Tribute to my kids...

I am sure many parents think very highly of their children but I know it is obvious to all that some don't seem to care at all. As our girls are now maturing into adulthood I find each of them very facinating. Their mother and I can sit for long periods of time just commenting about a facial expression we my see on them. Simple moments can be very precious. It really does not take much for a parent who loves their kids to feel proud of them.

As a pastor I often glance at them during church services only to discover they were watching for my glance. I have to pay attention because they can misread my focused look to be a tern look at them. Every service I look their way and give them a little private smile, letting them know, it was just for them alone.

They may never know how we watch for them before each service. Not because of the important duty might perform, but for the completeness we feel as a parent when they are there. I know we are very blessed that God has called them to be near us for now. We (their mother & I) treasure each day we can be near them.

I watch closely and observe the progressive steps of growth in minstry as they assume greater responsibilities and make more sacrifice for the benefit and care of others. It is then you realize they were watching and learning after all those years which you will never repeat. It counted for something!

Our eldest daughter Laurin Flowers married a young man (Caleb) from the Memphis area. He is an accomplished musician, a great athlete, and he obviously loves our daughter very much. The latter being most important. Next comes Kaylee Johnstone who married a fine young man (Nick) from Oregon. He too is very talented and a very anointed minister. They are all very involved and carry a considerable load of responsibility for the congregation where we pastor. Tara is our youngest at 15 and is still at home. Nights are often spent sitting on our bed telling stories, sharing events or just watching Tara make funny faces at us. She is the church drummer and the boys only wish they could play like her. We have accused some young men of just coming to church to watch her play.

As siblings there can sometimes be a tense moment or two when the pressure is on. This of course disturbs a parent who love all their children equally. It warms my heart when one couple is out of town and the other couple shows up at our house asking, "When are they coming back?" Just knowing how much they realy care for each other.

Caleb, Laurin, Nick, Kaylee and Tara, we love you all very much.