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.

Wednesday - Nerd Day

Unfortunately David deleted the picture of what he wore for Nerd Day. But it looked something like this. He didn't delete the ones of his friends.

Costume Day - Day 2 of Homecoming Activities

Tuesday's theme was Celebrity/Costume Day. David came up with an off the wall idea to be Quail Man off the cartoon Doug. Thankfully he had a FCA meeting that morning at 7:00 a.m. so when I dropped him off at school he wasn't wearing this:




Prior to taking him to school I told him how glad I was that he had FCA meeting. His reply, "Mom, I've got to pray at the meeting and I am not praying with underwear over my shorts." Laughing I told him, "Son, if you are going to wear that outfit you need to be praying!"

Homecoming Week

It's Homecoming Week at Clewiston High School! David has been enjoying this week's festivities. Each day has had it's own theme. Monday was "Sport's Day". The Powder Puff game was held on Monday night at Cane Field. Of course Powder Puff is where the girls are the football players and the boys are the cheerleaders. The game consisted of 2 - 12 minute quarters with a 3 minute half time. It was freshmen vs. sophmores and the juniors vs. seniors. The sophmores and seniors won. I was surprised to see how well attended a Powder Puff game was. But then after laughing so much at these students, I understood. It was comedy night at Cane Field.

David sporting his jersery with Nina

Powder Puff Court

Halloween Alternative

Last night our church had a Halloween Alternative for the kids. It's always a good time for the kids to enjoy a Christian environment and still have the opportunity to dress up for Halloween. There are always games and candy for them as well. I had the joy of working at the registration table and seeing greeting each child as they came through the doors. Since David and Angela are beyond the age of wanting to dress up for Halloween I still got to enjoy the little ones in all their adorable outfits.

Our friend Heather with her twins, Sarah Kate & Hunter

Pastor Brian & Katherine's son, Nathan

Debbie Thall in her Queen Esther Costume

Hannah Stowe as "The Little Mermaid"

Pastor Jonathan & Lori's daughter, Hannah in her "Pretty b-fly" costume

Birthday Celebration

On Friday I turned 41! David and Angela asked if I felt old, to which I told them no. In fact, I don't feel old just blessed. Blessed that God has given 41 great years with good health and lots of fun. David, Chris, Kathy & I went to Boca Raton on Friday night to watch the Tigers play football. They won their 9 game against Saint Andrews 42-6. Go Tigers!!!!! Following the game we ate at Applebee's with more of our friends (the Walkers).

On Saturday, Bubba took me out to celebrate my birthday since I was gone on Friday night. All he would tell me was that we were going to Fort Myers and to wear something casual with comfortable shoes. We ended up in Downtown Fort Myers where we browsed the antique shops before going to dinner at Harold's on the Bay. Our dinner was delicious. After dinner we walked around taking in Biker Weekend while waiting for our friends Steve and Pearle to join us for Moon Over Buffalo at the Florida Rep Theatre.

A Much Needed Pep Talk

There are very few things that get to me , if I had to pick the one thing that can set me off, it would be displays of ungratefulness in moments that I feel exhausted. I'm a giver and enjoy doing things for others. However, there are times that I want to see gratefulness. But how often am I ungrateful? This is the question I have to ask myself constantly. And a little pep talk to myself didn't hurt either:

God has gifted me with two precious children and it's amazing how precious they are to me. I'm are always there for them. I do so very much for them, while showering them with love and affection. My days are filled giving them attention and working to take care of them. I am both mom and dad and to my amazement at times, no matter how much I'm doing for them or with them, there are moments when they will be anything but grateful, displaying a total lack of appreciation as they demand even more from me when I've given so much or maybe they even display what seems like a very real dislike for me as they selfishly put themselves above me and all others. I find them living only in the moment they're in and so apt to focus only on their own circumstances. I wrestle sometimes with wanting to be their "friend" (because of course every parent loves see their children happy and give their children good things) when instead they need a firm parent that is not shaken or manipulated by expressions of unfairness or self pity. They must not learn that we owe them, but that they are blessed !! In fact, I read that it has been observed that one of the chief characteristics of a juvenile delinquent is the attitude that society owes them a living.

But how often do I now have the VERY SAME ungodly attitudes that I see in my children at times and without acknowledging that my attitude is towards my Heavenly Father, who has not only given me so much, but has done and continually does so much for me and there I am thinking of me, myself, and I ! Just like my children are with me at times (despite all I've done and do for them) - it doesn't matter how much God has done and does for me. It doesn't matter that there has been No Greater Love - To my amazement there are many times I still manage to pout and display a lack of gratefulness over something or other ! I realize it is nothing but total depravity going on. That's EXACTLY what it is ! We are so totally depraved...and so to be shocked by my behavior or my childrens would only be pride. I should not be shocked by my sin, I should be ashamed by my sin - having it bring me to my knees.

So, here's the thing. I shouldn't be looking for those words of affirmation in my children or anyone else. Instead, I should always be thinking of the overwhelming and thrilling fact that God has chosen and adopted me as His child and the amazing privilege that is .... thinking on the benefits that I receive from it with having the price for my sin paid in full and the awesome privilege of being able to approach the throne of God in prayer at any time - and then on top of all that always having on the backdrop of my mind the PRECIOUS gifts God's given me in my children, family, and friends and how I don't deserve not one of them ..... Yes, if that was always on the backdrop of my mind along with the fact that I don't deserve to even live another day : NOTHING at all could shake me up so much that I'd get angry about simple circumstances because that information is just TOO GRAND !!!! It's off the scale! Against the back drop of those thoughts everything is so so so soooooooo little.

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you." - Thessalonians 5:18

May I be both diligent to repent and deal with my own sin of ungratefulness.

New Links

I have just added a new "Friends" link. The two new links are to our dear friends, Tim & Krisy Bridges & Lori Brooks' blog. Tim served as our Pastor for three years. They are now living in Scotland, where Tim is pursuing a Ph.D. Since moving to Scotland they have created a blog "The Bridges". This is a wonderful way of staying in touch and being able to see how God is at work in their lives. Lori Brooks is our Youth Pastor's wife. Her blog, "Mommy Thoughts" is always a source of encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you as well.

Technology

What will they think of next? HP has a new digital camera that has a built in slimming effect. This was not something I found on my own, however Carolyn McCulley at Solo Femininity had it on her blog. Anyone out there wondering what to get me for my birthday. . . this would be just the perfect gift. I wonder if they have one that is beauty enhancing as well? Or one that makes your eyes appear to be open (I'm forever closing my eyes in pictures)?

Marriage is Now a Minority

Yesterday morning while reading the newspaper I came across an article that read "U.S. Marriage a Minority". According to the new census figures married couples now make up less than half (49.7 percent) of the 111.1 million American households. The article went on to say,

The numbers by no means suggests marriage is dead or necessarily that a tipping point has been reached. The total number of married couples is higher than ever, and most Americans eventually marry. But marriage has been facing more competition. A growing number of adults are spending more of their lives single or living unmarried with partners, and the potential social and economic implications are profound.

This was a sad statistic to read. As a child I remember my life's ambition was to get married and raise a family. It was alarming to read that the "fairy tale" dream that my girlfriends and I shared is rare among the girls of today.

UM Game

On Saturday a very dear friend of ours, Tom Giguere, took us to the University of Miami football game at the Orange Bowl. This was the first college game David or Angela had ever attended. Miami was playing FIU and would be the first game they have won all season. GO NOLES!!!! In the 3rd Quarter a fight broke out between the two teams. Of course after the fight everyone in the stadium was rowdy, but fortunately where we were sitting it was pretty calm. We had a wonderful time at the game and the chance to spend time with our friend.

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants is the latest football story to hit movie theatres. It was three years ago that a group of church members from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia believed that God wanted them to make a movie. They prayed about it and now Facing the Giants is playing at more than 400 movie theatres around the world. The movie is about a high school football coach that encounters an unexpected challenge and this challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than the victories. The coach and the team discover how faith plays out on the field.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but the trailer has sparked an interest to see it soon. It's not often that movies come out that are family friendly. I've read reviews and some of the reviews haven't been encouraging. For example, Christianity Today says: "There are good lessons here about honoring God in everything that we do, the importance of respect and leadership, and the power of prayer. Those are all things viewers could benefit from hearing. Whether they ever will hear them, though, is another matter—when a film is as unintentionally corny as this one, it's anyone's guess as to how many viewers can stomach all the schmaltz for the positive message at the end." Regardless of what the critics are saying, it's a movie our family will go see.

Actually, Facing the Giants is not the only Christian-themed movie releasing this fall. Others include One Night with the King, the story of Esther, The Nativity Story , and Amazing Grace.

Lost in the Middle - Book Review

It has taken me several months, but I have finally finished reading Paul Tripp's latest book Lost in the Middle. Tripp does a marveolous job of explaining what it feels like to enter this phase of life. He understands that “the struggles of midlife are a window to deeper, more fundamental struggles”. He identifies common themes that mark the road through midlife such as an awareness of mortality, the increasing tally of regrets and the loss of dreams once held dear. Instead of simply identifying these markers, he leads the reader through a biblically informed interpretation of these challenging situations. The real life stories that are woven into each chapter make this book so engaging and makes the advice dispensed in the book more memorable and applicable. I think “Lost in the Middle” has valuable lessons for readers of all ages. Many of the examples may be more applicable for those in midlife but the insightful interpretation of these life experiences and the biblically informed advice are lessons for a lifetime. I love how Tripp defines midlife near the end of the book. . .

Midlife is a crescendo. The music of redemption has been playing in your life for a long time, and even though you didn't know it, it was moving toward this passage. Perhaps you have been lulled to sleep a bit by its familiar themes, unaware that the music was beginning to build. Now you are in the middle of God's redemptive symphony, and the drums are
beginning to roll, the cymbals are starting to crash, and the
instruments are beginning to blare. This crescendo of redemption needs everything that has gone before it in order to build to this moment. You are in redemption's front row and you are experiencing its music at its most powerful. You are hearing the rolling timpani of God's love, the crashing cymbals of his grace, and the blaring trumpets of his rescue.
The music isn't a dirge; it is alive and celebratory. You are in the middle of a crescendo of redemption, and all that has come before has been necessary to get you to this powerful moment of divine grace.

Don't shut your ears to the music. Stop and hear. Your life is not over. You are not imprisoned in your past. This moment of pain is actually a moment of redemptive crescendo, and it is meant to make you hunger for the final crescendo that will roll on for all of eternity. Let the music of redemption get your attention more than the sounds of your regret. Let the song of God's grace command your ears more than your cries of disappointment. Let the crescendo of God's love overwhelm the sad music of your fear. Stop and hear redemption's symphony as it comes to a powerful crescendo right in the middle of your own story.

No one captures this crescendo of God's grace better than
Paul does in his letter to the Ephesians: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and
established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:14-20) - pgs. 345-347

Pizza, Cake and Cranium

On Saturday night we joined the Brooks (Jonathan, our youth pastor, his wife, Lori and their daughter Hannah) for dinner at the Hamrick's. Brian, our new pastor and his wife-Katherine and their son Nathan have already captured our hearts since moving here in mid-September. We all enjoyed getting together as a staff with our families in a relaxed atmosphere. Hannah's 2nd birthday is Tuesday, October 10 so we had Dora Cake to celebrate her birthday. After the Brooks family departed for home, Brian put Nathan to bed while Katherine set up the game "Cranium". We played on teams (boys vs. girls) with the boys winning the game. We hope to get together again soon.

Tuesday Thoughts

One of the blogs that I find myself reading daily is Girl Talk. As I read today's entry I appreciated their simple explanation on Doctrine of Grace. Praise God that it is not by anything I have done that I am a Christian, it's all because of His mercy that He chose me.

My Jesus I love Thee; I know Thou art mine.
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, My Savior art Thou.
If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee gor wearing the thorns
On Thy brow, if ever I loved Thee,
My Jesus, 'tis now.

I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
"If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus 'tis now."

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright.
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
"If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now."

Happy Birthday Angela

To my sweet, wonderful daughter on her 13th birthday. God gave me a precious gift the day he knitted you in my womb. You have brought much love and joy into my life as I have watched you grow into the young lady you are today. Your smile and laughter light up my days and make them bright. I am proud of each accomplishment you have achieved so far and know that you will continue to make me proud. I pray that you will follow after Christ with all your heart and mind. I love you, Happy Birthday !

God's Will or My Will?

Pastor Jonathan has been teaching from 1 Peter on Wednesday nights. He has been leading us in an inductive Bible study (a couple of verses at the time). There are three basic parts to inductive Bible study: Observation: what does the scripture say? Interpretation: what does the scripture mean? Application: how does this apply to me? Last night's teaching was from 1 Peter 2:6-8 which reads: For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. As we observed, interpreted and applied these verses, I was amazed at the fact that people were bothered by these words, "as they were destined to do.".

So, I began to ask myself "Why is it that the words destined foreknowledge, predestined, or called bother people and make them uneasy?" Are they questioning GodÂ’s sovereignty over their salvation? These are things that I have been thinking of today and searching to the Word regarding and the Scripture I have found relating to these questions.

1. Dipredestinedestine my adoption and inheritance according to my will or His will?
"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will." (Ephesians 1:4-5)

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." (Ephesians 1:11)

2. Did God choose me because I would believe, or so that I would believe?
"Because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

Whose choice made the ultimate difference, the apostles' choice or God's choice?
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." (John 15:16)

3. Whose will made Paul an apostle, Paul's will or God's will?
"Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God." (1 Corinthians 1:1)

4. Did God call me according to my purpose (will) or His purpose?
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son" (Romans 8:28-29)

"Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." (2 Timothy 1:9)

5. Who opened your heart, you or God?
"And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45)

"The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul." (Acts 16:14)

6. How many of the lost does God call/draw, all or only some?
"Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." (Matthew 11:27)

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." (John 6:44)

"Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:30)

7. How many of those whom God calls/draws respond, some or all?
"And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)

"Whom He called, these He also justified." (Romans 8:30)

"But concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:28-29)

8. Who did my repentance come from me or from God?
"Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31)

"Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." (Acts 11:18)

9. Who did your faith come from, you or God?
"...those who had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8)

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer..." (Phil. 1:29)

"God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thes. 2:13)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (Jas. 1:17)

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Heb. 12:2)
"to those who have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God" (2 Pet. 1:1)

10. Who made the difference in my decision for Christ, the evangelist or God?
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." (1 Cor. 3:6-7)

11. Who made the difference in your decision for Christ, you or God?
"that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus...that as is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'" (1 Cor. 1:29-31)

"For who makes you differ? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7)

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)

I cannot make the difference in my decision for Christ. If I could then I'd have reason to boast. (Galatians 6:14) I can take credit for my sin, but God gets the credit for my salvation. Praise God that He's chosen to save me! He could have just left my wretched soul to perish in hell. He didn't have to design a plan of salvation. He doesn't owe salvation to anyone, He freely chose to redeem me for Himself, to the praise of His glorious grace.

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.