25th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, August 8th was a really special day of celebration at the church I grew up in. Pastor Steve & Judy have been serving at First Baptist Flippin for 25 wonderful years! I couldn't begin to put into words how much they mean to me. I was starting 3rd grade (not much older than Rhett is now!) when the Martins moved there. Brother Steve baptized me when I was 9 and did my wedding ceremony when I was 24. He and my Dad came to our house to meet Rhett the day we brought R home from the hospital. (They had been to Nicaragua on a mission trip. I remember being SO HAPPY when I opened my front door and saw them standing there.) Mrs. Judy has always been such a sweet sweet mentor, teacher and encouragement to me. She is so kind, loving and giving to everyone! And the Martin kids (Kelly & Chris) were two of my dearest friends growing up. Our families did so many fun things together...I think we went to every Gaither Vocal Band concert within a reasonable driving distance, and we probably ate at least 1,000 meals together at Pizza Hut after church on Sunday nights. I'm grateful for the 25 years that the Lord has used them at First Baptist, and I'm so glad that I was able to be at church for the day of honoring them and their faithful service. I pray that God will continue to bless them richly!

I was sad that I didn't take many pictures, but here are a few from the day:

Crosby before the service started. He went to the nursery after the songs.

My Dad (left), his sister Janice, his brother Greg & friend Bert singing "What a Savior". There were other great songs, a poem (you should go read it), and a message, too!

The Martin family during the song service:

Judy & Steve, Chris & Carrie, Scott & Kelly (Stamps)

After church there was a BBQ lunch at the school. My kids were wild, and Crosby was beyond exhausted so we didn't stay long. I wish we could have stayed to visit with everyone...there were a lot of people there for the celebration that I hadn't seen in such a long time.

Here's Mom and four grandkids. I think Alexee was running across the stage behind me.

Mo trying to keep Crosby awake long enough to eat his lunch.

Brother Steve & Judy with their precious granddaughter, Harper.

Before closing the service with a prayer, Greg said:

"What a service...What a servant...What a SAVIOR!"

I loved that--what a great way to summarize this very special day!