When you were born 7 years ago, I held you in my arms and declared that “this is my daughter, in whom I am well pleased.”  And truly you have fulfilled that prophetic declaration.

Anastasia, words cannot begin to describe how much I love you.

This morning, when you came into the bed to cuddle with me, I thanked the Lord for you again.  Just like I have a thousand times before.

I suspect one day climbing in bed with your mom and I wont be the first priority of your day but know that will we wish it was.

One day, when all your dreams are coming true, when the world is at your finger tips, when you have accomplished everything God destined you to become, know that on the first day you were born you already captured my heart. When the world tempts you to try and earn my love know that you had it the moment I found out you were in your mothers belly.  When you feel you have to earn acceptance in this world remember that I already deemed you acceptable the moment I laid eyes on you.

Have a happy birthday princess.  I love you.  This has been seven years of Joy.  Thank you Jesus for this gift.

The Beginning of the Solution

Overcoming the obstacles

It’s like life is a game of musical chairs and when the music stops, and its time to get married, whoever you happen to be with at the time is the one you will spend your life with.

I am here to tell you there is a better way.

Ten years ago today, the former Tracey Penn took my name and gave me her heart.

When I gave my life to Jesus I gave Him my all.  I gave Jesus my intended career, my identity, and my life plans.  I believed that if God was still alive then He could make it clear to me when I was supposed to get married and to whom.  And one day He did.

People think that if God is behind something it will happen flawlessly.  That could not be farther from the truth.  God is only in things that will collapse without Him.

So in the beginning, Tracey and I had to seek God in our marriage.  We had to allow Him to change who we are.  We had to choose love, choose forgiveness and choose to be husband and wife.

The strongest friendships are built on the backs of conquered adversity.

Our adversity was not from outside, but within.  As we followed the leading of God in parenting, ministry, and life, we had to choose over and over again to love, forgive, trust, bless, honor, respect, encourage, and believe in one another.

Today, Tracey is the closest friend I have ever had.  Our marriage is more open, affectionate, fun, fulfilling, and enjoyable then it has ever been.  Tracey has my total trust.  She has shown me time and again why God chose her for me.  Without her I would not be the man, the minister, or the father I am today.

I am eternally grateful that you took my name and gave me your heart.

Tracey I love you.

Always and Forever.

Merry Christmas from the Thomas Family.
Carl, Tracey, Isaac and Anastasia

9 years ago today Isaac made me a father.  Isaac came into the world in dramatic fashion in what would be a prelude to his entire life.

I love you son.  I tell you this all the time but you make me happy and I am glad you are in my life.

We are going to take him bowling at 2 p.m. at the former Don Carter in Boca.  If you are bored, feel free to stop by and say happy birthday.

November 19, 1999 I had my first date with the former Tracey Penn at 8:30 p.m.  Folks are normally nervous on the first date but I had a few other issues.

God had told me that Tracey was supposed to be my wife.  I prayed and knew that I knew that it was God.  So I asked Tracey out on a date.  She called me back a few days later and said that she would go.  It may be nerve wracking enough to go on the first date with someone that you think you are supposed to marry.  I mean, what if the date does not go well?  What if you don’t take them to a nice enough restaurant?  What if you go for the good night kiss and they thought you were going for the good night hug?  That would be awkward!    Lots of stuff could go wrong.

I had another plan.  I was not going to ask for a second date.  I was going to propose.

So late in that Friday afternoon, I found myself at the Jewelery Exchange.  Remember all that Y2K nonsense that happened around that time?  Well, if you weren’t churched, you have no idea how big of a deal it was.  I had recently graduated college and was living with my mother while I figured where I wanted to live so I had some coin in the bank.  I called it my Y2K fund.

Jesus never said anything about Y2K, but He did tell me to marry Tracey.  So on that Friday afternoon, with Y2K fund in hand,  I was shopping at the Jewelery Exchange for the perfect ring (turned out to be a 3/4 carrot VVS solitaire diamond in a white gold Tiffany setting).

I decided against taking my Ford Probe and rented a Cadillac, booked the corner table in a restaurant overlooking the intercoastal, had a dozen roses on the table, bought chocolate, and picked her up.

In between the meal and the dessert, on our first date, I got on one knee with ring in hand and proposed.  She said yes and we spent the rest of the night talking about how God has independently shown us who we were to marry (fortunately for me we were talking about each other).

We were married three months later and had Isaac nine months after that.  At that point it was official: I had her locked in.  Life has in no way turned out the way we thought it would on that night but it has been great living it with my best friend.

Tracey is a wonderful wife and mom.  I could not be the man or minister (or father) I am today without her.

I love you honey.  Can’t wait to see what happens in the next ten.

Tracey prays for Anastasia at her birthday party