40

Written by cycleguy on April 12th, 2015

My age? My body wishes. πŸ™‚

My wedding anniversary years? Wrong again. 42 this June.

The number of points I scored in basketball games? Several times actually.

40. A number of much more significance to me than to you. I hinted at it here.

April 13 is the 40th anniversary of my ordination into the ministry. In the tradition I was raised in, we were able to preach and do “ministry things” before our ordination, but the ordination was the “official” day. I chose April 13th because it was also my late mother’s birthday. She went to be with Jesus in 2004 and if still alive would be 83 today (April 13). (She is celebrating a muchΒ  better birthday now).

Anyway, 40 years seems like a milestone to me. I look back and wonder where the years went. I also wonder how in the world I made it this long. πŸ™‚ I was so young, brash, arrogant, and foolish. I can’t even begin to count the mistakes I made. WOW! How I survived is a tribute to God’s patience and grace for me.

And the support and love of a good woman. Jo took seriously the vow which said, “Where you go, I will go.” Because go we did! Ministries of 2 1/2 years, 5 years, 14 months, 16 months, 3 years, 13 years, 5 years and now 10 at the current church. And I can say unquestionably this is the BEST place I have ever been.

I honestly had no clue what to expect when I said, “Yes” to full-time ministry. I have no clue what the ensuing years may bring. All I know is when I am done I want to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I pray I have impacted lives for Jesus. Encouraged people to not give up. To live the greatest adventure anyone can pursue.

BTW: don’t applaud; just throw money. πŸ˜‰ I broke it down while riding yesterday. $1 x 40=$40. $5 x 40=$200. $10 x 40=$400. And if you really want to go big… Nah…I don’t want to sound greedy. πŸ˜€

P.S. Little did I know the church would have a cake and a card celebration for me today. I was humbled, honored, and totally blown away by their surprise. I hope to soon have a link (see below) where the slide show they showed can be viewed. You might laugh and not even know me. πŸ™‚

Have a great week!Β  Laugh a lot. It makes people wonder about you.

 

Update —

Link to Uploaded Slideshow

 

25 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Holy Moley you are old (smiles). 40 years is an amazingly long time to do anything. What impresses me is that as I have gotten to eknow you over the past few years, your passion, energy, wonder, and curiosity show no signs of abating. That amazes me and I pray that it continues. Cheers.

    • cycleguy says:

      yes I am Daniel. πŸ™‚ I deeply appreciate your efriendship and, Lord willing, having many more exchanges. I also pray it continues.

  2. techgeek says:

    Had a great day celebrating, visiting, and talking… Definitely enjoyed the PowerPoint and seeing you with hair!

    • cycleguy says:

      You had to bring up the hair thing didn’t you? It was a good day and the salmon at Texas Roadhouse was good but the conversation and laughter even better. Love you guys! And thanks for the link.

  3. I love that your church family celebrated you! Congrats! And to your wife, too.

    A godly woman who joyfully partners in ministry is worth her weight in gold.

    ;-}

  4. Congratulations. And I love to laugh.

  5. Congratulations my brother! The Father is blessed with your willingness to serve at the pleasure of the King!

  6. floyd says:

    Happy Anniversary, Bill. Well done, my friend.

  7. David says:

    Congratulations, Bill on 40 years. I only know you through your blog but I can sense your strong and sincere faith and your love of serving.

    I’ve only been east of the Mississippi a couple of times in my life and only ever traveled through Indiana once on a bus. But if ever I make it in or around Spencer I think I would like to come visit your church …

    • cycleguy says:

      I would consider it a real treat and honor if you would come visit the church if you are ever this way David. In fact, I would insist on taking you out for lunch so we can get to know each other.

  8. Betty Draper says:

    Congratulations Bill and Jo. Good to read that your church folk know how to worship together and laugh together, both please the Lord.

  9. Ryan says:

    Congratulations πŸ™‚

    Thank you for modeling Christ’s love in your marriage and with those at OVCF and in the community. Can’t even begin to tell you what your friendship and mentoring has meant to Hope and I πŸ™‚

    And I agree with Daniel…you still have the passion and heart!

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Ryan. Bringing you on staff was the best thing we have done and working with you (and Di) has been a blessing. I pray I will always have that passion and heart.

  10. Sharon says:

    Well, congratulations on this most auspicious milestone! May God richly bless you (and Jo) as you continue to do His work in ministry. I know He’s got a lot more to say through you!!

    GOD BLESS!

    (Really? 40 points – more than once? Impressive!
    HA, HA. Wonder what that means…)

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Sharon. I pray each day for His wisdom and blessing. As for the 40 points: I had one game of 43 and one game of 49 and several others where I came close. I’m not even allowed to play these days.

  11. Tami Grandi says:

    Seriously- they couldn’t find a better picture with Janna and I? LOL

  12. Lisa notes says:

    Congratulations to you and to the people you’ve served through 40 years! I imagine it’s quite a lot of souls you’ve touched, Bill. What an honor.

  13. So happy for this reason of celebration, Bill! May you continue to bless the lives of others through your ministry and may Jo and you enjoy each others love and company for many years to come! Oh, and isn’t 40 one of those important numbers in scripture? πŸ™‚
    Blessings!

  14. Jeff says:

    I notice everyone is offering congratulations. That in and of itself means you are getting old. 40 years is a long time. Congratulations. Now what do us older types do for an encore? One last hurrah? Maybe you are doing yours. I think I am doing mine. Best wishes and Congratulation.