Vacation Pictues!

Here are a few pictures from our trip. We are still talking about it!
We were there with my Dad and his wife Donna from Iowa... so you'll see a picture of the boys with them here too. They had a great time also. We definitely picked the right time of year to go down there... good food, open beaches and wonderful weather! Enjoy!

We hit the ground running...

We made it safely back from our trip to Myrtle Beach (actually it was Surfside Beach). The place was wonderful and the weather was pretty nice too! I'll post some pictures in a couple days as I've been running since I got back.... In between servicing my stores today we got a chance to meet with Tim and Amy Newman, who helped hook us up with our Condo (they allowed us to use their week. A big "Thank you" again to them. It's great to have such good friends.

One quick funny from our trip... Caleb and Joel kept calling Grandma Donna Thoms, Grandma Bundy... They must have thought that our most generous Grandma Bundy (my mom), who sends books, DVD's and such... it had to be her because she came with a bag of toys and a Veggie Tale movie for them to watch.

The boys became pretty attached. Joel and Caleb frequented "Pappa and Grandma's" room and both warmed up to them, so much so, that after they left to return to Iowa, Joel thought he saw "pappa" while shopping and called out to him (a perfect stranger). It was cute. Caleb even was crying because he missed them too.

I said a quick story... Guess I better stop for now. Check back in a few days and I should have a few pictures.

Lonnie

Lake Ontario

We took advantage of some, warmer than what were were experiencing, weather and went to Wilson Tuscarora State Park to take in Lake Ontario. Enjoy the picture.

"Power!"

We're at that fun stage of development with Joel. He loves to sing. Sunday I heard him singing one of our songs from Sunday service... "oh no you never let go, through the calm and through the storm..." As a dad I just have to smile. The latest song he keeps requesting (Caleb too!) is "Power! Daddy. Power!" Selah is a group that reworked the classic hymn, "There is Power in the Blood". We put that CD on in the Kia Sorento and both boys are yelling "POWER! POWER!". (they keep asking for it in the Ford Focus, but I don't have a CD player in it) I put the CD on our iPod that we won (another story in itself) and plugged the iPod into my speakers in the kitchen. Suddenly the kitchen was 'God's Groove Central'... both boys were running and dancing, and singing. For the record they also like "Esango", also on the CD 'Hiding Place'.
All of this reminded me of Psalm 8:2 (New Century Version) With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless.
The more familiar version of NIV says,"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise..."

And right now I'm getting an ear and eye full... (grin!)

Boat Ride!

Caleb kept telling me that he wanted to go on a boat every time we went to the "Worship on the Water". He didn't understand that if there wasn't someone in the boat that you couldn't just walk up and go for a ride. Thankfully Wally Freck, who hosts the "Worship on the Water" with his wife, had a boat. We just had to coordinate schedules and well... we got to go last week on Wednesday! We spent 2 hours out on the water and the boys just loved it. Caleb was a bit scared at first but really began to enjoy it. Wally even let me behind the wheel to drive it. The only casualty was Joel's Pooh hat (see picture). We were moving along at a good clip and approaching the Grand Island Bridge (Buffalo /Tonawanda side) and the wind was picking up and... whoosh! there went the hat! The boys thanked Wally for such a great time.

Take me to the river...

Sunday after speaking at the Worship on the Water in Tonawanda at Long's Homestead, Caleb, Joel and I grabbed some breakfast and went to a park by the river. We had a great time walking and seeing the sights. They loved the boats, RC airplane, and the cute dog... the dog walked with a 'hop' in its step. The owner said the front right leg was broken when it was a pup and after it healed the dog just walked like that. It reminded me of Joel's skip / run. Very cute. Unfortunately the fun turned to bummer as Caleb caught the virus Joel had... Both are well now, but it was pretty uncomfortable for both boys for a couple days. As you can see below, it's time to go... Joel's waving 'bye, bye!"

Worship on the Water July 15

Hey friends!
We had a great morning, a bit cool, but at least there wasn't any rain! I'm thankful that God provides exactly what we need... I needed someone to help keep an eye on the boys while I sang and then spoke... there was a couple from the Presbyterian church that brings the coffee and donuts... they were just enamored with my boys, especially Joel. It was as if they found a couple grandkids they didn't know existed. The music went well and my testimony was well received. I used the wordless book again, and was asked where to get one immediately following the service. I knew that God was working as I saw tears in the eyes on one lady as I spoke. Later she asked me "How do you forgive someone who had hurt you deeply?" I answered, "only God can help us forgive and love others that way." I can't say that was the best answer, but without going into details, it was the best place for her to start.
It made me think of Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
It's difficult to do that sometimes, but that's why we have to come back to God. God forgave us, we also should forgive each other. We don't tend to forget what happened, but God can bring healing to our wounds. I was reminded again of 1 John 4:20
"If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."
This verse really hits home. because I do love God, but I know that I've held onto my share of resentment and anger. It is only by the grace of God that I have been learning to let it go and trust God to take care of the circumstances that I can't control. I realize that anger, bitterness and unforgiveness can chain my and your soul and keep us from loving God and others as God would have us to. That's why it's so important to live at peace with everyone, as far as it is possible with us. I'm sure this isn't a new revelation to anyone, but in truth I'm sure it's something that we all have struggles with at one time or another.
"God, place in our hearts the love that breaks the chains that keeps us from loving You and others the way you have called us to. Amen"