The Roberts Family (Michael not pictured)

This is a picture of my wonderful friend Wade. On Monday he went to be with the Lord. I met him 6 years ago. As long as Trent and I have been at Hickory Grove I can remember Wade being a part of our ministry and our life.

As Trent was finishing up seminary we were praying for the church God would call us to. Along with praying for God's direction of the church we would serve I was also praying for godly men to come along side Trent to be there for him through the ups and downs of ministry. Wade was one of these people. Wade was always looking out for Trent, he was our biggest cheerleader, we could count on him, he served faithfully, he would get down and dirty on the hard things, he cried with us, prayed with us, celebrated our biggest victories, laughed with us and I could go on and on. For all these years Wade was almost always the first person we would see on Sunday mornings. Always there before us to make sure the doors were open, the music was playing, that chairs were in place, coffee made, powerpoint ready and then would greet everyone with a great big smile. I love this man. He was at our outreach events ready to do anything, he was one of our camp directors for the last three years, he was Trent's Sunday School director. This week I have often asked myself, Lord, I can't imagine ministry without him. Lord, you know how much we need him, you know how much Trent counts on him, Lord what are we going to do? Then the Lord gently reminds me that our life is in his hands and I have to trust him. If this is how I feel how does his wife and children feel. Lord please comfort them and fill them with your love.

Not only did we do ministry together we lived life together. We saw both of his kids go through high school and graduate. I can remember going to Vance football games and watching Erin cheer. I can remember the day Jordan got the recommendation letter to go to the academy. I can still picture Lisa's desk at work filled with pictures of her family, it was always obvious how much they all loved each other. I loved Wade's jambalaya. We had many meals together. Wade and I had so many heart to hearts. We had a strong relationship. As I write this images of him walking through the youth area fill me heart, I can see him on the golf cart at camp with one leg hanging out making sure everything was running smooth, I can see him in our church lobby signing people up for whatever we had going on in the youth department, I can see him sitting in front of me at church with his arm gently around his wife, I can picture him and Trent behind the computer just talking and laughing, I can see him holding my boys and loving them like his own, I can hear his voice on the other line, I can see his beautiful smile, I can see him hugging Erin and Jordan. Lord thank you for the time we had with Wade.

Not many people knew how smart Wade was and how successful he was in his job. He was always so humble. Trent and I always felt so grateful that we could glean from the amazing gifts God had given him. He taught Trent and I so many valuable lessons. It is not very often that you see a man who is president of a company put his family first. He always made time for family and ministry. What a testimony, he was very successful and still made time for family, friends and ministry. It just shows others that being successful does not have to cost you your family and ministry. He lived this out everyday.

Today I will attend his viewing and tomorrow his funeral. It still seems like I am in a dream. As I reflect on his life I am reminded of the things that matter most. I pray that I will keep my family first always. Wade had many memories of his kids. He did not hesitate to fly to CO to see Jordan or take the weekend to drive up to State to see Erin. Him and Lisa were always together, there relationship was blessed. I will continue to serve God with my whole heart and serve others. It is been such a joy to see so many people pass through the Roberts home this week. Wade touched many lives. I pray I will always make time for others. He served with his whole heart and with a commitment. Wade was dependable, when he said he was going to do something he did it. I pray that I will always be dependable.

Wade, I love you. Thank you for investing in my life. I will always thank God for bringing you into my families life. I will see you again.

On Wednesday John David's preschool had a really sweet Mother's Day Tea. He sang his little heart out. In the last picture you will see him with his three best buddies. They have so much fun together!

Here are pictures of my baby learning to swim. He is doing a great job :) He gets so excited when we get to the pool, but no so excited when he gets into the cold water!

Trent and I on a dinner cruise in Destin, FL! We had a great time at the conference. We made so many wonderful friends, were encouraged and had lots of much needed alone time! It was a great week but we did miss our babies and we are glad to be home with them :)