A Birthday Tribute to our Dad, Husband and Pastor
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1.
Skylar | September 23, 2008 at 7:55 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Such an amazing time this is, getting older, and the best part of all, getting wiser. =D There’s nothing more comforting than growing up in a house with an elderly man XD I am joking. You have literally always been there for me, in good times and in really hard times. So thank you and happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would really love to write paragraphs and exposes on you but that can come in a card
Skylar
2.
Ashley Breanne Ruth | September 23, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I started writing this tribute, trying to use fancy words and phrases, pulling from my education the proper grammar and spelling for such a task; but then I realized my father would rather be presented with a sincere heart than a fancy narrative.
My dad is the best dad in the world. I don’t care how juvenile that sounds for a married 20-year old, or how many other children say that about their dad, the fact is my father is truly the best, end of story. I am always brought to tears when writing about him, because I know I can never repay him for the love he poured into my life, and for the sacrifices he made to give all 7 of his children good things. I’ve seen him consistently deny himself of the things he wanted, to be a blessing to us, to me. Not only did he give of material things, but he gave things of much more worth: time, care, love, and most importantly, he imparted to us the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; a gift invaluable and eternal. The words my father spoke as a Pastor lined up with how he lived in private, and was he a shining example to me of the love of my Heavenly Father. I know how modest my dad is in receiving accolades, and I also don’t want to misrepresent the truth, so I must add that he was human, and did make mistakes. What sets him apart, though, is the humility he’s had to come and apologize, even years later, for things he has done wrong. He’s made an effort to seek peace with all his children, and that alone is reason enough to be filled with gratitude. My father walked the hard road when it came to parenting. He was relentless in love and discipline, and cared more about our souls then he did our temporary happiness. He was willing to make unpopular decisions, and take the lead to direct his children in the ways of godliness. My father carried us through hardships, unbearable pain, and pointed us always to Jesus as the Reason and the Answer.
I could go on and on, but I know I must limit my words and get directly to the point: Dad, Padre, Pod, Dadio, Father Pat, , I love you, and I am exceedingly grateful for the impact you have had on my life, and for the man you have become. 47 years of life, 27 of them lived for God’s glory and for your family. Happy Birthday to you. You have loved me unconditionally, you have been faithful to God and to your family, and because of the man God has made you into, I know I have an earthly father I can run to, who will lead me to my Heavenly Father as I find my way in this life.
Love, Ashpie
3.
michelleh | September 23, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Dearest Handsome,
Thank you for being a wonderful father and husband. I am very blessed to be able to share your birthday with you.
“Great men’s honor ought always to be measured by the methods they made use of in attaining it.” – François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld
You have not obtained your honor by trampling on other men or by virtue of leaving your family to follow fame or wealth as a minister of God as so many others have. You have remained faithful to your family of nine and to our Lord Jesus. You have taught our boys what honor is and that is faithfulness during the difficult times, the hard times, the joyous times and some scary times. You have taught our girls that true love and great men are out there by being one yourself and expecting no less from those that live with you and serve along side you. You have not had a great man to follow but have become a great man that others would like to follow. Thank you for being such a wonderful man in all our lives and the many sacrifices you have given.
I love you,
Michelle
4.
The Cook Family | September 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Eric:
We would like to wish you a well deserved Happy Birthday. We would all like to thank you for your messages, the example you are to us all and the example your entire family is. We are so blessed to be a part of CLCC and have the leadership we have.
Happy Birthday and Thnak you
The Cook Family
Greg, BobbiJo, Ashley, KC and Faith
5.
Victoria | September 23, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Pastor Eric,
I would like to thank you for EVERYTHING that you have done for all of us. You have poured all that you have into the church and our lives and I appreciate all that you have done. You are one of the men that I count as my fathers and I am I honored to know that I have a man like you in my life. You have cared for me and my family since my parents stepped foot in your church. I thank you for that. You have blessed us in many, many ways. I thank God everyday for you and your family. I don’t think I have ever told you this but, I love you Pastor Eric. I truly do. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Victoria
6.
Susan | September 23, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Dear Pastor Eric,
This is a great way to say Happy Birthday! Not to sound redundant, but I too am very honored to know you. You have been a great Pastor, mentor, father figure, and friend to my husband and I. We are truly greatful to you and how you lay your life down for us continually as our Pastor. Thank you for all that you do, and may this Birthday be a very happy one!
With sincere gratitude,
Susan
7.
Mary DiAngelo | September 23, 2008 at 11:31 pm
OK from a Morther in Law……I have to say…..because you married my Daughter and made her happy that is the blessing you bring to me. You brought such beautiful grandchildren into my life and I know it is hard to think you are getting old, just look at those blessings and know you are the one that made them or helped them to overcome what you may have gone through yourself. Every year God gives us more and more blessings. I do not think of anything but good things that you have brought into my daughters life and just think how old I must be…Wow a great grandcdhild coming into my life because of the great job you did in raising Taylor. Believe me we pray for you and your family everyday as we do know how hard a pastors life can be. Gosh forgive me for going on….HAPPY BIRTHDAY
8.
Gloria Margo | September 24, 2008 at 8:13 am
Happy Birthday Pastor,
Wanted to wish you a Wonderful, Fantastic, Terrific day!!!
I Praise God for the Pastor (God’s mouthpice) “He” has placed in my life, you have been such a Godly example. From the moment I walked through the doors of Covenant Life I knew I was home. You have been such a blessing to our lives, in more ways than you could ever imagine. You are truly a man after God’s own heart. May your life, family, and home be full of God’s love, peace, and joy always.
Feliz Cumple Ano!!
God Bless You
The Margo Family
9.
Krystin | September 24, 2008 at 3:16 pm
DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!
Happy Birthday! I love you so very, very much. Words cannot even describe how blessed I am to have you in my life. I don’t know where I would be if God had not used you in huge ways in my life. You have endlessly taught and trained all seven of us to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. You have taught us to love each other, and that it is better to carry our cross than to sacrifice salvation for the temporary pleasures of this world. You have shown us what it means to be humble before God and others. You have dedicated your life to the purpose God has placed inside of you, and we want to model after that. Dad, you have given up fame, people, riches, and a popular name on the earth to preach the true Word of God. You have taught us that Christ is with us everywhere we go, and we must live our lives as a testimony of what He has done in us. I love you my wonderful Father, and I can’t wait until all seven of us have kids because they will have the best Grandfather.
Love You Forever,
Krystin
10.
Alexis | September 24, 2008 at 3:35 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!
I’m so glad your my dad and I wouldn’t trade you for any other Dad in the whole world. Thank you for always providing for me, always being there when I need you most, and thank you for teaching me to be content with what I have. Most important, thank you for teaching me to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. Thank you for teaching me how to walk in the way that is right before God. I love you so much and hope you have a wonderful birthday, Dad!
Uh-oh three years away from 50!
Love you so much Dad,
Alexis
11.
Caleb | September 24, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Dear Exquisite Father, I love you sooooooooo Much.
Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and the family. All the things you sacrificed to feed Me… 
Your such a wonderful dad and a father that everyone would want. There can’t be and there will never be……. a father as good as you…… Happy Birthday dad!
12.
Becky Yarbrough | September 24, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Dear Pastor Eric,
I guess I have never been much for words, but I do appreciate everything you have done. You have stood beside our family from even before CLCC came about. You have blessed us monetarily, spiritually, emotionally and every other …ally there is. I appreciate that you have stayed in the truth and have been willing to change, as sooo many pastors don’t. I am a much better person because of your guidance, truth (even when I don’t like it), and your messages that have become ever superior through out the years. Thank you so much. We love you, Becky
13.
Joy Lais | September 24, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Dear Pastor Eric,
Happy birthday to you on such a beautiful day! Thank you for being a faithful, steadfast pastor who leads us all in truth in such turbulent times.
As I was reading in Psalm 92 this morning, I want to share these scriptures:
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing
15 To declare that the Lord is upright, He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
May God richly belss you on your birthday and each day until you see Him face to face. Thank you for your ministry and the personal care and nurturing you give to all of us, and especially to Geoff and Amy.
Joy Lais
14.
Jack Ruth | September 24, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Pastor, Sir, Dad, Eric, Mr. Hensley,
Thank you for coming into my life. With thousand of miles between us you are still able to speak into my heart. Thank you for the honor of caring for your daughter.
Happy Birthday!
Jack
15.
Nestor, Donabel, Mica, Ivana Chacon | September 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Dearest Pastor Eric,
Happy Birthday! We can not imagine our family under the leadership of another pastor. It’s scary to even think about it! We can only trust your leadership….because we have examined your life and we know that you are a godly man. How blessed are we to have you as our pastor! May God bless you with a long, healthy life that you will continue to touch more people and bring them to the Kingdom of God.
16.
Tom | September 25, 2008 at 12:11 am
Pastor Eric,
Happy Birthday!!! Thank you for being our Pastor. You have truly made a difference in the life of this family. Your love for God, the Gospel and unwavering truth has girded our family with hope and strength. You are truly a man of honor and a man after God’s heart. We want to bless you today and say how much we love you and your family and friendship. We look forward to serving with you until the Lord comes returns.. (Pre-Trib still sounds good)
Much Love & Gratitude
Tom, Rebecca, Brenna & Christian
17.
Sean Thompson | September 25, 2008 at 4:20 am
Happy Birthday Pastor Eric!!!!!! You are a great Pastor at CLCC!
I am glad to be going to a church with a good Pastor.
Sincerely,
Sean Thompson
18.
erichensley | September 29, 2008 at 6:38 pm
To my Dear Wife, Children, Family, Friends and Congregants,
I am very humbled by your words and your appreciation of me on my birthday. My only prayer is that I might live up to these kind words and accolades that you have ascribed to me. I am very blessed by God to have family and friends such as you all are. I am also very blessed by God to pastor a wonderful congregation of people who love Jesus Christ with all their hearts and endure with my inadequate communication of His Eternal Word every week. Bless you all!
Thank you for your love and words…
Your Servant, Eric Hensley