Happy Birthday Aaron!

10 years ago, this day, our lives changed for the better. God blessed us with a son, Aaron Jeffrey on September 22, 1998. Our son is a blessing to our family. Aaron has such a sweet spirit. Aaron is very shy, but would be willing to do anything for you. Yesterday we went out to eat with Maw-Maw and Pappy. When Aaron saw his grandpap, Aaron hugged him as hard as he could and gave him a big kiss right on the lips! He is full of the love of God and through his faith and witness, this dad is a proud papa! Thank you God for the gift of life, the gift of life in our son, Aaron and the gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

The Day Off

Today's my day off. I have finally been able to be home for most of a day off! Tonight I do have a wedding rehearsal, but that's not bad. The last four weeks have been busy times. However, today I get to stay home. Even though I'm home, laundry seems to be a never ending saga. With five people in the house, it can pile up fast. Jennifer and I are clear about our expectations; I wash and fold, she puts all of them away. Even though we still share the responsibility, it's so much work!

I guess I should not complain! We are blessed to have the water to do it, we are blessed to have a washer and a dryer, and we are blessed to have clothes to put into the washer. I've been many places around the world where that's not the case. Millions do not have clean water to drink, let alone wash their clothes. I'm going to go and fold my clothes and thank God that I can.

Family Devotion Time

Family devotion time is a practice we have not consistently practiced...until recently. During a trip to Family Christian Stores, I came across a 365 Family Devotional book. I took a look at it and thought, this looks pretty simple, but yet, impacting at the same time. I bought the book and to our pleasure, the kids love it! (Last night Abby laughed during the entire devotion... why I'm not even sure! Maybe she thought the theme of forgiveness was too funny!) Jennifer and I did not have anywhere to go last night, which was awesome and a rarity. Both of us were present for the devotion.

Each devotion consists of 1) One Bible verse 2) Short meditation that the kids can read 3) A reflection question or a quote from someone that will make you think.

I encourage you to try it. It brings the family together and it gives us all something to focus on and pray for. If you do not have children in your family, I encourage you to read a devotion that may be age/gender specific for you/spouse/fiance', girlfriend/boyfriend. There were multiple devotionals for purchase when I went. I'm sure many will still be there when you go!