Life & Times

For any readers wishing to know more of our life: This one's for you. September was a pretty busy month.

For those who may not know, I preach in a small church about 30 miles (45 minutes) from our home. Small as in average attendace of 15 (give or take). I work 9-6 most days in a local computer store as well as a daily part time janitorial gig for/with my dad. So, life is always busy.

There was a lazy Labor Day this month, not quite as lazy as I may have liked, but at least I didn't have to go in to work anywhere. I didn't get the yard work done I would have liked to do, but sometimes rest, relaxation and the like are well worth putting off the chores a little bit. We went to a new friend's first son's first birthday party and spent the afternoon visiting with some other friends. All in all, a very pleasant day.

On the 10th, we celebrated Aidan's 5th birthday (the 11th) with several little friends of his, their parents, and of course as much family as we could. The party was at Moe's (southwestern eatery) in Aiken. They provided the food, locale, a "space walk" bouncer, gift bags and a shirt for the birthday boy. We had a beautiful cake made by my talented wife. It was a great success. He loved it and it seemed all the kids enjoyed themselves immensely. A great party with great people!

Some dear friends, the Cox family from Aiken, came to visit with us on the 11th at church. Such a good time! We always love visiting with our friends and are so blessed when they come down to visit with us at our new church home. Big crowd that Sunday. I believe there were 20 of us there. We enjoyed a meal at a local barbecue place (ironically, they do NOT serve the barbecue on Sunday) and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship as well.

That week, I wound up in the Dentist's chair. Had some work on my weak teeth done earlier in the month and scheduled the next session for October some time. Wednesday the 14th came and one tooth was hurting so badly I could barely sleep. Scheduled as early an appointment as possible for thursday. Tooth Abcess. Great. Too bad to save the tooth. Had it extracted. What joy! The dentist almost creid when she told me. She hates for any one to lose their teeth.

Friday the 23rd I became a thirty-something. 31 to be exact. We took a mini vacation over to Aiken, stayed in a cheap motel with a freezing cold indoor pool. The important part is that we were able to just spend a few days together: no work 1, work 2 or work 3. Good Stuff.

The 24th was a family pcinic with the church family from the Aiken church of Christ. Another largely pleasurable day. Mostly fellowship, some eating (maybe too much eating) and lots of games and fun for the kids. Loved it. We also spent Sunday morning with the Aiken church of Christ. A nice refresher for us.

My mother went in the hospital on Friday also. Deep Vein Thrombosis. She was put on meds, observed regularly, blood drawn regularly, but no surgery. It was pretty rough on her before and during the stay. Pretty rough on Dad also. She was released Thursday and may return to work in a week or so. Possibly as early ss this week.

In the midst of all this Aidan started soccer this month. Regular practices Tuesday and Thursday nights for about an hour. There was a "Jamboree" today and regular games start this Tuesday to contiune on the practice shedule throughout the month of October. He's loving it! We can hardly get him to stop playing at the end of practice. It is a joy to see.

So as you can see, its been a hoppin', happenin' month. October looks to be shaping up similarly. We'll just have to see.

Dear GOD,

Thanks for all the wonderful times we experienced this month. So much fellowship, so many joyous occasions. Thank You for providing so much celebration in our lives! We thank You for watching over Mom and Dad through out this portion of this health struggle. Please continue to watch over them and all of us as life moves on. Thank You for so many wonderful people with whom we are priviledged to share our lives. Our family and friends are such a blessing that You have provided. Thank You for getting us through such busy and occasionally overwhelming times. Continue to be with us and guide us. Help us to remember to slow down and take it easy on occasion and in all things give praise to You. We want to praise You with our very lives. We want You to touch the world through us in the coming days and months. We owe everything to You, please help us to remember to act like it. We love You! We look forward to being with You!

In CHRIST we pray - Amen