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“Isn’t it amazing how time flies?”
The question comes up regularly. The older I get, the
faster the years sail by.
When you’re young, you can’t wait to be another year
older. When you’re older, you wish time slowed.
You watch children grow, develop, embark on new
beginnings. Then possibly grand children come and you don’t
think about your age—only theirs. Until…until life events
catch up to you and the Lord arrests your
attention—hopefully in very positive ways.
This year has been full of amazing grace. My wife, Gale,
passed away after a long illness over 15 years ago now.
Incredibly, time flies.
Pastor Karl Barden, one of my best friends and my
mentor in ministry for over 40 years went home to be with
Jesus over a year ago.
Gale and I walked in ministry and best friend
relationship with Karl and Sherri Barden for nearly 25 years
until Galey passed away. The three of us continued as best
friends until Pastor Karl passed, following 12 to 14 years
of illness.
Pastor Sherri and I continued on as best friends until we
discovered that ours was more than a best friends
relationship—but instead we discovered a love birthed by God
for one another.
We are in close relationship with other ministers who know
us and have examined the fruit of our lives and walk with
the Lord. With them we shared our joy and they confirmed the
fruitfulness of our lives and ministries—and we married this
November. How
utterly amazing.
How quickly time flies!
And now we are in transition in our lives. Transition in
houses; in schedules; in every way imaginable, and we are
enjoying the new life Jesus has given us. In our home there
is laughter every day, by His grace. We celebrate joy, song,
prayer, and love—and we’re grateful that He’s changed our
lives in truly amazing and surprising ways.
SO, as we embark on a new year,
2015—we urge and encourage you to “get as close to Jesus as
you possibly can”—and truly enjoy this journey. SINCE time
flies, NOT IF it flies, as you remain close to Him you can
be assured His hands are upon you for good and He will
continue to guide and lead you into His plan and destiny.
After all, He is the God who gives you a “future and a
hope.” (Jer.29:11) Walk with Him, and enjoy the truly
amazing grace of this journey!
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