...must come to an end. Or so the saying goes. Today we pack up and gear up for the trip back home. We are trying to determine the time of our departure, and will consult with Lil Bro as well, since he has another two hours of driving to do after we get to Vero, and he has jury duty Monday morning. All I have to do is go to the office and tackle the mounds of work piling up and awaiting my return.
Yesterday, we got to see two of the newest members of the extended family: Addison and Ellen. It is wild to see the grandchildren of my cousins. It was cool to watch Aunt Phyllis beam with her great grandchildren around. It was a hoot watching Yolanda and Terri each hovering over a granddaughter. Meeting Sam was a blast, he is one hilarious dude. It still boggles my mind to see Candice as a mom, and to see Autum blooming out there for the expected September delivery of her first child. Woof! I must be getting old. Naaahhhhh!
Anyway, our visit here at Anthelion is coming to an end. Back to reality. With an elders' meeting Monday night, the college group Wednesday night, and youth group Thursday night, a full week awaits. I am glad to have had this time of refreshing so I can gear up for the days ahead!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Morning Devos
The view from the back veranda of Yolanda and Robby's house is the perfect setting for early morning devotional time.I must admit that I have fallen behind in my daily devos thanks to a crazy travel schedule, but I am in the process of getting "caught up" while sitting out here enjoying the view of Smith Lake. I wanted to take a break to post this. Now, it is back to my quiet time with the Creator of heaven and earth!
Cabos San Lucas
Who would have ever thought that we would come across a GREAT Mexican restaurant in Jasper, Alabama? Cabos San Lucas is just that, my friends. We are staying with cousins in Arley, Alabama this week on the shores of beautiful Smith Lake. On Wednesday, we drove over to Anniston to visit Dad, and on our way, we noticed a Mexican place in Jasper, and the seed was planted that perhaps we would indulge in some Mexican cuisine for supper. Upon our return trip from Anniston, we talked with Robby and Yolanda about our desire for Mexican Food, and we were immediately steered away from the restaurant we had seen, and told to check out Cabos San Lucas. Best advice we have had all week, my friends! The atmosphere was wonderful, as you can see from the statues lining the walk into the establishment. That one looks vaguely familiar, doesn't it?Anyway, the food was even better than the atmosphere! I must admit that I likely blew all my daily Weight Watcher points and many of my Flex Points on this one meal. It was well worth it! BTW, I am down 21 pounds since we started Weight Watchers.
My chicken enchiladas and the chicken burrito were delectable. The hot salsa had just enough heat to be nice, and the flavor was fantastic. It was a most enjoyable experience to top off an interesting day in the middle of a beautiful vacation week here in Sweet Home Alabama!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Hangin' Wit My Crew
Tuesday and I am feeling like an old man in a young man's game. *grin* I got to "blob" a few people at the waterfront today including Taylor and Katie (yeah, Katie, the red mark on your back from where you landed in the water the wrong way will eventually go away).
Austin is the "blob" king, that dude can get some air! I am sore from climbing the ladder and from the ultimate Frisbee game earlier in the afternoon, but I will survive (Tylenol works wonders). With a game winding down and worship about the gear up, time to get off for now.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Church Camp, Baby!
It's Monday evening of the week of church camp at Lake Aurora, and I have already been captured in the "Faculty Hunt" meaning I have to sit in the staff lounge in the A/C while others are out sweating in the heat of a July night in central Florida. Ha!I'm working as a counselor during a 7th, 8th, and 9th grade week. I have six dudes I am hanging with this week: Austin, Gabe, James, Nathan, Robby, and Tyler. They are hoots. Here is a picture of us at the archery range earlier today. They are a high energy bunch of guys, and I am an old man. Pretty sweet combo.
I LOVE church camp. I am so glad that I was asked to serve in this ministry. I have such a heart for church camp, and such a love for Lake Aurora that this absolutely will be the highlight of my summer.
We are helping the students realize that God wants to Unveil Himself to us. There is such great Kingdom Potential in this bunch of middle school students.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Back In The Saddle
Sitting here at my desk in the office, reflecting on the blessings God showers upon me reminds me that I shouldn't keep those blessings to myself. I am back in the office for the one week out of five in this summer stretch run. C-I-Y and the Sunset Beach vacation weeks are behind me, camp and the Alabama vacation weeks are ahead of me. This week Ian, Emily and I are alone at the house, since Peggy is still with her family in North Carolina. Of course, the kids are working a lot, too, so...yeah. Last night Emily and I went out for supper (Ian was at work) following a funeral service for a Dad/Grandad of some folks at our church. It was a touching tribute to a man who obviously loved his kids and grandkids very much. It reminded me of how God has blessed me with three (now four) children who love the Lord, and a wife who is (to quote Nacho Libré): The BASTE.
I did get to spend Sunday with Elliott and Abi, and to attend church with them at First Christian Clearwater. I must say my ego was stroked quite heavily when at least three different folks told me that I couldn't be Elliott's dad...his brother perhaps, but not his dad. Ah yes, I look so young. Right. It was nice, anyway, and I am sure those folks are all making their eye appointments soon.
Ian, Emily and I are planning a cookout and hangout time tomorrow as we celebrate July 4th, and while I wish Peggy was with us (it is our 30th Anniversary of "going steady"), I am glad that she is getting to spend extra time with her parents, sister and cousins. Being surrounded by family...now THAT is heaven on earth. I treasure those times, and I praise God for them. I praise God for my freedom in Christ, and I pray for those who have been blinded by the devices of satan to keep them away from God's Word and His clear plan of salvation as taught in the Scriptures. I have much work ahead of me in spreading the Gospel. The family times of rest help prepare me for the spiritual battles ahead. Praise God!
I did get to spend Sunday with Elliott and Abi, and to attend church with them at First Christian Clearwater. I must say my ego was stroked quite heavily when at least three different folks told me that I couldn't be Elliott's dad...his brother perhaps, but not his dad. Ah yes, I look so young. Right. It was nice, anyway, and I am sure those folks are all making their eye appointments soon.
Ian, Emily and I are planning a cookout and hangout time tomorrow as we celebrate July 4th, and while I wish Peggy was with us (it is our 30th Anniversary of "going steady"), I am glad that she is getting to spend extra time with her parents, sister and cousins. Being surrounded by family...now THAT is heaven on earth. I treasure those times, and I praise God for them. I praise God for my freedom in Christ, and I pray for those who have been blinded by the devices of satan to keep them away from God's Word and His clear plan of salvation as taught in the Scriptures. I have much work ahead of me in spreading the Gospel. The family times of rest help prepare me for the spiritual battles ahead. Praise God!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Beach Musings
As our family vacations this week at Sunset Beach, NC, I have had plenty of time to rest, relax and read. Those are my favorite vacation activities. Oh eating is nice, but on Weight Watchers, eating is not the primary focus any longer.Getting to hang out with Peggy's parents, her sister's family, an aunt, and our very own Turtle this week has been a great source of comfort, much laughter, and a little orneriness of the family variety.
I finished up Shawn McMullen's "Unlesashing the Potential of the Smaller Church" yesterday, and started reading Reggie McNeal's "The Present Future: Six Tough Questions For The Church " as recommended by my bud Robin Sigars. Challenging reading to say the least, but both books have reinforced thoughts of mine. Cool how God places these books in my path at just the right time.
Anyway, the vacation timing was wonderful. It is nice to rest following a major ministry week like C-I-Y Summer Conference. One more full day here, means I have much reading to do if I am going to finish McNeal's book, and then on Friday, we pack up and head south to Vero Beach so Emily can be at work Saturday. I'll be in the office for one week, then it's off to church camp for a week, and following that, a week's vacation with my side of the family in Alabama! Can anyone say mansion on the lake? Yay!
Now that Peggy has decided to stay up here with her family next week, that means I won't see her until after I come home from camp. It took some fancy foot work to get everything worked out, but we did. It will be lonesome without her, but she will enjoy the family time with some cousins who will be here next week.
Oh yeah, I have posted pictures from C-I-Y and from our beach vacation in North Carolina on my flickr site. Leave me some comments, eh?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Final Day at Summer Conference
Friday, June 22, 2007
Influence. We all have it, the question is will we influence for Jesus or against Him? This was the main wrestle-with question for the day. What a fantastic end to a fantastic week at C-I-Y Summer Conference (soon to be known as "Move").
Doug Aldridge's morning devotional was once again right on target, and I survived the adult elective again in the afternoon. It is such an honor to get to lead an elective and to teach materials written by Zus!
Peggy, Tyler and I took the vans to gas them up, and apparently everyone in Elizabeton, TN, decided to gas up their vehicles at the Wal-Mart as well. Tyler commented that he hadn't seen gas lines like this since the hurricanes. Of course, since it took so long, we were going to miss supper on campus, so we sacrificed and headed to Taco John's, for some Taco Bravos. Yay!
Celebration tonight was amazing. Greg Frazee does an excellent job in leading folks to the throne of mercy and grace. He is quite frankly, my favorite C-I-Y worship leader. His presence on stage is totally designed to take the attention off of him and place it squarely on Jesus. Robin Sigars knocked it out of the park with the closing message of the week on Identity. I so appreciate Robin and his heart for students. Since Robin loves me more than he loves Dave VanBuskirk, it makes it even more special to get to hang out with my brother. I am excited for Robin about the new direction he is heading in ministry, although I will miss hanging with him at Conference.
Youth Group Time was intense. One student expressed fear about heading back home and falling into the "same ole, same ole" pattern. This open expression of what many were feeling led to one of the more intense discussions we've had in Youth Group Time ever! It was fantastic, and it certainly gives us plenty to think about and work on as we head back from the Mountain Top experience that is Summer Conference.
We Blounts will depart from the rest of the traveling party on the way back tomorrow, heading to Sunset Beach, NC, for a week's vacation with Peggy's family. I am looking forward to some time with my stack of books, with the laughter and good times with family that awaits. It will be a time of physical renewal and refreshing to follow this time of spiritual renewal and refreshing at Summer Conference.
Thanks Robin and all the C-I-Y folks from Tennessee 2. You RAWK!
Influence. We all have it, the question is will we influence for Jesus or against Him? This was the main wrestle-with question for the day. What a fantastic end to a fantastic week at C-I-Y Summer Conference (soon to be known as "Move").
Doug Aldridge's morning devotional was once again right on target, and I survived the adult elective again in the afternoon. It is such an honor to get to lead an elective and to teach materials written by Zus!
Peggy, Tyler and I took the vans to gas them up, and apparently everyone in Elizabeton, TN, decided to gas up their vehicles at the Wal-Mart as well. Tyler commented that he hadn't seen gas lines like this since the hurricanes. Of course, since it took so long, we were going to miss supper on campus, so we sacrificed and headed to Taco John's, for some Taco Bravos. Yay!
Celebration tonight was amazing. Greg Frazee does an excellent job in leading folks to the throne of mercy and grace. He is quite frankly, my favorite C-I-Y worship leader. His presence on stage is totally designed to take the attention off of him and place it squarely on Jesus. Robin Sigars knocked it out of the park with the closing message of the week on Identity. I so appreciate Robin and his heart for students. Since Robin loves me more than he loves Dave VanBuskirk, it makes it even more special to get to hang out with my brother. I am excited for Robin about the new direction he is heading in ministry, although I will miss hanging with him at Conference.
Youth Group Time was intense. One student expressed fear about heading back home and falling into the "same ole, same ole" pattern. This open expression of what many were feeling led to one of the more intense discussions we've had in Youth Group Time ever! It was fantastic, and it certainly gives us plenty to think about and work on as we head back from the Mountain Top experience that is Summer Conference.
We Blounts will depart from the rest of the traveling party on the way back tomorrow, heading to Sunset Beach, NC, for a week's vacation with Peggy's family. I am looking forward to some time with my stack of books, with the laughter and good times with family that awaits. It will be a time of physical renewal and refreshing to follow this time of spiritual renewal and refreshing at Summer Conference.
Thanks Robin and all the C-I-Y folks from Tennessee 2. You RAWK!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Day Five of the C-I-Y Trip
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Isolation. Sometimes...okay often, it is self-inflicted. Many other times it is not, and the pain of isolation is deep. We were not meant to be alone, and God desires us to be in community with Him and with others. So was the theme of the day at C-I-Y Summer Conference today.
Doug Aldridge's treatment of the relationship between David and Jonathan during Morning Encounter was right on the money. We all need a Jonathan in our lives, but just as importantly, we need to be a Jonathan in the lives of others. I have spent a good part of the day reflecting on my "real relationships." There aren't as many as I would like. Peggy is my best friend and confidant. Jeff Sagstetter is my brother, and we still communicate fairly regularly even though he is in Kansas (where every "good Jew" knows to avoid when traveling from Oklahoma to Nebraska since Kansas is the Samaria of that region of the world...hey...you had to hear Jim's message the other night to get that one, so don't worry about it). I have isolated myself from folks locally for fear of truly being crushed. I have plenty of professional relationships, and I do consider Greg and Anne (our high school youth sponsors) good friends, but I don't have a Jonathan relationship even with them. Something to work on. Yeah.
Our trip to Roan Mountain was a blast. Okay, so we started the trip off by having lunch atTaco John's in Elizabeton. Oh yeah, baby! My lunch was 23.5 points in the Weight Watchers' system. Can you say "Flex Points"? Anyway, having been alerted to a particular sign on one trail at Roan Mountain, I wanted to make sure I got this picture:
Since I was the only one in the party at the time of this picture with a "handy cap" I could take this particular trail.
The beauty of God's creation is so abundant in the mountains, and I always love taking the Florida flatlanders for exscursions such as this when we are at Conference. Breathtaking views and lots of "ooohhhs" and "aaahhhs" were commonplace this afternoon.
Doug Aldridge spoke at Celebration tonight. If I forget anything else from the week, I want to be sure to remember "call the whole world" and the need to be intentional and desperate in reaching others to pull them from their isolation. During Youth Group Time, we discussed several students who could have been here with us this year but aren't. Two have been in the past. Others are new to the group and need to be included in a better way. There are so many others who have been on the fringe, visiting from time-to-time, but not really getting involved. The question of the year for us in the VCC youth group is: "what are WE going to do about that?"
Our prayer circle continues to be my favorite time of the day. We are praying for the person on our right and the person on our left each night, and they have to be different people each night. Our prayer circle is filled with laughter and tears as we love on each other, building community and reinforcing the idea that we were not meant to be alone.
Watch for a special post detailing our "Wise Youth Worker" Anne. As soon as I get the video clip uploaded to You Tube, you will know it!
Isolation. Sometimes...okay often, it is self-inflicted. Many other times it is not, and the pain of isolation is deep. We were not meant to be alone, and God desires us to be in community with Him and with others. So was the theme of the day at C-I-Y Summer Conference today.
Doug Aldridge's treatment of the relationship between David and Jonathan during Morning Encounter was right on the money. We all need a Jonathan in our lives, but just as importantly, we need to be a Jonathan in the lives of others. I have spent a good part of the day reflecting on my "real relationships." There aren't as many as I would like. Peggy is my best friend and confidant. Jeff Sagstetter is my brother, and we still communicate fairly regularly even though he is in Kansas (where every "good Jew" knows to avoid when traveling from Oklahoma to Nebraska since Kansas is the Samaria of that region of the world...hey...you had to hear Jim's message the other night to get that one, so don't worry about it). I have isolated myself from folks locally for fear of truly being crushed. I have plenty of professional relationships, and I do consider Greg and Anne (our high school youth sponsors) good friends, but I don't have a Jonathan relationship even with them. Something to work on. Yeah.
Our trip to Roan Mountain was a blast. Okay, so we started the trip off by having lunch at
Since I was the only one in the party at the time of this picture with a "handy cap" I could take this particular trail.
The beauty of God's creation is so abundant in the mountains, and I always love taking the Florida flatlanders for exscursions such as this when we are at Conference. Breathtaking views and lots of "ooohhhs" and "aaahhhs" were commonplace this afternoon.
Doug Aldridge spoke at Celebration tonight. If I forget anything else from the week, I want to be sure to remember "call the whole world" and the need to be intentional and desperate in reaching others to pull them from their isolation. During Youth Group Time, we discussed several students who could have been here with us this year but aren't. Two have been in the past. Others are new to the group and need to be included in a better way. There are so many others who have been on the fringe, visiting from time-to-time, but not really getting involved. The question of the year for us in the VCC youth group is: "what are WE going to do about that?"
Our prayer circle continues to be my favorite time of the day. We are praying for the person on our right and the person on our left each night, and they have to be different people each night. Our prayer circle is filled with laughter and tears as we love on each other, building community and reinforcing the idea that we were not meant to be alone.
Watch for a special post detailing our "Wise Youth Worker" Anne. As soon as I get the video clip uploaded to You Tube, you will know it!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Day 4 of the C-I-Y Trip
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Injury. The theme for the "heavy day" at Summer Conference. Doug Aldridge got the theme started with his look at David's life and specifically his sin with Bathsheba. We're not just talking about physical injury, but emotional injury and spiritual injury as well. The D-Group lesson provided an excellent opportunity for students to open up about their injuries. One of our students did so in a major way. It was so beautiful to see this student become so vulnerable before the rest of the group. It was so beautiful to watch the rest of the group shower the love of Jesus on this person.
Jim Johnson continued the theme with a powerful message during Celebration. I appreciate Jim's ability to mix humor with a very serious subject. I'll never forget his mad parenting skills (can you say broken femur bone and busted heads?) I so much appreciate the story that he is Number Three on Andrea's list of best kissers...makes me feel not-quite-so-bad that Peggy told her parents I was "gross" when they tried to encourage her to date me way back in the 70's. But Jim nailed it when he reminded us that support groups are a good place to start the healing process for our emotional and spiritual injuries. They are not the finish line. Jesus is. In our Youth Group Time, we reminded our students that sometimes the most loving thing we can say to someone who is injured is that, "you need to repent of your sins." Sometimes, what is needed is a hug and a shoulder to cry on. Always, what is needed is someone to point the inured to Jesus.
Our students loved Robin's story about the farmer and the lamb that he had to injure to teach that lamb to let the farmer take care of him. See, the lamb kept running away, so the farmer had to injure the lamb and keep him in a special pen in his barn while nursing the lamb back to health, and while teaching the lamb to be okay with being dependent on the farmer. How often do we run away from Jesus, especially when we are hurting? I know that during my times of great emotional or spiritual injury, my natural tendency is to distance myself from Jesus. How foolish!
Of course the day wasn't all heavy. Bucket O Fun was a hoot with the tennis match. I love the short clips of "Juans." And Thor Ramsey had us all belly laughing for 45 minutes in the afternoon session. Good times for sure!
As we closed in our group circle prayer, I had everyone pray for the people on their right and their left. that meant you got to pray for someone who had just prayed for you. Once again our prayer circle was filled with emotion. Tears and laughter abounded in those prayers, and I know that God was right there with us, laughing and crying. When the student who had really opened up earlier in the day asked to pray after our prayer circle had ended, we were all in tears. They expressed heartfelt gratitude for having a place to belong, and having a family who accepted them just as they were. We do, but we love this person (and all of them) enough to not leave them like they are right now. We want to help them grow to be more like Jesus.
After our crew headed to their rooms, a fellow youth minister who also happens to be a young man we have seen grow up in youth group at another church came to me with tears in his eyes and a heart burdened for his students. He said that he felt so inadequate, and that he didn't know how to "fix" the kinds of injuries the students in his group had expressed today. I told him welcome to Youth Ministry. We are not called to "fix" those injuries. We are called to love those students in the Name of Jesus and to point them to Him. Many of those problems may never be "fixed," but our students need to know that they were never meant to be alone. Not only is God with them, but we are with them through this journey called life.
Thanks again, Christ In Youth, for a fantastic day at Summer Conference, and for plenty to think and pray about. The tears I have shed for my students today remind me to keep my heart pure and my eyes focused on the love of Jesus and the need to stay in step with His Plan for my life every day!
Injury. The theme for the "heavy day" at Summer Conference. Doug Aldridge got the theme started with his look at David's life and specifically his sin with Bathsheba. We're not just talking about physical injury, but emotional injury and spiritual injury as well. The D-Group lesson provided an excellent opportunity for students to open up about their injuries. One of our students did so in a major way. It was so beautiful to see this student become so vulnerable before the rest of the group. It was so beautiful to watch the rest of the group shower the love of Jesus on this person.
Jim Johnson continued the theme with a powerful message during Celebration. I appreciate Jim's ability to mix humor with a very serious subject. I'll never forget his mad parenting skills (can you say broken femur bone and busted heads?) I so much appreciate the story that he is Number Three on Andrea's list of best kissers...makes me feel not-quite-so-bad that Peggy told her parents I was "gross" when they tried to encourage her to date me way back in the 70's. But Jim nailed it when he reminded us that support groups are a good place to start the healing process for our emotional and spiritual injuries. They are not the finish line. Jesus is. In our Youth Group Time, we reminded our students that sometimes the most loving thing we can say to someone who is injured is that, "you need to repent of your sins." Sometimes, what is needed is a hug and a shoulder to cry on. Always, what is needed is someone to point the inured to Jesus.
Our students loved Robin's story about the farmer and the lamb that he had to injure to teach that lamb to let the farmer take care of him. See, the lamb kept running away, so the farmer had to injure the lamb and keep him in a special pen in his barn while nursing the lamb back to health, and while teaching the lamb to be okay with being dependent on the farmer. How often do we run away from Jesus, especially when we are hurting? I know that during my times of great emotional or spiritual injury, my natural tendency is to distance myself from Jesus. How foolish!
Of course the day wasn't all heavy. Bucket O Fun was a hoot with the tennis match. I love the short clips of "Juans." And Thor Ramsey had us all belly laughing for 45 minutes in the afternoon session. Good times for sure!
As we closed in our group circle prayer, I had everyone pray for the people on their right and their left. that meant you got to pray for someone who had just prayed for you. Once again our prayer circle was filled with emotion. Tears and laughter abounded in those prayers, and I know that God was right there with us, laughing and crying. When the student who had really opened up earlier in the day asked to pray after our prayer circle had ended, we were all in tears. They expressed heartfelt gratitude for having a place to belong, and having a family who accepted them just as they were. We do, but we love this person (and all of them) enough to not leave them like they are right now. We want to help them grow to be more like Jesus.
After our crew headed to their rooms, a fellow youth minister who also happens to be a young man we have seen grow up in youth group at another church came to me with tears in his eyes and a heart burdened for his students. He said that he felt so inadequate, and that he didn't know how to "fix" the kinds of injuries the students in his group had expressed today. I told him welcome to Youth Ministry. We are not called to "fix" those injuries. We are called to love those students in the Name of Jesus and to point them to Him. Many of those problems may never be "fixed," but our students need to know that they were never meant to be alone. Not only is God with them, but we are with them through this journey called life.
Thanks again, Christ In Youth, for a fantastic day at Summer Conference, and for plenty to think and pray about. The tears I have shed for my students today remind me to keep my heart pure and my eyes focused on the love of Jesus and the need to stay in step with His Plan for my life every day!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Role With It
Here are "Clueless Hot Chick," "Ladies Man,", "That Guy," and "Weird Girl" striking a pose at C-I-Y 2007 at Milligan College! For individual pictures of these characters, please visit my FLICKR site.
Day 3 of the C-I-Y Trip
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
"Ladies Man," "That Guy," "Clueless Hot Chick," and "Weird Girl" all made their debut this morning. Pictures will follow. Sorry, I didn't upload them yet.
The theme for the day is Identity, and I pray that our students (and our adults) got the message that our identities are not complete until we know Jesus. In fact, our identities don't truly exist outside of Jesus!
Doug Aldridge led the Morning Encounter Devotion with an excellent look at David's life. Peggy led our D-Group and did her usual excellent job in tackling a tough subject: the masks we put up to be our "identity." We are to bring the masks with us at Celebration tonight. Oh yeah, and "Bucket O' Fun" in the AM Session was a hoot! Good times to start the day, fer sure!
Today we also had the first of two electives times. I am leading an adult elective this year titled, "Youth Ministry From The Inside Out." It is excellent material written by Zus, and preparing to lead this session has had me re-examining once again my priorities as a Christian and as a youth minister to make sure I am lined up with God's priorities!
The Alternative was an absolute scream! Amber got up in an impromptu display of courage and sang a Spanish lullaby. She rocked! However, you must ask anyone who was there about Joe's rendition of "Old MacDonald."
I spent much of our free time researching Roan Mountain for our Thursday excursion, and am looking forward to that trip on Thursday!
Meal time has been a much more pleasant experience than some of us expected. Eating in the Cafatentia is not bad at all, and I am able to easily stay within my daily point boundaries for Weight Watchers.
Celebration was once again phenomenal. Jim Johnson nailed it in so many ways with his sermon on Identity. Ask me sometime about the illustrations dealing with Julie and with Daniel. Sweet stuff fer sure!
Our students are really enjoying the chance to pray for one another in very specific terms this year, and I also got to sneak in on South Haven's prayer time at the end of the day. A FANTASTIC DAY in every sense of the word. Can't wait for tomorrow!
"Ladies Man," "That Guy," "Clueless Hot Chick," and "Weird Girl" all made their debut this morning. Pictures will follow. Sorry, I didn't upload them yet.
The theme for the day is Identity, and I pray that our students (and our adults) got the message that our identities are not complete until we know Jesus. In fact, our identities don't truly exist outside of Jesus!
Doug Aldridge led the Morning Encounter Devotion with an excellent look at David's life. Peggy led our D-Group and did her usual excellent job in tackling a tough subject: the masks we put up to be our "identity." We are to bring the masks with us at Celebration tonight. Oh yeah, and "Bucket O' Fun" in the AM Session was a hoot! Good times to start the day, fer sure!
Today we also had the first of two electives times. I am leading an adult elective this year titled, "Youth Ministry From The Inside Out." It is excellent material written by Zus, and preparing to lead this session has had me re-examining once again my priorities as a Christian and as a youth minister to make sure I am lined up with God's priorities!
The Alternative was an absolute scream! Amber got up in an impromptu display of courage and sang a Spanish lullaby. She rocked! However, you must ask anyone who was there about Joe's rendition of "Old MacDonald."
I spent much of our free time researching Roan Mountain for our Thursday excursion, and am looking forward to that trip on Thursday!
Meal time has been a much more pleasant experience than some of us expected. Eating in the Cafatentia is not bad at all, and I am able to easily stay within my daily point boundaries for Weight Watchers.
Celebration was once again phenomenal. Jim Johnson nailed it in so many ways with his sermon on Identity. Ask me sometime about the illustrations dealing with Julie and with Daniel. Sweet stuff fer sure!
Our students are really enjoying the chance to pray for one another in very specific terms this year, and I also got to sneak in on South Haven's prayer time at the end of the day. A FANTASTIC DAY in every sense of the word. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Day Two of the C-I-Y Trip
Monday, June 18, 2007 Tim's Birthday
Happy 47th birthday to my younger bro, Tim. I called him last night from the motel knowing that I would be on the road and busy getting us started at Conference today.
Our morning meeting with sponsors, breakfast and topping off gas tanks before heading back on I 26 West went as smoothly as possible. Now traveling with 33 total people in five vehicles, we knew we would be in for plenty of "pit stops" along the way, and we made several. My goal was to get us through Ashville, find a spot for lunch and then cruise on in to Milligan. We almost pulled that plan off without incident. However, the passenger side front wheel of the van Amos was driving decided it didn't want to travel all the way to Tennessee, so it jumped off the van. On the Interstate, with lots of students and luggage in it. No one was hurt in any way whatsoever, and because Southside had plenty of room in their van for extra passengers and luggage, they were loaded onto that van, and we found aspot for lunch. While Amos called AAA, we ate lunch and made plans to take the rest of the group on in to Milligan (about 50 miles away at this point), get everyone registered and settled in, and then we could come back for Amos if need be. Amos was agreeable with that plan, so I helped Julia go through registration to get the South Haven crew taken care of at Conference. Amos kept me posted as to the progress with the van getting picked up and taken to an auto repair place. God was so good during this whole process. The van was easily repaired, with no damage other than to the wheel, and Amos was able to join us at Milligan in time for the Adult Sponsors' meeting at 6:00 p.m.!
The theme this week is ONES with a subtheme of "We were never meant to be alone." What a great practical demonstration of that subtheme! Since we were traveling with two other church groups, WHEN something unexpected happened, we had plenty of help from brothers and sisters in Christ. We were not meant to be alone as individuals, but neither were we meant to be alone as congregations. As the body of Christ, we need to realize that each congregation is not a body, but a body part. Southside certainly played the role of helping hands for South Haven today. Thank You Lord for being so good, for keeping everyone safe, and for giving us a practical application for the Conference subtheme before we even got to Conference.
Celebration rocked! The open illusion was powerful as the story of the Creation of Man and the Fall from Grace was read from Genesis. Robin's message was right on target as always, and the bar for the week has been set extremely high. It's gonna be a GREAT WEEK! It has already been off to a GREAT START!
Happy 47th birthday to my younger bro, Tim. I called him last night from the motel knowing that I would be on the road and busy getting us started at Conference today.
Our morning meeting with sponsors, breakfast and topping off gas tanks before heading back on I 26 West went as smoothly as possible. Now traveling with 33 total people in five vehicles, we knew we would be in for plenty of "pit stops" along the way, and we made several. My goal was to get us through Ashville, find a spot for lunch and then cruise on in to Milligan. We almost pulled that plan off without incident. However, the passenger side front wheel of the van Amos was driving decided it didn't want to travel all the way to Tennessee, so it jumped off the van. On the Interstate, with lots of students and luggage in it. No one was hurt in any way whatsoever, and because Southside had plenty of room in their van for extra passengers and luggage, they were loaded onto that van, and we found aspot for lunch. While Amos called AAA, we ate lunch and made plans to take the rest of the group on in to Milligan (about 50 miles away at this point), get everyone registered and settled in, and then we could come back for Amos if need be. Amos was agreeable with that plan, so I helped Julia go through registration to get the South Haven crew taken care of at Conference. Amos kept me posted as to the progress with the van getting picked up and taken to an auto repair place. God was so good during this whole process. The van was easily repaired, with no damage other than to the wheel, and Amos was able to join us at Milligan in time for the Adult Sponsors' meeting at 6:00 p.m.!
The theme this week is ONES with a subtheme of "We were never meant to be alone." What a great practical demonstration of that subtheme! Since we were traveling with two other church groups, WHEN something unexpected happened, we had plenty of help from brothers and sisters in Christ. We were not meant to be alone as individuals, but neither were we meant to be alone as congregations. As the body of Christ, we need to realize that each congregation is not a body, but a body part. Southside certainly played the role of helping hands for South Haven today. Thank You Lord for being so good, for keeping everyone safe, and for giving us a practical application for the Conference subtheme before we even got to Conference.
Celebration rocked! The open illusion was powerful as the story of the Creation of Man and the Fall from Grace was read from Genesis. Robin's message was right on target as always, and the bar for the week has been set extremely high. It's gonna be a GREAT WEEK! It has already been off to a GREAT START!
Playing Catch-Up
Sunday, June 17, 2007...Day One of the C-I-Y trip.
Having gathered up the church van and getting the ever-sinking feeling that we won't need the luggage carrier attachment that Kevin Aldhizer spent a good part of this past week getting, putting on the van, and having way too many problems in doing so (he just got it taken care of in final form yesterday morning at 8:30 after miles of driving and many different automotive locations in trying to get this done), Peggy and I gassed up the vehicles and loaded our minivan for the trip.
This morning everyone was to meet at the Sunday morning worship facility (for those who don't know, we are in temporary quarters these days, meeting at the Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home) to load up the church van and help with setup, since we were leaving immediately after the worship service. Plans were to meet up with Southside Christian somewhere on the road, and with South Haven Christian at the first exit in Georgia where we would top off the gas tanks for cheap, and fill up our bellies at the "everything under the sun" truck stop known as Cisco.
Most everyone made it on time, but I had failed to communicate the whole 8 am need with Samantha, oops! Boy was she surprised when I called her at about 8:20. Fortunately, she had her C-I-Y bag packed and ran it to me so I could load the church van. Church services went well on this Father's Day, and we were actually in the vans by 11:45 a.m. and heading for Buger King...our Vero lunch stop before hitting I-95 for the long drive ahead of us.
Oh, while at Burger King, Alison's Mom joined us. Alison had forgotten a pillow. Of course Jordy had forgotten towels, and Turtle had forgotten sheets, but both had already had those needs taken care of before church started. Confident that we had all the necessary gear, we hit the highway at about 12:30, get timing as far as I was concerned.
I heard from Ron at Southside and they were only a few minutes behind us on the Interstate, so we figured we would see them very shortly and would caravan to the meeting place in Georgia. It was not to be so. They made a stop at a Krystal's and we didn't know it until about an hour later. I was getting worried when they never appeared in my rear view mirror, but a quick call to Ron let me know that they were now 40 minutes behind us on the Interstate! Meanwhile, a call to Amos gave me the news that South Haven had gotten trigger-happy and left about an hour earlier than they needed to. Ha! They got to wait at the truck stop for a LOONNNNNNNNNGGGGG time.
To make this long story shorter, we did finally all hook up in Georgia, drove to Brunswick where the group will stay on the trip back next week, took care of the motel business there, and ate Father's Day Supper at Sonnys. hey, I got free desert, which is not much of a temptation for someone on Weight Watcher's these days, but I had a few bites of a not-the-greatest pecan pie I had ever tasted.
We completed our last leg of the journey on this day by driving to Columbia virtually without incident (unless you count the whole Dave VanBuskirk from Fort Caroline Christian pulling along side of us on the Interstate, and hanging there with us until we figured out it was him...what a hoot!), arriving at our motel (Qualtiy Inn) in Columbia South Carolina at 10:20 p.m. Right on the time frame I had figured for the day. An UNEVENTFUL day of traveling, just the way I like it on a youth group road trip. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Having gathered up the church van and getting the ever-sinking feeling that we won't need the luggage carrier attachment that Kevin Aldhizer spent a good part of this past week getting, putting on the van, and having way too many problems in doing so (he just got it taken care of in final form yesterday morning at 8:30 after miles of driving and many different automotive locations in trying to get this done), Peggy and I gassed up the vehicles and loaded our minivan for the trip.
This morning everyone was to meet at the Sunday morning worship facility (for those who don't know, we are in temporary quarters these days, meeting at the Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home) to load up the church van and help with setup, since we were leaving immediately after the worship service. Plans were to meet up with Southside Christian somewhere on the road, and with South Haven Christian at the first exit in Georgia where we would top off the gas tanks for cheap, and fill up our bellies at the "everything under the sun" truck stop known as Cisco.
Most everyone made it on time, but I had failed to communicate the whole 8 am need with Samantha, oops! Boy was she surprised when I called her at about 8:20. Fortunately, she had her C-I-Y bag packed and ran it to me so I could load the church van. Church services went well on this Father's Day, and we were actually in the vans by 11:45 a.m. and heading for Buger King...our Vero lunch stop before hitting I-95 for the long drive ahead of us.
Oh, while at Burger King, Alison's Mom joined us. Alison had forgotten a pillow. Of course Jordy had forgotten towels, and Turtle had forgotten sheets, but both had already had those needs taken care of before church started. Confident that we had all the necessary gear, we hit the highway at about 12:30, get timing as far as I was concerned.
I heard from Ron at Southside and they were only a few minutes behind us on the Interstate, so we figured we would see them very shortly and would caravan to the meeting place in Georgia. It was not to be so. They made a stop at a Krystal's and we didn't know it until about an hour later. I was getting worried when they never appeared in my rear view mirror, but a quick call to Ron let me know that they were now 40 minutes behind us on the Interstate! Meanwhile, a call to Amos gave me the news that South Haven had gotten trigger-happy and left about an hour earlier than they needed to. Ha! They got to wait at the truck stop for a LOONNNNNNNNNGGGGG time.
To make this long story shorter, we did finally all hook up in Georgia, drove to Brunswick where the group will stay on the trip back next week, took care of the motel business there, and ate Father's Day Supper at Sonnys. hey, I got free desert, which is not much of a temptation for someone on Weight Watcher's these days, but I had a few bites of a not-the-greatest pecan pie I had ever tasted.
We completed our last leg of the journey on this day by driving to Columbia virtually without incident (unless you count the whole Dave VanBuskirk from Fort Caroline Christian pulling along side of us on the Interstate, and hanging there with us until we figured out it was him...what a hoot!), arriving at our motel (Qualtiy Inn) in Columbia South Carolina at 10:20 p.m. Right on the time frame I had figured for the day. An UNEVENTFUL day of traveling, just the way I like it on a youth group road trip. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
He Made It!
On Saturday, June 2, 2007. Ian Scott Johnson Blount graduated from Vero Beach High School. It was an evening of pride, relief, and extreme happiness for us all. Ian, along with fellow chorus mates Kevin Wellmaker and Jonathan Woodward sang the National Anthem during the ceremonies. They sounded fantastic, and we couldn't have been more proud for Ian than we were at that moment. Or so we thought.
Ian has expressed a desire to go into full time Christian service as a Youth Minister. That is a thought that humbles me to my core, and a thought that causes praise to our Lord Jesus to course through every fiber of my being.
To the 600 or so members of the VBHS Class of 2007, I send out my heartiest congratulations. To Ian, I send my deepest love. You are a son that any parent would die for. You are a son that every parent dreams of. May God continue to watch over your every step, and direct your path always. I love you with all my heart, Ian!
Ian has expressed a desire to go into full time Christian service as a Youth Minister. That is a thought that humbles me to my core, and a thought that causes praise to our Lord Jesus to course through every fiber of my being.
To the 600 or so members of the VBHS Class of 2007, I send out my heartiest congratulations. To Ian, I send my deepest love. You are a son that any parent would die for. You are a son that every parent dreams of. May God continue to watch over your every step, and direct your path always. I love you with all my heart, Ian!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
College Graduates
Okay, it's time to brag on our kids. As you already know, Ian was student of the month at VBHS in Feburary. Well, on Friday, May 4, 2007, Elliott and Abi officially graduated from Florida Christian College. They both completed their coursework back in December, but they "walked" on May 4th. A record-breaking 62 graduates had either an Associate's or a Bachelor's degree conferred upon them at the 28th Annual FCC Commecement Excercises that evening.
Elliott and Abi both graduated Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5 or higher). But that was not the highest honor bestowed upon them both that evening. Let me quote from the Commencement Program:
Zeta Upsilon
The Zeta Upsilon Honor Society was created by the founding Faculty of FCC to honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, character, service, and leadership during their years in the College. Only seniors with grade point averages of 3.0 (B) or greater for the course of study are eligible. Candidates must be nominated to membership by two Faculty members. No more than three dissenting votes in a secret ballot election by all the full time faculty members is permitted. This is the highest honor that the Faculty can bestow.
Out of the five Zeta Upsilon awards given to members of the Class of 2007, Elliott and Abi each received one! Needless to say Peggy's and my hearts swelled with pride as did Dave and Jan Pardue's.
God has blessed us with children who love Jesus, and who are willing to use the talents and abilities they have been given to bring glory and honor to God. Elliott is now the full time minister of Worship Arts at Frist Christian Church in Clearwater, and Abi plans to pursue Master's level work this Fall in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Ian plans to pursue a degree in youth ministry from Florida Christian College (after a year at Indian River Community College), and Emily continues expressing a desire to work in the education field, perhaps even looking into becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist like her Mom! Yeah, I am proud!
Elliott and Abi both graduated Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5 or higher). But that was not the highest honor bestowed upon them both that evening. Let me quote from the Commencement Program:
Zeta Upsilon
The Zeta Upsilon Honor Society was created by the founding Faculty of FCC to honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, character, service, and leadership during their years in the College. Only seniors with grade point averages of 3.0 (B) or greater for the course of study are eligible. Candidates must be nominated to membership by two Faculty members. No more than three dissenting votes in a secret ballot election by all the full time faculty members is permitted. This is the highest honor that the Faculty can bestow.
Out of the five Zeta Upsilon awards given to members of the Class of 2007, Elliott and Abi each received one! Needless to say Peggy's and my hearts swelled with pride as did Dave and Jan Pardue's.
God has blessed us with children who love Jesus, and who are willing to use the talents and abilities they have been given to bring glory and honor to God. Elliott is now the full time minister of Worship Arts at Frist Christian Church in Clearwater, and Abi plans to pursue Master's level work this Fall in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Ian plans to pursue a degree in youth ministry from Florida Christian College (after a year at Indian River Community College), and Emily continues expressing a desire to work in the education field, perhaps even looking into becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist like her Mom! Yeah, I am proud!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Happy Couple
I just got back from a quick trip to Iowa for my Aunt Dianne's funeral. What a mixture of melancholy and merriment. Aunt Dianne was married to my Mom's Brother. Uncle Alan passed away in 1992. He always referred to Aunt Dianne as his "Bride." That is a tradition I continue to this day when referring to Peggy. To say that those two influenced me would be an understatement. To say that I had stayed as close to Aunt Dianne and the Iowa branch of the family as I should have over the years would be a lie.
Aunt Dianne had back problems, and over the past six months had two surgeries. While the surgeries went okay, other complications set in and let's just say that the family had an extremely tough past six months. Following her second surgery about two months ago, Aunt Dianne never regained consciousness, her kidneys failed and were revived only to overshadowed by numerous other complications.
When the time came to make the decision to take her off the respirator and put her on Comfort Care, the family was physically and mentally exhausted. She lasted less than 24 hours after being taken off the respirator. A blessing for everyone involved, to be sure!
Aunt Dianne had a soft spot for special needs kids. She and my Uncle Alan were foster parents, and they adopted several children who started off as foster children. She leaves behind a gaggle of children...seriously...seven to be exact. Ranging in age from 11 to 40!
My cousin Ray (Aunt Phyl's youngest son...he's 40, too) and I were there to represent the Johnson side of the family as Aunt Phyl was unable to make the trip. She is invading Iowa in a couple of weeks as the "mop up" crew. Ray and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with each other and with Rod, Jeff, Robyn and all the Iowa cousins, some of whom we had never met before!
But, I must say that the highlight of my couple of days was the making of a new girlfriend in Robyn's youngest child, Regan. Guess she could tell that I am about four years old mentally, so we bonded immediately. Not that she didn't spend a lot of time on Ray's lap as well, but I won out while I was there because I live in Florida, have a pool, could take her to the ocean and to Disney World. Ray didn't stand a chance, poor fellow.
Anyway, we have exchanged email addresses, cell phone numbers and snail mail addresses with the promise to do a better job of staying in touch. It was good to sit on Robyn and Tim's patio Monday after the funeral and just reminisce about Uncle Alan, Aunt Dianne, and the good times we had growing up. Those visits to Granny & Grandpa's in Kentucky were special indeed. The laughter we shared on that patio Monday reminds me that I need to stop being so "busy" and slow down long enough to enjoy family and loved ones in Christ.
Thank you Uncle Alan and Aunt Dianne for the influence you still are in my life. Thank you Aunt Phyllis for the glue you continue to be to hold the family together. Thank you Regan for loving on an old guy like me, when you obviously will be able to have anyone you want for your "boyfriend."
Aunt Dianne had back problems, and over the past six months had two surgeries. While the surgeries went okay, other complications set in and let's just say that the family had an extremely tough past six months. Following her second surgery about two months ago, Aunt Dianne never regained consciousness, her kidneys failed and were revived only to overshadowed by numerous other complications.
When the time came to make the decision to take her off the respirator and put her on Comfort Care, the family was physically and mentally exhausted. She lasted less than 24 hours after being taken off the respirator. A blessing for everyone involved, to be sure!
Aunt Dianne had a soft spot for special needs kids. She and my Uncle Alan were foster parents, and they adopted several children who started off as foster children. She leaves behind a gaggle of children...seriously...seven to be exact. Ranging in age from 11 to 40!
My cousin Ray (Aunt Phyl's youngest son...he's 40, too) and I were there to represent the Johnson side of the family as Aunt Phyl was unable to make the trip. She is invading Iowa in a couple of weeks as the "mop up" crew. Ray and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with each other and with Rod, Jeff, Robyn and all the Iowa cousins, some of whom we had never met before!
But, I must say that the highlight of my couple of days was the making of a new girlfriend in Robyn's youngest child, Regan. Guess she could tell that I am about four years old mentally, so we bonded immediately. Not that she didn't spend a lot of time on Ray's lap as well, but I won out while I was there because I live in Florida, have a pool, could take her to the ocean and to Disney World. Ray didn't stand a chance, poor fellow.
Anyway, we have exchanged email addresses, cell phone numbers and snail mail addresses with the promise to do a better job of staying in touch. It was good to sit on Robyn and Tim's patio Monday after the funeral and just reminisce about Uncle Alan, Aunt Dianne, and the good times we had growing up. Those visits to Granny & Grandpa's in Kentucky were special indeed. The laughter we shared on that patio Monday reminds me that I need to stop being so "busy" and slow down long enough to enjoy family and loved ones in Christ.
Thank you Uncle Alan and Aunt Dianne for the influence you still are in my life. Thank you Aunt Phyllis for the glue you continue to be to hold the family together. Thank you Regan for loving on an old guy like me, when you obviously will be able to have anyone you want for your "boyfriend."
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Student Of The Month!
Ian has been named the Vero Beach High School Student of the Month for February, 2007. His Mom and I couldn't be more proud. Ian lets the light of Jesus shine in his life every single day. He is humble in his servant attitude. In fact, he is not the one who told us that he had been selected for this honor. It was a couple of friends who happened to be at the house a couple of days ago (to check out our new Wii), who broke the news.
We praise God for all of our children and for their accomplishments in the Lord Jesus. Today, however, we want to give God the glory as we relish the honor Ian has garnered as student of the month.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
The Year Flew By!
One year ago today, my best bud from my growing up days passed from this life to the next. I didn't find out until March 2, 2006, that Mike Wilson has lost his battle with lymphoma, and I blogged on that experience ( David Michael Wilson). I woke up thinking about Mike Wilson and our youth in Danville, KY. Here's a picture of my childhood home on Seminole Trail:
In the year since I made my way back to Danville to perform the funeral service for the guy who was my best bud growing up, and best man in my wedding, much has happened:
1. I am a year older (and hopefully wiser).
2. My Bride is more precious to me now than ever.
3. My kids continue to be a source of great joy and healthy pride.
4. Peggy, Ian, Emily and I traveled out of the country on a vacation cruise.
5. We spent a week with cousins in Alabama and this was another reminder that I haven't done the best job in "keeping up" with important people from my childhood.
6. I have maintained a closer phone relationship with Dale Wheeler from Danville, meaning for the first time in 30 years, I have regular contact with someone from my childhood home town.
7. Vero Christian Church sold the building, now meets in temporary facilities and we called a full-time preaching minister (all very exciting moves in my book)!
8. Peggy and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary.
9. Ian and Emily both got part time jobs.
10. Ian entered his senior year of high school.
11. Elliott and Abi got married.
Whew! I get tired just thinking about the whirlwind that has been the past 12 months. On this day when I am more in tune with events from my past, I just want to praise God for the friendships with Mike, his Dad, Dale and others from Danville. I want to praise God for the deep abiding love I have with my Bride, Peggy. I praise God for our children and for their love for Jesus. I praise God for allowing me to minister in Vero Beach, Florida.
Thank You Lord Jesus, for Your rich, abundant love. Forgive me for taking relationships for granted. Help me to be better in sharing Your love with people from my past and people with whom I have daily contact now.
In the year since I made my way back to Danville to perform the funeral service for the guy who was my best bud growing up, and best man in my wedding, much has happened:
1. I am a year older (and hopefully wiser).
2. My Bride is more precious to me now than ever.
3. My kids continue to be a source of great joy and healthy pride.
4. Peggy, Ian, Emily and I traveled out of the country on a vacation cruise.
5. We spent a week with cousins in Alabama and this was another reminder that I haven't done the best job in "keeping up" with important people from my childhood.
6. I have maintained a closer phone relationship with Dale Wheeler from Danville, meaning for the first time in 30 years, I have regular contact with someone from my childhood home town.
7. Vero Christian Church sold the building, now meets in temporary facilities and we called a full-time preaching minister (all very exciting moves in my book)!
8. Peggy and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary.
9. Ian and Emily both got part time jobs.
10. Ian entered his senior year of high school.
11. Elliott and Abi got married.
Whew! I get tired just thinking about the whirlwind that has been the past 12 months. On this day when I am more in tune with events from my past, I just want to praise God for the friendships with Mike, his Dad, Dale and others from Danville. I want to praise God for the deep abiding love I have with my Bride, Peggy. I praise God for our children and for their love for Jesus. I praise God for allowing me to minister in Vero Beach, Florida.
Thank You Lord Jesus, for Your rich, abundant love. Forgive me for taking relationships for granted. Help me to be better in sharing Your love with people from my past and people with whom I have daily contact now.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
What On Earth Am I Here For?
Now, isn't that just the question of the age? We all want to believe that there is a purpose for our lives. Unfortunately, many in our society have been duped into thinking that they evolved from apes and that there is nothing for them after existence on this planet. We have folks like James Cameron pursuing and exploiting hoaxses trying to call into question the very nature of Jesus, and people fall for such pap on a regular basis. Ignorance is NOT bliss, it can kill.
A simple survey of the surroundings shows that there must be an Intelligent Creator behind the universe. To think that somehow, this all came about by random accident defies logic (not to mention the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics). So, putting any assumption of a Creator aside, and taking the existence of the Creator to be fact then and only then can we start to address the question posed at the beginning of this discourse.
Since there IS a God, there must be a purpose for my life. My purpose is to bring glory and honor to Him through His One and Only Son, Jesus. Now, that purpose keeps me plenty busy! When I am "on task" I don't have time for the pity parties that seem to engulf me on a far too regular basis. When I am "on task" others around me are being blessed. When I am "on task" my life runs so much more smoothly!
Over the next 40 Days (okay, now 37) I am participating in the "40 Days Of Purpose" Campaign with Vero Christian Church. Over the next six weeks, we will examine the five purposes of the church and of us as individuals: Worship - You Were Planned For God's Pleasure, Fellowship - You Were Formed For God's Family, Discipleship - You Were Created To Become Like Christ, Ministry - Your Were Shaped For Serving God, and Evangelism - You Were Made For A Mission.
I am leading groups for children, youth and adults in our campaign, and we have a dozen groups studying this material. It is my desire to see the congregation known as Vero Christian Church grow closer to God and closer to one another.
A simple survey of the surroundings shows that there must be an Intelligent Creator behind the universe. To think that somehow, this all came about by random accident defies logic (not to mention the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics). So, putting any assumption of a Creator aside, and taking the existence of the Creator to be fact then and only then can we start to address the question posed at the beginning of this discourse.
Since there IS a God, there must be a purpose for my life. My purpose is to bring glory and honor to Him through His One and Only Son, Jesus. Now, that purpose keeps me plenty busy! When I am "on task" I don't have time for the pity parties that seem to engulf me on a far too regular basis. When I am "on task" others around me are being blessed. When I am "on task" my life runs so much more smoothly!
Over the next 40 Days (okay, now 37) I am participating in the "40 Days Of Purpose" Campaign with Vero Christian Church. Over the next six weeks, we will examine the five purposes of the church and of us as individuals: Worship - You Were Planned For God's Pleasure, Fellowship - You Were Formed For God's Family, Discipleship - You Were Created To Become Like Christ, Ministry - Your Were Shaped For Serving God, and Evangelism - You Were Made For A Mission.
I am leading groups for children, youth and adults in our campaign, and we have a dozen groups studying this material. It is my desire to see the congregation known as Vero Christian Church grow closer to God and closer to one another.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
40 Days of Purpose
Our congregation begins the 40 Days of Purpose campaign on Sunday, Feb. 25th. We have 12 small groups ready to do the weekly Bible study. Steve Jones is preparing the messages for Sunday morning. We are advertising like never before in the local newspaper. In the past two weeks, we have had nine people call the church office and sign up for one of the small groups Bible studies. We have started the campaign yet, and it is already one of the more successful outreach events we have done in the six years I have been here.
In a survey I did with several larger and growing Christian Churches in the state of Florida about three years ago, each of those responding credited 40 Days of Purpose as a defining moment in their growth. I don't believe that this campaign will be a "magic pill" but I do believe that getting our people excited about studying God's Word together, and getting our people excited about asking their non-churched friends to join them in the study will have a profound impact on Vero Christian Church. Join me in prayer about this matter, won't you?
In a survey I did with several larger and growing Christian Churches in the state of Florida about three years ago, each of those responding credited 40 Days of Purpose as a defining moment in their growth. I don't believe that this campaign will be a "magic pill" but I do believe that getting our people excited about studying God's Word together, and getting our people excited about asking their non-churched friends to join them in the study will have a profound impact on Vero Christian Church. Join me in prayer about this matter, won't you?
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Super Comments
I am not a big Colts fan (at least not since they left Baltimore in the middle of the night and moved to Indy), but I am a huge fan of Jesus. I am therefore a fan of those who will publicly proclaim their faith. Check out these two video clips featuring Colts Coach Tony Dungy:
A post-gameinterview after the AFC championship game victory.
An Athletes In Action breakfast prior to the Super Bowl.
Thank you Tony for publicly standing up for Jesus!
A post-gameinterview after the AFC championship game victory.
An Athletes In Action breakfast prior to the Super Bowl.
Thank you Tony for publicly standing up for Jesus!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
All That I Need
In my personal daily devotions the other evening, I read Psalm 23 (among other passages from the one year Bible...check it out online.)in the New Living Translation. It reads: The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need. As I ponder that thought, it has hit me, that I spend way too much time concerned about my needs, and not nearly enough time thanking God for meeting those needs. Like many people who live in Florida these days, we are having to find a new homeowners insurance company. We got non-renewed by Lloyds of London, I guess because of our hurricane damage claims from 2004. We were paying about $1,200 a year for insurance three years ago. It went upto $3,900 for 2005 and 2006 with a wind damage deductible jumping from $5,000 to $7,500. Today, the best deal we can find has an annual premium of $4,400, and a wind deducible of $12,000! I have sweated bullets over this, but after shopping around, this was the best deal wecould find. So, if another hurricane does hit us and we sustain the kind of damage we did after Francis and Jeanne in 2004, well, I know that God will provide. I just have to have faith. I still believe that God wants us here in Vero Beach. Our work here is not even close to being done, so, I have to believe that God will provide our needs. Of course, I am praying that we have no morehurricanes hit us. But, even if we do, and even if our damage is $12,000 (or $11,999), God will provide for our needs.
I don't write this to try to come off as some spiritual giant. I have struggled to getto this point. I simply write this to publicly proclaim that God is able to do more than I ask for or even imagine, and I trust that God will provide for all my needs, just as He has done all of my life.
I don't write this to try to come off as some spiritual giant. I have struggled to getto this point. I simply write this to publicly proclaim that God is able to do more than I ask for or even imagine, and I trust that God will provide for all my needs, just as He has done all of my life.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Cats Blow Out the Vols!
Well, hopefully our Cats have come out of their two game slump. They certainly did it in style on Sunday, January 28th, defeating our arch rivals, the Tennessee Volunteers 76-57. Now, I realize that the Vols didn’t have Chris Lofton, and that we still have to go to that pagan land of Knoxville later, but let us celebrate our blow out victory today, okay? This win tops off a great weekend here at the Fabulous Blount Mansion as Elliott & Abi were in for an early birthday celebration for Dude, and Nanny & Papaw made it in for a nice visit, too. There are new pictures up on our flickr site, so check them out. Things are going fairly well with my voice, and I go to the E-N-T again on Friday to get the scoop there. Hopefully, I will be back on the radio next weekend, and back to more “normal” activities vocally before much longer. Thanks for the continued prayers, and no, I haven’t exploded because I had to be quiet during ballgames, etc. over the past month. Ha!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Go Cats!
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!
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!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Abi and Elliott Blount
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Happy Birthday, Dad
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
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?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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
Be God's,
Scott
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Senior Recital
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
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.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Number 18
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.
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.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Elliott's Testimony
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!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
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!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
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.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
What A Weekend!
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!
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!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Bluebird of Happiness
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.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
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.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Reflections on the Weekend
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...
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...
Monday, October 02, 2006
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!
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!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
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?
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?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Banner Day
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!
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!
Monday, September 11, 2006
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.
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
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
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?
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?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
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?
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?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
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!
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!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
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.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Da Animals
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.!
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.!
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