April 23, 1976 + 35

April 23 1976 was the happiest day of my life. It was on that day that I, accompanied by my best friends, followed Pastor Irv Dally into the sanctuary of Blendville Christian Church in Joplin. Moments later as I stood there, the most beautiful woman in the world strolled down the aisle of said church (with her dad, Orval) and astounded all (and ignored the advice of all!) and said “I do” when Irv asked Carolyn Eldridge if she would take little ol’ me as her lawfully wedded husband.

That was 35 years ago. Wow. She’s one tough mama to put up with me all these years!

Back in those days there was a song that was popular that hit the charts when we were dating. It was “Love Will Keep Us Together” by The Captain and Tenille. To hear that song transports me in time back to those happy early days. Love has kept us together, as well as a dependence on both each other and on our Awesome God.

It hasn’t always been easy, of course. Carolyn made a commitment early in our relationship that she would never consider divorce. Murder, yes! But divorce? No!

The years rolled on, and along came Josh, Amber and Jordan. Those three little kids are now grown up adults themselves. They’ve all been taller than me for more years than not, it seems! And of course there is the joy of our beautiful granddaughters, Kaila and Eliana and our grandson, Conner, who we really did pump full of sugar and caffeine once and send home. Yes, it is satisfying.

So here we are traveling together on the long and winding road of this wonderful thing we call life. “It’s you and me against the world!” I would say. 35 years later, I find myself wishing the world hadn’t of won so much!

Right now there are problems and hassles and uncertainties abound. Still, though, it can be said that life is sweet. We have our awesome family, we have our awesome church family that means more to us than you will ever know, and we have each other. And we have the Lord.

Amber said to me once that she cannot imagine Carolyn and I not being together. Neither can I.

To Carolyn what can I say but I love you now and forevermore!

I’d call that a successful marriage by any standard!

Rare photographs from the rehearsal dinner. First: Tommy poses for the camera next to Bill Lisle. These folks were the bride's members of the wedding party. Second: My mom and dad, best man Johnny Willis, my sister Dana, and two of the most precious people this world has ever known: Irv and Betty Dally. Third: a scurvy band o'cut throats known as the groom's members of the wedding party. Ted and Barbara Easley, Bob Phillips, the Russells, and the Richardsons.

Johnny Willis (best man), Steve Russell (groomsman), Your Humble Correspondent (groom, yes I was smoking a Winston Menthol 100 when this photo was taken), and Ted Easley (groomsman).

The early years!

Ps: Oh, remember The Captain and Tenille? Did you know they were married? And do you know they are still married, and having enjoyed a long career in the music world they live now in Prescott, Arizona. Love kept them together, and it will keep us together as well. Live well in the Lord!

This is the Voice of One!

Welcome to April!

In the news this hour, the 2011 baseball season has started. I always look forward to the opening day because this is the one day that I earnestly seek a win by the Kansas City Royals. You see, having once lived in Kansas City and having spent the majority of my life in the proximity of Kansas City I cannot help but feel a measure of loyalty to Kansas City teams, such as the Royals and the Chiefs. I really want them to win the first game or two, so that for one glorious day I can brag about the undefeated Royals! Our own Mike Armstrong was at the season opener, so luck was in the air! Play ball!!

What? The Royals lost to the evil Los Angeles Angels, 4-2? I am denied! Oh well, there’s always next year. Which brings up the point, when you begin the year by saying “there’s always next year,” maybe it’s time to find another team?? Sigh. I think I’m going to stick with the Arkansas Naturals. I love going to those games, so take me out to the ball game! Take me out to the park….

We have to talk about something serious now. Folks, there is a segment of our society that has been neglected when it comes to holidays. Christians have Easter and Christmas, Jewish people have Passover and Hanukah, Muslims have, oh, what do they have? Ramadan or whatever it is. Wiccans even have Halloween, fer cryin’ out loud!

Pity the poor atheists. They have nothing. All the people groups of the world have a special holiday of their very own, but atheists? Nothing! Zero! Zip! Nada! I think that’s so sad!

But that all changes now! By special Congressional decree, President Obama has signed a proclamation declaring today, April 1^st, as Atheist Affirmation Day! Woohoo! At last the recognition they deserve!

Congratulations. See Psalm 14:1.

Finally in the news this hour, We continue to pray for the Mustard Seed Global Fellowship as they work in Japan. Here is an excerpt from their latest update:

The team in Ishinomaki has established a supply storehouse in the sanctuary of a local church. Many people who have had no previous connection with the church are hearing about the supplies being provided and going there to get the food, water, hygiene kits, diapers, and other supplies that our MSGF guys are busy keeping stocked and organized.

When they aren’t making trips to Sendai for gas and supplies to keep the church stocked, they have had multiple opportunities to help the helpless in Ishinomaki. They went to the home of an 80-year-old woman who is a member of the church where they are staying. Her home had been completely flooded, so they worked hard to remove damaged appliances, waterlogged tatami mats, and clean out the grime and mud that coated everything.

James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Christians helping Christians can be a powerful testimony to those outside the faith. The widow’s neighbor saw what our team was doing and was very touched. She came over to talk to them and thank them for helping her elderly neighbor. They took the opportunity to pray for her and Andy Rodriguez explained that the woman began weeping as they prayed for her. It was a very powerful moment.

And there is much more. One question: how can we help them? Whatever it is we can do to help them is our responsibility before the Lord! You might go to their web site www.msgf.com where you can find a link to donate.

Closed Circuit to Oak Manorites:

We've been praying for baby Heidi earnestly: last report they have the newborn's chest closed, and she's doing well. Keep those prayers going ever heavenward!

Final personal note: after such a dreary week I so look forward to surrounding myself with my church family, which is true family. Our topic this coming Sunday is a very serious one. We are going to talk about suffering. Why do we live in a world with suffering? Let’s cut out the trite old adages and get down to the question and answer it. We will do that Sunday morning. I’ll see you there!