Tonight we threw a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband, James. Our whole church gathered together; family and friends from miles away sent letters of remembrance and thankfulness for James and the first half century of his life, and we viewed a slide show that represented 50 years of God’s loving care toward my beloved. We all had a wonderful time feasting and celebrating. Thank you to all who helped make this night memorable!

Happy 50th Birthday, James! from Stacy McDonald on Vimeo.

When we first met, I remember thinking “what a godly man.” I listened to your topics of conversation with others and with me and found in you a man of integrity, a man on fire for God. And even though you weren’t from the south—I decided you were a true southern gentleman. I remember casually asking you how many children you hoped to have one day. You said if it was with the right person, you wanted a lot of children. Who would have known what God had in store for us!

You were a hard worker. Once when my electric beater was broken, you even beat the meringue for my banana pudding by hand to impress me—and I was impressed! And you were funny—at least you made me laugh. You loved children. You cared about people. And you loved to sing Don Francisco songs with me at the top of your lungs! You were my kind of guy.

I quickly realized you were the type of man that I wanted to marry—the kind I wanted to have a family with. I remember trying hard to guard my heart, you seemed so perfect—and even when it was clear that we were becoming more than friends, you seemed too good to be true and I wouldn’t allow myself to get my hopes up.

Even after you told me you loved me, I was a little afraid you would soon come to your senses—and realize it was just me you were talking to. So that day when you asked me to be your wife, I remember feeling my knees go weak. In my heart, I prayed and thanked God. He had already been so merciful to me, and here He was bringing you to me. I was beyond amazed at God’s goodness.

When the babies started coming one after another, you were so good with them. It has been such a joy to see them in your arms, and to watch you pray over them with such love in your voice.

Over the years, you have proven to be a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and pastor. Though you are indeed not perfect, you are genuine. God has used the pain in your past to mold you into the man you are today. And He has taken your mistakes and trials and redeemed them—using them now to glorify Himself.

I stand amazed by what God has done in you—my own beloved. Thank you for being my husband, my pastor, and my friend. I love you.

• The Daughter Medley and Deacon Song
• Together Again…and growing!
• Sweet Fellowship
• Cowboys Need Jesus
• An Apple a Day…

Categories: Family Photos
Tags: