More Pictures from Night of Joy Trip

Debbie & David at Red Lobster Angela & Cheyenne at Red Lobster
Debbie & David at Night of Joy

Night of Joy Pictures - September 9

Hawk Nelson

ACL Team
Angela is goofy over Goofy
Angela dance with Mickey

Night of Joy Pictures - September 8

Todd Agnew Live
David Crowder Overcrowded
Let's Go to Disney
Angela & Cheyenne "It's a Small World"

 

Night of Joy

The kids and I went to the Magic Kingdom this weekend, along with our friends Jessica, Phyllis and Debbie, for Disney's Night of Joy. Disney put together a 16-act lineup of top contemporary Christian music artists for its 24th annual Night of Joy, with marquee names MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac heading the list. These were also joined by BarlowGirl, Rebecca St. James, Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, David Crowder Band, Smokie Norful, ZOEgirl, Building 429, Matthew West, Hawk Nelson, Tonex and Vicky Beeching.


As soon as school was out on Friday, we headed to Orlando. We checked into the Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration. Once we put our suitcases in the room got back in the van for the 18 minute drive to Disney. Both nights were sold out, but the crowd wasn't as bad as we had anticipated. David headed straight to Fantasy Land to watch Todd Agnew perform. Angela, Jessica, Cheyenne, Phyllis and myself opted to eat first before doing anything. After our stomachs were satisfied the girls ditched us in search of rides. Phyllis and I strolled around for a bit and then decided to watch Rebecca St. James. The sound technicians had her sound up so loud we couldn't understand a word she was singing so we went to ride some of the milder rides.

David continued to go from one concert to another until he finally met up with Phyllis and I to watch Casting Crowns and then he was off again to watch David Crowder Band perform. The girls continued to ride the rides until Mercy Me performed at 11:10 p.m. As you can see in one of the pictures all the concert areas were jammed packed with people and you were lucky if you got close enough to see the stage.

Finally at 11:45 I ushered everyone out the gate and to the hotel. Sleep came quite easy that night.

On Saturday morning the kids enjoyed the pool on Saturday morning before going to Red Lobster for an early dinner. Angela hurt her bad knee coming down the slide that morning, so we ended up pushing her around Disney in a wheelchair Saturday night. She probably could have walked without much problem, but since we forgot to take her knee brace we decided it would be wise to use the wheelchair. It made for faster access to rides as well and got the attention of her favorite Disney character.

Ernesto Weakens

We are thankful this morning that Ernesto lacked the power forecasters predicated. We experienced mild wind and rain during the night, but nothing like forecasters warned. Ernesto continues to move through South Florida and we are expecting rainbands throughout the afternoon. It was wonderful as we drove through town last night to see that members of our community heeded the warnings and were prepared for the worst. People whom still have damage to their homes from Hurricane Wilma or live in mobile homes sought shelter at the Middle School or local hotels. As our neighbor said yesterday it's much better to prepare for the worst and nothing happen than to be unprepared and regret it later. Thank you for praying for us.

Tropical Storm Ernesto

Ah yes, we are 4 months into Hurricane seasona and once again Clewiston is including in the warnings and watches. We have been blessed thus far with only 5 named storms, this being the first to threaten the US. Tropical Storm Ernesto (Ernesto means earnestly). I earnestly pray Ernesto would just vanish. Maybe if I just pretend it's not out there it will go away. I'm not in the mood to deal with Ernesto. I've had my fill the past 2 years. Alas, it's time to go fill the van, stock up on hurricane supplies, and prepare to flee if it goes to a status of 2 or above. Ah the joys of living in South Florida during Hurricane season.

Where Does Your Help Come From?

~ Psalm 121~

I lift up my eyes to the hills -
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
Themaker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip -
He who watches over you will not slumber;
Indeed, he who watches over Israeil will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you-
The Lord is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm-
He will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

My Space Awareness

As parents we need to be aware of the dangers our children are facing by creating blogs, personal ads, etc. It's all the rage now. One of the biggest websites being used by kids today is MySpace.com . Understand I am in no way saying that this website is wrong. However, I am saying as parents we need to be monitoring our children's use of the internet. We need to be aware if our children have a blog, a myspace profile, etc. It's not even a bad idea to check out their friend's profiles. In trying to monitor my own children's use of the internet more effectively I came across this article that I found to be quite helpful.

For all the sad words of tongue and pen,

The saddest are these: "It might have been."

- John Greenleaf Whittier

I thought I would share some thoughts from the book I'm currently reading, "Lost in the Middle - Midlife and the Grace of God" by Paul David Tripp. I currently finished reading Chapter 4, where Tripp talks about living with regrets. As I read this chapter I realized that I too live with regrets. Those regrets may be things like my relationship with God, my relationship with people, how I have raised my children, or my job. The list could go on and on. But it hit me as a read this chapter that God did not create us to live in regret. In fact, as Tripp says "God made a world of remarkable unity, harmony, peace, and love, where no regrettable thing would interrup the tranquility he had created. There was work, but it was never done begrudgingly or irresponsibly. There were relationships, yet they were never marked by selfishness, disloyalty, or anger. There was a heartfelt worship, service, and obedience to God, but never a moment or rebellion or idolatry. Imagine with me for just a moment what it would be like to live in such a place. What would it be like never to feel regret, never to experience remorse, and never to lug around the heavy weight of guilt? Don't let yourself think that what I am describing is totally unrealistic. In fact the world was once this way." (pg.107)

So what happened? Satan entered the Garden and the beauty of the regretless world was destroyed. There is no longer unity, harmony, peace and love. However, as Christians we are not without hope. In the midst of this fallen world in which we live there is a deep and abiding longing for a better place, a place where failure gives way to victory and sin gives way to righteousness. Where is that hope? That hope is found in Christ. Look at the words of Paul in Galatians 2:20 ; "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Paul is essentially saying that he is a child of God and being a child of God he is victorious. Paul's potential is as great as Christ's grace and Christ's power. The same is true of me! I have no reason to live a life of regret.

By living a life celebrating eternity I can continue to live in this fallen world. It is only the hope and promise of a resurrection out of this life and of an eternity to follow that makes it possible for me to continue to live in this fallen world. May my life echo the words of Peter. . .

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Shopping, Doctor's Appointment and More Shopping

Angela had a follow up appointment with her orthopedist yesterday in Fort Myers. Since we were going to be over there, I decided to shop for her some school clothes as well. One of her close friends, Cheyenne, went with us as she needed to get some school clothes as well. We went to Old Navy and then went to Edison Mall before going to her doctor's appointment. Unfortunately, we had no luck finding what we needed prior to her appointment, so we returned to the mall after her appointment. We ended up with some shirts and one pair of pants and a pair of shorts and Angela a pair of new tennis shoes. However, since we didn't find everything they needed to start school we will be going to Wellington Mall today to finish our shopping. I was proud of the girls as they looked for sales, appropriate fitting styles, and were joyful in their attitude.

Her doctor moved into their new office which thankfully I found without too much trouble. Their office is beautiful and it's nice that they now have an office to themselves and not sharing it with 2 other practices. Dr. Cardone thinks she is progressing wonderfully considering the type of injury she has (ACL tear). He gave her some exercises to do at home which will improve the strength in her quad mucles. We have to schedule an appointment in four months to have another X-ray done of her growth plate. This will show how soon they can do surgery to repair the ACL.

While we were shopping, my doctor (Dr. Murray) called to discuss with me the results of the tests that I had done back in June. All my blood work was fine. Which was surprising to hear, since I thought my cholestrol level or something was sure to be out of whack. My mammogram was negative! However, the ultrasound showed a small cyst on my left ovary. Dr. Murray said the cyst was about 1.5 cm and that unless I started having more trouble than I was having now he would not suggest that we do anything at this time. He said to contact him if the pain got worse or I started having irregular cycles. If not, he would see me in a year for my regular check-up. I was relieved to find out all is okay.

Happy 17th Birthday David!

My how time flies! Today, 17 years ago God blessed us with you at 11:00 a.m. You are such a blessing to our family. We are proud of your accomplishments and your sweet spirit. Your love for your family and fellow man shines through. You have grown into such wonderful young man whose love for the Lord shines through.

We are celebrating David's birthday tonight with his favorite meal. . . Steak, Baked Potatoe and Salad. He never has liked cake or ice cream for his birthday so he'll have cookies instead. He opened his presents this morning from us.

Happy Birthday David! We love you!!!!

Rejoice in the Lord

On Sunday morning, a good friend of ours sang a solo entitled "Rejoice in the Lord" by Ron Hamilton. The lyrics are:

God never moves without purpose or plan,
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord, though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

O rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified.
I shall come forth as gold.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best and I trust in His care.
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

Jonthan has been teaching on Wednesday nights from 1 Peter. He teaches by doing an inductive Bible study as we look at a verse or two each week. I have been blessed through his teaching and as I listened to the words of the song on Sunday morning I was reminded of 1 Peter 1:3-9. It is only through a living hope in Jesus Christ that we can rejoice!

3-Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4-to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
5-who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6-In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7-so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
8-Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9-obtaining the outcome of your faith,the salvation of your souls.

A Week at Know Sweat

Angela and the rest of the youth group arrived home safely this morning at 1:30 a.m. She had a great week doing service projects and spending time with everyone there, including the new friends she met during the week. Her favorite part of the trip was being at the work site where she painted the inside of an entire house, edged a sidewalk, and witnessed to people in the neighborhood. Some of the group helped paint the house, painted 2 playgrounds and tilled 3 playgrounds to lay new mulch. When they weren't at the work site they were at worship service and spending time on their own swimming in the creek just down from the college and eating. One day while out swimming in the creek some of the boys had to run a water mocassion out before they got in. That's the difference between she and I. . . I wouldn't have gotten in the creek after the snake had been spotted for fear that he would return. They departed from camp on Friday morning and spent the afternoon in Cherokee, North Carolina. Once back at the cabin they swam at the lake. On Saturday morning they started their long trip home. It's great to have her home and listening to her tales from the week.

Angela and Jeri Lynne

Martin & Angela

Kristin & Angela

Game 3 - State Tournament

Game 3 of the Florida State Pre-Majors Tournament was the final game for the Okeechobee team. After a 2 hour rain delay Hernando County won 9 - 2. It seems that baseball games are now a thing of the past, at least until the spring. Now we await soccer and football season to start.

We Were Lost

Angela called this afternoon around 4:30 to let us know that the group arrived safely at Milligan College. After telling me that she was there, she then asked if I happened to know where her tolietry bag was. Seems that she had not been able to locate it after unpacking the van and extra truck. I assured her it was in Tennessee with her and a few minutes later she called back to let me know she had found it. During the second conversation she told me that she managed to leave her tennis shoes at the cabin in North Carolina and will have to purchase some from Wal-Mart. I'm glad her head is attached or they might be trying to find that for her. When asked when they got to the cabin last night she said it was very late since "we were lost but now are found." Seems they got lost somewhere in Georgia and spent most of the day in that state. Hopefully the trip will go smoother now that they have arrived and unpacked.

Defeated

Yesterday afternoon, the Crawford's and I drove up to Avon Park to watch Beau's game against Marion County. Marion County had slaughtered Melbourne the previous night, so we were unsure of how our team would do. Nonetheless, the Okeechobee team were not nervous just prepared to play the defense as well as the offense. Sadly, Okeechobee didn't do as well as the night before and lost 9-0 in 7 innings. We hit the ball, but Marion County played as well defensively as they did offensively. Brock and Vicki were able to come watch Beau's game as well. Brock had just returned from camping at Ginnie Springs with his Uncle Bill and Aunt DeAnne, so it was great hearing about all the fun he had. He told us about all the animals he saw while there. After the game, we headed to Diary Queen for a Blizzard before driving back to Clewiston.

This afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Okeechobee will face Hernando County. If we win today's game we will play tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. If we lose we will be out of the tournament. Good luck guys! Wish I were there to cheer for ya'll.

Know Sweat

Anglea is on her way to MilliganCollege for a week of Know Sweat Service Projects with First United Methodist Church in Clewiston. Milligan College lies nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in the Northeast corner of the State of Tennessee, U.S.Located between Johnson City and Elizabethton on the Milligan Highway, the campus is just minutes from the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol) region and an hours drive to historic Asheville, North Carolina. Know Sweat teaches students about being servants by providing them with opportunities to serve. Students and sponsors serve the down and out as they do things like yard work, repair work, simple roof work, and painting.

Thirteen youth and 4 adult chaperones met at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning to load the van for departure and then attended the early morning service before pulling out. They will spend the night at a cabin in Asheville, North Carolina and then drive to the college on Monday morning. Below is an idea of what their week will consist of:

Monday
2:00-5:00 pm
Check-in
5:45
Dinner
6:45
Sponsor Meeting
8:00
Welcome and Worship
9:30
Group Time
10:30
In Rooms
11:00
Lights Out


Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
6:30 am
Rise and Shine
7:00 am
Devotions: On your own with God
7:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am
Work Sites
Noon
Lunch at Sites

12:30 pm
Work
3:30 pm
Clean-up, turn-in tools, and free time
5:45 pm
Dinner
7:30 pm
Worship, Message, Group Time
10:30 pm
In Rooms
11:00 pm
Lights Out

Friday
6:30 am
Get up, Devotions, and Pack up
7:30 am
Breakfast
8:15 am
Clean-up and Depart

Ten Run Rule

Last night we drove to Avon Park to watch Beau play with Okeechobee in the 2006 Florida State Pre-Majors Tournament. There are teams from Marion County, Swannee, Melbourne, Sebring, Avon Park, and Okeechobbee competing for the State title . Which ever team wins the tournament will go on to compete for the National title. The game was scheduled to start at 5::30 p.m. however due the Marion County - Melbourne game before ours we didn't start until 6:30 p.m. Marion County clobbered Melbourne 49 - 0. Okeechobee and Avon Park took the field at 6:30 p.m. Okeechobee scored 7 runs in the first inning and Avon Park zero. By the 4th inning it was Okeechobee 13 - Avon Park 0! In the 5th, Avon Park scored 2 runs. Due to the ten run rule Okeechobee took the win 13 -2! Okeechobee will face Marion County today at 5:30 p..m. After the game we went with the team to eat at Pizza Hut. We all had a great time sharing a meal with friends (Kenny & Becky) from Okeechobee.

Birthday Rap

Friday, July 14 was Jonathan’s birthday and wedding anniversary. David has celebrated his birthday with the youth group for the past two years since they have been at camp during that week, but this year it was Jonathan's turn. Each year Jonathan has given David his birthday licks so I thought for sure David would repay him for it. However, he didn't! Instead he got together with the guys in his room and they wrote a Happy Birthday Rap Song for Jonathan and presented him with a T-shirt that read "Old Guys Rule - Aged to Perfection". The lyrics to the rap song went like this:

Today you turn 28
Oh boy I bet you feel great
But wait we didn’t forget your anniversary date
It’s been 5 years thru struggles and tears
God is with you and you have no fear
Back to the birthdays you’re getting pretty old
28 is the age we been told
We know you’re 64 so you don’t have to lie
found any hair remedies or false teeth you might buy?
This shirt says it all "aged to perfection"
I mean look at this wrinkly complexion
You mean a whole lot but a shirt is all you got
What more could you ask for I mean it took an hour to come up with this plot
So in respect to you on your b-day
We are gonna party like 1970, YAY!

I know it's belated, but Happy Birthday Jonathan & Happy Anniversary to both of you!

A Week at Student Life

David is back from a week at Student Life @ the Beach in Daytona, Florida. All the youth had a great time worshiping with 6,992 other people. You read right there were 7,000 in attendance! How awesome that must be to worship with that many people. Here's the highlights from his week:

• Having the opportunity to hear Louie Giglio speak each day.
• Watching Chris Tomlin lead worship.
• Being on beautiful Daytona beach and knowing that the God he serves created it.
• Seeing youth accept the Lord.
• Attempting to find a place to eat that the line wasn't out the door.
• Realizing that he didn't know if he was coming or going ("Is this elevator going up or down?").
• Having a nice bus to ride in.
• Surviving a week without television.
• Being home where Mom is!

Daytona Beach

Worship

Louie Giglio

Shane & Shane

Lori & Hannah

A Cup of Coffee

This morning I took some time away from the office to meet a friend at Common Grounds. Before you think I was slacking off, let me say that this was an outreach as well as a personal meeting. Jennifer Piedra, her husband, Alex, and their two children, Mason and Mia, started coming to our church about a year ago and this is the first opportunity I've had to actually spend any amount of time with her. I throughly enjoyed getting to know more about her, her husband, and children. She is a lovely woman that just has a loving, down to earth spirit about her and her love for the Lord just overflows. I pray that this is just the beginning of many more opportunities of being with her.

Baseball, Baseball & More Baseball

This week we have traveled out of town twice to watch Beau play baseball with the American Legion Team in district games. On Monday, they played in Wellington. After the first two innings a thunderstorm came through delaying the game for about 30 minutes. Once the storm passed the game resumed. They lost 7 - 1. On Thursday night we traveled to Royal Palm Beach to Seminole Park to watch them win the game 7 -3! It's fun watching these boys play and display their talent even though they don't win every game. Their love for the game displays itself each and every game.

Rainy Days

It's that time of year again where it seems to rain everyday. I enjoy the rain but when it rains everyday for a week I begin to grow tired of it. Nevertheless, I don't control the weather so I guess I will just have to deal with it for at least another 10 days . At least that is what the weatherman says. With it raining every day it has caused me to think of how many songs have the word "rain" in their title.

1. Smoky Mountain Rain" - Ronnie Milsap
2. "I'm No Stranger To The Rain" - Keith Whitley
3. "Purple Rain" - Prince
4. "Bring on the Rain" - Tim McGraw
5. "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" - B.J. Thomas
6. "Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain" - Tory Barnett

My all time favorite and the one I'm singing right now - Rain, Rain Go Away!

Student Life Camp

David along with 7 more teenagers and chaperones traveled to Daytona Beach yesterday for a week long Student Conference.The theme for the week is To Phroneo Christou. “The attitude of Christ”, taken from Philippians 2:5 which reads “your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Chris Tomlin is leading worship and Louie Giglio is the teacher for the week. David was excited to have the opportunity to worship with these wonderful men of God and to hear Louie Giglio bring God's Word. Student Life has provided a website for each camp so that parents and friends may share in their experience by listening to a live audio of the nights worship service as well as seeing pictures from each day. You can check it out at by clicking on the link above. Once David returns I will have him share his experience and his photos from the week.

Congratulations Eric & Sarah

Joshua is going to be a big brother and I am going to be a great aunt again! My nephew and his wife (Eric & Sarah) are expecting a second child. The baby is due in March 2007. Congratulations guys! Angela will be anxiously waiting to find out if it's a boy or girl. We all know she doesn't want to give up the status of being the only granddaughter.

Celebrating the 4th of July

David and I celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Jim, Phyllis and Jessica Wilkinson. Jim and Phyllis prepared a wonderful meal of chicken, ribs, potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread and a variety of desserts. Jim's family came over as well and invited some of their friends to come along. We enjoyed visiting with them and having a relaxing afternoon. Angela left on Thursday going to Ft. Myers with Cheyenne to visit Cheyenne's cousin for the weekend. Cheyenne's cousin took them to the beach today and they stayed to watch the fireworks display there. David didn't want to go watch the fireworks display here in town so I went alone to watch. I always park at Eastside Elementary's parking lot to enjoy the display and was happy to see friends there tonight to watch them with. As always it was fun watching the small children eyes filled with awe as the fireworks exploded in the air above their little heads. While watching the fireworks I began to think about the things for which I grateful for being an American:

I thank God that I was born in America.

I am thankful for all the men and women that have served (and are serving) our country to insure the freedoms of this great country.

I thank God that I can go to church and worship God without fear of persecution.

I thank God for all the good and even the bad that happens every day because I know no matter how bad it is, it is still better than any other place in the world this side of heaven.

Stay Off the Sidewalks

Stay off the sidewalks everybody David can now officially drive without a parent in the vehicle with him. He passed his driving test on Friday afternoon. I have yet to let him take the van out on the road without me. But the day is coming when I will be comfortable letting my baby boy drive without me. I was nervous as he drove off Friday with the examiner as I stood in front of the DMV office. He did well as I knew he would. When asked about how the test went he said she asked him what is the proper way to park on a hill? He replied that you park with your wheels turned (whichever way I forgot the correct answer) and put the vehicle in park. She asked, "Then what?" He told her he didn't know. "Put on your emergency brake", she replied. "Well, I live in South Florida and we don't have hills but I will remember that, " David replied. My son always the smart mouth.

After leaving the DMV we went to add him to onto the auto insurance. I was pleasantly surprised when the agent told me my insurance premium would only increase $54 per month. Not bad since I have heard other parents saying their insurance tripled. Since he has a job I'm sure he won't mind giving me the extra every month (only joking).

Solo Femininity

I love Carolyn McCulley's website Solo Femininity. This is a wonderful blog for Christian single women. Carolyn shares her insight on topics ranging from Biblical Femininity to Understanding Men. As I was reading her blog this week I came across two articles that reminded me of what I have been called to do. Check them out here and here.

Idolatry

Idolatry, in its simplest form, is when I replace the worship of God with some physical image or object that I can see and touch. Romans 1:25 alerts us to the fact that there is an innate tendency in every human being to replace the spiritual with the physical.

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen."

The truth of the matter is that life can be found only in the Creator. Yet we seek to find life in the physical not eternal. Physical things by their very nature have no power to offer what the Creator alone can give. Heed this warning in Jeremiah 10:1-16:

1Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.

2Thus says the LORD, Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens although the nations are terrified by them;

3For the customs of the peoples are delusion; because it is wood cut from the forest, the work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.

4"They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter.

5"Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, and they cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good."

6There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might.

7Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.

8But they are altogether stupid and foolish in their discipline of delusion--their idol is wood!

9Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, The work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith; violet and purple are their clothing; They are all the work of skilled men.

10But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King at His wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

11Thus you shall say to them, "The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens."

12It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.

13When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses.

14Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge; Every goldsmith is put to shame by his shamed by his idols; For his molten images are deceitful, and there is no breath in them.

15They are worthless, a work of mockery; In the time of their punishment they will perish.

16The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; The LORD of hosts is His name.

Think about it! Behind every powerful physical thing stands the God of glorious power (the Creator). Behind every moment of physical beauty is the God of awesome beauty. Beneath every physical wonder is the God of awesome wonder. Above every moment of love there is the God who is the source and definition of all true love. Still, our sinful tendancy is to replace the spiritual glories of the Creator with the physical glories of the creation while forgetting the spiritual glories of intimate communion with the Lord of Lords, the Kings of Kings, the awesome Creator.

Tests, Tests, and More Tests

Yesterday I finally went to see a Gynecologist. I have always dreaded these appointments, but due to some pain I have had for over a year in my left back I felt I could not put it off any longer. Honestly, I'm not sure why I dreaded it so. Upon the examination Dr. Murray didn't find anything that was out of the norm. However, being that I have put off my yearly checkups he wants a full battery of blood work done, a mammography and a transvaginal ultrasound. Thankfully all these test can be done at our local hospital and I won't have to make trips to the coast to have these test done. Once all results are sent to Dr. Murray I will be contacted for another appointment, at which time he will review the results of the test and recommend where to go from there. I have all the tests scheduled as of this morning. The mammography will be done on July 11, the blood work and transvaginal ultrasound on June 28. Did I mention I hate blood work?

Parent Without Fear

Parenting can be a fearful experience. Our culture seems to think that the basic role of a parent is to protect our children. I do not totally disagree with that, however, we cannot parent in a constant state of fear. We must place our children at the feet of Jesus. He knows them much better than we do, because He made them. He loves them abundantly more than we could ever imagine. Even though we know that Romans 8:38-39 is not exculsively for us, but for is for our children as well, we hold on to our children as we possess them. Our children are a gift from God and are not our own. God has intrusted us to raise them, so whom better to seek wisdom and comfort from in raising them. We cannot raise them with a constant fear - they are not harm proof: we cannot prevent their pain, we cannot cushion them from every bit of consequence of their pain and we cannot make every decision for them. Do I worry about the choices my children will make? Absolutely! Yet, at the feet of Jesus is every answer I will ever need to raise them without fear. Some verses that help me lay that fear at His feet are:

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? "(Psalm 56:3-4) God takes care of his children. He is forever stronger than us.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) He will be our children's constant companion.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains
quake at its swelling pride." (Psalm46: 1-3) Life may fall apart, we may apart,
our children may fall apart. Yet God promises he will be with us.

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10) God gives us strength in our weakness
and strengthens our children to face the world.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. " (Matthew 6:34) As parents, we often anguish about our children's future, yet God holds their future just as he holds the future of the world.

Book Review: Feminine Appeal

Seven Virtues of A Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney

Feminine Appeal is based around what Carolyn Mahaney calls the seven feminine virtues listed for us in Titus 2:3-5: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Mahaney breaks each characteristic in the verse into a chapter of it's own to discuss ways to cultivate it--loving one's husband, loving one's children, being self-controlled, being pure, working at home, being kind, and being submissive to one's husband. Mahaney carries out the command in the first part of the quoted passage: that older women teach younger women how to behave in a way that promotes the gospel by showing how it transforms lives - - through this book.

But why would a divorced mother be reading a book pertaining to the seven virtues of a godly woman and mother? First, as a mother of teenagers I still have much to learn and improve. Secondly, I am an older women that is to teach younger women how to live a life that promotes the gospel. Thirdly, I doubt I ever remarry but if it is God's will I want to be a godly wife the next time around.

This was an excellent book that will be helpful for both young women looking to live out their faith in their lives, and for older women who want to take up the challenge to provide both good teaching and good example to younger women.

Guarding our Children

Living in small towns I have always felt that my children were safe. Even so I keep a close eye on my children and have taught them the dangers of strangers. Last night while we were at Bubba's house the two girls, Jeri Lynne and Angela came to us and asked if they could walk down the park. We told them no since it was almost dark and explained that it wasn't safe for them to go. Recently we have heard of a child getting beat up in that park by other children over a bicycle, the cleaning lady at the local library was beaten badly and another child was picked up by someone abused and dumped at the park. So we know these things happen even in small towns. They asked if they could sit in the front yard instead, to which we agreed. A few minutes later the girls came inside with a lady behind them. The lady introduced herself to Bubba and told him she knew the girls and would like them to come over to her house to watch a movie. Alarms went off with him and he politely told her "no" and she left. After questioning the girls we learned she is a teacher at the school, they know her children and this has not been the first time she has asked them to her home. We talked to the girls and once again explained that people can appear to be nice to lure children into their homes and then hurt them. To say that it left Bubba and I with an uneasy feeling is an understatement. I pray that last night will teach the girls to be on guard at all times.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

"New things will always come along. Many will be useless, some will be good, a few will be better - what's the one thing that's really best, according to God" (Living the Cross Centered Life by C. J. Mahaney - pg 14). This was part of the quote that Pastor Jonathan read prior to his teaching tonight. In his book Living the Cross Centered Life, Mahaney drives home the point that the gospel is what's really best. What matters is the gospel. . . Christ dying for our sins to grant us eternal life. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, "~ 1 Peter 1:3-4. This my friend is what matters. . . the living hope of an inheritance that will not change, will not be made unpure, and will not go away because of God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins because of His great mercy. That in and of itself should make us cling to the Cross and make it the main thing in our lives. Oh that I would be caught up as never before in wonder over the love and grace of God.

A Mother's Pride

At some time or another I think every mother takes pride in her children. I am no different. But is it wrong to be proud of our children? When I see one of my children behaving in an appropriate manner, serving others, or achieving goals my heart swells with pride. Just today I was overcome with pride in my daughter. She has displayed acts of service today (not that she doesn't do it often, she does) and my heart began to swell. And as my heart began to swell, I heard a voice saying "And who are you boasting in?" It suddenly hit me. . . I was boasting in not only my child, but I was boasting in myself as well. Galatians 6:14 came to mind as I thought about this boasting. "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the Lord has been crucified to me, and to the world." As I was meditating on this scripture I was convincted that it's not my child that deserves the glory it is Christ. For only by his grace has she been gifted to serve as she did today and other days. Yes, it's okay for me to point out to her that she did a wonderful job serving others today and that I am happy to see that gift in her, but I also need to make sure when I am encouraging her and thanking her that I point out to her that it is through Christ is willing to serve others.

Afterglow

Last night we hosted the youth afterglow in our home. Afterglows are held twice a month for any youth that attend the Sunday evening worship service. This gives the youth an opportunity to fellowship, eat and play games together at one of their homes (sometimes they are held at a Sunday School teachers or the youth pastor's home). We all enjoyed pizza, cookies, and a game of "In a Pickle". We had 4 youth including David and two of David's college friends, Tommy and David attend. Pastor Jonathan, Lori and Hannah were there as well. Angela joined us after going to the United Methodist Church youth group. Hannah fell in love with Whiskers and Vanilla. We had never hosted an afterglow until last night but look forward to hosting other ones in the future. Maybe we can convince some of the girls from our youth group to start attending since last night and previous afterglows seem to draw more boys than girls.

The Girls are Back in Town

After spending a week at Vero Beach, the girls are back in town! Angela went to Jeri Lynne's mom on Thursday, June 1 to spend a week at the beach with them in Vero. I knew Angela would be returning on Friday afternoon, but to my surprise Jeri Lynne came back as well. Jeri Lynne will go back to her mom's after Father's Day. It's good to have them both back home. Cheyene came over yesterday afternoon and all of them spent the night here last night and then we all went to Beau's baseball game today. After the game us girls decided to go to Royal Palm to see a movie. We enjoyed being together just us girls as David was hanging out with friends in town and Beau & Bubba had a Quinceañera to attend.

Arctic Edge Family Night

Family Night last night was great! The kids and their parents joined us as Pastor Jonathan presented the message of Salvation. Then we watched a powerpoint presentation of pictures from this week. Then the kids by class sang songs, recited memory versesthey learned from the week, and then enjoyed cookies and drink. We had a total of 80 enrolled this year with 8 professions of faith! Today is the last day and the kids will be learning that by listening to God, they can have courage to tell others about Jesus (Acts:1-21). Barbara Buker is our VBS Director and has done a wonderful job coordinating and overseeing VBS this week. I know that God has been glorified and many seeds have been planted in the hearts of the kids that were intrusted to us this week through the teachers that have served and the youth that have helped.

Day 4: Arctic Edge

Wow, we are on Day 4 of our Arctic Adventure. I can't believe that by this time tomorrow our adventure will be over. Tonight all the kids and their parents will join us for our Family Night. The kids will sing or do skits for their parents and we will view a slideshow of the week. Today the children learned by following Jesus, they can have courage to follow God's plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

Worship Rally

"Artie & Moose"

Singing Praises

David

Lori Brooks

Pastor Jonathan Brooks

Hannah Brooks

Day 3: The Arctic Edge

As we continue on the Arctic Adventure the children learned today that by believing in Jesus, they can have courage to confess Him as their Savior and Lord (John 3:16). We had 6 professions of faith today! Continue to pray for the teachers as teach this week.

Pray for Our Church

As I have mentioned in previous posts our Pastor and his family are moving to Edinburgh, Scotland. This past Sunday was their last Sunday with us. Not only are we going to miss them, but our church will be going through a transitional time as we search for the man God intends to Pastor our church. During this time I would ask that all who read this would be praying for our church during this time. Pray especially for our Youth Pastor, Jonathan Brooks, as he will be taking on other responsibilites as he serves as Interim Pastor. This will be a challenging time for him as he steps up to the added responsibilites as well as continuing to lead our youth. Pray also for his wife, Lori, as she supports and encourages him in this new role. Pray that they would have time as a family and that the Lord will raise up people to take on some of the responsibilities to help Jonathan in this time. Pray for our Staff Search Committee and our Deacons as they continue to interview potential candidates. Pray for our church members to be united and willing to serve where needed. Also, pray for me that I will be an encouragement to Jonathan and other leaders of this church and that I will be willing to serve wherever I'm asked to serve.

Day 2: The Arctic Edge

It was another great day at Vacation Bible School! We had 67 kids today. The teachers and helpers are doing a great job sharing the gospel with the children and teaching each day's lesson. Today's lesson taught that by trusting God, you can have courage to depend on Him not matter what happens (Esther 2:2 -18). Here are some snapshots from today.

David

Ryan, David & Tommy

Pastor Jonathan leading the Worship Rally

Diana & Nicholas enjoy being outside

David in Tommy's Arms Second grade class
Pre-K Class

Book Review: Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney

I have just finished reading Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. I was amazed that this 170 page book could be packed with so much wisdom and biblical insight. Mahaney teaches why humility is important, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to cultivate it in our lives. This book is biblical, helpful, and practical and it's also devastating for our pride when we heed its message. Mahaney never seems to stray too far from the heart of gospel. The book is divided into three parts which made it much easier to follow for me. The first two sections I have previously written about. The third part of this book book becomes extremely practical. Mahaney offers seven chapters of helpful suggestions which flesh out the biblical truth he has been teaching. Mahaney begins this practical section with this piercing comment: “It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves. I’m very aware that it’s possible for me even now to be teaching on humility while neglecting pride in my own heart. And at this moment you may be deceiving yourself into thinking that you are making progress against pride simply because you are reading a book about humility.” Ouch! What a good reminder that we don’t grow through insight but through applying insight. While these seven chapters are an exposition of Mahaney’s “life list” of ways he cultivates pride. They are not to be followed legalistically but as wise suggestions. He encourages us to develop our own list and to purposefully put it into action.

How to Weaken Pride and Cultivate Humility (pg. 171-172)

1. (Always)Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ.
2. Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God.
3. Begin your day expressing gratitude to God
4. Practice the spiritual disciplines - prayer, study of God's Word, worship. Do this consistently each day and at the day's outset, if possible.
5. Seize your commute time to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
6. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
7. At the end of the day, transfer the glory to God.
8. Before going to sleep, receive this gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep.
9. Study the attributes of God.
10. Study the doctrines of grace.
11. Study the doctrine of sin.
12. Play golf as much as possible.
13. Laugh often, and laugh often at yourself.
14. Identify evidences of grace in others.
15. Encourage and serve others each and every day.
16. Invite and pursue correction.
17. Respond humbly to trials.

Martyn Lylod-Jones wrote the following about the surest way to pursue humility: There is only one thing I know of that crushes me to the ground and humiliates me to the dust, and that is to look at the Son of God, and especially contemplate the cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Nothing else can do it. When I see that I am a sinner. . . that nothing but the Son of God on the cross can save me, I'm humbled to the dust. . . Nothing but the cross can give us this spirit of humility. (pg.66)