James 1:17

Isn't it amazing that God never changes? Never. He's never not kind, not perfectly wise, not good, not loving. Never. Not even for a moment. And He never stops giving good gifts. Never. They keep coming. Especially, when we don't deserve them.

And now forget all that serious stuff and have a good laugh.

And another good laugh.

I don't know why he decided to put on the jersey. That didn't help. Our family does have a lot of fun and does laugh a lot. I truly do praise God for that.

James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Trick or Treat

Andrew has stopped going out for Halloween for years. I was wondering if this might be Matt's last year. I don't think so. I guess it's too much fun.

Emery dressed up as an In-N-Out worker, of course! Her future career maybe? Maybe not. But she hand sewed her apron. How about that! Matt is Woody. And the orange pumpkin is Emery's. Notice the fancy cursive "L" in the middle of the spider webs. Matt did the white one. He had fun with it.

They got quite a bit of loot this year.  This is the first time I am pretty much letting them keep all their candy. I've started to relax now that they are more responsible. AND I am making them pay for any cavities they get now! I already saved money on 2 cavities thanks to the new policy!

1 Corinthians 10:31

After all these years of teaching in children's ministry, the boys and girl are starting to pick up on not only the content of God's Word but some of our methodology too! Give it up for Emery's object lesson!

Don't you love it when they crack themselves up?

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is one of those things that you never really hear about. I learned about it through my job as a claims specialist. But you never think it'll happen to you, especially after a friendly game of pick up soccer. But it did.

2 surgeries and 4 days in the hospital later, God has humbled me again. It's so easy to take life for granted. To take walking for granted. To take work and going to church and everything for granted. To take sitting in a chair and driving a car for granted. But God reminded me again that everything is a gift from him. The Lord gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

I'm almost 4 weeks out from my injury. I've just started to get back to my regular routine. It still's hard to walk, to drive, to sit for periods of time. But I'm so thankful that I can do those things. I went to church for the first time last Sunday in 3 weeks. What a blessing it is to sing praise with His church. To hear His Word preached. To serve and be with the saints.

I'm also thankful for my hard working wife. She did a lot while I was down. The boys and girl stepped up too. They showed a lot of maturity and were servants. God is good, always.

Happy Birthday Emery!

Last month, Emery turned 11. It was a perfect time to enjoy free slurpees from 7-11.

Then it was off to Jump Highway where there are trampolines everywhere. Kids were running everywhere. And she was re-living her gymnastics glory days!

Thankfully, Sandy and I weren't permanently injured but we barely survived! This place is not for the middle aged! Happy birthday Emery!

John 1:1-2

John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God.

July 4

July 4 in Benicia is so easy. We leave about an hour before sunset. Park a few blocks from our spot and get set up with our chairs, cocoa, games and snacks.

This year Andrew and mom decided to stay home. But Emery, Matt and I had some good bonding time while we waited for the fireworks over the water. I'm still the master of Connect 4, for now. Thankfully, the weather wasn't as freezing cold as in past years. We felt fine with four layers on top, two layers on bottom and our blanket!

It IS better in Benicia!