Yesterday, I celebrated Jeana’s birthday and honored her on Mother’s Day as the mother of our children. I want to give a personal word of testimony about this woman you see in various settings and always see sitting on the front row in church. Perhaps this will give you a little insight into our lives.

Jeana comes from the home of a West Texas pastor. Her dad served faithfully for 50 years in various churches until the Lord called him home. Her mom resides in a small town in Texas just outside of Fort Worth, the old hometown of her youth. Jeana has one brother who resides in Lubbock, Texas.

The Lord has been gracious to heal Jeana’s body from cancer. He is gracious and kind concerning her health and she never takes this for granted. Once you have walked where she walked, you do not take any day for granted … each one is a gift from God.

Jeana is the mother of our two sons, Josh and Nick. Josh is the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Shiloh Christian School. Nick is the Minister of Young Adults at the north campus of Prestonwood Baptist Church and plans to graduate with his Master of Divinity degree this December. Of course, we now have two daughters through marriage, Kate and Meredith, both lovely young women with a heart for God.

Jeana is being called “Gigi” by her grandson Peyton, who is the first grandchild. Within the next couple of weeks, Nick and Meredith will give Jeana her first granddaughter, Reese Caroline. At the end of August, Josh and Kate will give her a second grandson, and his name is yet to be determined, but he will not be named Ronnie or Don (Kate’s Dad’s name) – take that one to the bank!

Gigi is alive now more than ever before. She is rather excited about these three grandchildren, I mean, she is fired up! She will rearrange most anything in her life for them, and I am so glad she does. She is one great Mom and Gigi to her children and grandchildren.

So, following the special day where we recognized the wonderful women of our church, you can count on this one – our church has an outstanding example in Jeana. She can be imitated by other wives of pastors, as well as by other women who have the privilege of being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. Oh, I almost forgot, in the late summer—early fall, Jeana’s first book will be published. It is entitled, An Uninvited Guest, One Woman’s Journey from Cancer to Hope.

Jeana, Happy Birthday, and Happy Mother’s Day again! I love you. You are the very best of all.

Can I get a witness?