MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Luke 2:1-19
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
This is the real reason for the season.
The greatest Christmas gift one can receive is the gift of salvation.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I am enjoying my time at home. I really needed it. I needed to be around my family and friends that I have known for quite some time. The familiarity of people and places I have missed so much.
I guess I just haven't found my niche yet in VA. I know God wants me there and I'm content with that. I just need to find the spot in the puzzle where I belong.
We had a nice Christmas. I was up really late baking and wrapping up some gifts that my dad needed to have done for mom. This was the first Christmas where mom had to get me and Nessa up! We were laughing about that.
We did get some surprises today. AJ got the laptop that my dad got a few months ago but wasn't able to crack the password. I couldn't either, but the computer company was able to help me reset it. It's a nice little laptop. Nessa got an IPOD Nano. I got a new laptop. That was a big surprise because I was given a laptop recently. I sure didn't expect it and I didn't even ask for it. Nessa got me a neat little travel cooler/warmer. AJ got me a bunch of butterfly stuff. Mom also made me a number of things like a scarf, doily, and a heavy sweater. She is so talented .
I put over a thousand miles on my car in three days (a record for me!) I followed one of roommates to the OH/MI state line and then I made it the rest of the way home. I got home around midnight. Then, the next day I left at a little after 2pm and drove to IN (and I picked up a friend on the way) to make it to Fairhaven's midweek service and to attend a friend's wedding on Friday. We then left after the wedding and I made it home around midnight. That was a lot of driving.
I'm selling my Olds and my dad already has someone interested in it. That's fine with me. The money I get back from it will be applied to my loan since it the money I used to get the car was half on my college savings.
I saw something on a news clip a little bit ago. It was about idol worship (well, not in their terms). They were highlighting women who travel to this statue of Madonna to ask her blessing on the desire of getting pregnant. That statue will not do nothing. Unfortunately, that is the world we live in today. Prayers are sent to idols instead of God.
Merry CHRISTmas!

These have been a very busy few weeks for me. I'm involved in the music ministry here, and I had two solos last week (due to the scheduling for the month), one next week, a VBC winter concert last night, and two cantata performances this weekend (as well as all the rehearsals). Whew!

The VBC (Virginia Baptist College) concert was interesting. I was asked to be a substitute soprano in the combined groups. Mind you, I'm not in either singing group! I accepted and I like the song. I have nothing to do with VCB at this time, so I found that to be a little funny. I just recently found out that we are also singing this song during the cantata. I think my voice will get a little tired after this weekend. I am enjoying this ministry.

I got my hunting license the other day. I'm looking to going this weekend. I'm the only female going . My roommates are giving me a hard time about one of the fellows. Apparently, my name and this guy's name came up in a conversation today. My roommate told someone that I got my license and this other person said it was a good thing because this guy would be disappointed. What!?!?! First off this guy and I don't even talk to each other. Second, "snagging" a guy here is not my goal. I am a teacher here. Doing God's will for my life at this moment is my priority. My roommates are having quite the time trying to play matchmaker. Why don't people let God work in His own timing?

I'm looking forward to going home in a couple of weeks. I'll have to drive my tank, though, and then fly back. I did Hank running on Saturday. He roared to life.

Carol and Adam are supposed to be flying in to Richmond tomorrow! I do hope they can make it up for church tomorrow and that I can make it to Chesterfield without getting lost. Carol and Adam are here for a friend's wedding. I've not seen Carol since she and Adam jumped into the limo for their honeymoon.

Recently, I've been reading through Ruth and Esther. I enjoy reading about these ladies.What stands they took while many were against them. Ruth was not expected to go off with Naomi, but she chose to. Here's something I've gathered: Ruth could be a picture of the person who is coming to know Christ (Boaz). Ruth comes into a family that has Christ, but they chose to trust their own thoughts for a while. God knows all that is going to happen. The family undergoes great loss for the decisions they made as they turned from God's plan for them. Naomi turns back to God and Ruth follows her. From there, she meets Boaz while trying to do the right thing to help Naomi. Then, Naomi finally stops looking at all her woes and realizes that Ruth's meeting with Boaz was a great thing: he is a near kinsman. He can redeem the family name.That is what Christ does for us. He redeems our name so that we can stand before God. How incredible is that? There is nothing that we in ourselves can do to get rid of our sin. We are sinful. But, God created a way for us by giving us His one and only Son.

This CHRISTmas season, remember what it is about. It's not about getting and giving gifts. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ, Who lived 33 1/2 years to live a perfect life and bear our sins upon Calvary. What better gift is there than receiving the gift of salvation? How about you? Are you going to receive the gift, or reject it? That is your most important decision you will make in life.

Don't leave it on the desk

DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK!

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States .

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously .

This year, Dr.Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class. One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. Do you think youcould do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts.

No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going toget an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten pushups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out aroundhis brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.

Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No!"

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No", and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten pushups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your pushups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" Jason didn't know what was going on.

Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of theway right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room. The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular.

Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda. Then Dr Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan.

"Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could cometo my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, "into thy hands I commend my spirit." With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words." Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

Share this with someone. It's bound to touch their heart and demonstrate Salvation in a very special way.

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11)

Give thanks with a grateful heart

I am thankful for:

my family
my church family
God
my salvation
Christ's forgiveness
friends
fellowship
what God has given me
what God has not given me
the experiences God has given me so that I may minister to others
the opportunity to teach 17 students
my co-workers
my job
the many daily blessing He bestows on me
the great day I had today

After having a number of invitations to join other families for Thanksgiving, I decided to go to two houses. They were very different, but both were very good. I really enjoyed the time of fellowship I had. I even tried a couple of things: collard greens and squash. Not too bad!

I do hope you had a great Thanksgiving day.

An update

Well, things are still busy here. I made it through my first ever PTF as a teacher. It went well. Grades 1-3 did the program and it was very cute. We decided on a thankfulness theme and I chose the area of school. My kids worked on a cute and humorous poem entitled "What I found in my Desk." I had it narrowed down to two poems and I let my kids vote on which one they wanted to do for their parents. I had one my students come up and say a few sentences on why we are thankful for school then the kids presented their poem. I hear many folks liked it.
Then I met with a few parents in the classroom (for some, this was the first time they had even been in the classroom). Right now, I have the owl art projects hanging from the ceiling (I appreciate tall high school students!). The kids enjoy seeing their work hang anywhere (I have some work on the classroom wall and in the hallway as well).
The teachers went to an ODACS Teachers' Convention in Charlottesville, VA. I really enjoyed it. All of the workshops I attended were very interesting. I especially liked the science one. All of the workshops I went to count for CEU (Continuing Education Units) for my certification renewal. I think I need to renew in 2 years, but I have to have so many credits. The six workshops come to 6/10 of a CEU credit. They will add up over time. I just don't want to be waiting til the last minute to get them in. I think i will be taking some extension courses through VBC (Virginia Baptist College) this summer.
I am spending Thanksgiving with another new family. They know some people I met at college. I was also invited over to my Sunday School teacher's house by his wife. They asked the day after I already told the other family I'd join them.
Our next Sunday School fellowship is in the works. We might go hunting! There are only 4 students in the class (2 guys, 2 girls) and I'm up for hunting. We'd have to go on a Saturday since I teach on weekdays. I know, I'm not the typical girl. The looks on some faces when I said I'd go hunting were classic!
Have a great day!

We just finished up some very good revival services. I needed those services. A friend of mine recently posted about not getting enough "meat". That's what I feel like. Now don't get me wrong, the messages I hear are good, but they aren't really convicting. I feel like they are more of a Bible study than preaching. I usually don't hear anything said against sinned. The revival services did touch on being a better Christian and getting the good for nothing, rotten, dirty sin out of our lives.One message that really spoke to me was about the mouth.

Isaiah 6:5
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah was used greatly of God. He recognized the HOLINESS of God, not just His love, mercy, and grace. We serve a HOLY God, and that should make us realize how unworthy and unholy we are. So often, the sins of our mouths keep up from getting answered prayer or growth in our walk with God.

How do you speak to others? Kindly, with love and compassion? Or do you always have a smart remark or biting words? We are to edify each other, not beat down. This is an area in my life that needs work. Working with children has made me realize this even more. My unclean lips get me nowhere.

Later in Isaiah 6, Isaiah is willing to serve God, to go where He wants him to go. He didn't want to be "on the shelf", so to speak, he wanted to be used. Are you willing to offer up your life for service to God?

Sorry for the poor updating. I think I finally found a way to keep up with everything at school. My weekends are now not too busy.
We are getting ready for our revival services starting tomorrow morning. They run until Wednesday. I'm lloking forward ro them and pray God with work in my heart during this time.
School is going well. My kids keep me very busy.
Have a great day!

Have you forgotten?

For the next couple of months, I will be participating in a soul-winning program called Operation GO. I have attended two weeks of it so far and I have found it to be very insightful and practical. I think it would have been nice to participate in this type of program when I first got saved, but the Lord wanted me in it 11 years later. Anyway, as we were talking about how to present the plan of salvation, someone used an example of one of their opportunities while door-knocking. This lady presented the Gospel to another lady who just then realized that she had asked the Lord to forgive her sins and to save many years ago, only she forgot about it. My initial reaction was "how can you forget something like that?" The lady being witnessed to, after receiving the Lord as her Savior, continued going to the same church she had been going to (it was not a Bible preaching church) and "forgot" about her salvation while being falsely indocrinated by that church.

II Peter 1: 1-9 says:
1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Look at verse 9: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Wow! Losing that first love and going right back to what you have been pulled out of makes a person blind to the fact that they had received salvation. It makes me wonder how many people out there are saved. Of course, I know that this is not something for me to know because man only sees the outside, but God sees the heart and knows truly whether or not someone is saved. Without growing, you can not look back to see where you have come, thus making it hard to remember your salvation.

Update

Hi folks! Sorry that I have not been able to write often. I have been pretty busy. It is hard to believe that the third week of school has already come to an end!
I'm not sure what I wrote the last time, so so if I repeat myself, sorry! I have a huge blessing to share first: I was given a car! I now have a 1991 Toyota Corolla. I'll still drive my tank around when it works well. I knew I was going to need to get a new car eventually, but I just put that on the back burner. God supplied my need before I ever even prayed about it! I am very thankful He provided, despite my lack of faith in Him.
I am also blessed to be teaching. I can not say that everything has gone the way I wanted or planned, but God has been teaching me through this experience and service for Him already. I know I still have a long way to go.
It is interesting to see what a small world it is. I have met other people here that know others from home and Fairhaven. I just find it neat.
I have gotten involved in the nursery, choir, and Operation Go (a soul winning program in the form of a class). I attend the College and Career Sunday School (I'm not old enough for the Career Singles class - the name of the class makes me laugh...it sounds like they are making a career out of being single!).
I am looking forward to seeing God's plan for my life unfold. I still can not believe I am teaching in Virginia! I had no idea that the Lord would lead me here. I would love to hear from you if you have the time to respond. I miss my friends and family, but I do hope to see many while I am home for Christmas break.
In His service,
Nicole

Two weeks have already passed for the school year? That's hard to believe. None of these days have seemed to slow down in the least. I have a hard time getting everything in as it is. Today was picture day and my class didn't got to go in until after recess. I hd to get my pic taken for my ID card and the kids thought it was something that I had to get mine taken too.
Some of my students frustrate me to no end while others just melt my heart. Please don't get me wrong, I love all of my students. I want to see them succeed in not only school, but life as well. I have some thinkers in my my class. During Bible class, they were asking questions that not a single person can truly fathom (like God not having a beginning or ending). They were being quite theological.
Teaching is not just something to do to get a paycheck. I have wanted to be a teacher for quite some time. I have 17 students who need to draw close to God, whether in their devotion to Him or to give their lives to Him. This is no small task. Even though many of the children claim to be saved, there may be one who isn't. God has given me the opportunity to plant and possibly sow the seed of salvation in their life. I not only must teach this, but life it as well. I am not perfect, but by the grace of God, I can be used of Him.

Day two went much better than day one, but the kids still need some work! ;) I still have to do some more arranging of the seats since I have a certain corner of students that like to talk to each other. Tomorrow I will see who well they can do when they see there are consequences to their actions. Now, I am not saying that discipline in itself corrects everything. It can not. There has to be proper instruction taught. I am trying to do that. I don't want to give out any worms, but I'm sure I will be tomorrow. I do enjoy teaching, but boy does it make it a long day! Well, I must go. I still have a few other things to accomplish before visitation (and then dinner). Have a blessed day!

...Many times I'm tried and tested...

After the first day of school, that is how I feel. I guess after teaching at a very well disciplined school, I should have know not all schools are the same. Also, second grade is a bit different from fourth.
Now, I'm not saying that I don't enjoy teaching because I do. I just had different expectations and was somewhat let down when they weren't achieved. I envisioned the first day of school going a little more smoothly. Tomorrow is another day and another chance. I do want to see God working through me to reach these kids.
Now, back to the drawing...errr...chalkboard.
Have a great day!

I am unable to access my Xanga right now, so I will update by way of blogger. It's not my choice online journal, but it will suffice.
I am half way through teacher orientation and we have had some great meetings thus far. Friday, the school is hosting lunch at a restaurant (for the teachers, of course!). I have been very busy and I am very tired right now (and it's only 9 pm!). I had to do a bunch of paperwork and lesson plans. It's hard to understand everything a new school wants you to do, but I know its possible to get through in one piece.
I have been working on getting my room in order. It's starting to take shape. I have my main bulletin board finished and recently I have been working on the room decorations. I'm almost done with those. I just may call it a night and get some much needed sleep. After I stop for dinner, though.
I really am looking forward to the opportunity to teach. I also want to make a Godly impression on my students. Have a great night!

Just a quick update to let you know that I made it to VA, am all moved in, and looking forward to the upcoming school year!

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I love my church family. The Lord really blessed me when He directed my path to WBC. They have seen me grow up on the bus and have spent much time in prayer over me. Now, I am not saying this to be prideful, but to share what my church has done and how they have been there for me. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Pastor called me to the front during the evening service to let all the folks know that I am leaving, moving to VA, and entering full-time Christian service. Then they prayed for me. That is certainly one of the greatest things your church family can do for you. I am appreciative of their intercession for me.

I leave tomorrow night. I planned on leaving in the morning, but the part to my car isn't going to be in until Mon. morning. I also found out that my dad is willing to tow my car behind his truck and get the rest of my stuff there. He's going to drive! This will also give me the opportunity to witness to him, as we will be in the truck for 11-12 hours. Please be in prayer about this with me.

Carol and I at her wedding

A recent pic of me with my new hair cut

IIIIIIIITTTTTTT'SSSSSSSSS BIBLE TIME!!!!!!!

I love Neighborhood Bible Time! 11 Years ago, I was saved during NBT. I was able to be home for the weekend and help a litlle with the teens. It continues through Friday. I gave each of the evangelists a cd with the pics I took during those two days (There were many more than I shared here!). For mor info on NBT, check out www.nbtime.org.

Our Bible Time Evangelists

"Mr. Glen"

"Mr. Tom"

Yummy!

That's smashed banana, twinkies, M&M's, pretzel sticks, and whipped cream. It went from hand to hand right on down the line the waiting girl captain who shasmed it some more until all the ingredients were passed and then the boy captian had to eat it.

Smash and Pass