Campus Outreach National Conference

This week Randy is attending the Campus Outreach National Convention in Chattanooga. While at college, Randy's been involved with Campus Outreach, a christian college ministry at TTU. College students from around the surrounding area will gather together at the conference listening to speakers and music, strengthening their personal relationship with the Lord. We are so proud of you Randy.

Randy, leaving for the Campus Outreach Convention.

Jette and Amy's Wedding

Tonight we attended a very special occasion, the wedding of Jette and Amy. Randy and Jette were childhood friends, growing up together in the same schools and church. Before the wedding the bride and groom had a slide show of their growing up years...where has time gone? It was a beautiful wedding and the best part was seeing many of our friends that we hadn't seen in a long time! The reception was held at the Capital Theater in the historic part of town which was pretty cool. It was a wonderful evening, celebrating their marriage with dear friends and family. Congratulations Jette and Amy.

Scott, Becky, Randy, Ethan and Charles

Jette and Amy with all of us.

Our dear friend Bruce with our men. Bruce was their youth pastor at RUMC.

Parents of the groom...our dear friends, Sherry and Tom.

Merry Christmas From Tennessee

Merry Christmas! We spent Christmas Eve with Steve and Nana and had the most wonderful evening visiting and just being with family. Our dinner was awesome...thanks mom. While we were there Steve took our family picture (see below). This morning we all went to church, spending time hugging members of our church family and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

It was extra special worshiping the Lord on this Christmas day. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15). We hope this finds you celebrating the birth of our Lord near your loved ones too. Merry Christmas everyone.

Scott, Becky, Ethan, Randy and Charles

This picture was Steve's creativeness.

Our nativity. I made this back in my college days and bring it out every year. It represents what Christmas is all about...the birth of our Savior.

Holiday Baking

My holiday baking is in full swing. This morning my men were all nestled asleep while I was up early baking cookies, listening to Kathy Mattea's Christmas CD. I enjoyed my time, thinking of all my men under one roof and how pleased they'll be to wake up to more cookies! There's no such thing as a single recipe of cookies in our home... In the last couple of days I've made a double batch of spritz cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies, peanut blossom cookies, and this morning sugar cookies and ginger snaps. I've also made a nut log, New York style cheese cake and as I'm blogging there are two pumpkin pies in the oven. Last night all the men came in and we snacked on home made goodies while watching the DVD "The Christmas Card." A mother's heart know that times like these are cherished ones. I went to bed, listening to all the men talking in the family room into the late hours :)

Bethlehem Night

Last night was Bethlehem Night for our Awana kids. Months of preparation went into the special night and I praise the Lord... as it was awesome. We had the most wonderful members of our church acting out the nativity from Luke 2. We presented the drama four times during the night for over 150 children and leaders. And the best part was the Holy Spirit was moving incredibly and we had 4 children accept the Lord as their Savior! I took one picture after the night was over so you could see everyone and the costumes...yes, I sewed most of them :) A big thank you to our church family and to all those who serve faithfully in Awana.

Bethlehem Night in Awana

The Timothy Award

Today in church I was recognized for something I've been working on for the past 3 years in Awana...I received the Timothy Award. The Timothy Award is given for those 3rd through 6th grade T&T (Truth and Training) clubbers who complete their four handbooks. I've been blessed to be the Awana commander at our church and I decided to do the program along with the kids. We work through each handbook, memorizing scriptures and completing other requirements like bible study, christian activities, service and mission outreach. I completed the program in three years, plus completed the Silver/Gold sections which are an optional requirement. Let me tell you, it was not an easy task. Over the three years I've memorized and passed off 374 new verses and recited a total of 898 verses, which includes all the review verses you have to say over and over. I am most proud of our Awana kids who come week after week, working in their handbooks and passing off their verses. We have the most awesome Awana kids!

Becky and Pastor Steve