Sayings of Xavy (25)

"What time is my birthday coming? Because it's taking a long time to be three."

Xavy Decker to his Pops, 2 weeks before his 4th birthday

Sayings of Xavy (24)

Elizabeth: Hey Xavy! Guess what!
Xavy; What?
Elizabeth: Its my birthday. 
Xavy: Oh! Well, at least it's not MY birthday. 

Thank goodness.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (23)

Xavy was talking to Dondra about a friend he met, whose skin was red and itchy.

"You know what, Nani? He had POISON LAVA!"

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (22)

Mommy: Xavy, you are tired, aren't you?

Xavy: No, I amn't.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (21)

Xavy's prayer at dinner one night: 

"Dear Jesus, Thank you for this food. (pause) And I appreciate that I did not run away from my family, (pause) and that they protect me from sharks. Thank you that this town is nice. Amen." 

Fun guy!

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (20)

It's got to be a mystery why Pops's hair isn't on. Maybe it's lost in the woods! 

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Sayings of Xavy (19)

"Mom, is it tomorrow today?"

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

Well Done: Jacob Bradley Baxter (1)

In Memoriam: 

Jacob Bradley Baxter

Jake was first and foremost a man of God, a loving husband to Chrissy and a model father to Ruthie (4), Nadia (2), and Chase (7 weeks). He’s refused to allow complacency to dominate any aspect of his life, constantly pushing himself and others to be better. He wanted to serve the Lord with all that he had and wanted the same for those around him. He understood genuine worship and led worship beautifully, in his actions as well as his music.

At 28 years of age, Jake’s maturity often defied logic as he was looked to as a mentor and even father-figure by many who were much older. He was incredibly humble, undaunted by circumstances, as resourceful as they come, and down to earth.

He was willing to follow his convictions, no matter how they fit into the plans he had. When the Holy Spirit led him to a radical lifestyle, he responded; the community house stands as a tribute to his child-like faith. He lived his life by example, and we cherish the impact that his life has had on all of us.

He loved sharing his faith and offered his humor, or interjected a challenging and timely thought at just at the right time to make anyone he was with feel both at ease and yet contemplative. He was passionate about seeing young people live their lives fully for Jesus Christ and about improving community. These qualities will continue to shine through those Jake has left behind and speak as a true testament to the love he demonstrated while with us. His vision will not end here.

Note: The preceding paragraphs were written for the program of Jake’s memorial service, held on 9 August 2014, at Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili, NY.

Sayings of Xavy (18)

Mommy (Elizabeth): Why do you keep asking "why" for everything?

Xavy: I'm saying "why" because I want to know about everything.

Mommy's comment: I guess that's a good reason to say "why" 200 times a day.

Xavy Decker, 3 years old

That Coca-Cola Commercial

Super Bowl 2014

For the most part, the commercials during this year’s Super Bowl were duds, not unlike Peyton’s performance (I am still in a state of grief over that). The ones that were meant to be funny were not so funny. The ones that were meant to be serious excelled in dullness. If you were rooting for Denver (like I was), it was hours of ho-hum. For me, the only highlight was Bruno Mars’ cool moves during the halftime show.

Actually though, there was one minute that was better than the Mars moves. Coca-Cola sponsored a commercial of America the Beautiful being sung in Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Hindi, Keres (Pueblo), Senegalese-French, Arabic, and English. I turned to a friend as soon as the commercial concluded and said, “Oh, what some of my 'friends' are going to say…”

Shortly, I was engaged in conversation with one of my friends on Facebook who was denouncing Coke with great fervor. As I engaged into the conversation, it was not long until I was told to live in Syria or Iraq, that I was a liberal, and good luck after I vote for Hillary. Really? Because I defended people singing how great America is in their heart language?

It got better, of course. To make his case, he said, “Try making a commercial like that in Syria.” To which I replied, “That’s the point! We can. They cannot.” He deleted that post. Don’t mess with me.

The rants will continue, I am sure. “Speak English or go home!” But such rants will fail to take into consideration that our founding fathers were fluent in many languages – French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Greek. Interestingly, our eighth president’s language was Dutch, learning English later. I don’t recall any of them being told to “Speak English or go home!”

This is a discussion that hits home for me – literally. Our home is periodically filled with those whose heart language is not English. Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Bengal, Hindi, Russian, Tagalog, Japanese, and a host of other languages have graced our walls and we are the richer for it. And their speakers all had one thing in common. They were so glad to be here in the United States.

So, bravo Coca-Cola! I raise my glass of Coke and say, “Well done!” America is beautiful in every language!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (21)

Mr. Decker,

I wanted to write and thank you, 10 years later, for all that you taught our class at LCS!

This has been a year of testing for me. I am now a single mother. I have never grieved more than I have over this. But through the suffering I learned in a real way who my Jesus is. I leaned on Him, I leaned on the knowledge of his attributes, and His names. No matter how dark my day, always in my heart was the great truth that He IS the I AM – unchanging, eternal, holy…My rock.

I am preparing now to help teach a small portion of a ladies’ Bible study that starts this fall; I get to teach the names of Christ. Already the materials from the class you taught me are helping me prepare for that. My tattered copy of “The Knowledge of the Holy” is getting some mileage again! So thank you – thank you for teaching something practical, useable, and eternal. It has changed my life.

My daughter is in the living room singing “I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away…” Oh, how the Lord has given us beauty for ashes this year!

Thank you again for everything. You’ll always be a part of our lives because you taught us to know our God!

In Christ,

Note: I have left the name off because of the personal nature. I think it was written around 2005, but I am making a guess from an unclear postmark.

Dad was especially encouraged by this note and showed it to everyone that was close to him. It was not a matter of pride for him. Rather, it was a clear demonstration that the seeds he had planted had produced fruit. He was like anyone else in Christian service. It is good to know that you have made a difference in your service to the Lord.

Perhaps, you need to express thanks to someone in your past today that made a difference in you!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (20)

Dear Jim,

You gave such a valuable and timely lesson today. I felt each word was measured and meaningful. I haven’t taken so many notes on a sermon in a long time!

The old and new testaments were tied together in a new light for me and I was left with a deeper reverence for Almighty God.

Ending with such an appropriate song allowed us to respond to God and to your message in an upbeat manner. In this case, truly a worship song!

Thank you,

Elfriede Ferguson

(date unknown)

Note: What do you mean you haven't taken so many notes in a sermon in a long time? What about all of my messages that preceded his? Oh, never mind. I don't want to know the answer.  :-)

Legacy - James Albert Decker (19)

Dear Mr. Decker,

Thank you for your special message during the service yesterday.

The title, “Glory to God!” drew me in and I was struck to give God glory by the end. I was blessed so much by your message.

May God richly bless you and Marilyn!

In Him,

Takako

(written December 10, 2007)

Note: This was in reference to a time I let Dad speak in my stead at Randall. My, I am a brave man!

Legacy - James Albert Decker (18)

We were saddened to hear of Jimmy’s passing but rejoicing that he is with the Lord he loved and faithfully served his whole life. We will never forget the wonderful times of joy and laughter we had with Jimmy, Marilyn and Paul. We always appreciated him praying for us in our ministry. Do know our prayer support will continue to be with you.

Love, 

Glen and Mary Barnes

(written June 22, 2012)

Note: Glen's note reminded me of one of my dad's finest characteristics. Every Sunday morning, he would pray for the pastors with whom he had a personal relationship. He would consistently pray for men like Glen, as well as others like, Earl Johnson, Sam McGarvey, Wayne Muckel, Ray Sissell, Pat Wilson, Mike Maloney, Noah Stoltzfus, Jim Miller, Don Dixon, and...well, it became a long list. Of course, he prayed for me too! He understood how difficult the task was that was before us, so he never failed to pray. What a legacy he has left!