Friends and Vacation
We had a fabulous time in Gatlinburg! We split the rent on a big cabin between the three families that came and that worked out really well! We did walk around Gatlinburg a little bit, but mostly we stayed at the cabin - talking, playing games, reading, playing with the kids, eating, sleeping and generally having a wonderful, relaxing few days of rest! Daniel did pretty well considering the changes to his routine, but he does seem to be happy to be home again.
Speaking of friends, we had "Friends and Family Day" at church today and it was historic because it was the fist time we've ever had two services! I can't say for sure, but I'd guess that we set an attendance record, even though the friends we invited didn't show. I do know that we had great food at the potluck afterwards!
Labels: family, travel
To Gatlinburg We Go
Today we are driving to Gatlinburg for a few days of vacation with the Hitt's and the Neely's - good friends from Alabama and Tennessee! We should have internet access, but we might just sleep in or read a book instead of updating the web site... so it may be a few days before we post. Anyway, we'll have some good pictures when we do! Pray that Daniel does well with the changes to his schedule!
Labels: family, travel
Lynchburg Tour (and Apples)
We had a great time in Lynchburg meeting with some wonderful folks! Thanks so much to everyone who made us feel so welcome! Your prayers and financial support are vital in helping us go, stay and be effective in Ireland!
After we got back from Lynchburg, we got to go apple-picking with Jessica's folks (a family tradition) and we had a blast! Check out the pictures under the pictures/media tab!
Labels: family, our support, travel
To Lynchburg We Go
Tomorrow and the next day we will be in Lynchburg, VA meeting with folks about supporting our ministry in Ireland - please pray that we will be able to be a blessing and encouragement and that God would be lifted up in our time together!
Labels: travel
Girl's Night Out
Jessica had a bunch of girls from church over last night for a "Girl's Night Out". The girls had a great time making jewelry with beads, etc. However, most of the girls didn't actually keep anything for themselves - they made them for other people that they wanted to encourage and wrote notes to go along with their gifts! Needless to say, Jessica was very happy with the evening!
Labels: our ministry
sold!
Thankfully our old Saturn sold for a good price and we are very happy that it is out of the driveway! It's wonderful to have cars that are reliable and not be constantly worried about when they are going to break down! God is good!
Labels: miscellaneous
Mission: Ruby Tuesday
Seth has discovered that the
restaurant business is a great mission field! On the application to work at Ruby Tuesday he put down that he was employed by Daleville Baptist Church and don't you know everyone in the restaurant knew it in a matter of days!
Once while Seth was hosting a lady came in...
Seth: "welcome to Ruby Tuesday!"
Lady: "are you Seth?"
Seth: "um.. yes"
Lady: "one of the other servers told me I should talk to you - I'm looking for God"
She proceeded to tell me her story about how she had quit drugs and smoking, was reading her Bible and "The Purpose Driven Life". We've had some good conversations since then, too (she's a part-time server) and she seems to really be changing (she was recently baptised, too)! It's not always that easy, though - sometimes they don't just walk in the door asking for God. But two days ago Seth got to give another server a ride home and the whole way back they got to talk about church, religions and God. Seth got the gospel in there at least three times :)
Then yesterday Seth had a conversation with a former server (who's dad was a pastor):
Seth: "hi, how are you?"
Former Server: "I'm still living in sin, but I'm trying to be nice"
Seth: "it's not about being nice"
Former Server: "I know, all the nice in the world isn't enough to get to heaven"
Seth: "all the work's already been done!"
Former Server: "yeah, and it's a darn shame to turn it down"
We didn't have a chance to talk longer, but maybe we will. Anyway, it's exciting to see the doors God opens at Ruby Tuesday!
Labels: our ministry
Little Baby
Daniel is officially 10 lbs. 2 oz. - he visited the doctor yesterday and got 5 immunizations... a very sad process, but not as sad as the 5 diseases he won't get now. He's in the 10th percentile in wieght and height, but his head size is in the 25th percentile. We all know why.
Labels: family
Ministry Baby
It's amazing what babies do to people. There's just something about brand new tiny little helpless people that makes everything different when they are around. We've already mentioned how Daniel has helped open doors with our nieghbors. But he hasn't stopped there! Today he delighted a lady who just lost her husband of 60 years. Earlier this week a woman with brain cancer was thrilled to see him. And the list goes on! Every week at church he has a dozen grandmas ready to hold him at a moments notice. He may not have a clue, but Daniel has been spreading blessings wherever he goes!
Labels: family, our ministry
"No Reservations"
Thanks to Grandma day care, Jessie and I got to have a date Friday night and actually go out to dinner and a movie (I was under the impression new parents were not allowed to do such things, but I'm glad I was wrong!) Anyhow, we saw a chick-flick about girl and guy chefs who fight and make up and end up together. I say "together" even though I wish I could say "married", but I can't, so we'll just say they got "together". It was cute, clean, and we had fun. It wasn't real realistic about how relationships with no commitment actually work, but okay. oh, and at one point the girl chef had a conversation with her psychiatrist and said: "I wish there was a cookbook for life" to which he replied, "you know better than anyone: it's the recipes you make up yourself that are the best". I wanted to scream "NO! I'VE GOT YOUR 'COOKBOOK' RIGHT HERE!" but I didn't, and anyhow, we had a great night.
Labels: miscellaneous
