CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

April 25, 2004

LIFTING UP IN PRAYER:

Our congregation                                                      Our college students

Our nation, military and leaders                                David and Leon in the Navy

The Stolte’s in Germany                                            Various friends, relatives and co-workers

EVENTS:

May 6 - National Day of Prayer

May 9 - Mother’s Day pot luck

June 6-12 - Encounter

Editor’s note:  We often eulogize people, especially those we love, at funerals.  And there is a place for that.  But I also think that we should be telling those we love the reasons we respect them when they can hear it in this life. 

A TRIBUTE

“Take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:10, New Living Translation)

Let me introduce you to my in-laws, Joe and Rheanel Reynolds.  I first met them in Lubbock, Texas dating their daughter Yevette.  I guess I impressed Rheanel after helping Yevette was a sink full of Sunday dishes.  After falling in love, Yevette and I were married in July of 1973.  Joe and Rheanel had just finished a study of mission work at Sunset preparing to go to New Guinea.  They were raising money, raising a son, preparing for a wedding, selling a house, and packing, all at the same time.  After two and a half years in New Guinea, they returned home and settled in Woolforth, Texas.  Yevette was expecting and we were looking for a place to minister.  So on a snowy Saturday we moved in with them for a couple of months.  Rheanel was with Yevette when Bryce was born and she traveled to Maryland twice when the girls were born. 

Over the years we have traveled to visit each other.  From Maryland and Illinois to Lubbock or Abilene and then from Indiana and Houston to Nashville.  Every Christmas Joe and Rheanel would come for the holiday with a car full of presents.  We go to Nashville to visit them.  One of the blessings for them are their grandchildren.  They always look forward to visiting Mi Mi and Pop Pop.  Even in college they always want to go and see them.  Bryce took his wife Heather to meet them before they were married. 

What kind of in-laws are Joe and Rheanel?  When we were out of work, they opened their house to the five of us for two years.  One would think that that was difficult but we never felt unwelcome, though we know it was difficult at times for them.  They have always been hospitable.  They enjoy a good laugh and an occasional scare.  Before they went to New Guinea, Rheanel hated spiders.  On our honeymoon, Yevette and I found a big, black, long legged spider.  When we got to Georgia, where they were living, we put it in the fridge.  Soon we heard a scream and a door slamming.  We went into the kitchen and saw the refrigerator door open and Rheanel outside.  We all laughed about it. 

Over the years they have always been stood with us.  They have helped us in a variety of ways.  That is a part of there giving nature.  They are people of faith.  For instance, I know of people who have asked them to help raise money.  They would prayed and called and accomplished what was needed.  Joe is a hard worker, strong and determined, and plays a really good game of golf.  Rheanel is positive in outlook, quickly forgives, and enjoys talking with us and others.  Her Christ-like spirit shines in her attitude.  Visiting the Smyrna church, there was a baptism and after, people clapped.  Knowing that was a discussion within churches, and noticing that she did not clap, I asked her about it.  She said that she personally did not like clapping but that if others wanted to, she had no problem with it.  That is the Spirit of unity.  I really liked that and it just added my respect for her. 

I often tell my kids, in a kidding way, when one of us is not listening or asking questions or the house isn’t cleaned up, that it is in their genes.  Well because of their grandparents, they have some really good genes in them and can be proud.  There faith has always been an encouragement to all of us.  There grandchildren think of them highly.  Yevette knows her mother not only as mother but as her best friend and in some ways she is like her dad.  And I have grown to love them over the years.  Those who have known them have appreciated them in various ways.  There are many jokes told about in-laws.  When I hear them I can laugh but I also think, “That isn’t my in-laws!”  My in-laws are worthy of respect and honor.  So this is my tribute of respect and honor to Joe and Rheanel. 

Though not said very well, it comes from the heart with love.

                                                                                Your son-in-law,

                                                                                 George