Go Cats!

Go Cats!
Originally uploaded by blountman.

The only thing better than watching Kentucky win their first bowl game since 1984 is watching it in High Definition!

Yeah, satan really is skating today with Kentucky's thumping of Clemson. The final score was closer than a true reflection of the game, since the Tigers scored with less than a minute to to go in the game to bring it that close. What a great game for Kentucky football fans. What a great picture on my hi def TV! Yeah, baby!

Abi and Elliott Blount

The Vows
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Friday, December 22nd has now come and gone. Abi is officially Mrs. Elliott Blount, and we are recouperating from the frenzy that is a wedding. I am sitting here in the very nice home of a family from Christian Church in the Wildwood, who graciously allowed us to live in their home for three days. Such Christian hospitality is just one of the small marks of a fantastic past few days.

We had plenty of those last-minute tension builders, like the programs that had to be reprinted on Thursday afternoon, and the tuxes that didn't arrive until five minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, but the wedding was beautiful and went off without a hitch. Well, except for the fact that Elliott and Abi got hitched!

I have posted several pictures from the wedding, the rehearsal and some of the home in which we stayed on my FLICKR SITE so you can get a better idea of the beautiful time that was this wedding from those pictures.

It's Saturday morning, and I am getting ready to roust Ian and Emily from bed, send them to the showers, and hit the shower myself. We have a breakfast to attend with Abi's family (Elliott and Abi are long gone, heading to the Bahamas for their Honeymoon), then I am driving Abi's car back to Kissimmee for them, and then we will finally head home later this afternoon.

May God bless Abi and Elliott as they start their life together. We are truly blessed to have another daughter and we love Abi dearly. Poor girl, she still has no idea what she has gotten herself into!

Happy Birthday, Dad

Dad
Originally uploaded by blountman.

I know he will never see this, because he doesn't even have a computer, much less visit cyberspace, but today is Dad's birthday, and I just wanted to wish him a very happy one!

Christmas Tree '06

Christmas Tree '06
Originally uploaded by blountman.

I love our family Christmas Tree.

Christmas Trees mean different things to different people. For the Blounts, the tree is a family history and an expression of our love for Jesus. Numerous ornaments depicting the manger can be found. Red birds that once adorned Mama Thelma’s tree are there. So are those ornaments that twirl around from the heat of the lights that used to hang on Mama Stella’s tree. How about the cross-stitch ornaments that my Mom made for us? The Angel topper once was on Mae Mae's tree. The hand-made ornaments from each of the kids loving crafted during their early childhood years always bring smiles to our faces as we decorate the tree. We have ornaments reflecting high schools and colleges we love, sports teams about which we are passionate, ornaments given to Peggy as gifts from her students over the years, and that egg ornament made for me by...well, I've "Ben" trying to remember who made that one (an inside joke, sorry). We have ornaments reminding us of family vacations, and we have family ornaments with all of our names on them dating back over the past decade! This year's family ornament includes the newest member of the family: Abi, who becomes Elliott's Bride just before Christmas this year. Being a Trekkie, we have several starship ornaments on our tree; being a Veggie Tales fanatic, we have Bob, Larry and the gang hanging out on our tree as well. We have ornaments that remind us of Christmas books we have read as a family, and we have hand-made ornaments from church family over the years. Every ornament on our tree tells part of the story of our family.

Now, I know that people decorate trees in many different ways, with different themes and different schemes. However, I like seeing our family story played out on our Christmas Tree. The reflection of our shared love for Jesus warms my heart. The fact that many ornaments on this year's tree will move to Elliott and Abi's tree next year is part of that process. It is time for them to start making family memories to be represented by various ornaments. Ian and Emily will soon follow in Elliott's footsteps, and then Peggy and I will have fewer ornaments hanging on our tree, but we will still have the memories of the family love we share.

I love our family Christmas Tree.

Happy Birthday, Lil Bro

Trust me, I could have done much more damage picture-wise than this one. Here is the gang, skinny Scott, Tim with hair on his head not his chin, Ed with the 'fro, and Donna when she was cute. Wink, wink. Oh for simpler times, eh?

Christ Follower

While reading my dear brother in Christ Arron Chambers' blog today, I saw a parody video that is one of those "hmmmmm....." deals. Produced by Community Christian Church in Naperville, IL, this series parodies the Mac comercials on TV these days. This is #2 in the series, and is my personal favorite. Thanks Arron, for turning me onto this series of thought-provoking messages.



Be God's,
Scott

Senior Recital

Belting It Out
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Friday, November 10, 2006, Elliott had his Senior Vocal Recital at Florida Christian College. This is the culmination of his Music Ministry Degree at FCC. The first half of the recital included a collection of classical music and spirituals sung by Elliott while accompanied on the new Grand Piano the college has just gotten. Those selections included:
Caro Mio Ben

Vittoira, Vittoira, Mio Core

Ich Gro Le Nich

Windmung

Zeignung

Deep River

Somebody's Knocking At Your Door

Elijah

The Trumpet Shall Sound

All of Me

Despite his sore throat, Elliott nailed this part of the recital. Especially on my favorite song from this collection: The Trumpet Shall Sound from Handel's Messiah. We could not have been more proud.

Then, came the worship set portion of the recital, where Elliott was joined by Abi and Tyler to lead the 30-to-35 of us gathered there in a time of praise and worship. Those songs included favorites such as Your Grace Is Enough, Forever, Enough, and Take My Life (Her Am I) among others.

Afterwards, we had a great meal with Abi's parents, Peggy's parents, Emily, and Tyler. Unfortunately, Ian had to work, so he couldn't join us for the evening. What a fantastic evening.

Number 18

Balloon Time II
Originally uploaded by blountman.

It is way too mind-boggling to think that Ian is now 18 years old. As I think back on the many fond memories; on the triumphs over adversity; over the laughter and tears that Ian has produced in his Mother and me, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and joy. When I see the man of God that Ian is developing into, I am blown away by his faith and his trust in our Lord Jesus. His sweet spirit and his giving heart are just two of Ian's numerous wonderful traits. Ian is the quintessential Middle Child, and we have had our fair share of struggles in areas I won't go into on this blog. The bottom line is this: Ian can do all things through Christ Who strengthens him. My prayer for Ian continues to be that he will allow Jesus to mold him into the man Jesus wants him to be. My prayer for Peggy and me is that we can be the best parents possible given our human frailties. I just don't want to mess my kids up too badly.

Thanks to Amber and Jonathan for sharing in the evening's festivities with us as we celebrated number 18 for Ian. He is a special dude to us, and our lives are so much better because he is a big part of those lives.

Thank you, Ian for being "my man." My love for you grows stronger each day, and I am so proud to be called your Dad. Keep those big eyes focused on Christ, and on His plan for your life.

Elliott's Testimony

Elliott's Testimony
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Words do not adequately express my feelings as I reflect back over the weekend. On Saturday, several of us from VCC went up to Florida Christian College for Round Up. That is a major fund raising event with a western theme to it. The college had a couple of alumni give testimonies about what the school has meant to them, and Tommy Oaks preached one of his usual fantastic messages. Then, I saw Elliott make his way to a front row in the Chapman Center. I could feel the tears welling up even before he made his way to the podium to deliver his testimony. I had no foreknowledge of this and I can't even remember much of what he said because I was so emotional. I do remember him saying that he only came to FCC because his Dad told him he had to do at least one year at a Bible College. I lost it at that point. Elliott has grown so much as a man and as a Christian while he has been at FCC over these past 3 1/2 years. When he graduates next month, he won't just be getting a degree, he will be fulfilling a ministry prayer of his mother's and mine. He will go into full time Christian Ministry as a worship minister! You can see pictures of his ordination service held at VCC on October 29th by visiting my flickr site. You'll also see pictures of Ian's 18th birthday celebration which we started two days early. I am so proud of the young man Ian is becoming! God has blessed me beyond measure with these two sons, and I won't short change my darling daughter, either! How God could allow me to take care of these three kids for Him is beyond me, but I am a blessed man for sure! To have my salvation in Christ, to be married to the most beautiful woman on the planet, and to have three kids who love Jesus more than life...well, of course I am the most blessed man on earth!

What A Report Card!

It has been a long, "interesting" journey, but yesterday afternoon Ian's report card made me happier than I have been at report card time in the past four years! He has seven classes, and he got six A's and one B+ (in weight lifting)!

Thank you to those who have prayed with us and specifically prayed for Ian. As I told him yesterday, keep up the great work!

Oh, Emily's report card was good, too. Not as good as Ian's. Haven't been able to make that claim in the past four years, either!

Resign, Senator Dumb Guy!

I don't usually get political on my blog, but I cannot stay silent on this one, folks. Okay the three of you who ever look at this blog, anyway. John Kerry should resign after his totally ludicrous remark insulting the intelligence of our military forces, and the intelligence of the American People in general. Others have been forced to resign from public office for "botching a joke" (Trent Lott for example), and those jokes neither attacked our military forces nor the American Public in general.

I'm glad to see that our soliders in Iraq can show a sense of humor as they take a jab at the Senator as pictured above. However, this lousy excuse of a public servant has called our military forces rapists and murderers in not one but at least two different wars. I am not saying that there aren't individuals who wear the uniform who don't cross the line, but John the Donkey Kerry has crossed the line more so than any of them could ever hope to. To give aid and comfort to the enemies of this country has a name: treason. Resign, Senator Dumb Guy.

What A Weekend!

Natural Position
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Elliott and Abi came down from Kissimmee for a bridal shower on Saturday and for Elliott's ordination service on Sunday. We were so blessed to have not just them, but Nanny & Papaw, and Lil Bro come in for the weekend!

Abi closed at work Friday night, and apparently ate some "bad chinese food," so she was ill upon their arrival at 2:30 a.m. Saturday. We let her sleep in until 8:30 before awakening her so she could get ready for the 10:00 a.m. bridal shower hosted by Cathy Aldhizer and put on by the ladies of VCC.

Lil Bro arrived about 8:20 a.m. Saturday, having chosen to stay home with the kitties on Friday night. Only Nanny and Papaw were "brave enough" to get here Friday night.

We (and by we, I mean Elliott and I) had planned on going to the beach while the girls were having their shower, but God had others plans. It was a stormy, rainy Saturday morning, so we chilled in the living room waiting for football to start so we could enjoy the hi def football experience. It was quite nice.

Our male bonding time was rudely interrupted by the girls returning bearing many gifts. Of course, Elliott was obligated to look them all over and at least feign excitement. He was genuinely excited by most of the gifts, we just had to give him a hard time.

More football, followed by card games, naps and the coveted Fall Back night of extra sleep followed. It was a truly good day.

On Sunday, we ordained Elliott into Christian Ministry. He has now been specifically set apart by the elders of Vero Christian Church for full time Christian Service as a music minister. That was a cool thing, if I do say so myself, and I do. I had the privilege of preaching the message that morning (check it out at our web site - www.verochristian.com and then go to the sermon page). It was an emotional and beautiful day.

We had Nachos for dinner Sunday in honor of the release of the movie Nacho Libre, and by four o'clock everyone was gone. Peggy and I caught our breaths and got ready for youth groups. We had about 25 in our house that night for our study in the book of Acts. What a weekend!

Bluebird of Happiness

Bluebird of Happiness
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Emily spotted this bird hanging out in the Palm Trees in our mulch bed next to the house. The bird was quite calm and relaxed perched in the Palm Tree, enabling both Emily and me to take several close-up shots with the camera. Guess it is a sign, eh? The Bluebird of Happiness pays us a visit just before we have Elliott's ordination service on Sunday, and just after what he described as a very good day of interviewing and leading worship at a church that is interested in brining him on board. He describes that as his "dream job." We also will have a house full of family this weekend as Peggy's parents, my Lil Bro, Elliott, Abi and Tyler will all be here for the wedding shower/ordination weekend. Now, THAT, truly makes me happy.

Mom: Nov. 2, 1939-Oct. 17, 1993

This is my favorite picture of my Mom. I caputred her, despite her protestations, ironing! It was the summer of 1983, and she was up for a visit. She snuck out back at Grandpa's house hoping no one would notice, but I did! Mom hated to iron clothes. As I approached her with the camera, her finger started wagging and she commanded that I cease and desist. I disobeyed. The result is the picture you see above.

My Mom was one of my best friends as well as being my Mother. I tried to be the obedient eldest child, even though I had my lapses, like taking this photograph. I miss Mom more than words can express. You see, about ten years after this picture was taken, Mom found out that she had pancreatic cancer. She hadn't been sick, and by the time the docs diagnosed the cancer, she only had a few months left. I was in the position to be able to travel to Alabama on several occasions after her diagnosis, and did an extensive video interview with her. It is one of my most prized possessions to this day. I recently converted the tape to dvd. I still have never been ableto sit down and watch the entire thing in one sitting, but it is a comfort to beable to see Mom and hear her sage advice as well as her funny stories over and over again. My Mom was taken from this earth far too early for me. At 53, she was a young woman to have to battle a terminal illness. Seems like that has been the case for several women in our family.

So today, on the 13th anniversary of her passing, I just wanted to say: I love you, Mom, and I miss you so much. I long for the day when we are together in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Reflections on the Weekend

Chilli Willi's menu
Originally uploaded by blountman.

This past weekend, Peggy and I had the privilege of returning to the Tri-State because I was officiating the Whitney Bowe-Chris Ward wedding at Old Orchard. That was an honor beyond description for me. Whitney has stayed in close contact in the six years since we left KY for Florida, and she told me about 18 months ago that she wouldn't want anyone else to do her wedding ceremony. I gladly told her that I would be honored to officiate her wedding, and when the date was set, airline tickets were bought and the deal was sealed! The ceremony went well, a mixture of the seriousness of the ceremony along with a few little wise cracks from the minister (would you have expected any less?). It is so cool to see your "kids" growing up and staying focused. Lord knows there are plenty of our "youth group kids" who have not maintained that focus, but Whitney is doing great. Peggy and I love Chris dearly as well. He wasn't in our youth group, but he is one of our "kids" in every sense of the word.

I also got to see Alex, who is the kid of one of my youth group kids. I had the privilege of baptizing Alex into Christ a couple of years ago. Now, that is when you know you have been in youth ministry a while, when you baptize the children of your youth group kids! Anyway, Alex is doing well, actively involved in his church (Westwood Christian Church), and actively involved in his community as a junior volunteer fireman. That is way cool to see!

Oh, we saw plenty of family and friends over that whirlwind weekend (not everyone, but it just wasn't possible), including some that we just had no reason to expect to see. We continue to pray for our dear friend Tom Coomer who had suffered congestive heart failure earlier last week, and was in ICU while we were up there. We spent some time with Barbara in prayer at the hosptial, and we even got to see two more of our favorite youth group kids: Stacie and Kristen! Yeah, Stacie, now you'll even have to comment on this blog entry, eh? The joy of seeing our girls was an icing on the cake kind of deal for the weekend. And Tom? Well, the girls told us in church Sunday that he has improved greatly. Our prayers are that he continues on the road to recovery and gets home soon!

And finally, the only thing I really wanted to do on this trip other than the stated business for the trip, was to eat at Chili Willi's. It is by far the BEST Tex-Mex I have had since I left the state of Texas as a teenager. Ron Smith captured Peggy's and my taste buds 23 years ago when he opened the place, and a trip to the Huntington, WV, area is not complete without a stop at Chil Willi's! The Super Chicken Burrito and a cup of black bean soup just made my day and my weekend!

Of course we had one more stop to make in Huntington on that Friday afternoon: Glenn's Sporting Goods! Yes, we got our "We Are...Marshall" shirts and a hat for me among some other Herd regalia to bring home with us. We can't wait for the movie to come out on December 22nd, it's not like we have something else going on that day or anything...

Memories

I've been converting old home videos to dvd lately, and this morning I started working on the tape I made of my last couple of visits with Mom before she succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Bittersweet, for sure. It was heartwarming to see Mom interact with Elliott, Ian and Emily. It is always good to hear Mom's advice. I miss that more than words can adequately express. It will be 16 years this month since Mom passed away. That is mind-boggling to me.

Today would have been Mike Wilson's 48th birthday. My childhood best friend, and Best Man at our wedding was buried in Danville back in March. I miss not getting to call him today and remind him that he caught back up with me in the old age department.

The time period from mid-September to mid-October is pretty tough for me. In addition to Mike's birthday, I spend time remembering Granny and Grandpa Johnson both of whom passed away in that time period. I remember Barb whose birthday falls in that time period. I remember Mom who passed away in that time period. I remember the good times, the pleasant conversations, the advice given (some of it even taken), the prayers lifted up for those we love, and the prayers that God would give the strength needed to let go and say "see you later" to those loved ones. It is with mixed emotions that I go through this time of year. Much good has come from these tragic times, and for that I am eternally grateful. Much loss was suffered and is still felt from those tragic times. I praise God that He is there with me always. I praise God for the memories that bring a smile to my face even in the midst of the tears in my eyes.

Because of the hope I have in Jesus, I can get through the tough time period of mid-September through Mid-October. I can hear the old Geoff Moore and the Distance song, Listen To Our Hearts** and not cry too much. That was my theme song and prayer during Mom's illness. I can watch that video of my last several visits with Mom in small doses. I have never watched the entire hour and 42 minutes of footage in one sitting because it overwhelms me. I still believe that Jesus carried me through that most difficult time, as He has when my grandparents, Peggy's grandparents, two great aunts, Barb, and Mike all passed away.

I know this post has been kind of a "downer" overall in tone, but I am also here to say without hesitation that without Jesus, I couldn't have survived those difficult times. How people can traverse this life without Jesus is beyond me. The fact that I don't have to is something for which I give praise to God every day.

Memories. May Jesus inhabit them all. May His love in your life be so evident that even the toughest of times become an opportunity to give Him praise. He will be there for you and with you. Sometimes He Calms The Storm and other times He calms His child.

** Yes, I know the URL is for a different song title, but the lyric source I am using has the lyrics for "Listen To Our Hearts" on the "Live and Learn" page. Figures!

Hi Def, Baby!

Let me just say that my Bride Peggy is the BEST EVER!

Back in June, our TV in the living room died. We got a 50 inch, High Definition TV, our ultimate Youth Group Television. Now, the TV has worked well in our living room, but this week, we stepped it up a major notch. We now have a high defintion package from DirecTv. May I just say that watching a football game in hi def is DABOMB!

As I type this, I am watching Miami and Houston and flipping over to OSU and Iowa, both of which are in hi def. YEAH, BABY!

The hi def package costs $10 extra a month, but I got a call from DireTv after I had scheduled the installation and they offered me a $10 per month discount if I would stay with DirecTv for another year. Well, duh! So, for the next 12 months, I get hi def for FREE! C'mon over and watch some football with me, won't ya?

Banner Day

Emi After
Originally uploaded by blountman.

September 12, 2006, is a banner day for the Blount household! First and foremost, Emily got her braces off. Since she has been wearing braces for 4 1/2 years, it is a monumental moment for us all.

Secondly, we shed ourselves of the Ford Windstar (the last vehicle that made the trek from KY with us), and picked up a Nissan Altima and an Acura Legend. Yes, we now have three vehilces in our driveway and four vehicles on our insurance (Elliott is still on our insurance until December when he weds and is kicked out on his own)! You can see pictures of the new vehicles joining the Blount fleet on our flickr site. That is a banner move for us as well, as we now have a fleet of vehicles I am not afraid to have out on the road. The Acura will primarily be the kids' school and work vehicle, but will also be used for general running around town. The Nissan will carry Peggy to and from Ft. Pierce every day and take us on the in-state trips (like this weekend to the Florida Christian Convention), while the Caravan (Pistin) will take me back and forth to the office and be our main long road trip vehicle. This arrangement should help us keep milage off the van (finally).

Yes, indeed. A banner day for DaBlounts!

9-11

On the fifth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on America, I cannot help but remember how people "turned to God" during this time of great tragedy and terror. I also cannot help but think about how short lived that was.

As time has gone on, Christians have gone back to their regular daily routines and sadly for many, that routine does not include spending daily quiet time with God. We put Him on the back burner, and heat up our rleationship with Him only when times get tough or traumatic. We are so much like the children of Israel in the Old Testament. Christians are God's chosen people today, and we cannot afford to continue repeating the mistakes of the past. As people in America remember 9-11, 2001, today, let us remind them of the need to trust in Jesus. Let us remind them that we cannot expect the United States of America to provide only what Jesus can provide. I pray that today above all days, we help people turn to Jesus for real.

RTU Crew

RTU Crew
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Rock the Universe absolutely rocked! Jordan, Abi, Emily, Elliott, Ian and Turtle joined Peggy and me for the weekend, and we had a blast. We rode many rides (can you say a family Hulk ridefest? Yeah, baby!) We saw many concerts - Peggy and I caught performances by Skillet, MXPX, Krystal Meyers, Kutless, Pocket Full of Rocks, The Newsboys, Relient K, and Audio Adrenaline!

I have posted several pictures from the weekend on my flickr site.

Just let me say that it was a phenomenal weekend, and I am so glad that we got to spend it with the folks we were with. This was the perfect weekend to end what has been the best summer of my life. The cruise, C-I-Y, North American Christian Convention, Alabama vacation and now this. Wow!

Now, if I could just gather up the energy to go back to work this morning...Man I am getting old!

Two Good Days In A Row!

Yesterday was a great day with our annual Labor Day picnic for the church, and with the addition of the three foxes from FCC, it was even more fun. Elliott, Andrew and Tyler came down, and that was the icing on my birtrhday cake, so to speak. After the picnic and boat ride on the Indian River Lagoon (thanks to Capt. Chuck Macaluso who piloted Steve's boat for us), we headed home and jumped in the pool with the college boys. Okay, we literally jumped in the pool. As in jump over a pool deck chair into the pool. The strawberry scrape on my right knee reminds me that I sink pretty fast even in 8 feet of water. It was a hoot! The whole reverse limbo deal (Ian was the unoffiical winner) and the pool baseball wore me out. My right arm/elbow is still sore from playing catcher during the game. Emily and I went out to do one more practice run to prepare her for her driver's test, and when we got back, we ate some grilled chicken and other goodies with the gang. Then it was off to Rita's Italian Ice. Now, Rita's is one of the last bastions of cash only type of retail establishments. This comes in real handy for college boys who "don't happen to have any cash" on them. So, it's my birthday, and I get to treat everyone to some Rita's! That's okay, I love being able to do that!

Today was the day for Emily. On the anniversary of Granny's birth, Emily got her driver's license! She rawks!!!!

Two good days in a row. What more could an old fart dad like me ask for?

Ernesto Leftovers

As I write this, tropical storm Ernesto is ready to slam the Carolinas after fizzling out over Florida. Yesterday was a Sabbath Rest Day for DaBlounts as everyone was out of school/work in anticipation of the "Big Storm." May all our storms be this big and no bigger!

At church, we are gearing up for major changes as we start meeting at Citrus Elementary School this week, and we have our annual Labor Day Picnic on Monday. Should be fun times all the way around. I love the challenges, and I am encouraged by the determination of our leadership to keep things moving forward.

Anyway, just thought I would share a few RANDOM thoughts, since Lil Bro hasn't blogged in over a month now. Oh yeah, Stacie, I have the Wildcats Basketball Schedule posted on the fridge, and don't rub my nose in your cheap gas prices up there in the land of Useless Nuts!

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

True Love
Originally uploaded by blountman.

For the past week, we had the pleasure of having Ethan Amerine staying with us in Florida. It was a whirlwind deal, but it did work out, and we had a blast having Ethan with us! Needless to say, he and Emily enjoyed their time together, but Ian and Ethan had a blast, too. Something about bananas, squeaky beds and something else that eludes me at the moment.

However, one of the highlights of Ethan's visit (for him anyway) was our "youth group television." Playing Smash Brothers or watching a ballgame (we won't mention his pre-game prediction concerning the Patriots, though), it was all good. In fact, on Augsust 22nd, when he had to head to the airport, he needed just one more hug to get him through the trauma of departing from his bud's presence. He has promised to be back for Super Bowl Sunday, though. Wink, wink!

I know that Cheri was really apprehensive about letting Ethan fly down here alone, but now that the trip down and back has concluded safely (albeit not without interesting stories in and of themselves according to Ethan), we just hope that we can arrange future visits as well. After all, the youth group TV misses Ethan.

Some random thoughts since I haven't blogged much in quite some time:
--God is in control, not you, Scott.
--Submission is not a bad thing if you are submitting to God, or to one another in Christ.
--While I continue to attempt to practice the art of "slowing" (John Ortberg's Book, "The Life You've Always Wanted" is a big influence, thanks Jeff Sagstetter for giving me that book and changing my life), it does still irritate me when someone gets in the "20 items or less" line with fifty items!
--What a sad commentary it is when I am excited to pay "only two dollars and 84.9 cents" per gallon of gas.
--If I haven't mentioned lately that I really miss Tony Amerine and would love to work with him again, then I should mention that. Hey Tony, I know of this preaching position open in Vero Beach...
--My Lil Bro Ed RAWKS my face off. When he offered $10 to Emily to take a taste of the Endorphin Rush at Tijuana Flats, he not only made his day, but mine as well! Emily didn't mind the serious burnage of the taste buds for $10, either.
--Peggy is the perfect mate! I love her more deeply today than I did 25 years ago when we got married. She is simply the best.
--my cell phone will ring at 8:50 a.m. and it will be Elliott calling.
--I will never buy another PC! I am still battling the Dell in the hallway trying to install Norton Systemworks 2006. Apple Computers all the way, baby!
--Elliott, Ian and Emily are the best blessings from God after my salvation and my Bride!
--I am loved and I know that. What a blessing that is!
--I can fill a blog with random thoughts and bore even me.
--Ed, did you notice that I used the word "random" albeit in it's proper form.
--A shameless plug for a comment here: man, nobody leaves comments on my blog.
--I guess it is becuase only about three people read them, and they all talk to me on the phone or in person, so why leave a comment?

Silver Anniversary

Today, my Bride and I celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. How Peggy has been able put up with me all these years is beyond me. I praise God that she has been able to put up with me, though. We slept in this morning (until about 7:30), spent some time doing our daily devotionals, eating breakfast and then got ready to head to Round Island Beach. As I have mentioned before, it is our favorite beach just inside the Indian River County line. Our walks along the beach take us into St. Lucie County. We took one of those walks this morning. I love just walking along the water's edge with Peggy. I love sitting in beach chairs reading books beside Peggy. I love closing my eyes and just resting at the beach beside Peggy. I don't know why we don't do this more often, and we have pledged to do this more often in the future.

Our beach time was just fabulous. When we decided it was time to head back home, we did. Splashing around in the pool for a short while was wonderful as well. The playful teasing in the pool reminds me that we may have 25 years of marriage under our belts, but we are still giddy "teenagers" in each other's presence. She absolutely lights up my life, and there is no way I can adequately express with mere words the depth of my love for her.

We had a gift card for Outback Steakhouse, so we did it up right. The Outback Special is my favorite steak bar none. The Raspberry Tea was smooth (we each drank four glasses), and the Raspberry Cheescake was the perfect end to a perfect meal with the perfect woman for me!

Other parts of our day included taking Ian to his first day of work at VF Factory Outlet, and working on a refi of the house that will put us in a 15-year mortgage and a much lower interest rate. We are VERY EXCITED about that. We also looked at some cars with Emily (she will get her license next month, and we will need a third vehicle at home as she has dual enrollment classes and will need to drive to and from those classes and the high school), and just enjoyed some conversation wtih Ian and Emily at home and with Elliott on the phone. Those three rawk!

Peggy, I love you. Thank you for loving me. You got the worst end of this deal for sure, and I am the most blessed man on the planet!

Anniversary Reception

Peggy's Mom and Dad (and our kids, wink, wink) threw a big 25th Wedding Anniversary Reception for us at the Fabulous Blount Mansion on Saturday, August 5th. Yeah, so our Anniversary is actually on the 8th, so what? It was an amazing day to finish off and amazing week. We have had family in since Monday as Peggy's sister Terri, our Newphew Brad, Aunt Betty, and Cousin Sara have been in (check out the pictures onf my FLICKR site). Elliott, Nanny and Papaw came in Thursday; Abi on Friday, and Lil Bro (no you are NOT my son, Ed) on Saturday morning. I have to tell you that just having those folks would have been more than enough to make this the weekend of all weekends But, to have our church family come in throughout the afternoon was truly the icing on the cake!

We feasted on delectable munchies, enjoyed the fellowship with so many people we love, did the whole cake cutting thing, jumped in the pool (so what if I had my clothes on?), and just thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon and evening with family and friends. Thanks to all who came out to help us celebrate. Thanks to Nanny and Papaw (and Elliott, Ian, Emily and Abi) for throwing the shindig, but most of all I want to thank Peggy for marrying men (nearly) 25 years ago. You are the 2nd best thing to ever happen to me after my salvation through Jesus Christ. I love you, my Plumm Woman.

Da Animals

Da Animals
Originally uploaded by blountman.

As Saturday rapidly approaches, we have been "invaded" by a bunch of northerners! Peggy's Aunt Betty, came down along with Baby Sis (my favorite-ist sister-in-law in the whole wide world!) and Bad Brad, and our very own Bow Woman! Several of us walked the boardwalk at Jaycee Park the other evening, and this picture captures one of those moments.

What is Saturday you ask? August 5th. So, our actualy 25th Anniversary doesn't occur until August 8th, we are celebrating on Saturday with a reception at the Fabulous Blount Mansion. Elliott got here last night, Peggy's Mom and Dad just arrived today, and Abi will be here tomorrow. I still have tons of yard work/trimming to do, so I should really not be on the computer right now, but it is so nice to sit here on the pool deck and bog!

Hope to see you Saturday between 2 and 5 p.m.!

NACC Portrait

NACC Portrait
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Ya know with Peggy and I preparing to celebrate our 25th Anniversary, and with Elliott and Abi preparing to get married this year, I thought this would be a good time to have a "family picture" taken. We had it done during the North American Christian Convention and it just arrived via snail mail today.

I am so blessed to be married to Peggy. We are so blessed to have three children who love Jesus and love people. And yes, we are blessed that Abi will soon "officially" join the family (as you can tell, we already consider her part of the family). We truly are "Together In Christ." (The 2006 NACC Theme).

Most of all, I am so blessed that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. May God receive all the glory through Jesus every day!

Vacation Dreamland

This picture sums it all up. Thanks to Lil Bro for capturing so perfectly our time together in Alabama. Robby and Yo were perfect hosts. Josh and Ben were more than gracious in being uprooted from their rooms while we were there. The home is beautiful. Yes, it is a work in progress, as they are still completing it as they live in it. For more pictures from the week, you must visit my flickr site. Props to Lil Bro for the fantastic gift regarding flickr!

Anyway, as I reflect back on the visit with Robby and Yo, with Aunt Phyl, with Ray, Kelly and their kids, with Jim and the boys and with Dad and Donna, I can only say that as fantastic as C-I-Y was, as phenomenal as the North American Christian Convention was, THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY SUMMER! We are already making plans for a repeat visit next year. After all, we need to see what progress has been made since our last "inspection tour." Ha!

The Life

I stole this picture idea from Ed, but had to share it with you from my caerma phone: Laying on a hammock overlooking Smith Lake. This is the life at Robby & Yo's home. More details & pictures to follow.

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Super 4th of July

11 pounds of ribs on the grill, just waiting to be devoured.












Tyler did his fair share of devouring the ribs!











We enjoyed a time in the pool, and some bodacious ribs off the grill along with baked potatoes, corn on the cob and green beans...all all-American Fourth of July meal if there ever was one...before heading to a 9:55 p.m. showing of "Superman Returns." The 2 1/2 flick was a good one, although I am disappointed in one plot device that is so obvious you will know what it is when you first see it. It makes me sad that we have to take heroes who stand for truth, justice and the American Way, and make them just like the post-modern world in which we live. Otherwise, it was an entertaining movie, with plenty of super-sized action. Getting home at 1:00 a.m. makes me a little bleary eyed this morning, but at least I don't have to drive to Kissimmee and work while also finishing up writing a paper. Ha!

Words Are inadequate

This picture contains the praise teams from Richland Hills and Southside, taken Thursday night, June 29, at the North American Christian Convention. Elliott is in the back on the left side of the picture.

The past two weeks have been filled with some of the most intense, electrifying, heart-wrenching, and satisfying moments of my ministry career.

The Christ In Youth Summer Conference trip was beautiful beyond words. After our "layover" in Palm Coast, FL, the experience was phenomenal. The Scripture text for the week was the book of Ephesians. My favorite Bible College Professor and dear freind, Tom Lawson taught us each morning, not only in the Morning Encounter Time, but also in the Adult Bible Fellowship (nope, I didn't teach a D-Group for any of our students this year). I miss Tom a lot. He is now at Ozark Christian College. Too bad they don't have a Masters' Program there.

The theme for the Summer Conference this year is "Mystery," and our students have been challenged to be bold in their proclamation of the "Mystery of God" (the Gospel). We are praying for each other to be bold in proclaiming this mystery (Eph. 6:19), and I expect that each of our students and sponsors will bring at least one person to Christ in the next year. Yes, we have a goal to double our group in a year.

Our family (along with Braxston Hughes, who went along so we could deliver him to friends from Indiana for a visit up there), went from Summer Conference to Ashland to spend a couple of days resting and doing laundry before heading to the North American Christian Convention. The theme for this year's Convention was "Together In Christ" and featured the praise teams from Richland Hills Church of Christ with the Southside (Orlando) Christian Church. Elliott played bass with the praise band. The Convention also featured prominent preachers from both the a cappella Churches of Christ, and the Independent Christian Churches. The highlight of the week was Thursday night's session where preachers, Bible College Presidents and others exchanged Bibles with folks from the "other side of the keyboard." There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Jeff Walling told us that it is time to stop playing nice, and time to start being family. I couldn't agree more.

Today, we had Elliott and Tyler down from Kissimmee, as well as Turtle over for a ribs munch fest. Oh yeah, I ran out of propane for the grill while fixing the ribs and had to make an emergency run to get another tank. The ribs still turned out more than fine. As I type these words, we are trying to move after stuffing ourselves with ribs, baked potatoes, corn on the cob and green beans. We leave for "Superman Returns" shortly for the 9:55 showing. That movie will be our fireworks this year.

God has been so good to me. I have a wonderful family. We are surrounded by good brothers and sisters in Christ. I have a renewed focus as to what God has in store for me here in Vero Beach. I am leaving on Sunday for a week of vacation with the Goggans gang and my Dad. It will be so great to be with my cousins from Mom's side of the family. We never get together, and this is the summer of getting together, so it will be fantastic. Ed is going up with us, and we are going to "kidnap" Dad and make him go with us, like it or not. It will be fun!

Yes, I have used lots of words, but trust me, they can in no way truly reflect the past couple of weeks. Keep checking my flickr site, because I will eventually get some pictures of both C-I-Y and the NACC on there.

Oh yeah, did I mention the new TV we got? There's a picture of Peggy playing "Dr. Mario" while sitting in front of the new "Youth Group TV" we purchased on Sunday. Honga, honga!

2:00 a.m.

That's when we pulled into the Holiday Inn Express this morning. We got up at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, and left Vero at 6:00 a.m. After a side trip thanks to a wrong turn by me, we finally made it to South Haven Christian Church to pick up the rest of our C-I-Y gang at 8:30 a.m. We then headed up I-95 for our journey. We almost made it to mile marker 298...St. Augistine...when the church van gave up the ghost. Yes, we were 150 miles from Vero Beach and stranded with 28 of us in three vehicles that could hold 19 people at best. We shuttled folks to Palm Coast, ate at Cracker Barrell and Steak-N-Shake, and sat in a Bealles' parking lot for five hours before Kevin Aldhizer, who had driven up from Vero, pronounced the van officially dead and called for a couple more vehicles to come replace the now deceased church van. It was 6:30 p.m. by the time we drove past the van being loaded on a car hauler to be towed to a local Dodge dealership for an autopsy. With now five vehciles in our caravan, we headed to our first destination on the C-I-Y trip: Spartanburg. The rest of the trip was unremarkable, but I have to say that our students and sponsors exhibited the very best in Christian behavior and attitdue during this very looooooonnnnnnnnggggggg day. Satan doesn't want us at this conference, but we are coming anyway. Time to kick to satan tail!

I'll finish out my cruise journal sometime soon, but this week I will be at the C-I-Y Summer Conference.

Belize and Lobster Tail!

Day 4

Man, am I sleepy this morning.

Tendered to Belize City at about 8:30 a.m. to meet our tour guide, Lizzette (Liz), and driver Sosa, for an hour and a half bus ride across Belize to the Mayan Palaces of Cahal Pech (place of ticks).

The ride across the country, only 9 miles from the Guatemalan border, was interesting, narrow roads, poverty-stricken homes along with beautiful homes & lots of schools. We got a cashew nut/fruit...looked like a red apple having an "accident."

Liz regaled us with "unBelize-able" knowledge of the history & culture of her nation.

The ruins were so cool! We saw an archeological dig in progress on site.
Ballcourts, royal dwellings, Jabba's chair, climbing to the top of the tallest temple, Bastard Tree, "I could go on and on."

Stopped at Caeser's Place for a Belizean snack, and shopping, I got a Belize dollar in change.

Best excursion of the trip by far! It was so cool listening to and watching the reaction of all the students as we traipsed around the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech. They truly enjoyed themselves. Way cool!

Got back in time for afternoon snack (it is a cruise after all, you are supposed to eat a lot), showered & got ready for DINNER!

Tonight’s dinner was: LOBSTER TAIL, shrimp, mashed potatoes the works. One lobster tail is just not enough on a cruise so I asked for another. Nelish brought me a whole second dinner plate: lobster tail, shrimp, mashed potatoes. I ate the lobster tail and shrimp. Dancing waiters. Got a picture of Edwin who served the tables next to our dancing in Renae’s face. Funny stuff! Crowd Macarena. Best dinner of the cruise. Yeah, baby!

More motion this evening (we just didn’t know that the tropical depression that would turn into “Alberto” was brewing just south of us). The show, "Stop the Rock" wasn't as good as the other night. Dancing under the stars got moved because of the weather - rain bands coming along throughout the evening, & the midnight buffet moved to the Windjammer. While not as spectacular as last night's, it was delicious, nonetheless.

Curfew was midnight. Don't forget to set you clock ahead one hour! Hope the noisy neighbors behave tonight. They did.

Cozumel and Midnight Buffet!

Day 3

I had a restless night thanks to the noisy crew around us. Still thumpin' at 2:00 a.m.

Breakfast omlet had shrimp in it. YUM! Had to hit the Windjammer early since the chorus is singing this morning.

Chorus judging: 8:45 a.m. – warm-ups; 9:15 a.m. - judging. The judge was great with the kids & very complimentary to Mr. Farrah, too. Wants the kids to be more expressive with their faces & body language, but raved about their enunciation & breathing. Was very impressed with our chorus…especially our two basses (Ian & Kevin - the judge said they sang as one voice).

We were docking in Cozumel while the students were singing. Lots of vibrato, ha! I was impressed that the students could stand up with all the shaking that was going on as we docked. I was glad that I was sitting down let me tell you!

Cozumel – our tour guide’s name was Ruben. Toured the oldest Mayan High Priest Temple in all of Mexico; climbed a 1,000 meter rock on a beach on the south side of the island; shopped in San Miguel. I bought a replica Mayan statue after haggling the vendor down to my price. I didn't budge, and he gave in. I probably still paid too much, lol!

Cozumel is still so devastated from Hurricane Wilma's 60-hour visit last year - not one life was lost on Cozumel during that storm. Good time touring & Ruben was funny! He did try to hook us in an eatery in San Miguel that was not a very cool move. I’m pretty sure that Paula will complain to Royal Caribbean about that.

Tiger Shrimp & strawberry bisque for dinner, baby! The My Fair Lady Dining Room is opulent, and Nilesh and Rodolpho continue to impress me. Rodolpho remembered what everyone drank from the night before and brought us our drinks without having to ask what we wanted. WOW! I can’t remember my name, and he can remember my diet coke!

The magic & comedy of Levent was super. "Scissors Girl," 8 track, and view finder! Yeah, if you want to know more, you’ll just have to ask me.

Seas were rough during the evening, I was glad for motion sickness pills. (Little did I know that a tropical depression was forming south of us…more on that parenthetically later).

THE MIDNIGHT BUFFET! SPECTACULAR TO VIEW, AND DELICIOUS TO EAT!

Okay, so we stayed up extra late & we have to meet to go on our excursion in Belize at 7:30 a.m.! At least the noisy neighbors were quiet tonight.

Cruisin' Day 2

Day 2

Slept very well, even with the Midnight Delights in my belly…a key lime tart (okay several of them), chocolate covered bananas, and a shrimp wrap in a green tortilla. Good snack after checking on our students and making sure they were in their staterooms (and taping the doors to make sure that they stay in).

Breakfast at Windjammers was delightful. A buffet with way too much good food.

Disembarked for a morning of sight-seeing/shopping in Key West with Peggy, Llibby, & Shannon after we docked. Weiner hat was funny. I sent that picture to Elliott from my cell phone. We shopped a lot, since Libby and Shannon had bought the $20 shopping coupon books on board the ship. We walked all over the shopping district. We probably should have rented a golf cart for the four of us. We walked all the way to the Southern most point in the U.S., then back towards the ship where we saw Ernest Hemmingway's house among the highlights.

Peggy napped in the cabin, I ate lunch at Windjammers, and watched the most amazing feat ever...the ship turned on a dime when leaving Key West's dock. Got a laugh from the "newbie" loosening ropes & climbing down the ladder the wrong way.

Formal Dinner - had a lobster bisque and roast duck. Yum! Our waiters are wonderful...remembered what we drink without asking.

SUNSET WAS FABULOUS! I have pictures. Just gorgeous. Check out the pictures on our flickr site.

The show was "From the Screen to the Stage." Great singers & dancers.

Everyone in their rooms on time! YAY!

Cruisin' Day 1 Journal

Day 1

“Enchantment of the Seas” - What a beautiful ship!
The stateroom is small, but adequate. Who wants to spend much waking time in the stateroom when you can explore 11 decks of opulence on board the ship?

Dinner was amazing, Crusted Atlantic Cod...the waiters were great, one is from India – Nilesh; the assistant waiter (Rodolpho) is from the Phillipines.

Windjammer Café buffet, baby! Food is excellent and in abundance. I know that I will gain weight on this trip, but as the Cruise Director Carley said, “you dieted last week, you can diet again next week, but this week you are on a cruise, baby!”

The all--day drink deal is the only way to go. For $6 per day for adults, $4 per day for students, you can enjoy all the soda and juice you desire. You even get a souvenir cup with lid. What a sweet deal. I know I drink at least $6 of soda a day, especially at the ship’s prices!

The ship is beautiful. Check out the pictures Ian took of the Centrum area of the ship. You can see from decks 2 through 10, it is complete with a white grand piano, lots of seating, and is the nerve center for guests. The guests relations office is on deck 6 along with the shops, and the Schooner Lounge, Spotlight Lounge, Conference Room and loads of staterooms. Deck five has the Boleros Lounge, the Casino (big whoop), and the balcony section of the My Fair Lady Dining Room as well as the Orphium Theatre (the balcony is on deck 6). Deck four houses the main section of the Dining Room and lots of staterooms including the one Emily is in with two other girls. Peggy and I are on Deck 3 as is Ian. Deck 9 will be the most popular deck with the students: the pools and hot tubs are there, as well as the Windjammer Café.

I cannot tell that we are moving unless I am on a deck and watching us move on the water. Standing on the outside deck at level five gives you a beautiful shot of the ocean. Standing on deck five during the muster drill was like being a sardine in a life jacket though. Talk about sweltering!

Commedian Phil Palisoul made me laugh so much my old knee injury flared up! He was truly funny, if not a little risqué at times.

Have I mentioned that the ship is beautiful?

Cruisin' With My Baby

Cruisin' With My Baby
Originally uploaded by blountman.

We are back and looking over pictures while re-living the past five fabulous days! I promise more detailed postings concerning the cruise in the days to come, and lots more pictures from the trip to be posted on flickr. Suffice it to say for now, that it was wonderful beyond words. The water at Cozumel is the most beautiful I have ever seen, and the trip to Belize was amazing. Climbing around in Mayan ruins with a bunch of enthusiatic teenagers...it just doesn't get any better than that. Unless of course, you start talking about the dinners from heaven on board each night. Everything from Roast Duck to Lobster Tail. Oh yeah, baby, can you say "gained weight"?

Anyway, more is on the way, I know you are waiting with baited breath.

Cruisin'

Well, we leave this morning for our cruise. We are going with the Vero Beach High School Chorus on a competition cruise on the Enchantment of the Seas heading for Cozummel and Belize. I promise to do a detailed blog or two about it when we return. Thanks in advance for the prayers and well wishes.

Nice Racks

Memorial Day grillin' of two racks of pork ribs!

Close up of the ribs. They were delicious!

I bought a new flag today for the front of the house, so I could appropriately remember the meaning of this day. I am so grateful for the men and women who have given their lives so I could live free and grill ribs after swimming in my pool. I am so blessed to live in this country. On this Memorial Day, I salute the members of our armed services, and I am humbled by those who shed their blood for my freedom.

More importantly, I am humbled by the knowledge that Jesus shed His blood to provide my ternal freedom from sin. Today, I am also in a state of mourning for a dear Christian Brother who has been asked to resign from his ministry at a church that is growing numerically and spiritually, but is being "led" by a small group of men who are more interested in their own personal power than seeing the Kingdom expand. Satan is alive and well. He stinks.

Blah, blah, blah

Okay, so it's been two weeks since I last blogged, and most of my recent posts have frankly been pretty boring. Yeah, we got hail in our yard a couple of weeks ago, and I got pictures of it. Wow. It's not that there hasn't been plenty going on in our lives, it is just that I have been less-than-inclined to want to write about it. Motivation has been hard to come by lately.

This weekend, I am in the full blown effects of a sore throat, sinus infection funk. I preach tomorrow. Should be fun. I slept in until nearly 10 this morning, and feel like someone is pounding my head with a sledge hammer. Enough of the whining party.

I have had to do some serious soul seraching over the past several weeks. I have felt betrayed and ambushed. I have felt alone and abandoned. I have brought much of that on myself. In the struggle known as life, I constantly need to be reminded of the love of Christ which should motivate me even when all other motivation seems to have vanished. As Peggy constantly rmeinds me, it is God Whom I serve, and the way I am supposed to serve Him is to serve people. I have a tendancy to isolate myself when I am feeling "down" and that only further complicates matters.

So, as I reassess my life, and as I try to get re-motivated, I will gladly take the prayers of those who love me much more than I deserve. I believe that God has placed me where I am, doing what I am doing, for His purpose. If I believe that, then I must break out of the blah, blah, blah, and get back to what God wants from me: my best every single day.

All Hail Broke Loose

hailflowerbed
Originally uploaded by blountman.

I went out to pick up Emily from work at the Outlet Mall, and missed out on all the fun at the house. We had a fierce thunderstorm blow through today, and in our neighborhood, we got pelted with hail. This photo was taken with my camera phone about 20 minutes after the hail storm had passed. Emily and I experienced heavy rains coming back in from the west, but no hail on us. I have several more pictures of the hail storm on our FLICKR site so check it out.

Ian and the Prom

Ian 016
Originally uploaded by blountman.

This picture, taken at Charles Park in Vero Beach just before the VBHS Prom on April 29th, is Peggy's favorite. Ian and Amber enjoyed their time at the "Red Carpet Romance" after a heartly meal at Bono's with the rest of us 30 Hour Famine folks. I am so proud of Ian for not backing out of the Famine because of the Prom. He continues to grow in Christ, and is always willing to put Jesus first in his life. Yeah, he has his shortfalls, like the rest of us, but he is doing so much better!

Ian & Amber Prom

Ian & Amber Prom
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Ian and Amber pose in our Kitchen because the lighting is better there and this picture was taken with my camera phone. Oh we had "real" pictures taken by a friend, but as of this writing (10:20 p.m. of the night of the prom), I don't have those pictures yet. Don't worry, when they get here, I'll post them on flickr.

After

After
Originally uploaded by blountman.

See? It worked out just right! Ian stopped by the church to let us ooh and ahh at his transformation as he prepared to go to the prom. One of the stipulations he gave to his date, Amber, was that if she wanted to go out to eat with him before the prom, she would have to go wherever the 30 Hour Famine group was going to break our fast. We went to Bonos BBQ, and it was delicious!

Before

Before
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Why should the girls be the only ones to get hair and makeup done before the prom? Ian started his makeover on Friday night during the 30 Hour Famine. He got off to a great start, didn't he?

He was one of about 19 participants in the Famine this year, and he was of course, the most beautiful one of the participants.

Looky!

Looky!
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Oh they didn't want me to take this photo, but I did anyway. Elliott and Abi pose with "the ring." They came down at 2:30 this morning, and then got up to see the sunrise at Humiston Beach. Peggy, Emily and I joined them at the beach after dropping Ian off at work. More photos can be seen on the flickr site. As I type this note, Elliott and Abi are on the way back to Kissimmee, and Elliott will then head for Taveres to work tonight. Me? I'm gonna do some yard work and some calking in the master bathroom. Exciting stuff, eh?

Pop Goes The Question

BlountUniversityCouple
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Not that this picture taken at Christmas was prophetic or anything, but it is official now. Elliott has asked Abigail Pardue to be his wife! After an adventure in getting the engagement ring, Elliott popped the question last night after they had watched the Disney Fireworks Show. Even that proved to be more of a challenge than Elliott had hoped. The Fireworks Show was delayed nearly an hour, and Abi had to be at work at 4:00 a.m. today, so she wanted to go home before the show began. Elliott talked her into staying, and then when the fireworks began a couple of kids came and sat at their feet, and someone else sat on the bench next to them. Elliott dutifully waited until the end of the fireworks and after everyone else left, and then took the knee signifying the beginning of the end of his Bachelorhood. One of the first things Abi said to me on the phone last night was, "are you sure you guys can put up with me for the rest of your lives?" To which I replied, "oh we can handle it, the question is can you put up with us?"

Peggy and I are very happy for Elliott and Abi, and feeling a little older today as well. So goes life, eh?

You Could've Been Here...But You Weren't

Ian and Emily were with us, however, as Peggy and I did something we haven't done in way too long...go to our favorite beach at Round Island! Yes, we actually went to the beach today. It is a shame to live nine miles from your favorite beach (not the closest beach to the house even), and yet never go! We have truly become Floridians! Well, we did enjoy our trip and Peggy and I already have a date for our next beach excursion (sorry, no advanced notice for you). I sent this picture to Elliott and Abi just to rub it in for them. I also took a picture of Peggy talking to her sister Terri and emailed that to Terri, but alas, that picture shall not make this blog. I do want to sleep in the same bed as Peggy tonight!

Chomp, Chomp!

Well, many folks in Florida are quite happy this morning in wake of the University of Florida's dismantling of UCLA in the NCAA basketball championship game last night. With former Marshall University Basketball Coach Billy Donovan at the helm, the Gators demolished the Bruins 73-57. I am not a huge Gator Fan, but I am an S-E-C guy all the way, and since Donovan has Marshall ties, I root for Florida when they aren't playing my beloved Kentucky Wildcats. So, I join with those in extending my congrats to the Gators. Job extremely well done! Weren't the six losses Florida suffered this year all at the hands of UK?

Spring Break Blast

What a great time we had at the Fabulous Blount Mansion on Thursday, March 30th! 15 students and 3 "adults" helped splash the water of of the pool, enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs (along with chips, drinks and brownies), played all kinds of games (can you say "Skip-bo"?), and just relished each others' company on the Thursday of Spring Break Week. "Lord Vader" had the gals beating him with Fun Noodles, the Marco Polo game got pretty wild, and Scott proved to be the "War" king. Ha!

On a more serious note, the C-I-Y Summer Conference costs will be $350, and all of the money must be in by Sunday, May 14th. Payments to your account are being accepted now. Summer Conference is one of my favorite trips each year, although I have to admit that it takes me longer to recuperate from those trips each year. This year should prove to be very interesting because the Blount family leaves from Milligan College to head to Louisville, KY, and the North American Christian Convention. Since Elliott will be part of the worship band for the adult sessions at this year's convention, how could we NOT make the trip? So, our recovery from C-I-Y will be at the NACC. Whew!

The 2006 Florida Christian Youth Convention promises to rawk your socks off. This convention takes place Dec. 1-3, and features Bart Stone as the speaker, the Atoned worship band, and my dear bud Phil Luckeydoo to emcee! Yeah, baby, come on down for this convention!

Oh yeah, and our youth group is once again this year participating in the 30 Hour Famine during which we raise money to feed hungry children through World Vision. If you would like to sponsor me, please send checks made out to "World Vision" to me at the church (796 20th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL, 32962). It takes only a dollar a day to feed a child, and I would love to feed at least one child for one year. Can you help? Thanks!

The Life

I have spent way too much time stressing over things that I cannot change lately. Today was one of them, as I spent an hour and a half in a meeting dealing with the various complexities (read "Catch 22") involved in our church building project. I am still stinging from from some other personal matters, and the fact that we are driving a rental car while Vatland tries to fix Elliott's car (I emphasize TRIES) just adds to my general sense of frustration. So, this afternoon after dropping Ian off at work and before going back out to pick him up while dropping Emily off at work, I decided to read a book by the pool. I got in my swim suit, pulled a chair out into the sunshine of a March afternoon in Vero Beach and did some reading about the shame of the cross. I also did my personal devo reading and journaling, all thanks to my iBook and the wireless Internet connection at the house. I love that combination. Sitting by the pool listening to the water churn and feeling the light breeze as the sun warmed my ever-increasingly large body was just way beyond relaxing. Even with the heavy subject matter of the book I am reading to help with sermon prep. Yes, I was working, but my office was my pool deck. Just gotta love that. I may have to spend most of the day tomorrow out by the pool, reading and enjoying the benefits of living in Vero Beach, Florida. Time to stop stressing and start relaxing in the love of God. After all, He could have me somewhere up north where it is still freezing cold, gloomy and generally yucky. Yes, this really is the life, isn't it?

March Out of Control-ness

Well my NCAA brackets bled out long ago, but I must say that I am totally impressed with LSU's performance over their past two games. The fact that Florida also made it to the Final Four just goes to show the pundants don't have a clue. The S-E-C is down this year eh? How many Big East Teams made the Final Four? Zero. How many ACC Teams meade the Final Four? Zero. How many Big Ten Teams? Zero. HGow many S-E-C teams? TWO. May Florida and LSU meet in the National Championship Game. Yee-haw (Juntion).

Seminole Trail

This is a picture of my childhood home at 519 Seminole Trail in Danville, KY. The huge Oak tree in the front yard was a sappling we planted when we first moved there in 1969. It is massive as you can see. It was good to be back in my hometown and see some friends. The occasion was stinky...burying my childhood best friend, Mike Wilson. It was the toughest thing I have ever done in my ministry, but it was also rewarding to know that I was able to fulfill Mike's request and that the family was more than pleased with my words at the funeral service.

Anyway, it was wild to see the Oak at 519 Seminole Trail. Childhood memories. Hmmmmm...

David Michael Wilson - Oct. 2, 1958-March 1, 2006

It's been a long day. I just got word this morning that my best friend from childhood passed away after a long battle with medical complications stemming from lymphoma. Mike Wilson was the best man at our wedding. He was the only guy from Danville, KY, that I kept in regular touch with over the years. Mike lived in San Diego, but ten summers ago, the two of us met in Danville for our 20th High School Reunion. That was the last time I saw Mike. We talked on the phone often, but not nearly often enough. Mike was fiercely loyal, a big family man (he loved being a grandpa...that's right he was a grandpa!), and he had a heart of gold. Even while battling his lymphoma over the past five years, he did pro bono legal work for other cancer patients to help them through the legal and insurance mazes they had to travel. Yeah, he was a good guy lawyer.

We often talked about growing up in the small southern town of Danville, and we both agreed that we lived a charmed childhood in that little town. It was always his desire to be buried there. Next Friday, that wish will come true. About four years ago, when Mike was having several medical problems all at one time, he asked me if I would preach his funeral. Of course I told him that I would, but I also told him that I didn't want to do it for at least another 20 years. Well, Mike did his best, but he fell short of that goal. Mike was one of the most courageous men I have ever known. He was the kind of guy everyone would want for a best friend. Although he took second spot on my best friend list after Peggy, he never complained.

A flood of memories has come my way today, most of which will remain mine, several of which will be shared with those who attend the funeral in Danville next week, and all of which give me great comfort in this time of loss. While Mike was not perfect, he did come back to Jesus over the past five years. Nothing else matters. Mike, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race. Now take your crown of righteousness and save a seat for me, will you?

Covered Up

Okay, so we opened the doors to the Oslo Oasis yesterday. I spent the day covered up in last-minute details including a fruitless search for the air hockey paddles. My day was a dead sprint from the time my feet hit the floor until the time I finally laid down last night. Ian had the morning off from school (thanks F-CAT), and he helped me do the last minute moving of stuff around at the Oslo Oasis. I then took him to school, ran to Wal-Mart to get some stuff like trash cans, light bulbs, etc., ran back tot he Oslo Oasis, ran back to the office and then back to the Oslo Oasis again. I got there two minutes after we were supposed to open the doors.

I had plenty of workers, but no Oslo Middle School kids showed up for our first day. Not entirely unexpected, as we are still getting the word out. Meanwhile Emily called needing a ride to go in to work. She's not on the schedule for Mondays, but they needed some extra help, so I took her. Ian went along too, and helped in an unofficial capacity at the Bible Sale store in the outlet mall. I then stopped by Sears because another sporting goods store employee had told me over the phone that Sears carried air hockey equipment. Yeah, right! One package of pucks, and no paddles. Oh, they'll have some in at Christmas time.

Flying back to the Oslo Oasis, where my workers were diligently making copies of flyers, and doing some more cleaning at the place. They are such a good bunch of folks. I wrestled with one of the computers that suddenly decided it didn't want to talk to a monitor, and never did convince it to play nice. It now sits unplugged and may wind up in the landfill today!

At 5:30, I headed home just in time to see Peggy take Ian and Emily to the high school for chorus practice, and fix Peggy and me some salad for supper. My first meal of the day (unless you count the candy bar I bought at Wal Mart earlier in the day). I collapsed on the couch for about 20 minutes before needing to get ready to go to an Elders' meeting at the church.

While sitting in the Elders' meeting, my right arm started itching just below my armpit. I thought nothing of it, scratched without even looking and tried to pay attention to the discussion in the meeting. My neck itched some too, so I tried to sooth that itch. After I got home (just in the nick of time to watch "24"), I started paying attention to the fact that I was itching in several places. I started examining myself and found out that I had broken out in hives! I mean I was covered in red, blotchy patches, from my feet, up both legs, from my waist up to my neck front and back! My arms, my wrists. Lovely. Took a couple of benedryl and went to bed. This morning, my blotches are fewer in newer and small in size, but wearing shoes today will be a LOT OF FUN. Still have major blotches on my thighs, feet and wrists. Today is going to be a swell day.

Oslo Oasis

It's taken much longer than I had hoped, but the outreach center we will operate on Oslo Road is about to open next week. This outreach center is targeted specifically at students from Oslo Middle School who live in the general area where the center is located and where our new church building will be constructed. I have secured the services of several members of VCC to operate the facility on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and while I don't expect a stampede of students next week, I hope we can get things up and running and show the community that there is a safe place for their Middle School Students to come hang out after school. Thanks for your prayers for this outreach effort. I'll try to keep you posted on how things go.

Gran - Nov. 30, 1912-Feb. 7, 2006

blounts-gran
Originally uploaded by blountman.

On Tuesday, February 7, Gran went home to be with the Lord. We knew it was coming. Gran was ready. It still stinks. We are SO glad that we got to go to Ashland over Christmas Break and spend time with Gran! He was alert and knew us and enjoyed the visits almost as much as we did. We saw him every day while we were up there. That was the main purpose of the visit. It was one of the very rare times that the five of us have gotten to travel and vacation together since Elliott started his college career.
Peggy is up in Ashland for the funeral, while the rest of us make due in Florida. Emily is sick and hasn't been in school since Wednesday morning (when she had to come home early). I am so glad that we were able to get a flight for Peggy and that she will get to spend some family time. I am also so glad for the example Gran lived for all of us. If I could be half the man of God that Gran was, I would be twice the man of God that I am now. Thanks Gran, enjoy your rest in the Lord, you deserve it!

Basketball City, Baby!

With the serious rain storms over the past 24 hours in Vero, what better to do than to watch as much basketball as possible. With the ESPN Game Plan, we can watch our choice of college basketball from all around. We saw the Lousiville-Notre Dame Game along with most of the nation, but then watched Bama whup up on LSU, and Tennessee (boo) continue to roll. Then we headed to the Whitt Gym at VBHS to watch Florida Air Academy and Vero tangle. One of our youth group guys plays for Florida Air Academy (Jayvee team), and it was good to get some of the group together to support Zach. Zach's team won, but the varisty lost to Vero (go Indians) for their first loss of the season!

Of course I then made it back home tonight in time to watch the Gators chomp all over my beloved Kentucky Wildcats. I was afraid that would happen. Ah well, we need to regroup and whup the snot out of the Volunteers on Tuesday night. Since tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday, and since I preach in the morning, guess I should shut this thing down and go to bed, eh?

Happy Birthday Ms. Blount

Happy Birthday Ms. Blount
Originally uploaded by blountman.

I laugh in your general direction! Our baby boy, Elliott (first name is Kevin for those of you who didn't alreay know)turns 21 on Monday, January 30th. In the fine traditon of politicians in touch with their constituency, State Senator Mike Haridopolos's office sends out birthday card greetings. We received this one this week and will proudly pass it along to Ms. Kevin Blount.

Driving Mr. Ian

IanDrive02
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Ian now is the proud owner of a driver's permit in the state of Florida. After sitting in the Driver's License Office for an hour and a half, Ian got his picture snapped, I signed off on things and signed a check, and we headed out. Ian drove in the church parking lot for a while getting the feel of the wheel, the gas and brake pedals, and working on pulling into parking places. Then he drove me home. Yep, he drove me home from the church building! Yay! It has been a very good day.

Sick As Sick Can Be, I Must Say

The 2005-06 University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Team is as sad as sad can be I must say, and it makes me as sick as sick can be, eh? Losing three straght games for the first time since 1999 and losing back-to-back home SEC games for the first time since 1989, it put me in the mind of Ed Grimley. I know that Tubby must feel like he has a team of Ed Grimleys right now, as they are just not a very good team at the moment. I will not say that Tubby is at fault, and I know that if any college coach in America could turn them around it is Tubby.

Meanwhile, Ian and Emily are feeling better, but it was my turn today. I have gone as far as the mailbox, and should get up on the roof and take the Christmas lights down since the wind is blowing big time today and has knocked some of the strings loose from the roof. Just don't feel all that swell today, so maybe I'll wait till tomorrow. We are getting some pretty serious winds this afternoon. The strongest since Wilma blew through here in October. Temps in the 60's today and expected to dip into the 30's overnight! YIKES. That makes me as sick as sick can be, I must say!

Sickness Reigns

Well, 'tis the season...for the yuckies! Elliott called yesterday with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, etc. Ian and Emily both woke up this morning with a stomach virus meaning they could not venture too far from the "potty" so I let them stay home. To top it off, Elliott's car (which is still showing the "check engine light") needs repairs not covered by his warranty and totalling over $300. Oh the folks at Vatland are in for a surprise. They WILL fix this problem, or I will be discussing the Lemon Law matter with someone. Actually, we are about to decide that the problems were caused when they (meaning Vatland) had to pry open the locked gas cap since they didn't have a key. I'll keep you posted on that little drama as it unfolds. So, with Elliott pumping himself full of antibiotics due to his sinus infection, he now can go to his apartment for the rest of the evening and seeth, uh rest.

Peggy and I have a "Supper 8" date tonight with some folks from the church, we're heading to Bonos. Ummmm, bar-b-que! Ian and Emily meanwhile will feast on chicken noodle soup and crackers. Ha!

OrangeBowlTicket

OrangeBowlTicket
Originally uploaded by blountman.

When you don't have a dog in that fight, and you get invited to a BCS Bowl Game for FREE, and it turns into a triple overtime thriller...well, it just doesn't get any better than that, folks!

Tim and Lou Ann Collins have some connections for the Orange Bowl, and they had two extra tickets, so they asked Peggy and me to go. Well, Peggy has already started back at school, so she couldn't go, but Elliott quickly and enthusiastically said "yes" when I asked him if he would like to go.

So the big day arrived yesterday, with me still trying to get a hot water tank delivered and installed (no hot water since New Year's Eve is getting old). the Collins' picked us up at our house at 3:00 PM, and we began the trek to Miami. We arrived at the Dosphins' Stadium around 6:30 and "quickly" found a parking spot along with 77,769 other people who attended the Orange Bowl with us. We were supposed to meet up with some friends of Tim's and do some tailgating (tranlaste that eating lots of free food), but none of our cell phones wanted to work in the sea of cell phone users around the stadium, so we wound up just going on in the stadium and purchasing extremely overpriced morsals of "nutrition" inside. Elliott and I got the wings, which were okay...no Beef O'Brady's to be sure, but they were okay.

As you can see from the ticket, we were in the bottom section of the stadium, 12 rows off the field along the 20 yeard line in the Florida State section. The Penn State touchdown pass with six seconds left in the 1st half came right at us. All the missed field goals in overtime were on our end of the field. I have to tell you that this game was the best football game I have ever seen in person. Sorry, but the best game I have ever seen would still have to the the Marsall/East Carolina matchup in the GMAC Bowl when Marshall came from a 30-point defecit to take the victory behind my man Byron Leftwich. But last night's game was truly a classic!

By the time the winning field goal was kicked by Penn State at 1:00 AM on January 4th, we were emotionally exhausted, and again, I didn't have a dog in that fight! I know the FSU faithful were disappointed by the outcome, but they couldn't have been disappointed by the thrills of the game. I do have to admit that I laughed out loud when the FSU place kicker boinked the right upight of the goal post in the third overtime. Fortrunately, there was enough crowd noise goaning to drown out my laughter. But it was funny.

Anyway, I cannot thank Tim and Lou Ann Collins enough. It was a great game and a great time with great friends.