Snapshot Arguments

When we don't like someone or something, we pick at them.  We use hyperbole and any other fancy argumentation to make sure they know how much we do not like them.  "You always do that."  "I never do that." Humility is not even on the radar when we find ourselves here....

I am struck as I see another one of those bumper stickers that was taking a cheap shot at religion.  (I hate political and religious bumper stickers of any kind by the way - we can't share the gospel with those closest to us, yet we have a soapbox bumper sticker for perfect strangers to read and not respond....lame!) I know the bumper sticker that says "Abortion stops a beating heart."  Well, the sticker I saw today read, "Religion stops a thinking mind."  Rather than react in anger (which was certainly the desired result of the driver), I thought about it for a second.  And to be perfectly honest with you, I think I can see why someone would think that.  They have had a snapshot of "religion" where they have witnessed someone doing something they think is irrational, and have concluded that only those without any sort of ability to reason or "think" as they put it, would follow any sort of religion.  I disagree with them, since only the dead lack thinking minds.  But here's my point...

We do the same thing as Christians.  We take a snapshot of our "enemies" at their worst and make that the poster image for why we are glad we are not like them.  Why does this sadden me???

Because when we were at our worst, Christ wasn't taking pictures.

Instead, He pursued us with His love, even when we put him on the cross.  We need to think past the sinful images we have of our neighbors and co-workers and view them as Jesus does....a soul desperately in need of His truth - THE truth of His unending love.  When we are tempted to remember someone at their worst - our neighbors, co-workers, friends, family - spouses...we need to be reminded that we are no different, and therefore no better.  We need to listen to the profound truth of the gospel yet again - humility, grace, forgiveness.  Then and only then, can we love like Christ.....and that is the smartest bit of reason and most rational thing I can think of.

Abigail is 5!!! Wow!

There are two celebrations that our kids are going to think last for days and days....Christmas and Birthdays.  Even though the day of Christmas is Dec. 25th, we managed to celebrate it many times over the course of two weeks.  The same has been true for birthdays.  Even though Abigail's birthday was on Feb. 8th, we celebrated it over and over again.  We celebrated it as a family, then with friends, and then with even more family.  We had a great time.  There is on thing for sure, our kids know how much we love them and how special each one of them is.

I just can't belive my little girl is 5 years old.  As you might be able to see from the pictures, she already is missing a tooth.  Another one is already growing back, too.  She will start school this year.  Boy....time is just flying by for Abigail.  She is so advanced, it's crazy.  She's already spelling and writing.  She can write the name of everyone in our family all by herself.  And the letters are very good!  No scribble scrabble.

I'm one proud Daddy...but sad one too.  I miss her little pink dresses, but I guess I love the big ones, too.  Guess I can't slow her down...just hope my memory can keep up!

Happy Birthday, my Abigail!

Happy Birthday, Micah!

I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  Micah is two years old today!  And boy is he every bit of two.  He has given Mommy and Daddy quite a fit here lately.  But we love him still.  Every one of our children is so unique.  Micah is certainly no exception.  He is definitely the scrappiest one of the bunch, ready to man-handle anything that comes his way.  I'm already praying for both his future teachers and his spouse.

Well, Happy Birthday my Micah!  You are special indeed!  God has some incredible things in store for you!  That is...if you live to see three!  At this rate, you might just make it, but may not have all your teeth.  You've already chipped one - twice!  You certainly are one of a kind!  

God's Handiwork!

This photo absolutely takes my breath away every time I look at it. God has made my life so beautiful!
WOW.

New WebCam Experiment

We wanted to test out our new WebCam. Here's a few of the results.
Click here! These sent us rolling!

Enjoy!

Ashley Had a Birthday!

Because of all of the baby and Christmas festivities, I was unable to announce to the world that my bride had her 30th birthday the other day!  December the 19th to be exact!

We decided to attempt to make it to church for the first time since Caleb was born.  After church we took Mommy out for lunch to Applebee's.  The restaurant was at Brier Creek were they were doing horse-drawn carriage rides.  It was a little chilly, but we had a great time!  It was amazing how different it is to attempt "going out" with the whole family now.  Life will never be the same that is for sure.

Thirty years ago, God did an absolutely amazing thing when he brought my Ashley Dawn into the world.  I am so grateful to him for giving me the incredible opportunity to share life with her.  She is the love of my life, and I adore her so much.  I only wish we could have done something really big for her birthday to show her how special she is.  I guess you could say we gave her a new baby for her birthday.  That's a pretty big deal.  She got round-the-clock room service and two nights away from home.  But we decided to take her to Kirkland's while we were at Brier Creek.  I think she had a really good birthday.

Merry Christmas!

This is the first Christmas where we spent Christmas Eve/Morning with just us.  We sure missed everyone, though!  Georgia came our way this past week and West Virginia is coming this week.  In the meantime we are enjoying the family time.  Ashley is baking cookies while the kids play with their new train table.  I'm under my new quilt my mom made for me for my birthday/Christmas/new baby gift.  Life is good.

We were at our church last night for a Christmas program.  Abigail was in the first group that sang.

After the program we came home and got in our PJs.  Then we talked about the story of Jesus' birth.  The kids really got into it.  They wanted to reenact the story so we dressed them up. 

One Thing I Never Get Tired Of

As a Dad there are a lot of things that make me tired.  But there is one thing that I certainly will never get tired of, and that is being a Dad!

Nanny and Grandpa

Nanny and Grandpa came to help us for the weekend.  The kids loved all their adventures with Grandpa!  

Grandpa introduced the kids to a taste of mountain culture by reading Possum Come Aknockin'.  

Wrestle mania!  I told Grandpa that the kids were meaner than they looked! 

This was a rare moment!  Micah actually sat still long enough for Grandpa to read him a bedtime story.

Yes, that is pink hair on Abigail's head.  She's going for a new look.

We introduced Grandpa to Wake Forest's little taste of heaven on earth - Krispie Kreme!  Check out the hats!  Thank you guys so much for helping us this weekend!  We had a great time!

Welcome Home Mommy and Baby Caleb!

Ashley and Caleb came home yesterday afternoon!  It was a cold and rainy day, but it was so warm and inviting in our house.  Mrs. Debbie was with the kids all day and had some great adventures.  Ashley's Mom and Dad were able to be here for the homecoming and stayed until this afternoon.  They were all such big helpers.  Thank you everyone for all that you have done for us!

Uncle Noah and Aunt Stephanie got to spend some time with us last night, too.  They weren't sure if they should come because they wanted us to spend time with family.  To which I immediately responded, "But you ARE family!"  Love you guys!