Jasmine Moran Children's Museum

Yesterday, our Children's Ministry took a trip to the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum for our Fabulous Friday. This was my first trip to the museum even though the rest of my family had already been. I can see why Emily really liked it. There were so many cool things for her to experience and do. We will definitely go back when we aren't in charge of 37 kids! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

I'm in trouble because both of my girls like to shop!

Here is Callie showing us what her big sister will look like in a few weeks.

Exciting News!!!

It's official! We are having baby number three sometime in March! I think both Theresa and I are still very excited but also still in shock just a little bit. Today at church several people gave me a hard time because we had recently talked about not having another baby so soon. On my way home from our mission trip last Saturday, I talked to one of my youth parents and said that we were very close to being 100% debt free and were still considering having a third child. Theresa and I had decided that we wanted one more, but we were not expecting to get pregnant right now. Apparently God had other plans! So, this youth parent reminded me of what I had said just a week ago and I had to laugh. That is because those were my plans and obviously not the plans of God. He definitely has a sense of humor. We really don't know any details yet, expect possibly around March 19th for a due date. As soon as we know more, one of us will post that information.

It was fun yesterday getting to tell everyone the news. We were going to my parents' house and we wanted to let Emily tell them. So, we told her as we were pulling into the driveway and she immediately told my mom, dad, and sister. I don't think they knew what to think when she first said it. Emily has made it very clear before that she would like us to have more sisters and definitely a brother. This was a very good surprise because today is my mom's birthday.

God always keeps us on our toes and we trust in His timing. Maybe this time He will give us a boy. We shall see!

Emily's Birthday Pool

The Teleprompter Prez

I still find it very ironic that many claim what a great orator our new president is when he obviously cannot function without his teleprompter. Maybe if I want to be such a great speaker I need to haul a teleprompter in for my Wednesday night Bible studies with my students. I'm sure that would really grab and maintain their attention.

I recently discussed with a pastor friend of mine who has been reading a book about "Preaching On Your Feet." In this book, pastors are encouraged to not use notes when they are preaching. I completely understand that a president must make numerous amounts of speeches and it would be impossible to memorize them. However, pastors must learn how to engage their audience and use proper oratory skills. Is that too much to ask from ummmm..... ummmm.... our president?

Build A House For Jesus!

Spread the news around!

Do I Have To Be Inside?

I don't know about the recent weather where you live, but here in the great state of Oklahoma, the weather this week has been absolutely beautiful. This is when I really wish I had an outside job instead of having to be stuck inside peering out my office window at all of the sunshine. I was very jealous of my family today because they got to go to the zoo with another family from church while I was slaving away at work. That's okay because my turn is coming one of these days.

Needless to say, I'm starting to get the itch for summer to be here. If you aren't aware, summer as a youth pastor is just plain awesome! Yes, it is extremely busy and chaotic, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Don't get me wrong, still have plenty to do before I'm ready to head off to our camps and mission trip, but I am really looking forward to this summer with my students.

Here are a few recent pictures of the girls. Hope you enjoy.

Here is Emily and her friend Eli at the zoo.

Callie trying on her new life vest.

Callie being Callie.

That is all for now. Soon I will be uploading more pictures from the last couple of months and from our camping trip. Until then, enjoy the weather!

Feeling Helpless, but Not Hopeless

Ok, I'm tired of it all. What am I tired of you may ask? I am sick and tired of hearing about all of the poor choices elected officials are making that will not only determine part of my future, but also the future of my girls. It seems like every day I hear of politicians spending huge amounts of money when our economy is doing so bad. I just don't get it. If all of these large corporations need bailouts and now we are in need on a stimulus plan that most likely won't stimulate anything, then why aren't they cutting back and trying to save money in every way possible? Instead, they still have expensive parties, take expensive trips, fly in private jets and 747s just to sign a piece of paper, come on! On top of all of this, many of the newly chosen members cannot even seem to pay their taxes. If I don't pay my taxes this year doesn't that qualify me to go live in Washington and spend money that is not my own like crazy?

As I hear about this, read about this, and see this unfold, I do feel very helpless. While I have usually kept up with the happenings of the world, thanks to the Internet (and my wife), it seems like I am being more informed than ever before and I don't like what I am learning. It does make me helpless because I did my part. I didn't vote for this and yet I have to sit back and take it. However, I am not without hope because no man can secure my future. No matter how bad our new president and his crew mess things up, this is not our home and one day none of this will matter at all. God is still in control and I find my hope in Him alone. I'm afraid that I will be frustrated for a very long time, but now is the time for the church to rise up and provide hope the those who do not know where to turn. How will the church respond? I really don't know, but I do know we will be held accountable for our actions or non action.

We are all in this together and if you have Jesus in your life, then you are not without hope!