

On January 1st he traveled with a team from his church to China to carry Study Bibles to the Chinese believers that are crying out for God's Word. He had never done anything like that before, and I doubt if he will do it again. (He fell in the snow and rocks at the Great Wall of China, hit his head, landed in the Chinese hospital, and came home in a lot of pain.) But he did it! That showed a lot of courage for a man who likes structure and predictability.

He is a self-described "supervisor" yet works as hard as everyone else. Probably harder. I wished he lived closer to me, not just because I like to be with him, but he would probably really enjoy doing a few of the things that need to be done around the house.

My dad is wise and gives good counsel, especially in the area of finances. He is wise with his money and desires his kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids to learn how to be wise with their money too. But most of all, he wants us to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. There were plenty of years that Duane and I lived without the predictability of a set income as we traveled and ministered in music. That was tough on my dad as he watched us struggle financially, and I think it stretched his faith as well as our own. I think my family has increased his prayer life over the years! But that can't be a bad thing, can it?

Every morning he and Pat pray for one of their kids and their families. I am thankful. Every evening before bed they play marbles with my sister, Cyndi, if she comes by.

Ps. 128:1 says "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways." This scripture always makes me think of my dad.

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you!