Wedding Bells

July 18th found us in Visalia celebrating the marriage of Leanne and Aaron, and we were blessed to be a part of their special day. A beautiful bride, a handsome groom (love those Dress Blues!), surrounded by loving parents, families, and friends--all gathered to witness their sacred vows and celebrate together. What a joyous occasion! May God richly bless Leanne and Aaron and their new life together!

Summer Reading.....

One of the blogs I follow alerted me to the fact that christianaudio.com posts a book each month that can be downloaded for free. This month the book is Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan. I had heard of Francis Chan because he had been a speaker at a conference here in our area. Currently, he pastors a church in Simi Valley. I downloaded the book (for free!) and then loaded it on my ipod. So, today while doing some housework, I started the book. I won't tell you anything about the book because I want you to check it out yourself. But I will say that this book has drawn me in from just the first sentences in the Preface--and not many books have done that. So, because the Free download is only available until the end of July, I wanted to get the word out.

Okay, I can't resist, here is a little excerpt:

We are going to look at how the Bible calls us to live our lives. It is important that we not measure our spiritual health by the people around us, who are pretty much like us. To begin this journey, we'll first address our inaccurate view of God, and consequently, ourselves.

VBS Week

This week Natalie and I are serving in VBS at Bridgeway. The theme is "Camp Kidsway" and is really cute. I am the crew leader of 8 1st thru 5th graders. Yesterday was a bit chaotic, but when you have 450 kids registered, that's what a normal 1st day is like! Today was really great. The Game Time involved water--which most of the kids loved in our 90 degree heat. It has also been really great getting to know some more people at the church!

On Friday we will head to Visalia for the wedding of Leanne Befort and Aaron Dunn on Saturday. We have reservations for Sydney at a really nice pet resort and are hoping she will do OK for the three days she is there. (worry, worry)

All for now, this camper needs to re-group for tomorrow!

Happy Birthday America!

"...When we consider the magnitude of the prize we contended for, the doubtful nature of the contest, and the favorable manner in which it has terminated, we shall find the greatest possible reason for gratitude and rejoicing..."~George Washington, 1783

"...the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."~ George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789