A Week of Celebrations

Last Friday, December 20, 2013, Larry and I had the blessing and privilege of attending the graduation ceremony for our son, Chad, as he received the Doctor of Ministry degree from George W. Truett Seminary.  His culminating project was Cultural Translation: An Interactive Training Course on Gospel and Culture.   The message at the ceremony was given by, Dr. Ronald Cook, the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program.  Dr. Cook was the pastor of the church Chad attended while at Howard Payne University before accepting the position at Seminary. What a blessing to witness the graduation and then visit with several of Chad’s professors and peers at the reception.  They spoke of his commitment to excellence, his integrity, his work ethic, and how much they enjoyed having Chad in class.  Needless to say, this mother’s heart continues to overflow.  The degree is completed, but may the education, studying, preparation, application and commitment be for a lifetime.

Lori, David, and Ryen, Lori’s parents, Larry’s brother and a young man from Chad’s church also shared the day with him.  Chad, the college student from Chad’s church, even waited a few days in Waco, after finals, so he could be there to see him graduate.

It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:3-4

 Dr. Ken Starr, President and Chancellor, Baylor University and Chad

 

Chad being hooded by

Dr. Brian Brewer and Dr. Michael Stroope

 

Chad Weston Bertrand, D. Min.

 

Chad, Lori, David, Ryen

 

Proud Mom and Dad with Chad

 

With Lori's parents, Reinhardt and Martie Loesch

Christmas celebrations and time with family have been blessed times all week long.  On Christmas Eve, we attended the 5:30 pm service at South Main Baptist in Pasadena and then Larry preached at the 11:00 pm service at Tallowood.  Both services helped us focus on God’s love in giving us Jesus as the true reason we worship and celebrate Christmas.  It has been a week full of visits with family.  I love this time of year.

Friday morning we celebrated the life of a dear friend, Marilyn Hirsch.  What a joyful, loving, and sweet lady.  Marilyn loved people, especially children, and had the gift of making people feel special.  She also had a servant’s heart.  Whether it was being a member of the Food Service Team at church serving desserts on Wednesday nights, helping with the memory care group once a month, baking, Grief Share, Bible Study classes, or filling in for the receptionist at church, Marilyn cheerfully gave of her time.  Oh how she will be missed. 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

Psalm 166:15

On Friday night, Larry and I celebrated 110 years of marriage with two of my sisters and their husbands.  December 27 is Micki and Mark’s 33rd anniversary and our 39th.  Robin and Kirk’s 38th anniversary is next Friday, January 3.  What a blessing to have family as relatives and friends.  I pray that each day we will choose to allow God to be the center of our lives and marriages. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Psalm 107:1

 

Mark & Micki, Robin & Kirk, Debbie & Larry