Monday, December 31, 2012

This is so beautiful


Today is my Dad's birthday.  
He turned 75. 
A few months ago, he returned from a trip to China and Japan where he was teaching masters level classes to Bible school students from all over Asia.  
Next year he's likely returning to Turkey and definitely going to Egypt to do the same thing. 
He does all of this at his own expense because he believes that 
equipping God's people to spread His Word is the best way to spend a life.  

My Dad has lived 3 quarters of a century.  He's old in anybody's book.  
He's retired from the Army after more than 20 years service.  
He retired from the full time pastoral ministry after nearly 30 years.   
He is currently the Dean of Graduate Studies at Global University 
and has recently headed up the new doctoral program.  
Instead of resting, retiring, he's on his third career.
He believes that you are never too old to serve.

He believes that God uses the willing.  And, he's willing. 
It's like he wrote in his Bible.  See it?  
Look up at the top right corner.  See?  
Right there above Luke chapter 2.
This is so beautiful.

It is, Daddy.  It is.  
And so is your life. 
I love you.  
I am proud to be your daughter.
Happy birthday. 

23 comments:

Anita said...

Your Dad sounds like some kind of man. I know you are proud of him, as he is of you and your accomplishments. God bless him and may you have a Happy New Year!

Jeanne said...

How beautiful. Blessings for your Dad and all of his great works.
Love Jeanne

Anonymous said...

this is beautiful and so are you. happy new year!

Mac n' Janet said...

He sounds like an amazing man, how lucky you are to have such a person in your life. Happy Birthday to your Dad.

Kyra said...

@Relyn Happy New Year Relyn, wishing u and your family a beautiful year ahead filled with warmth and joy :)

Sarah said...

Your Dad sounds amazing Relyn! Happy birthday to him and happy new year to you all!x

Debby said...

Hmmmmm, your dad is amazing. I think you are as well......must be genetic.

Lisa Rydin Erickson said...

I love your post about your Dad here. It really is beautiful. So uplifting on a new year's day. Blessings and peace going into the new year for you and your family!

Marilyn Miller said...

Relyn,
This is a beautiful honor for your Dad to have a daughter such as you. A daughter that notices what a special Dad she has and loves him. You are very fortunate to have a Dad such as yours.

amelia said...

Oh, what a heritage! And now I know where you get it!

So here's to you both, and the start of another year: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Roban said...

Your dad sounds like an incredible person, much like my sweet in-laws. Happy birthday to him! And lucky you to be blessed with such a special father in your life.

beth said...

the happiest of birthdays to your dad !!!
xxoo

Anonymous said...

A very happy birthday to your Dad! I think I can see where you got some of your zest for life from.

Wishing you and your family many blessings in 2013, Relyn. Thank you very much for your lovely blog and for your friendship. x

Jennifer Richardson said...

wow....i'm standing up inside
and HONORING this man,
your father,
for the choices he has made
and the spirit he has become.
and you are a beautiful legacy:)
-Jennifer

Mrs. E said...

Bet he is incredibly proud of you, too! Happy Birthday, Dad!

joyce said...

Thanks for sharing....your love and pride shine on the page!

Unknown said...

Your dad is remarkable. What a testimony of what holds his heart captive. There is so much to be proud of. Happy new year, my friend.

S. Etole said...

What a wonderful heritage. Blessings to all of you for the new year.

Countrywoman said...

happy bday to your dad

alexa said...

I feel very uplifted reading your post, Relyn - both by your Dad's energy and commitment and by your own love and pride :).

Jeanne said...

What an awesome father you have, and know you must be so proud of him!

Elizabeth Halt said...

How beautiful and inspiring.

Jeanie said...

Your father sounds like an amazing and wonderful man. I can think of no lovelier tribute than this one. What a fascinating and diverse life he has led. It's clear that you are in part the woman you are because of him. Happy Birthday, Relyn's dad!

Oldies, but Goodies