Today, salvation has come to this house

It's been a long time since I've posted and while there have been numerous things that I would like t talk about, the one that stand out the most is that on July 3 at 9:25pm , our youngest daughter prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior!!!!!!!! Thank you Lord for Your love and mercy!!!!!!!!

What an incredible feeling it is to have her come to her mom and I and ask us about what being a Christian means and how she goes about doing it.

I know that the angels in Heaven are rejoicing over her decision as are mom, dad, friends and church family!

Yesterday, we started going through a workbook for younger children that helps explain what a Christian believes, why it's important to read the Bible, etc.

Thank you again Lord for your love and mercy.

Because Truth matters,
George

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

He is risen!

What an awesome day! We started the day with checking the oven for our resurrection cookies (hollow merengue and almonds). They kids thought they were cool, but our 5 year-old was a little underwhelmed that they did not turn into chocolate chip cookies overnight... lol

Service was great today as our pastor preached our of 1st Thessalonians and the resurrection of our bodies and the rapture of the church.

The kids then had an Easter egg hunt.

Anyway, as I sit here and think about the day, I am reflecting on the real love and sacrifice that our Saviour has shown to us as well as the future resurrection that waits for believers when the Lord returns.

At the end of the day, I am happy that our children know and can explain the real meaning of the today which is not an easy thing to do when trying to keep your 5 year-old's mind off of the chocolate bunny in the next room... lol

Thank you, Lord for your love, sacrifice and for chosing and saving us!

Because Truth matters,
George

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday and as I sit and reflect on the meaning of this day, I am humbled by the love and sacrifice that our Lord has made.

During the lessons this week, I've challenged the youth and Royal Ambassadors to look beyond the busyiness of the week... to look beyond the time away from school... to look past the candy and to stay focused on Jesus on this week of all weeks.

As 9:00 this morning rolled around, I thought about that point in time some 1976 years ago when Jesus was brutally beated, humilated and crucified on a cross.

It's unfathomable to think about the shame, scorn and separation that He went through in my place, so that I could have eternal life. To think that Jesus was thinking about me while he suffered and died is almost too much to comprehend.

The song, Wonderful Cross, taken from an old hymn comes to mind.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from his head, his hands, his
feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and blessYour name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Wow... Lord Jesus, help me to honor you especially during this week; the week that we celebrate your glorious resurrection and outpouring of your love.

Because Truth Matters,
George

Reflecting Christ for Your Children

How are you living your life and faith in front of your children? Do you reflect a life of faith and trust in Jesus? Does your life reflect what you say?

The following is a short cool video about how kids observe what their dads do and what they learn and although it's a father and son in the video, the same applies for both mom and dad, boys and girls.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

If my father were alive today, he would've been 73 years old. Wow, that seems old, then again, when I was growing up, I thought that 30 was old and that 40 was ancient... lol

Now that I am 40, I still think that it's ancient, but I reflect on the years as a chance to look back and remember where I was then and when I am now. I have learned a lot of things in what/how a parent should and shouldn't be through my parents. These things help to shape my life for the better.

Growing daily with Jesus and making life purposeful changes things.

I purpose time to play dolls with Jules
I purpose time to play catch with the boys
I purpose time to be silly with Megan
I purpose time to love me wife and make sure that my children see how much she means to me.
I purpose time with God to pass on spiritual truths to the children,

Diana once said that "God made you an original, don't die a copy." Regarding our relationship to others, this is true. The only one that I want to reflect as a copy is Jesus and I am far from that.

So today, I look back and reflect and look forward with anticipation of the wonders that God has in store for me and our family.

Sonic Car Show

This past Saturday night, I took the kids down to the car show at the Smyrna Sonic. It was pretty neat to see all of the cool cars that showed up, although I do have to say that the '57 Chevy was pretty much my favorite.

I think that the kids and I went crazy with the camera, but what a cool night out with the family!

Happy Birthday Jules!

Today is Juliana's 5th Birthday!

It seems like yesterday I was in the delivery room with Diana, watching Jules being born. What a special blessing and miracle she was and continues to be.

As I look back on the past 5 years, I can't imagine what our family was like before her. She adds so much to all of our lives.

Diana has some incredible pictures from the past 5 years on her blog. You can see them here!

I think back to a poem that I wrote for Jules when she was born and it still rings true today...

"My heart it surely skipped a beat,
the day I saw her dainty feet.
I cannot get her out of my mind,
So cute and sweet, she's one of a kind.

My second daughter, born today,
Through this all I have to say.
My joy that she is ours to love,
An angel sent from Heaven above.

I saw my child begin her new life,
Brought into this world by my sweet wife.
Oh what a joy, this truly was for me,
To see my daughter who was born to be."

~Daddy

Today, her feet aren't so dainty, but the joy that she brings gives me just a glimpse of the love that God has for us for she is such a blessing.

Happy 5th Birthday, Sweetie!

Love,
Daddy

Happy Mother's Day

Throughout my ALMOST 40 years, I have known some great ladies. I appreciate the sacrifice that women make in putting their children first and in nuturing and guiding their them into being loving and responsible members of society.

In thinking about my childhood, I know that I put my mother through all sorts of agony and grief and yet I was still placed first in her life. I think that my wife was easier on her mom, who was another incredible lady that I had the priviledge to know and love.

I know that Diana does through a lot in being a mom to our 4 children. She pours time, love and affection into them. Sometimes, there is a return and sometimes, there isn't, but it seems to be part of the deal. I thank God for her and the impact that she makes in our children's lives.

To my wonderful wife and all moms, Happy Mother's Day!

What a week... and then some.

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I thought that it would be fitting to talk about last week.

Last week was really tough. We had a TON of things happen in our lives that affected us in many levels.

On Monday, my cat, Sebastian passed away. He had gotten into a fight with a snake in the area and had massive infections all over his body. They finally proved too much for him and we had to let him go.

On Tuesday, my car's radiator developed a crack and spilt along the top, stranding me on I-65. Thanks to Diana (and Jules) I got running and we got the car fixed.

On Thursday, our Chihuahua, Willow passed away from old age. She is missed greatly by everyone, but I think especially G3, whose dog she was.

Sunday night and part of Monday, (OK, I know it's not part of the same week, but I DID say "and then some") Jules and G3 were sick with a stomach flu. I was up all night taking care of them and starting to feel queasy.

Tuesday, I was down for the count. I never felt that bad in my life from a stomach bug, althoug I think that I always say that when I catch something. Diana was also not feeling too well.

When it rains, it pours, as they say...

Braggin' on the Kids

It seems like our kids give us enough fodder for the blogosphere with all of their (mis)adventures, so I wanted to post some good things that our kids do that make me want to brag on them.

Our two middle kids are in a musical play in school in which they sing to songs from Suessical, the Musical and Schoolhouse Rock. Last night was their performance and they were great. I am very proud of the time and effort that they've put in to Drama Club to be a part of this production. For those of you wondering, yes, that's THE llama :)

Great Job kids!

It All Happened In The Country

Diana recently wrote about a Christmas play that our family had the priviledge of being a part of this past Sunday called It All Happened In The Country. She has some great pictures and even a video up on her blog from the night. Meg, Matt and Jules, along with Diana and I were in the play, while G3 ran the spotlight from the balcony. I don't know what I could add to it, so I will just say that I feel so blessed to be a part of an awesome, caring church. I absolutely love children's plays, the forgotten lines, cute costumes, etc. The innocence of the children singing and talking about God is an incredible sight to witness.

I like to think that our Heavenly Father looks down on these little ones singing and telling the Gospel story and smiles. It's been said, and I believe, that Christmas and Easter are two of the times that people who never or seldom come to church - do come to church. What an awesome way to share the story of God's love through Jesus' birth to all of these people.

Because Truth matters,
George

The Grace of God and Cat and Dog Theology

I recently read an interesting article on the grace of God and how to approach that wonderful subject. The article took the approach that it was going to examine God's nature as evidenced through His bountiful grace. What an amazing approach. (no pun intended)

Did you see it? The goal was learning about God through His grace and not learning about grace through God. It's in the way that the subject is approached.

I am also currently reading a book called "Cat and Dog Theology" which helps us think about the way that we view God. to quote from the book,

A dog says, 'You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, you must be God.' A cat says, 'You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God.' This book challenges the readers' understanding of their relationship with God. Our understanding of how we relate to God may not be wrong, but it may be incomplete. The God-given traits of cats ('you exist to serve me') and dogs('I exist to serve you') can be similar to certain theological attitudes held by many Christians. In our personal theologies, some attitudes may draw us closer to God, and others can also pull us away from Him.

It's all in the way that we see our relationship with out Father. During the next few days, I hope to continue to look at this in more detail.

Because Truth matters,
George

The Story Continues...

In reflecting back upon this day, 16 years ago, I remember a nervous beautiful girl who was willing to leave all that she had known to start a new life with me. We were (and still are) deeply in love.

I remember feeling nervous and scared. What if I wasn't a good husband? What if I snored? What if she snored? Silly questions were put to rest by the refining of our marriage over time. Little worries are just that - little worries. Big worries become little when our faith is placed in God.

The Word of God teaches us that the marriage Union and relationship was inspired by God, instituted by God, is preserved by God.

So God created man in his own image . . . ; [one] male and [one] female created he them" - Genesis 1:27

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" - Genesis 2:24

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" - Mark 10:9

"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” - 1 Peter 3:4

Speaking of that last part, I am reminded of our vows to each other and of our ceremony...

"The circle, the emblem of eternity; and gold, the emblem of that which is least tarnished and most enduring. It is to show how lasting and imperishable is the faith and love now mutually pledged."

As the union now formed is to be ended only by death, it becomes you to consider the duties you now solemnly assume. If these be remembered and faithfully discharged they will add to the happiness of this life, lightening by dividing its inevitable sorrows, and heightening by doubling all its blessedness. But if these obligations be neglected and violated, you cannot escape the keenest misery as well as the darkest guilt.

It is the duty of the husband to provide for the support of his wife, to shelter her from danger, and to cherish for her a manly and unchanging affection, it being the command of God's Word that husbands love their wives even as Christ loved the church and gave his own life for her.

It is the duty of the wife to reverence and obey her husband, and to put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in God's sight, an ornament of great price, His Word commanding that wives be subject unto their own husbands, even as the church is subject unto Christ."

It's a day that I will always treasure and look back to to see where we began; but I also look forward to see where God is leading us.

I pray that Diana still sees the man that she loved and although life hasn't always been the way that we've planned, still sees the man that she still loves.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 16th Anniversary, Diana!

I could not ask for a better wife or friend than I have in you. I am so blessed that God has graciously given you to me to share my life.

Here's to a smashing anniversary (just not the smashing like last years :) )

Love Always,
George

All In A Day's Work...

In looking back on this week, it's been one filled with a lot of different, yet interconnected events.

I've occasionally thought about the 6 degrees of separation and how everything is kind of inter-related if you go "down the chain" a few links.

This week has saw my oldest daughter go through a tremendous ordeal with having two of her molars removed. I thought about her a lot while I was at work and she was at the dentist with her mom. She went through the whole procedure; the discomfort and pain with minimal medication. I thought about the last time that I went to the dentist for something major. It was when I had to have three teeth pulled (thankfully, not in the front :) ) and they put me to sleep for the whole procedure. I remember being sore and cranky (as men are known to be when we hurt), but couldn't help think about Megan and how she was handling it. I know that I saiud it before, but she is a strong girl; not the kind of strong that can beat me in arm-wrestling, but the kind that has a great inner strength. She endures. She "toughs things out" and always puts the needs of others above her own, even when she needs something badly. She is a lot like her mom and I am proud of the woman that she is becoming .

I had the priviledge of finding out that Meg (and Diana's) dentist is a Christian and was VERY compassionate towards her. The office even called later that night to check on her. I think it bolstered Diana's faith. I know that it did mine.

This week, I saw a glimpse of Diana's schedule. She runs errands with the kids, cleans the house and took George to football. That was all in one day. Today, she cleaned the house, did school shopping with all of the kids, cut the grass, washed BOTH vehicles and still had the time to follow up with friends and family to see how they were doing. Diana is a very busy lady, yet always finds time to include God in her schedule. I admire her for that. I'm sure she doesn't really want me saying, but there are times when I look over and see her studying the Bible, listening to an online sermon and taking pages of notes. She has a thirst for God's Word that I admire and envy (almost to the point of coveting, but that would be wrong :) ). She bolsters my faith.

These are but two examples of things that happen regularly that I have a chance to see God working in my family that really have an impact on me. The list could go on and one... hearing Matthew pray for Grandma who has cancer and is not a Christian.... hearing Juliana tell me what she learned in our story time; that "Jesus did this", or "they needed to listen to Jesus", or "Jesus healed him"... hearing George pray for his mom when she's not feeling well. It all bolsters my faith.

These are all daily occurrences that happen that I feel privileged that God allows me to be a part of. He is truly great and wonderful!

I'll A Servant Be, Part II

While I was writing my previous post, I was reminded of a song that I heard a few years ago for the first time. It goes like this...

Oh, servant King
You rule and reign from heaven's throne
And yet you came
To serve a broken world

I want to know
This kind of love this kind of grace
Lord, guide my steps
And I'll a servant be

To live within your kingdom
Knowing that the great are these
I'm walking as a humble pilgrim
I'll a servant be

I'll take my cross
And walk the path your feet have trod
To know your ways
I'll a servant be

To live within your kingdom
Knowing that the great are these
I'm walking as a humble pilgrim
I'll a servant be

And though you bless beyond all
measure
And satisfy my weary soul
I simply want to be like Jesus
To be a servant in this world

To live within your kingdom
Knowing that the great are these
I'm walking as a humble pilgrim
I'll a servant be

It is my heart's desire to serve the Most High God with my ENTIRE life and to be able to have the privilege to be called His servant. Today, our church had a rummage sale. We went and picked up some great deals, all the while helping the church reduce their building debt.

After the sale was over, my youngest son, Matt and I came back to help load up the leftovers and take them to either Goodwill of the town dump. We were blessed enough to have a few of the "leftovers" given to us, such as a dresser for the girls room, etc., but we had a great time helping load the trucks and move tables and furniture back to the rooms where they go, all the while learning about Christian service.

In looking at what the Youth were doing yesterday and what Matthew and I did today, I hope that these actions drive home the importance of service to my children.

I'll A Servant Be

Today is the second day that our oldest son is away. George went with our church youth group to Kentucky. It a momentous occasion for us for several reasons. My sweetheart also talks about this on her blog :)

First, it's the first time that he's been away from us in a different state for a length of time. It's a time where we as parents have to let go a bit more and let him spread his teenaged wings a bit.

Secondly, it's his first mission trip. I prayed that God would use him to do His will while he was gone.

The youth group went to work clearing and hauling brush for some elderly people on Friday. Today, they are visiting Kentucky Kingdom.

Before George left, we talked about him being an ambassador for Jesus on this trip. He was genuinely excited to go and help (and have fun). I was genuinely excited, yet worried. He IS a teenager after all. Hey, I was a teenage boy at one point in my life. I KNOW the type of trouble that one can get into. My thoughts of him sitting around the campfire singing Kum-Ba-Yah with the others, were tempered with thoughts of him running around at 2AM toilet-papering the campground with the other boys.

Anyway, I pray that the kids were a shining example of the love of Christ in the area where they went. Actually, Diana had a chance to speak with him yesterday and he said that they lady that they helped told them that they were a blessing to her. That makes a Dad proud, to know that one of his children has made an impact in someone else's life for God's glory.

I look forward to hearing all about the trip when he returns home.

Happy 4th Birthday, Sweetheart!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Juliana's 4th birthday and we are celebrating it in Florida with her grandparents and cousins. It was the first birthday that they've attended of hers.

The picture to the left is Jules doing the "cha-cha" in her patriotic (She's the only July birthday aside from Diana) dress.

She is singing...
I can cha-cha"
"You can cha-cha"
"Everybody cha-cha, to the cha-cha beat"

It's a song that she heard at Meg and Matt's school performance that she likes to sing.

Anyway, today was a great day of love and family time.
I love you, Juliana! Happy 4th Birthday!

Happy Father's Day!

This morning, I awoke to the sound of my wonderful children saying "Happy Father's Day!"

I opened my eyes and there they stood with bright smiling faces. They presented my with a plate saying "We made you breakfast in bed!" Yes, they did. I had the best ham, egg and cheese on toast sandwich ever.

As I sat up and ate, I thanked God for my incredible and thoughtful children and for my wonderful family.

I am thankful that we are (or try to be) a non-materialistic bunch. The kids understand that Dad doesn't need a big, expensive present (not that there is anything wrong with getting presents), but I am happier in getting a homemade card or gift.

Today's sermon in church challenged us to be good Christian fathers. We learned that the cross defines who we are and that we are to stand firm in our faith so as to be a model for our children to follow.

As we wind down and I look back on the days events from breakfast in bed and the homemade presents that the girls made me (Juliana made me Father's Day trail mix and a 'coupon' book in Church today. Megan made me two Father's Day cards with coupons for back massages) to playing Monopoly and baseball with the kids, I can truely see where God has blessed me.

Rounding out the day, I saw the gentle loving side of my wife as she kept coming up to me, checking on me. I watched as she blogged about her dad and the way that her face shown as she wrote about him. I pray that my kids look back on time spent with me like that when they are older.

The Lord has really blessed me with a wonderful family, which shows me how much of a loving Father He is to me.

Thank you God and Happy Father's Day!

A Spirit of Love and a Heart for Service

This past weekend, Diana and I have had the pleasure of being invited to help pray for a family that has been called to the mission field. What an incredible few hours it was, fellowshipping with and praying for this wonderful family. This family has been called to a foreign mission field is is currently going through a lot of adjustments, from the sale of their house to preparing for their new lifestyle. It really was an incredible time together.

We all talked for a bit, then formed a circle praying for the family, their call, the family that was meant to buy their house and the people that they will minister to.

Seeing their devotion and obedience to the Lord was such a great inspiration. They were so thankful for the people who showed up to show love and support. I am thankful that God let us be a part of this family's life and let us see the wonderful things that He is doing through His mercy and grace.