My Sweetheart

She walked by me in the Student Union Building while I was in college, and I turned and said to myself, “I must get to know that girl!” I want you to know that I did get to know her, and quite well I might add. That was in the spring of 1975. Jeana departed for the summer as a missionary for the Texas Baptist Student Union Ministry. I departed for the summer on the road preaching the Word of God. Upon returning that fall, Jeana and I began to date some, resulting in me confessing my love for her over the Christmas holidays. The next summer, Jeana prepared for our wedding as I went to be a summer evangelist in Portland, Oregon. In early August of 1976, we got engaged and in September, I became a pastor. We were married on December 31, 1976.

Therefore, 30 years, 1 month, and 15 days ago today, I married Jeana. We have been blessed with two sons, Josh and Nick. They have blessed us with their lifetime spouses of Kate and Meredith. Josh and Kate have blessed us with Peyton, our first grandchild, with a second to arrive in August of this year. Nick and Meredith will bless us in May with our first granddaughter. The family tree continues to grow, and we want it to grow and multiply greatly. Is this not cool? One grandchild now and by the end of August we will have three grandchildren: One boy, one girl, and not sure whether the August grandchild will be a boy or a girl … but soon we will know!

Marriage is a journey with a special person, chosen by God and of course, chosen by you as well. Jeana was a great choice for me. She balances me and my personality. She works with me in ministry and serves the needs of this church and her husband in a splendid way. I am grateful to God for her. She is a fabulous mother and GIGI (you know “grandmother.”)

This church may never have a greater pastor’s wife than Jeana. You see modeled before you godliness, service, and churchmanship. Raised in the home of a pastor, she learned the value of Jesus, family, and the church.

So on this 14th day of February 2007, I want to say, “I love you Jeana” and Happy Valentine’s Day. I am blessed and yes, I know, I got the good end of this marriage relationship. In other words, I am the blessed one, more than you.

You are my Valentine … my Sweetheart!