And Now, The Costume You've All Been Waiting For.....

Wishing for Fall

Being from Missouri leaves much to be desired out of Fall and lets just say, North Texas is not cutting it! This weekend we decided it was time to stop denying that this, in fact, was north Texas's version of fall so we packed up the fam and went to the Pumpkin Patch. In honor of the occasion and the supposed "cold front" we decided to all dress in long sleeves just in case. We had to cut our trip to the patch short because we were all SWELTERING! It was really hot but all in all we had a great time and Titus loved it. He was way into the tractors, more so than the pumpkins or scarecrows this year.

Here are some pics and somethings to note as you look: 1) we have a dilemma, Titus is to skinny for anything bigger than 2T but too tall for anything shorter than 3T, this is not a problem in the summer with shorts, in fact the shorts he wore to church today were 18 months! But when he is wearing jeans...its an issue! 2) Vernon is wearing cowboy boots. 3) Titus really wanted a yard ornament scarecrow instead of a pumpkin and since it was only 2 bucks verses the crazy prices of pumpkins we caved. 4) We believe Titus has the gift of praise dancing. He often breaks out in dance when he hears music, only it almost always includes waving something in the air, in this case, the scarecrow acted as his praise banner. Give Him Praise!

Information Overload

Three of the last four weekends have been spent at "retreats." First a personal/family retreat to the DG conference. Second, my church's Women's retreat and Third, Stonegate Fellowship Girls Retreat. Granted the last two I was part of the leadership by worship through music, but all the same a lot of great Truths were received by my heart.
It is funny when Truths you learned as a youth keep rearing their head as an adult. It is like the enemy uses the same old tricks just disguised as something different. The Truth that seems to be overwhelmingly repetitive through out the last 4 weeks is. "what goes in is what comes out" or also said, "Garbage in, Garbage out, Truth in Truth out." It seems this is a life lesson that can never be taught enough in our day and age, where information about any and everything is a click away. It also seems that this lesson, in certain Christian circles, has become, "old school," as if to say it doesn't apply. For example, if a certain speaker got up and spoke about music or whatever it is that is filling your mind, and suggested that you pay attention to what is going in to your mind and getting rid of what doesn't glorify God, these certain said Christian circles would blow them off as teaching WWJD or something of the like. When all the while, we all, especially me, need to be reminded to observe what we are taking in so that we can take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.
Along with attending these conferences I have 'happened' upon two great articles on Un-pluging and Fasting from Information. I highly suggest you read them and pass them on to others. (they are both real short so dont worry)

CELL SIN

INFO-TECHNO SABBATH

As I was at the DG conference I loved the fact that I had NO Internet and i used my phone to communicate only with the ones we were at the conferences with (besides the phone call to Vonda to let her enjoy some of the conference). Then at the ladies retreat, my phone had no battery and i had no Internet. I got to enjoy a great jog through the trail around the lake and take in much missed silence. And again at the SGF retreat, my phone had little to know service and no Internet....great rest and focus. And through it all i was actually able to put my finger on areas in my life that were being affected negatively by subconscious thought from cultural noise. AMEN.
Enjoy the articles. And Enjoy GOD.

99 Balloons

please take a minute and watch this video. warning: to all mothers, grab a tissue, there will probably be some tears, but they are worth it.

99 Balloons Video

Here's a brief description from the website:

Eliot was born with an undeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of his body. However, that could not stop the living God from proclaiming Himself through this boy who never uttered a word.

In the midst of heartbreaking tragedy, the Mooney family found the presence of God strengthening, comforting, and guiding them. Their story reminds us to seek God and endure our struggles rather than blame Him for our hardships.

For more on Eliot visit www.ninetynineballoons.com

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

yes folks, today is SBU Homecoming, and not just any Homecoming, but my five year reunion Homecoming. Am I going? you ask, that would be a big NO. But of all the 2002 graduates I would guess that my desire to go is in the top 10%. I loved everyday of my SBU career. It was a place of spiritual growth, physical growth (haha) and of course Academic growth for me. I honestly cant think of any other place, except maybe Houston, where God molded me in every way. Not to mention all the friends and all the pranks! good times!
Now all you who are SBU Alumni in the DFW area, I expect to see you at the upcoming DFW SBU Alumni Picnic Saturday November 3 from 10-2! Andrea and Sarah I am talking to you!

Honored and Privileged

These were the two words I kept thinking during the Desiring God Conference this year. I was so honored to be able to sit under the teaching of such incredible Saints, whose lives have stood the test of time. Each of them spoke on the theme, Stand: a call for the endurance of the saints. Each of the spoke from different angles and passages but all with the same plea: Endure until the end....make the Name and Renown of the Lord known until your very last breath. It was Dr. Jerry Bridges, Dr. John MacArthur, Randy Alcorn, Dr. Helen Roseveare and Dr. John Piper.
Two of the speakers are personal Heroes of mine, Dr. Helen Roseveare and Dr. John Piper.
Although I have sat under Dr. Piper's teaching for years, through Passion, DesiringGod.org, DG Conferences, many a cassette tape and now many a CD or Mp3 download, I had never had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Dr. Roseveare, and honestly, outside of quotes in biographies of her life, I had never heard a word from her. But oh the joy and privilege it was to here her speak, possible for the last time in such a setting.
Here are some photos and downloads. All the messages are free to download! (the audio or video!)Dr. John Piper teaching on "Growing Old to the Glory of God"
Dr. Roseveare taught on Psalm 27. One Thing I know, One Thing I do and One Thing I ask.

Here is a link to where you can listen to all the messages...don't miss out on such great wisdom and encouragement!

Along with the amazing teaching, we got to spend great time with some of our favorite people. Vernon's sister Phyllis, Danny and Mallory Dyer, Zack and Jen Atchley and Mary Ellen Atchley. It is always a highlight of our year to meet up in MN for this event! We love you guys!
The gang minus me.The gang minus Phyllis.