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March, 2003 Here's My Heart... We use anniversaries to celebrate significant "milestones" in our lives. Most of them we use to commemorate good things, like weddings, job promotions, buying a new house, going on a special vacation, etc. As the month of March arrives, Anita and I celebrate a significant anniversary in our lives. Four years ago we moved to Lenoir City, where I would assume the position of Senior Pastor at Dixie Lee Baptist Church. I am limited to adequately express the gratitude of my heart for the past four years. I am thankful for a supportive wife, my best friend, ardent supporter, consistent encourager, and most gentle critic (when necessary). I am thankful for an incredible "support team". Our church staff, deacon-ministers, committees, and leadership constantly encourage me. I am thankful for our senior adults, praying for me, including me, allowing me to share in their lives. I am thankful for our teenagers, allowing me to be their pastor, refusing to allow the difference in our age to become a barrier. I am thankful for the children, many who come every Sunday to shake my hand, give me a hug, constantly giving me "things" to add to my collection. I am thankful for a church that is truly mission-minded, seeing beyond the boundaries of our property, encompassing a world. I am thankful for being accepted in this community, being made to feel like we've always belonged here. And, I am thankful for my critics (possibly enemies), because they insure that I walk humbly before the Lord. They also insure the absence of arrogance. So, I wish myself a "Happy Anniversary" this month. I hope I get to celebrate many more of these at Dixie Lee. What a great church! What a special honor! What an awesome responsibility! God bless you. Jim Clayton |