Brown County

Here is my first attempt at pictures on the blog. I hope it works. I got the pretty pic of brown county from the Internet, it wasn't as pretty in real life this time. Next week will be better. We had a lot of fun hiking the trails though. There is just something about being outside on those trails that does you good. The kids instantly get a long better. They fought like crazy the whole way there, they start hiking and laughing and it is amazing. It was chilly when we started at 945 am, but when we ended at 1245 we were sweating and our sweatshirts were off. Fun for all. I will show you a few pics, just 'cause I can!

Creed

Another favorite Rich Mullins song for you.
Creed
I believe in God the Father almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord He was conceived by the Holy Spirit Born of the virgin Mary Suffered under Pontius Pilate He was crucified and dead and buried
CHORUS: And I believe what I believe Is what makes me what I am I did not make it, no it is making me It is the very truth of God and not The invention of any man
I believe that He who suffered Was crucified, buried, and dead He descended into hell and On the third day, rose again He ascended into Heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand I believe that He's returning to Judge the quick and the dead Of the sons of men
CHORUS
I believe it, I believe it I believe it I believe it, I believe it
I believe in God the Father almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, Our Lord I believe in the Holy Spirit One Holy Church, the communion of Saints The forgiveness of sin I believe in the resurrection I believe in a life that never ends
CHORUS
I believe it, I believe I believe it, I believe
You can watch the video and hear him sing it on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHWoDwxyKUE

Fall Break

No menus this week. Amy made pigs in a blanket last night and I am making potato soup tonight. We start our fall break tomorrow night by taking our niece Tori out for her 19th birthday. I remember standing in my dorm room at Purdue as a freshman packing up a gift for Tori when she was born. Seems like yesterday. Really scary thought, I remember what the gift was. I am so weird. Anyway, I can't believe she is 19! She is at Indiana University-ughh! jk of course. We are then staying in a hotel, not camping as previously posted. We talked Daddy into it. It would be out of the way, waste gas, and I got a deal on priceline. Free breakfast too. Yippee! We will then hike at Brown County state park all day , have a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We had fun hiking last year. Aaron has requested we try the "Rugged" coarse this year. We will see if Mommy survives it. I have to work on Friday, so we will be back Thursday evening.

Pendleton

Last Easter (2007) we had an amazing service at our church. Pastor Dave really challenged us to "get in the game" and make a difference. Without recalling the title or even the message that he spoke I felt God move in my heart to challenge me in a distinct way.

To use basketball to make an impact on those less fortunate or who have made poor choices. While playing ball in college we use to in the fall travel to Pendleton and Michigan City to play against the inmates. As a 20 year old, I knew this was a bit abnormal however I really enjoyed each experience. Why couldnt we as a church play ball over in Pendleton again? We have a very popular basketball league and bunch of guys that get together on Monday nights. To make a long story short... we have went into the Prison I think 5 times now to play against the inmates. Remind me to share sometime how God brought this together... it is an encouraging story.

We are going in again today, but today is different. Ray (the rec leader at the prison) is a believer in Christ. He specifically asked me to prepare and share a devotional with his team. Now, those of you that know me understand that I have done this type of thing a lot in the past. However, not as much in the last 5 years. Lots of reasons and a few excuses. Nevertheless, pray for me as we visit.

Halloween costumes

Here is the short list of what the kids want to dress up for:
Amy: a nerd or Sarah Palin(I vote for Sarah Palin, her Dad says she can dress normally for the nerd)
Aaron: some sports personality
Ann: the statue of liberty(I need some prayer for this one)she is on some patriotic kick- go Annie.
Andrew: Bob Sanders( He has a uniform with no number, but no dredlocks)

Here is what I have left in the dressup trunk: elephant, lamb, little red riding hood, mad scientist, clown, scarecrow, indian, knight, butterfly, ladybug, and I think a few more. Call if you would like to borrow one.

Monday Menus

Monday-Amy's Day
Chicken Parmigiana
mashed potatoes
garlic bread
carrots

Tuesday
Baked chicken
steamed vegetables
rice

Wednesday
Beef stroganoff Casserole
green beans
homemade applesauce

Thursday
Beef Stew in crock pot
bread and butter

Friday
pizza
Saturday
potato soup
Sunday
meatball subs
pumpkin roll

Hold me Jesus

The words of this song go through my mind frequently. There they were this morning so I thought I would share them. Rich Mullins was very instrumental in my early Christian walk. I am so very affected by music and their lyrics. He always wrote straight to the heart and straight from scripture. God took him way to early if you ask me.
My favorite line from the song is " I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need "That is so true of me. I try and remember this and let go and let God give what I need instead of what I want.
Anyone out there have a favorite Rich Mullins song?


Hold Me Jesus


Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS

You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace