I am thankful for my...church

When we stepped into Christ's Church back in 2003 (I believe), Kellea and I both knew that was the place for us. We were looking for a church home and had been attending Christian Family Chapel on Old St. Augustine. About halfway through the service, we both looked at one another and said this was it. Sr. Pastor Dennis Bratton seemed to speak directly to us in each of the services. The worship music, then led by Aaron Pelsue, was the perfect combination of familiar songs and upbeat music. The people were friendly and the programs were just phenomenal.
Once we got into a small group, the final piece was in place. We got connected in ministry with me volunteering in the sports ministry and Kellea dabbling in Meals on Wheels and the photography ministry. We even both spent some time in the Suite B with the 2-year olds.
My wife emailed Dennis one day to tell him about our tithing story and he asked us to stand before the congregation and tell them our story. That was tough for me but Kellea was a pro. Public speaking is a gift for her and she is awesome at it. I was just a bystander as she told 90% of the story and it's good thing because I was a bundle of nerves. She carried the family that day!
I would go onto work at the church as the Adult Sports Director and then Kellea would eventually work for the school as the Director of Marketing and Development. Just as important for Kellea's connection to the church was her involvement with the family ministry as a small group leader for 9th grade girls.
I remember Dennis talking about how the goal should be to have the body of teh church be a major part of your daily life. That day I had no idea how that could ever fit into my life as it was that day. Now, I can't imagine not having the involvement in ever facet of our daily lives.

I am thankful for my...small group

Here is a photo from the tailgate celebration from several weeks back. The Trayser's, Brown's, and Jackson's couldn't make it that day but we had a great time nonetheless.
I am thrilled we are going to continue as a small group even after the conclusion of this Faith In Action all-church study.

I am thankful for my...lovely wife

This photo is one image in my heart that will always remind me of this special day. She has been my anchor and my best friend since that amazing day. Thank you Lord for every day I've spent with this special gift.

Seven years ago today, my soul was saved...

Yup, today. November 5th. Back in 2000, we went to the Billy Graham Crusade on a Sunday evening. An estimated 220,000 people came to hear him over the 4 days with some 9,000 committing to Christ or coming forth to inquire about salvation. Some of the personal details are a blur to me right now, but I remember I went with my wife, mother-in-law, and friends Shane and Jennifer Leonard and Mitch and Shannon Callahan.

As much as I can say, this is one day I will always remember, I really can't remember much of it.

All I know is that one day changed my life. For eternity.

Happy 70th Birthday Dad

It would have been my father's 70th birthday today (11/5) if he hadn't of passed away in July of 2003. He suffered from Alzheimer's pretty bad before he passed. From what I can remember, it was a stomach aneurysm that would ultimately seal his fate. After the operation to fix the problem, he never recovered. He is now buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. He was in the Navy and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

We give, yet we get...

Two Sunday's back, our small group participated in the Faith Blitz Sunday along with the rest of our church. Attached is a photo of Loise, who is the wonderful young women we met and spent time with that day. She is 85 years young and loved sitting and holding my children who came with us.
The Senior home we visited asked that we complete a biography for each of the people there by giving us a packet with questions to ask. Her son was visiting that day and he was very helpful as his mom was a little fuzzy on some of the details. It was so special to see the look on her face as she retold of things she probably hasn't thought about in many, many years. "Tell us about how your husband proposed to you." "What were some of the games you and your sisters played as little girls?"

Her face was so happy and full of life...yet I think we were the ones who walked away touched the most. How easy it is to let life fill our every hour and every moment when it would mean the world to someone if they would even stop by and visit for 10 minutes. Last night our small group decided we were going to continue to see the people we met that day. Kind of like adopting them with the goal of furthering the relationships we started. I believe those in the home will be tickled pink to see us come back again...yet none will likely be affected half as much as our small group and our kids who we know are watching and learning the lessons we are trying to teach.

Who am I?

For those of you who haven't seen this, I wanted to share.