Well, Praise the Lord for His mercies new and sweet every morning! this Christmas was special quiet, and wonderfull with just our small family- growing in size!! We are expecting a second child in early August! Hallelujah and Praise Jesus! we have been praying for this little one for over a year- and in His wonderful timing He has done it! What a reason for rejoicing! Thought you would all like to see some pictures of Ole Israel this CHristmas 09' as he is growing and more able to take in all the lights and fun aspects of the blessed holiday. You will thoroughly enjoy these I am sure! :-)

Happy New Year to all of our loved ones near and far- Let us look to our only hope and reason for joy in this dark and lost world we live in. Jesus Christ our Lord! Praise be to our God!

"My mind was ruled with small cares to-day,
And I said pettish words, and did not keep
Long-suffering patience well; and now how deep
My trouble for this sin! In vain I weep
For foolish words I never can unsay.

"Yet not in vain, oh, surely not in vain!
This sorrow must compel me to take heed:
And surely I shall learn how much I need
Thy constant strength my own to supersede,
And all my thoughts to patience to constrain.

"Yes, I shall learn at last though I neglect
Day after day to seek my help from thee.
Oh, aid me, that I may always recollect
This gentle-heartedness and oh, correct
Whatever else of sin thou seest in me."

-author unknown

Oh how this short poem quickens my mind to recall such days! I am ever aware, at times more acutely aware then others, of my tendancy toward sin. the sin of rash words, the sin of disquiet, the sin of boredom, the sin of discouragement, the sin of sluggishness, the sin of vanity, the sin of distrust, the sin of neglect, the sin of impatience, OH how full and lengthy the list could be! Yet what am I commanded to call to mind when sorrow gives way to self defeat? While I was yet in my sins Christ died for me!- and His blood is still the salve I must use to annoint my self inflicted wounds. His tears were shed while enduring the most furious wrath- that I might cry none, and His pain upon the cursed tree is the continual reminder that my sorrow is but for a moment, while favor and mercy endure forever. Hallelujah for the Redeemers blood! The sure testimony of forgiveness for innumerable transgressions!
And still Lord, may your chidren be zealous and repent.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14

Hi friends and family- I just wanted to help a friend out by bringing to your attention to this up and coming church planting conference in North Carolina- It begins June 4-6. All of your favorite speakers will be running the show! (just kidding- it is no show-) only God's Truth on display. John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler and more! Here is the website for you to take a look! http://advance09.com/