Whatsoever...

With this new age of Facebook, Twitter, and numerous other social sites, it has become easy for people to slander, spew filth, and lash out in anger. Some use the guise that their venting is necessary for their healing. However, smearing malicious propaganda does not heal but rather lengthens bitter roots which attach deep in the soul never to escape eternal sorrow. If one wants true peace, follow Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV)

The Average Man

The virtues which keep this world sweet

and the faithfulness which keeps it steadfast

are chiefly those of the average man.
- W. Russell Bowie

A Few Pics...

Bryn in a rock cave at Madonna Inn
Bryn and Daddy playing in the sand

Blake playing on the beach

Bryce and Blake at Montana de Oro

Bryce at Montana de Oro

Blake, Sparkles and Bryn crusin' camp

Bryn at Madonna Inn doors

Of Life and Love

It was 35 years ago today, I had my first date with Brian. We didn't realize that night we were taking the first step towards a together-forever-life. Looking back, it was the first impressions of that night that caught me. He opened the car door for me, opened the door to the restaurant, put the sweetener in my iced tea, placed my order with the waitress, and was a perfect gentleman. Just a couple weeks later, we attended the same youth camp and I watched him as he prayed for those who desired a closer walk with the Lord. That sealed the deal for me. I realized he could have walked out of the tabernacle and joined friends at the snack bar but he made the choice to help someone in need.

This beginning was followed by four years of long-distance dating without the benefits of a phone or the Internet. It was handwritten letters sent by snail-mail across the ocean and a two or three minute call on Christmas. His letters to me were always splashed with his cologne and I knew from the wafting fragrance I had a letter in the mail even before I could see it. Sometimes, I pull a letter from a box and smile as I recall our young love.

With lots of miles from traveling around the world working in missions, pastoring, teaching, singing, and three children later, I pause to reminiscence. What a journey we have been on! It's been fun - it's been real - it's been somewhat crazy - it's been life and love.