Monday, April 26, 2010

What a Weekend!

Wow!! What a weekend. I don't know if NWA could pack anymore into a weekend like this past one. First of all, the Annual Dogwood Festival was held here in Siloam Springs. I have lived here for 9 years and have only attended this event a couple of times. It's a great family event, but it seems like it rains every year (this one no exception) and we usually have other things taking place. Race For the Cure was also taking place this past Saturday. For all the Razorback fans, the annual "Razor Fest" was taking place all day Saturday with the annual Red & White Game Saturday evening. But....the greatest event for us was our Annual Missions Convention. It began last weekend with Missionary Mike Louton speaking to us in our pm service. This past Saturday was our annual missions banquet "Taste Your Way Around the World". That is exactly what we did. There were different "booths" that represented different regions from around the world. Each booth was decorated and had the foods from different countries for people to taste. It was a blast. Sunday morning, the First AG choir did an outstanding job in presenting the missions production "Every Way". It was awesome!
I love missions. I believe it is the heart beat of God. It is so important for us to put God first and also to put the things of God first. Missions will always be a part of our lives. In fact, Krystal and I met on a missions trip in Mexico City. Her dad said that most people bring back a souvenir but Krystal brought back a husband.

Going on a missions trip will change you. In fact, this year our church will be involved in three different missions projects. The first missions trip will be June 11-18. This team will be going to Pinon, AZ to build a church on the Navajo Reservation. It will be an exciting time for those who go. The second trip will be to El Salvador. This team will be involved in doing compassion ministry in the different villages and towns they are going to. Our third trip will be heading to Brazil. A couple of years ago, our church built two churches on the Amazon River. I will be preaching in those churches and the team will be doing ministry in the services as well. While we are down there, we will also be installing "water filtration" systems in some villages to help combat the diseases that come from bad water.

I am so proud of our church and congregation. "Send us to the nations!" If you read this blog and would like to be a part of one of these trips, please contact our church office at 479-524-9541 or you can respond to this blog.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Family Fun in Branson

Great Family Fun!
This past weekend our family headed to Branson. We had bought season passes to Silver Dollar City. Branson is only a couple of hours away and a great overnight get-away for a family and season passes are a great deal if you go more than two times. We were all ready for a quick get away but forgot one little thing.
All last week the weather was pretty warm ~ in the upper 70's and even low 80's. Neither one of us (Krsytal or me) checked the forecast for Branson. Because of this, we also didn't pack the right clothes. We had shorts & t-shirts in the bag for a warm day at SDC. Well, the temperature began dropping Friday night and the rain began to come down. Luckily the rain stopped, but the high for SDC was 62 degrees. It was just a little chilly for wet rides and roller coasters.
SDC was celebrating "World Fest". This is the season when they bring in different cultures from around the world to put on shows and demonstrate music, dancing, etc. We found ourselves at most of the shows and enjoyed the WARM, dry shows as we learned and watched people from Argentina, Mexico, China, Russia and many more countries. It was a great time.
We did get to ride some rides (elephants, tea cups, caterpillars ~ can you tell we rode with Mitchell).
We really do enjoy our family time. It's important to take time away from the busyness of life, jobs and agendas and focus on the blessings of the family we have been given. I am so thankful for Krystal, Ashlyn & Mitchell. My life wouldn't be complete without the laughs, fun and good times we have.
Just one word of advice ~ if you are going on a quick get away, be sure to check the weather!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

It's Wed

This month is going by very fast. It may be because of all the events at church and also in the family. We are gearing up for our Missions Emphasis time at church for the next two Sundays. Missionary Mike Louton will be with us this Sun pm. Then our Annual Missions Banquet is taking place on Sat, April 24th. It will be a blast with different booths representing the different regions around the world that we support with missions. Then on Sun morning, April 25th, the First AG Choir will present the "EVERYWAY" missions musical. Looking forward to it.

On the "home-side" of things, Ashlyn is in full swing (no pun intended) of softball. Her first tournament was postponed, but practice continues. She just registered to attend her first Jenny Finch Softball camp. It will be in Ardmore, OK in a few weeks. Jenny Finch is one of her softball heroes. There will be professional coaches, players and Olympic players as well. Sounds exciting.
As for Mitchell, he doesn't need a professional or players as long as he has his signs ~ street signs that is. He is "obsessed" with street signs. It is hilarious! He's living the life of a 5 year old and loving it.
The kids always bring joy to our lives. We are so blessed to have family ~ both church and biological.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Beautiful Day!

Wow, what a beautiful day! It's a little cool, but Spring is definitely here. I am looking forward to the weekend! Ashlyn had softball tournament scheduled for this weekend, but it has been postponed. But never fear, things have already filled up our Sat. Mitchell has a birthday party for a friend. I have yard work to do. Ashlyn is wanting to go to a soccer game. Krystal is always on a project and then we are going to a wedding tomorrow night. I never worry about not having much to do.
I am reading the One Year Bible and have really enjoyed it. This morning I read a great scripture in Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Take time on this beautiful day and share an encouraging word with someone to cheer them up.

Monday, April 26, 2010

What a Weekend!

Wow!! What a weekend. I don't know if NWA could pack anymore into a weekend like this past one. First of all, the Annual Dogwood Festival was held here in Siloam Springs. I have lived here for 9 years and have only attended this event a couple of times. It's a great family event, but it seems like it rains every year (this one no exception) and we usually have other things taking place. Race For the Cure was also taking place this past Saturday. For all the Razorback fans, the annual "Razor Fest" was taking place all day Saturday with the annual Red & White Game Saturday evening. But....the greatest event for us was our Annual Missions Convention. It began last weekend with Missionary Mike Louton speaking to us in our pm service. This past Saturday was our annual missions banquet "Taste Your Way Around the World". That is exactly what we did. There were different "booths" that represented different regions from around the world. Each booth was decorated and had the foods from different countries for people to taste. It was a blast. Sunday morning, the First AG choir did an outstanding job in presenting the missions production "Every Way". It was awesome!
I love missions. I believe it is the heart beat of God. It is so important for us to put God first and also to put the things of God first. Missions will always be a part of our lives. In fact, Krystal and I met on a missions trip in Mexico City. Her dad said that most people bring back a souvenir but Krystal brought back a husband.

Going on a missions trip will change you. In fact, this year our church will be involved in three different missions projects. The first missions trip will be June 11-18. This team will be going to Pinon, AZ to build a church on the Navajo Reservation. It will be an exciting time for those who go. The second trip will be to El Salvador. This team will be involved in doing compassion ministry in the different villages and towns they are going to. Our third trip will be heading to Brazil. A couple of years ago, our church built two churches on the Amazon River. I will be preaching in those churches and the team will be doing ministry in the services as well. While we are down there, we will also be installing "water filtration" systems in some villages to help combat the diseases that come from bad water.

I am so proud of our church and congregation. "Send us to the nations!" If you read this blog and would like to be a part of one of these trips, please contact our church office at 479-524-9541 or you can respond to this blog.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Family Fun in Branson

Great Family Fun!
This past weekend our family headed to Branson. We had bought season passes to Silver Dollar City. Branson is only a couple of hours away and a great overnight get-away for a family and season passes are a great deal if you go more than two times. We were all ready for a quick get away but forgot one little thing.
All last week the weather was pretty warm ~ in the upper 70's and even low 80's. Neither one of us (Krsytal or me) checked the forecast for Branson. Because of this, we also didn't pack the right clothes. We had shorts & t-shirts in the bag for a warm day at SDC. Well, the temperature began dropping Friday night and the rain began to come down. Luckily the rain stopped, but the high for SDC was 62 degrees. It was just a little chilly for wet rides and roller coasters.
SDC was celebrating "World Fest". This is the season when they bring in different cultures from around the world to put on shows and demonstrate music, dancing, etc. We found ourselves at most of the shows and enjoyed the WARM, dry shows as we learned and watched people from Argentina, Mexico, China, Russia and many more countries. It was a great time.
We did get to ride some rides (elephants, tea cups, caterpillars ~ can you tell we rode with Mitchell).
We really do enjoy our family time. It's important to take time away from the busyness of life, jobs and agendas and focus on the blessings of the family we have been given. I am so thankful for Krystal, Ashlyn & Mitchell. My life wouldn't be complete without the laughs, fun and good times we have.
Just one word of advice ~ if you are going on a quick get away, be sure to check the weather!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

It's Wed

This month is going by very fast. It may be because of all the events at church and also in the family. We are gearing up for our Missions Emphasis time at church for the next two Sundays. Missionary Mike Louton will be with us this Sun pm. Then our Annual Missions Banquet is taking place on Sat, April 24th. It will be a blast with different booths representing the different regions around the world that we support with missions. Then on Sun morning, April 25th, the First AG Choir will present the "EVERYWAY" missions musical. Looking forward to it.

On the "home-side" of things, Ashlyn is in full swing (no pun intended) of softball. Her first tournament was postponed, but practice continues. She just registered to attend her first Jenny Finch Softball camp. It will be in Ardmore, OK in a few weeks. Jenny Finch is one of her softball heroes. There will be professional coaches, players and Olympic players as well. Sounds exciting.
As for Mitchell, he doesn't need a professional or players as long as he has his signs ~ street signs that is. He is "obsessed" with street signs. It is hilarious! He's living the life of a 5 year old and loving it.
The kids always bring joy to our lives. We are so blessed to have family ~ both church and biological.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Beautiful Day!

Wow, what a beautiful day! It's a little cool, but Spring is definitely here. I am looking forward to the weekend! Ashlyn had softball tournament scheduled for this weekend, but it has been postponed. But never fear, things have already filled up our Sat. Mitchell has a birthday party for a friend. I have yard work to do. Ashlyn is wanting to go to a soccer game. Krystal is always on a project and then we are going to a wedding tomorrow night. I never worry about not having much to do.
I am reading the One Year Bible and have really enjoyed it. This morning I read a great scripture in Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Take time on this beautiful day and share an encouraging word with someone to cheer them up.