"Baby got Book" and a birthday

I don't think any explanation is necessary for this, besides the fact that I'm laughing so hard it's hard to type: http://www.whiteboydj.com/babygotbook.html

Happy Birthday Amy!

(And can anyone help me out with figuring out how to not have those long links anymore but be able to rename them and include them as part of my post? :-)

New beginnings

I love spring! On my lunch hour today I took my lunch over to a quiet spot at the seminary and enjoyed the shade, the breeze and a good time of quietly singing some hymns...I love days like this. I'm going running after work as well just so I don't waste any of the time I could have outside.
So two friends of mine got married on Saturday and had a fabulous day for it! It was beautiful and I think everyone had a good time - the dance floor was certainly full for much of it. We were standing outside taking pictures (I chauffeured part of the wedding party to the park) and got a bit warm but the trees were absolutely gorgeous. Going to all these weddings causes me to think about mine someday and so I'm tossing ideas around.
Due to a sermon my pastor gave a couple of weeks ago regarding the importance of time in our lives I have decided to change up my nightly and morning routines. Hopefully I can keep it up for some successful amount of time!
Enjoy your day!

Passing on

A mentor of mine from the Focus on the Family Institute recently passed away. She'd been battling cancer for a little while and scores of us were in prayer for her but the Lord decided she had done what He wanted her to do down here. Or else He just wanted her with Him, which would be completely understandable - we all loved Sheryl dearly and she was an incredible woman after God's own heart. I learned a ton about truly loving people and good and true femininity from her and often review my notes from her classes on marriage and family. She passed the torch onto all of us she touched so it is up to us to live out the truths she taught us. She desired nothing but the best from and for us. She left behind a good husband and 3 dear children. Sheryl was a great definition of love and her joy and sincerity will be missed. We will be praying and lifting her family up in prayer and love. Sheryl, we love you and will dearly miss you!

An Alabama Easter

So we recently returned home from a trip to AL for a wedding. The ceremony was beautiful and very well done and the reception was a good time too. I met a few of Matt's relatives/friends: Uncle Larry and Aunt Karen, Grandma Rosa, Grandma & Grandpa McKinley and the unbelievable Kerry -(I think that's how you spell his name and if not, I'm sure Matt will correct me.) Matt's brother Tim had just arrived back in the US from being in South Africa for 3 weeks and the poor guy was exhausted. Aaron's new wife is a sweetheart and I pray they will be fruitful and multiply in every way. Her family was really sweet and can grill shrimp and potatoes with the best! I've never seen shrimp that big!! I'm all for southern hospitality!
I had my dose of sweet tea and was very happy about that and I had a really good time learning more about Matt's family. Every family has its fun stories and interesting background and his is no different. His mom and I shared a hotel room each night while the men were stuffed in another one. We had a great time and we get along really well. His mom and dad are a great couple and quite humorous.

For Easter Sunday we went back to the church they used for the ceremony and heard some good Baptist preaching. He was actually a really good preacher and had an interesting take on John 20, specifically verse 7. I really like learning about the background and meaning of different acts in different cultures and he taught us about the significance to the servant of the napkin at a meal, whether it's wadded up and thrown in the middle of the table - signifying completion of the meal or if it's folded and set aside-signifying the master would be back. He then related that to John 20:7 in the sense that the napkin was folded and set aside away from the other grave clothes, meaning that Christ wasn't finished with his work. It was very good and got me thinking.

So I'm back at life and looking forward to the double date Matt and I are having tonight with Dave and Bethany. Have a great evening!

Chronological Bible and a wedding

So this year I started reading the Bible in chronological order and it's been really neat to see all relevant passages compared and to see the differences and try to figure them out. I'm reading the Samuels right now and they are interspersed with the Psalms as David created them in the midst of his circumstances.
Judges was read at a good time because I was babysitting the boys one night and the bedtime Bible story was about Deborah and Barak, which I had just read a few days before. Clearly the kids versions are summarized so I was able to answer all 511 questions Simeon asked regarding the story! Joel of course wanted me to sing the song of Deborah...
Anyway, it's been really neat and eye-opening and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year.

Matt and I are headed to AL on Thursday for his younger brother's wedding so it should be warm and fun and a good time meeting some of his mom's family. I'll check back upon my return.