Happy Birthday, Meli!

Today, May 20th, one of my best friends in the whole wide world is celebrating her birthday. Her name is Melissa Dorceant and she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, follower of Christ and soon-to-be mother. Melissa is a woman who loves the Lord deeply and whom I have had the privilege of seeing grow into the God fearing woman she is today. I am so proud of her for choosing to follow the Lord with her whole heart, soul, and mind and am incredibly grateful that the Lord has chosen to bless her with a wonderful husband.

Our friendship is one that almost expands two decades and one I know will stand the test of time. On her special day, there is nothing else I can do but praise the Lord for what He has done.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the life of my friend, Meli. I thank you for the beautiful, strong woman you have created her to be. I thank you for what you alone have been able to do in her life, the life of a woman completely surrendered to you. I pray that you would continue to bless her life, marriage and the baby in her womb. May you use her to bring countless lives to their knees in adoration of you.

In Jesus Name,

AMEN

A special note for my friend:

Meli, distance, time and responsibilities separate us physically but I want you to know that you will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am filled with awe, wonder and an immense amount of gratitude towards our heavenly Father when I see how He alone has worked wonders in your life. I am reminded of a particular verse found in Proverbs 16:3 that says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." You are a living testament that God's promises are true and real and He is a faithful God. I am humbled to have such an amazing woman for a friend. I love you!

Happy 29th Birthday!

Enjoy your first with your husband. I know next year a very special baby girl will be joining in your celebration.

The day of Meli's baptism.

Meli and I (My 28th Birthday)

Meli and I on the happiest day of her life.

This picture speaks more than words.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

-2 Corinthians 5:17

Lovin' Louisville: Making Friends

Having Dinner with The Smiths at Tumbleweed on the River.

One of the coolest things about living on campus at Southern Baptist Theological Semianry (SBTS) is meeting new, young couples that are so much like us. Mark and Melissa are originally from Ohio. Mark is studying to be a pastor and Melissa is a teacher.

Last night we went on our first double date. We exchanged our thoughts on ministry, discussed our backgrounds and shared our future aspirations with each other. There was much wisdom to be gained from this young couple. It's exciting to see how God will continue to build this friendship He has orchestrated.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
-Proverbs 27:17

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Phil Dorceant

Melissa and Philneus Dorceant
July 10, 2009

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Dorceant! We love you!!!