I was preparing food for a family gathering as I began this article. My favorite preacher’s 95th birthday on June 27 deserved a big celebration!  The frig overflowed with fruits, veggies, salads, and cold cuts (my kinda cookin’). Our home and grounds looked remarkable—praying all cabinet and closet doors are kept closed!  It’s party time!

Hubby has no idea that card shower announcements were sent to every city newspaper where he had pastored over sixty years. Each day he brings in cards from coast to coast. (I may never tell how they knew about his birthday…don’t you tell either!) Many were hand-delivered–see photo.

A bit of family history: Russell accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at 35. His wife bought his Bible with S&H Green stamps; she was instrumental in getting him in church. We still have that precious Bible. They celebrated 25 years together before she was called Home.

For the record, both widowed, he and I married in 1979; you do the math. We each had a married child with kids and he had Mike and Laura (10 & 11) at home. We are so blessed with our 4 kids and 5 grandkids and several greats! This I must tell you about my favorite preacher, he has faithfully preached the uncompromising word of God for 60 years! His favorite pastime continues to be telling people about Jesus.

I’ve often wished I had a video of a few messages for myself and our family and friends. However, I was concerned about it being a distraction; or my battery was low or …!.

Do you believe the devil can send a little fly to do his bidding? I do! I think God prompted me to click on video instead of photo. I got caught up in the message and wanted it all captured.  Just as he began proclaiming the gospel a fly started crawling up and down my fingers. Mr. Fly had a party on my hand and phone.

You have to know it was the devil when I tell you the rest. That ornery fly landed on my NOSE! Honestly. He walked up and down my nose (tickled!!!) Back and forth from my hand to my face the whole 20 minutes! I kept saying, “Jesus, please keep me calm. And, forgive what I’m thinking!”

Granddaughter Melanie uploaded it to YouTube for me. I’ll put the link at the end of this letter for you; let me hear your thoughts.

We left the pastorate in Fair Play to move to Buffalo, MO in 2000 to retire and take care of Momma. Retirement was short; he was called as Director of Missions for Dallas County Southern Baptist churches in July 2000. He continues to serve as DOM and supply preach and lead a regular Bible study each week.

Well, the party is over … it was so fun and filled with unexpected surprises! Sons Rick and Mike and daughter Debbie evidently decided the Old Folk needed help. They changed filters in our well and furnace and faucets, fixed the dented mailbox, scrubbed the refrigerator, and more. Talk about a welcomed gift!

We ate, we laughed, we ate … you know how that goes! Goodby diet for the next week—leftovers, you can’t throw them out!

To hear My Favorite Preacher’s message: Why I am a Christian, search for Russell Adams 95 or click on this link

Treasure the time you have with your family; call them. Visit or send cards. God created family; it’s a wonderful gift!

Hugs,

I am currently working on “Our Story”; prayers appreciated. May call it “I Never did like Preachers!”  That is the gospel truth!