Just A Few Pictures

I thought that I would take just a few moments at the end of this long day to share a few pictures. The wedding was beautiful. Anita actually watched it from England, so it may be in the archives on the church's web site. I will write more about it when I am get a little rested up. As you can see from the title my imagination is not working right now. Please enjoy!

A New Alligator Hunter

For over a year now the world has mourned the loss of the "Alligator Hunter". Many have given up hope of a new hero for the future. Alas friends I bring good news. Up through the mist of no-seeums a new hero is rising. As you can see he knows no fear. Eight teeth have been cut on gator hide and we are hoping for a few more to come through in the future.


Well, Starbucks won 9 to 4. The vote wasn't really fair since Harold voted for Dunkin Donuts three, maybe four times. As you can see he doesn't have a preference. The only conclusion I can come to is that my readers are somewhat more sophisticated than I. I guess that I should be flattered, thanks for condescending to read what I have to say.
Life is quite busy these days, as I'm sure all of you know. I worked Wed, Thurs, and Sat. nights last week. I looked in the mirror this morning and thought "that cream was supposed to have been proven to reduce the signs of aging". Oh well, nothing a few good nights of sleep won't cure. Ethan is doing well in 1st grade this year. Harold is very devoted to being the one to help him with his homework every night, and Ethan is thriving on all the special one on one time. Collin is loving school, he is developing quite a little social life. His teacher told me the other day "You were so worried about him, and he is doing fine". We are so thankful that we realized his hearing problems and were able to get help for him before school age. Landon is staying home helping me. He loves to wash dishes and dust, so I am utilizing that as much as possible. He told my Mom the other day "Maw maw, I think my wisdom teeth are loose". Dylan is growing like a weed. When most babies start pulling up and trying to walk the mothers are so proud. I keep saying "no, don't do that, you're too little". I know that I can't keep him a baby forever, but it doesn't stop me from trying. We are going into another busy week with a wedding at the end. I will try to post some pictures as soon as I can. Well I must go, my bed awaits.

I've been tagged. Thanks Misty. I posted my seven things on the sidebar. I will follow the example of Kimberly and Sonja, and not tag anyone myself. This is mostly due to the fact that most everyone has already been tagged and I feel like it would be rude of me to take the few that are left.

"Going To The Chapel"

On Sept. 29 our family will add a new member. Most of you will remember my niece Danielle. She was the flower girl in our wedding eleven years ago. It is hard to believe that she is now old enough to walk down the aisle herself. Her fiance's name is Sean Adams. They met last year through a mutual friend, and quickly realized that it was to be more than a friendship. Sean is a new Christian and it is so refreshing to see his hunger to know more about God. They are some of my boys favorite people. There is no end to the excitement in our house when Sean and Danielle come over.
As I said before the big day is Sept. 29. The preparations are well underway. Harold was very flattered to have been asked to be a groomsman. Ethan is the Bible Bearer and Collin is the Miniature Groom. We are all trying to help where we are needed, but keep Carla in your prayers as the brunt of the stress falls on her.

Last Thurs. night MaryEllen, Lenita, Jan, and I had the privelige of hosting the Bridal Shower. We were very sorry that Jan wasn't able to be there. I think it turned out very nice, and Danielle was overwhelmed with all the gifts.

Here all the ladies on Harold's side of the family, except for Kelly .

Danielle with a group of her closest friends.

Please keep them in your prayers as they make this lifelong commitment.

Discipleship Training for Disciples

For the last few days I've been thinking about how difficult discipleship can be for those of us who are not pastors or counselors. I realize that people need to know that we genuinely love them, but in today's world where sin is so rampant and accessible it is difficult sometimes to relate to people who have been more exposed than us. We are all called to share the gospel, but sometimes it's easy to just refer someone on to the next spiritual authority figure available. If we are instrumental in leading someone to Christ, than we are the primary person that they look to to "be Jesus to them". That can mean calling on us when they face some temptation that is completely foreign to us, and possibly something that we would rather not be exposed to. It wouldn't be very Christlike to push them off on someone else when they are depending on you. We always talk about needing "good discipleship" for new converts, but it seems to be an area where we continue to fall short. Has anyone ever been to a class on how to disciple or know of any curriculum on the subject.

A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

This may the most sentimental thing that I have ever posted, for I must tell you about a subject that is close to my heart. Today marks the tenth anniversary of the day that Harold and I laid down our accordion and guitar for good. Many of you may not have realized that we were ever in the music ministry, alas friends that was to your misfortune. Actually we formed our group around the same time that "Vision" was formed. I could never figure out why they became so much more popular than us. I guess people were more impressed with their close knit harmony than with our rather disjointed sound. We did have a few good hits though, like the one we were singing in the picture above "God Ain't Never Had A Grandchild". It always seemed to speak to the two or three who gathered in to hear us sing. Some days I just have to break into a round of my Dad's favorite song, "Can He, Could He, WOODY".
It was through some very wise counsel that we came to the realization that maybe this was not to be our life's calling. So Harold went on to Moody Aviation and I went to nursing school. I will say that we are very fulfilled with the life we now lead, but there are days when the desire to just belt one out is almost more than I can contain. Please sing a little song today in remembrance of "VernaDean", the group that almost made it.

PS Thanks to Rochenda ,a devoted fan, for preserving the picture for us.