Quinceañera

Angela went to her first boy/girl dance on Saturday night. She was invited to a Quinceañera for a friend of hers at school. We tried to borrow a dress from some of the other girls, but didn't have any luck. So we went to Palm Beach on Saturday morning to buy one. She did very well in keeping the cost of the dress down (we only paid $25). Later in the afternoon she went over to Jena's to get dressed for the dance and I went by to take pictures of them all dolled up. She had a great time at the Quinceañera. Unfortunately, she didn't take many pictures at the Quinceañera and the ones I took didn't turn out well. The only one that turned out is of her and her friend, Bryan.

Bittersweet News

On Friday night our family and the Brooks family got together at our house for dinner and a game of Balderdash. I had talked to Lori earlier in the day and she told me that Hannah was excited about coming to our house. Hannah loves our two cats, Whiskers and Vanilla, and it's always fun watching her play with them. Upon their arrival she immediately searched them out. Vanilla tends to hide from everyone that comes to the house, Whiskers on the other hand welcomes everyone and enjoys the attention. At one point Whiskers was perched on Jonathan's leg purring and Hannah told him, "Daddy he's saying purr, purr" (she was actually making a purring sound). It was so cute and of course we all erupted in laughter.

It was a good thing that Hannah kept us laughing, as Jonathan and Lori had some news to share with us that is bittersweet. Jonathan has been asked to be the Associate Pastor of a church plant in Wilson, North Carolina. After prayerful consideration they have made the decision to follow God's call. Although we are excited for them and anticipating how God is going to use them in Wilson, we are sad to see them leave First Baptist Church and Clewiston. Words cannot express how they have touched our lives and what they mean to our family.

Jonathan & Lori began their ministry here in December 2003. Hannah was born in October of 2004. Through their ministry, David and Angela have grown in grace and knowledge. They have not only been teachers of God's Word to us, but friends as well. We will be forever thankful for their friendship, ministry, and leadership, and we look forward to praying for them and seeing the Lord work in and through their family in the years to come. Be praying for their family as they not only will be moving to a new home and community, but they are expecting a baby at the end of February. Jonathan will also be working in a secular job and as an Associate Pastor. Balancing his time between a job, a ministry position, and his family is going to be a big responsibility (one which he will do well).

Our family will miss them greatly, but we rejoice that we have had three wonderful years together and rest in the knowledge that we will have an eternity to spend with them in the future.

Happy New Year

The New Year is here! I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. Mainly, because I never stick to them. With that said, there is one thing that I want to strive for this year and I pray that I stick to it. . . .

I know this year I want to be satisfied in Him, and Him alone. I do not want to be waiting on "this or that" to happen to be satisfied, or to be doing "this or that" to bring satisfaction. It's all for Him, anyway, and without Him it's meaningless.

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." ~I Corinthians 3:11

Elizabeth Prentiss: 'More Love to Thee.' by Sharon James

I just finished reading a new biography of Elizabeth Prentiss: 'More Love to Thee.' by Sharon James. In case you are not familiar with who Elizabeth Prentiss was, she wrote the hymn "More Love to Thee" in 1856:

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer, I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest.

Now thee alone I seek; Give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise.

This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

This still my prayer shall be: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, send grief and pain;

Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,

When they can sing with me: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

This is one of my favorite hymns and it was interesting to read about the woman that wrote it and to learn more about her life. Elizabeth Prentiss was a frail woman who suffered intensely from chronic insomnia all her life. She was the daughter of a pastor and in 1845 married a pastor. Elizabeth was a mother to 6 children,within a period of three months she lost her second and third child--one as a newborn, one at age four. In spite of the trials in her life, she was dedicated to Christ and sought to live a life of joy serving her husband, children and others.

Elizabeth had this to say of the lessons God taught her:

-The most difficult circumstances are ‘God’s school’ to teach us more about
his grace.
-The very busy times are precisely those times when we need—and can
find—God’s strength.
-The worst of tragedies can draw us closer to God.”

One of my favorite quotes was this one: "Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls."

Christmas 2006

We had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord. This is the second year that we have celebrated just the three of us and it's a joy to be setting traditions of our own, although we miss being with all our family.

We celebrated Christmas Eve with our church family at the Christmas Eve Service. Everyone that sang did a beautiful job. We celebrate Jesus' birth by partaking of the Lord's Supper. Following the Lord's Supper, Pastor Brian preached from Luke 2:8 - 14. His message was beautiful reminding us that our goal each day should be to be glorify God.

After the service, we visited with friends and their families. We then headed home for soup and time just the three of us. David brought a new game (iMAgiNiff) earlier in the week for us to play on Christmas Eve. Surprisingly, I won!

David and Angela enjoyed opening their gifts before the sun came up. Both being pleased and thankful for their gifts, as was mom. The rest of the day was spent eating lunch prepared my mom and relaxing.

Mary Did You Know is a popular contemporary Christmas song that Mark Lowry wrote 18 years ago as a meditation for a Christmas program at his church. The lyrics ask a series of heartfelt questions, wondering if Mary knew just who this little boy of hers was.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know. . .

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb. . .

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM

As I've listened to this song I got to thinking about the lyrics. . . Did Mary know? And the answer I have come up with is simply yes, yes Mary knew and we know that from Scripture.

When Gabriel came to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to a son by the power of the Holy Spirit, he also told her that this son would be the Son of the Most High, would sit on the throne of his father David, that his kingdom would never end, that he would be a holy one and the Son of God (see Luke 1:26-38).

Mary's betrothed Joseph was told by an angel to take Mary as his wife because the son she would bear was from the Holy Spirit and was to be named Jesus since he would save his people from their sins (see Matt. 2:20-21). Joseph must surely have told Mary about this.

When Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth wondered why she was so favored to receive a visit from the mother of her Lord (see Luke 1:43), language reserved for God.Mary's response was to praise God, glorifying the Lord and rejoicing in God her Savior (see Luke 1:46-55 for Mary's wonderful song of praise).

The shepherds who came to visit the newborn Jesus had been told by the angel who visited them that this child was their savior, Christ the Lord (see Luke 2:5-12). I'm sure they told Mary and Joseph about this.

When Jesus was taken to the Temple for the proper rites, the man Simeon took the boy in his arms and filled with the Holy Spirit thanked God for allowing him to see God's promised salvation (see Luke 2:25-32).

It is true that Mary and Joseph marveled at the things said about their son (Luke 2:33). But I think it is also true that because of the things said to them they knew who he was.

The kids had a half day of school today and are out for Christmas break until January 8. This is how they spent their afternoon. Cheyenne is the other girl in the pictures. She is like a daughter to me and a very frequent guest in our home.

Friday Food for Thought

I have found myself complaining lately about constantly being busy and doing for others. This morning as I was reading different blogs I came across this one and this one. I loved this quote from Charles Dickens: A day wasted on others is not wasted on one's self. This quote rings so true and was a reminder for me to take joy in serving others!

Visitors in My Office

This morning our Preschool students came to sing Christmas Carols to our church staff. They were adorable dressed in their little hats and singing their little hearts out. Our favorite song was "Happy Birthday Jesus". After singing to us they got on the church van to go on a field trip to the local coffee shop for hot chocolate and cookies.

Hayride

When you live in South Florida, you never know what the weather is going to be like in December. Yesterday we had a high of 79 degrees and a low of 66 degrees. But even with the weather a bit warm last night (we are usually wearing coats and hats to stay warm) our church went for their annual Christmas hayride. All different age groups load up onto a flat bed trailer pulled by a dually pick up truck to sing Christmas carols to the elderly members of our church that are homebound. I love watching the faces of our seniors light up when we pull into their yard to sing to them. The younger children are always precious as they yell "Merry Chwimas" or as Hannah yelled out last night "Hey Grandma". After the hayride we always have hot chocolate and cookies.

Laura & Brittany

Cheyenne & Jena

Sylvia, Angela & Dusty

Kayla & Alex

Hannah & I

Pictured above from left to right: , Samuel, Kenleigh, Hannah, Nicholas, and Lori

The Christmas Season

I love the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each year I anxiously await Christmas cards in the mail from friends, Christmas goodies that people bring into the office and seeing the excitement in children's eyes, driving around town enjoying the Christmas lights, our annual Church hayride, the unexpected gifts from friends and the parties we attend. But what I love the most about those weeks is reflecting on the birth of my Savior. As I think of the birth of Christ I can't help but think what if Christ had not been born over 2000 years ago. . . for without his birth there would not be everlasting life.

Nativity Story

Earlier this week David asked to borrow the van to go to the movies with Chris and Abby. I must admit I was apprehensive and scared to allow him to travel to West Palm Beach alone. I struggled with this all week and finally on Thursday told him I would allow him to take the van. I ultimately realized this was a trust issue and that I lacked the faith to trust God to protect him. I wish I could say that I surrendered this to God and ended up letting David drive to Palm Beach alone. I didn't. As it turned out Abby's parents would not allow her to go to the movies out of town so I asked David if he would let me tag along with him and Chris to the movies. I did let him drive over and he did fine.

So off the three of us went to the movies. Since I was already infringing on their night out, I decided early on to see a different movie than they wanted to see. I choose the Nativity Story . I had read a couple of reviews but was still unsure of how close to the biblical account the director would come. However, I am happy to say the director did an awesome job. If you are looking for a movie to enjoy as a family this holiday season, this is the one. Although I've heard the story over and over, I had tears in my eyes as Jesus was born. But something that struck me even more was the submissive way Mary followed Joseph into Bethlehem.

Earlier this week, Jonathan taught from 1 Peter 3:1-6. He pointed out that Peter speaks in this verse of woman from the Old Testament as examples of how wives are to submit to their husbands. Not once while naming some of the woman in the Old Testament that displayed these qualities did I think of Mary. Not only did she submit to her husband, but to her Lord as well.

Trust Portrayed

Thus says the Lord:
"Cursed is the mand who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an unihabited salt land.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:5-8

This is powerful. This is the Lord talking. See the contrast of trusting God and trusting other things (man, circumstances, yourself). The Lord is very clear what happens when you trust Him, and when you do not. You are CURSED, if you trust man or anything besides God. You are blessed if you trust Him. How often I have found myself not trusting in the Lord but in myself or others. It was at these time that I saw no good come and felt as if I was wondering around in the wilderness. It is only in the times that I have trusted (or laid my doubts, fears and trouble at Jesus' feet) in the Lord that I have felt like the tree portrayed here. These verses are beautiful and full of wisdom. May I be like the tree planted by water, not anxious when heat and drought come, for my leaves will ever stay green and I will always bear fruit because I trust Him and only Him .

A few weeks ago, Angela began complaining that she was having trouble seeing the board in her classes and reading as well. We made an appointment to have her eyes tested. Sure enough the eye exam revealed that is both near sighted and far sighted. This is uncommon in children her age according to the Optometrist. So we picked out a frame for her progressive lenses. As it turned out progressive lenses are more expensive than your normal lenses and I was shocked when the lady assisting us told me the cost of the glasses. Sadly, I had to explain that I was not prepared to make the purchase that day and we would have to come back at a later date to purchase them. Being a child, Angela did not grasp the concept that I was not financially prepared to purchase them. However, after explaining that she would get them eventually she was understanding and patient.

It never ceases to amaze me how God works things for good. A family member learned of the situation and graciously gave the money to purchase them with. Angela was thrilled that she would no longer have to struggle seeing the board and reading. The glasses are now in and we are hoping that she will quickly adapt to the progressive lenses.

Clewiston falls to Bulldogs in Triple Overtime

On Saturday afternoon, Angela and I met up with the Walkers, the Crawfords, the Ramers and Sean Moore to travel to Dolphins Stadium for a tailgate party prior to the Class 2A State Championship game. We all arrived at the Stadium safely (Sean did have a flat on the way) and got things all set up for the tailgating. We even got to see a former teacher of Angela's (Jackie & Blake Wilson). They were here because Blake is a coach at North Florida Christian (the team that Glades Day defeated for the Class 1A State Championship).

Around 6:30 p.m. we went in the stadium to get our seats. I was happy to see the turn out on Clewiston's side. As I heard someone say, "It would have been a good night to rob Clewiston." From the time the Tigers came on the field you could feel the love and support this town has for the team. That support carried over well after the game ended in a loss for the Tigers. The game was 0-0 until the 3rd quarter when Collin Rickets scored a 6 yard touchdown with 9:12 left in the quarter. It only took one play for the Bulldogs to even the score. Clewiston stayed in game and had a chance to win the game with a field goal with 15 seconds left on the clock only to be blocked by a Bulldog player. This sent the game into overtime. After battling it out in three overtimes the Bulldogs won 27-24.

It was sad watching the Tigers in their first defeat of the season. They played a terrific game and with determination. They can hold their heads high knowing they gave it their all.

Jeri Lynne, Cheyenne, Brittany and Angela

Jackie & Blake Wilson

The Tigers prior to kickoff

Tiger Pride

Chris, Tommy, Danielle & David

It's all about football this weekend in the Glades (known as the Muck). There are currently four teams around the Glades that are hoping to win a State title either this weekend or next. Three of those teams will be playing in State Championships games this weekend at Dolphin Stadium. The other team, Glades Central, played last against Bartow in hopes that they would be playing next weekend for the Class 3A state championship. Their hopes and determination payed off as they dominated Bartow with a 48-0 win! Glades Day (shown above with Coach Pete Walker, a good friend of ours,after winning the title) also won the class 1A state championship against North Florida Christian in Dolphin Stadium last night. Pahokee Blue Devils are playing,as I type this post, at Dolphin Stadium in hopes of bringing home the state championship title for class 2B against Ocala Trinity Catholic. Then finally, the Clewiston Tigers will take on the Jacksonville Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. determined to bring home the class 2A state championship. It be will awesome if all these teams bring home a state championship! Come on Muck sweep it up!!!

Friday Food for Thought

My pastor suggested that I view a sermon by Paul Washer earlier this week. Yesterday afternoon I was able to view the video and was astounded by the boldness he had in delivering his message from Matthew 7:13-27. I would encourage you to watch this video. The truths of God's Word are spoken.

Our Trip to Ft. Myers

We traveled to Fort Myers this morning for Angela's six month check up on her torn ACL. After taking David to school, Angela and I enjoyed breakfast at Common Grounds Coffee Shop before heading over to the coast. In spite of an accident on I-75 we arrived an hour prior to our appointment so we stopped at Target to purchase a baby shower gift for our friend Michelle. While we were there we purchased a Christmas wreath for our front door and a few additional ornaments for our tree. With our purchases completed we arrived at the doctor's office right on time. Once in the room they took Angela down for an x-ray of her left leg. This was done so that the physician could see the difference in her growth plate since May of this year. The growth plate has begun to close some, but not enough to do the surgery. Dr. Churchill wants to see her back in 6 months to x-ray the leg again. He told us that normally on girls their growth plates close by the time they are 14. Angela was not happy about the fact that she is going to have to wait another 6 months or more to have the surgery done. She wants to get back involved playing sports. I felt sorry for her as she sat on the table listening to Dr. Churchill explain all this. She had the saddest puppy dog expression. The saddest disappeared minutes after we got back on the road. In fact she has decided to pray that she goes through a growth spurt before she returns in 6 months.

Pictures from Thanksgiving

My brother-in-law, Andy with his grandson, Jake. (Funny how I remember him holding me like that.
Angela with my sister-in-law, Sharon and her grandson Ryan.
David with my nephew ,Chris, and my brother, Robert
My oldest brother, Lamon and his grandson, Ethan

My sister, Fredia, with her grandson Jake

Thanksgiving Weekend

On Wednesday, the kids and I drove up to Tallahassee to spend time with our family. We arrived around 3:00 p.m. and spent the evening visiting with my mom, dad, Fredia and Andy. Later in the evening my sister's youngest son and his family (Tori & Jake) joined us for dinner. We had fun catching up since we haven't seen each other since April when they moved to Tallahassee. They have a beautiful home and Andy loves his new job.

On Thursday morning we woke up early to drive to Havana, Florida so David and Angela could spend time with their dad and his family. I let David drive up to his dad's. The road we took, Meridan Road, is a beautiful canopy road with lots of curves and hills. He did a great job manuvering the curves.

Later in the day, my brother, Robert, came over. The two of us had a great time catching up as well and driving around Tallahasee. He wanted to show me how much Tallahassee has grown since I moved away. It's not often that we get to spend time just the two of us and I enjoyed it. The two of us went back to Havana to pick up David and Angela.

Thursday night, Robert, David, Angela, Mom, Dad and I went to Barnhill's to eat. The rest of our family were eating with their families and weren't able to join us. The food was great and it sure beat having to cook it and clean the kitchen. After dinner we drove over to Robert's apartment to visit and my oldest brother, Lamon and his family joined us. His son, Chris, was here from Savannah with his two children (Ethan and Ryan). After they left we went back to mom's and dad's.

On Friday morning the kids and I left to come home. The Clewiston Tigers were playing in the State Semi Finals against Chaminade- Madonna. We played them last year only to lose 28-6. This year's game was awesome. The Tigers won the game 7-3 and will play at Dolphin's Stadium on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Bolles for the State Championship.

Staff Dinner

On Saturday night, the Hamricks and the Brooks came to our house for dinner. It was our pleasure to have these two families in our home. Working with Brian and Jonathan is a joy, but I love spending time with their wives and children as well. These two women are such godly examples of what it means to be "godly wives". As I spend more time with them even though they are younger they are teaching me without even realizing it. We hope to have them back in our home again soon.

I realized as I was typing this post, I haven't posted any pictures of the Hamrick's since they arrived.

Wayfest

On Saturday, we went to Sound Advice Ampitheatre for Wayfest. We had a wonderful time. We got to hear Matthew West, Barlow Girl, David Crowder Band and Third Day. The other times that I have went I haven't enjoyed all the bands, but this year the line up was awesome. Third Day is still my favorite, however David Crowder was a close runner up.

Homecoming Parade

Today was the Homecoming Parade and this year it was great. In the past the parade has lasted all of five minutes. Thanks to Melissa Whitehead, Parade Coordinator, this year's was longer and actually had floats in it. We have always watched the parade right in front of the Sanctuary as the parade route is in on Ventura Avenue. Here are some pictures from the parade.

David & Chris watching from the Sanctuary Roof

Chief Gutshall

Matt BeattyClewiston High School Varisty Football TeamClewiston High School Cheerleaders

Bubba pulling Camp E-Tu-Makee Float

AYSO Regional 1267 Soccer Shoot Out Winners


Angela & Ryland Polhill before the game
Hannah Stowe, Samuel McDuffie, and Ryland waiting on the Parade
Ryland thinks the Sirens are funny

Cheyenne, Laura, Jenna, Chelsea, Jeri Lynne & Angela

Words to Ponder

On Wednesday night we are continuing to study 1 Peter. We just recently were studying 1 Peter 2:21 - 23. Pastor Jonathan has a love for God's Word that just pours forth in his teaching and because of his love for the Word and his passion for teaching it I have gleamed a better understanding of submitting. Submission is not something that comes natural for myself or others, but it is commanded of us as believers. Pastor Jonathan said "It is only an act of grace that we can endure unjust suffering." It is only through Christ's suffering for me that I can endure suffering. Nobody likes to suffer, I know I don't. Yet, I know that when I do suffer I can simply trust in the sovereign will of God to endure the suffering.

It has always been that when I am trying to grasp onto a certain passage of scripture and throughly understand it that God places before me other things that drive the passage of scripture home. And that was true this morning as I read a post on Girl Talk. This post along with what Pastor Brian said during our study on Wednesday night, it's simply acknowledging and trusting in the sovereign will of our savior, helped to understand how to endure suffering.

Thursday - Decade Day

David had no idea what he was going to wear for Decade Day until last night when several of us suggested that he go as Goliath. The church owns a costume that we have used over the years in musicals and such. So he borrowed it and bought a pair of $5 sandals to complete his outfit. Two of his teachers got in on the act as well.