In Honor of the Rev. Dr. T. Randall Smith

I met the infamous Rev. Dr. T. Randall Smith during my candidacy journey as I walked towards ordination in the United Methodist Church.  I was then honored to serve as his associate pastor at Deer Park United Methodist Church  from 2005-2009.  For me - Randy is a mentor, a teacher, an adopted dad, a pest, a raging United Methodist and, most importantly, a friend.  Today is Randy's birthday - so I thought I'd put together a few words to honor my old, old, really old, really-really old friend!  

The Top 10 Things I Learned from the Rev. Dr. T. Randall Smith

In honor of his birthday, May 8th

1. A completely cluttered and trashed desk does not define me or my capabilities in this world.
2. When preparing for a funeral sermon, never make a person more or less than what they were in life - speak the truth and glorify God.
3. Books were not meant to be simply read - they were meant to be devoured!
4. The communion elements should always be lifted up and elevated - Grace was meant to be seen and eaten. 
5. Liturgicalness is indeed next to Godliness!  
6. What might seem like useless facts to some can actually be valuable nuggets of wisdom to be bestowed upon unsuspecting staff members.
7. A good, cold glass of sweet tea can fix even the deepest of hurts.
8. Austin is not just our state's capitol - but a challenge, and an opportunity for God's special way of seeing and loving all of humanity to be seen in the social justice movement of those called United Methodists.  
9. I am a 'Spring' in my coloring - therefore I should always wear a white robe - it accentuates my best colors.  (Randy is a winter).  
10. There are indeed two 7 o'clocks each day - its just that one is vile and should never be encountered.

Happy Birthday my friend!  Thank you for listening to me, guiding me, teaching me, tolerating me, pushing me and being my friend!