Monday, September 07, 2015

Randy's 62 today


62 things about my husband Randy ~ he turns 62 today.

  • his Dad spent 28 years in the Air Force.
  • they lived all over the world.
  • Randy had three older brothers and a sister 2 years younger.
  • he started playing guitar and writing songs by age 10.
  • his Dad retired to Arizona in 1966.
  • Randy accepted Jesus as Lord & Savior as a teen.
  • he carried a Bible to school after his decision for Christ.
  • Randy's Maryville Class of '72 graduated over 1000 students.
  • He rebuilt his beloved '69 Dodge Charger in the late 70's.
  • his sister Patty was killed by a drunk driver in 1974 at age 18. (Randy was 20)
  • we met at a concert ministry in 1978.
  • we married in 1979.
  • he graduated from Grand Canyon College in 1980 ~
  • with a Bible and History degree.
  • immediately began 3 decades of full-time ministry.
  • Hand in Hand staff doing follow up, discipleship and concerts. 
  • High School youth pastor for 4 years.
  • three years as the church janitor.
  • Randy Thompson Ministries doing concerts around the country.
  • 90 different cities in 20 states.
  • worship pastor at Open Door Fellowship for several years.
  • senior pastor for 4 1/2 years.
  • Randy also wrote and co-produced 8 CD's.
  • he's a Dad to Shawn (1982), Miranda (1984) and Tyler (1989)
  • he took each of the kids on a WI Concert Tour when they were 10.
  • he was a great Dad.
  • he entered the computer age in the late 80's with the first of many Macs.
  • he was a computer geek from the get-go.
  • he recorded his last and final CD Thirsty at home on his Mac.
  • his brother Barry died of esophageal cancer at age 55.
  • Randy turned 50 a month later.
  • the day after hiking out of the Grand Canyon.
  • he reads the Bible most every day of his life.
  • he is a man of faith, trusting God with all his heart.
  • his Mom modeled the gifts of the Spirit every day of her life.
  • Randy was a wonderful, devoted husband and helpmate.
  • Randy wrote a book about his 30+ years in ministry in 2013.
  • Randy was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia in May, 2014.
  • he stopped driving before the diagnose.
  • he still prays every day.
  • he still reads the Bible every day.
  • he still remembers most everything.
  • he still loves going to his adult day care every day.
  • he is still a prophet & evangelist, sharing Christ at the day care.
  • he still loves me and tells me so when I tell him I love him.
  • he has lost all empathy and compassion.
  • he no longer sings and plays guitar.
  • he rarely mentions his family and friends.
  • he has not gone in our back yard in over 2 years.
  • he is unable to do anything other than read, eat and watch TV.
  • he will not let me cut his hair or clip his nails.
  • he loves watching old Billy Graham crusades on television.
  • he has 4 grandchildren and another blessing on the way.
  • Emolyn & Elsie and Nathan & Jonah... and baby Mertz.
  • he is the best part of my day, driving to and from his day care.
  • we laugh and pray and play his CDs real loud.
  • we can spot the new Dodge Challengers like no bodies business.
  • he loves Disneyland and National Parks.
  • he loves Jesus and longs to stand before Him and hear ~
  • well done good and faithful servant ~ Matt. 25:23
  • he is aware he has dementia, but says he is doing great.
  • and he is, because he is trusting and believing the One who matters most.
* photo courtesy of Sandi Shipley Photography

10 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Happy Birthday Randy!!!!! God Bless

Unknown said...
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Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Such a moving post, Happy Birthday Randy! Love ya Linda, your amazing too! Cindy

Nancy said...

So beautiful Linda! What a precious man God has given you. I hope he gets to enjoy lots of special treats on his big day. Love you friend!

Bruce said...

I'm grateful for Randy's life and this work in my life through his albums.
Blessings to him on his birthday.

Kathy said...

Happy Birthday, Randy! Enjoy your special day! May God bless you both and keep you in the palm of his mighty hand. Lots of love and peace to you both. I think of you often.

Annette said...

A beautiful tribute!

Unknown said...

It sounds like he has devoted his life to God and his family. Can there really be a better way to spend a life? God bless you both!

Linda said...

Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. I just came across your blog today. Such a lovely post!

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