By Larry P. Stover,

Pastor at Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene

Do you hate your job? Far too many people tolerate their job and look forward to payday as the only excitement they have with the drudgery that accompanies those checks. I feel sorry for them.

I really like what I do. My wife, Janet, and I have been in full time Christian Ministry for almost 34 years. We have friends from all over the world. Friends from across the United States drop by every few months and we get caught up on each other’s lives. E-mails and Facebook allow us to keep current on what is happening everywhere. It is awesome.

I am blessed. Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene is an amazing church. The people who call it home, and those who worship there, are a great group of Christians who love the Lord and enjoy being a part of His mission here in the Valley Grande area.

I have a tremendous family. Janet and I have been married for almost 39 years. We just spent a week in the mountains of east Tennessee.

Some people say you are closer to heaven in the mountains, and I agree.

We were blessed with two children, Paula and Joshua. They always add spice to my life.

I have a sign in my office they gave to me for Christmas a while back. It reads, “I smile because you’re my dad. I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it.” Our grandchildren, Rebekah and Nathan, are the joy of living. A favorite sign I have read goes like this, “Grandchildren are the reward for not killing your kids!”

One of the best parts of our ministry here in Valley Grande is our involvement with the children and youth of our community. As I write this column, I realize just how exciting it is to have a part in the life of a child.

Almost 80 students attended the Christian Youth meeting at Martin Middle on Wednesday.

I helped Jan with almost 200 students on Thursday, as volunteers with Art at Valley Grande Elementary. On Thursday evening, more than100 people were at T-Ball practice. Friday I spoke to some 375 people at the induction ceremony for the National Elementary Honor Society at Valley Grande Elementary. We had 300 people at our first T-Ball game on Sunday. After church, I made arrangements with Coach Willie Moore to host DCHS athletes at our church on April 22.

I love what I do! Valley Grande is “Something Beautiful!”