From our family to yours ~ Happy New Year!

Emily Faison Graduates from Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

I wrote a blog a few days ago about my daughter, Emily's graduation from Southeastern University. It was a great weekend in Lakeland and we are very proud of her accomplishments. Our church was so kind to her on Sunday by providing a cake and punch between our Sunday School and Morning Worship services in her honor. Then, during the service, the church presented her with a devotional book and shared pictures from her graduation.

While I won't publish all the pictures here, I'll post a few for you to enjoy. There are also some on my Facebook page as well.

Pastor / Uncle Randy presenting Emily with a devotional guide at Ryanwood Fellowship

The cake at the Reception at church

Emily marches into graduation

Emily's Fan Section at SEU Graduation

The stage before the Commencement began

I'm A Proud Daddy

Emily and me at her High School graduation

Today is a huge day in our family. Its actually hard to know where to begin the story. Do I start in July, 1992? Or what about August, 1997 or June, 2010? My eldest daughter will graduate from college this evening. She was born in 1992, she started kindergarten at Woodbine Christian Academy in Nashville, TN in 1997 and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 2010. This evening, she will graduate with honors with an English degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL.

As a high school student she was dual-enrolled at our local college that resulted in enrolling at Southeastern with a semester's worth of college credit already completed. Since she's been at Southeastern, she has completed an honors program in addition to the normal English degree program. She has worked in the Media Services Department on campus as well as served as a Teacher's Assistant the past two years. Last Thursday morning in chapel, she was honored by being named Most Outstanding English major.

Emily has always been a hard worker. While in high school, she was working a bevy of part time jobs. She's been involved in the start-up of Dome Studios in Vero Beach. This studio was begun by high school friends, and although they are scattered all along the Eastern seaboard in colleges, they still work hard during their breaks to grow this business.

So, what's next for Emily? The sky's the limit! She is investigating several graduate schools and will hope to enroll in a Master's Degree program in the fall. Her mom, sister, and I could not be any more proud of Emily and her accomplishments. Today, December 13, 2013 is all about her. Congratulations, kid! You've made your daddy proud!

Because He Lives

Have you ever lost someone close to you to death? I dare say if you've lived very long at all, that's a dumb question. I don't consider myself to be an old man by any stretch; middle-aged at best. But throughout my life, there have been a fair share of times that I've been left a bit lonely or bewildered at someone's death.

I don't remember either of my grandfathers. One died before I was even born, the other died before my first birthday. I do remember my grandmothers, and even one of my great-grandmothers. My great-grandmother lived long enough to see one of my own children. I remember the funerals of my grandmothers. I remember the funerals of a first cousin and several aunts and uncles. I remember the passing of my dad and how lost I felt during those days - and weeks - and months - and still sometimes years later I struggle with not having him here. 

In my ministry, I've had to deal with losing friends in churches where I've worked. I've conducted or assisted in many funerals down through the years and it's always challenging to find words to say to comfort those who are experiencing the fresh grief of losing someone they love. In fact, the only real place to go to find comfort in those times is the Scriptures. 

There have been times in my ministry, also, that I have been called upon by a funeral home to conduct the funeral service of one who did not have a church home or pastor. I always tried to utilize those times to share the Ultimate Peace that comes from knowing the Prince of Peace and that even in the darkest hours, there can be a Light. In the moments of deepest distress there is Hope.

A few days ago, a friend of mine went home to be with Jesus. John was the same age as my mom. He had worked hard all his life and it had begun to show. But remarkably, he didn't slow down. Well, let me revise that, he might have slowed down doing what he did, but he didn't turn down the jobs that came his way. If there was a person on this earth who loved doing for others any more than John, I've not met them. My path first crossed John's three years ago. In the three years I knew John, we'd shared theological discussions. We'd shared laughs. I've seen John cry tears of joy as well as heartbreak and concern over those who needed a relationship with Jesus as he had.

I've been around death. I've been around people who have lost loved ones. I've been especially moved at John's passing. I'm not exactly sure why, unless it's just the fact that I knew he genuinely cared for those with whom he came in contact.  As our men at church gathered to pray before our Sunday service this past week, I shared with them of John's passing and how I was struggling to wrap my mind around this one. I suppose there are some people that just impact us that way.

I also work at a hotel. Two nights ago three sisters and a brother checked in during the wee hours of the morning. Just a little later, they all left the hotel together again. It was too early for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel next door. When they returned, they told me their brother was near death. My heart went out to them. This morning, they left during the wee hours again. As they left, they told me their brother had  passed. My heart broke for them as they now dealt with this fresh grief. Do they know about the Hope that Christ offers? Do they realize that He is the Prince of Peace and can wrap them in His arms? Sadly, I don't know the answer to those questions. 

Friend, if you've experienced the pain of the separation that death leaves, please know that there is Hope. There is a peace that passes any human understanding. It is available from a God that loves us and is freely given to those who will claim it by trusting His Son, Jesus.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living Because He Lives! Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a masterpiece! Let it minister to you today.  

Starbucks Gold

The Gold Level Cup of Coffee

Just a few minutes ago, I purchased a cup of coffee from my local Starbucks. But this cup of coffee is not JUST a cup of coffee. This cup is special! With this cup of coffee, I attained a milestone. This cup o' joe is the one that earns me the elite Gold Level! That's right, I finally earned my Starbucks Gold Level status! To some that is not news at all. Several might even question why I would write about something of a status symbol like that. Still others may be wondering what took me so long?

Fact is, some that may read this would wonder what is a Gold Level? I hope no one reading this is wondering what Starbucks is. If that's you, please do not tell anyone else. Just Google it!

The Gold Level from Starbucks is their reward for regular guests purchasing their products. In addition to the free refills on coffee and tea and the free item on my birthday that I already had with my previous Green level, attaining the gold level gives me benefits during the next year such as a free item for every 12 purchases and special offers from time to time.

Incidentally, I may not agree with a lot of the Starbucks social or political stances. Some of their products are a bit overpriced. But especially during the cooler months a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks tends to always hit the spot! So, in celebration of my milestone today, go ahead and enjoy a Starbucks drink of your choice.