Blogin Time

Hello My Friends,

I just can't seem to get everything going at the same time. Blogging, then Facebook, and now my friend Jason has be doing the Twitter! So this morning, I realized that I have not blogged in quite some time. So, here is another try. Knowing myself, there will be several blogs in a row, interupted by several months of dead silence. But, you never know, this may be the time when a breakthough is made.

Tonight at FBCGV we will have a creative worship time called, "Fresh Fragrance". I am thankful for the creative folks who surround me that come up with these wonderful ideas. And, I am excited to be a part. For my part, I seem to be the steady, faithful, plodding type who has never had an original idea but knows one when he hears it.

Blessings on you all, Pilgrims.

My Sweetie

Here is a picture that was taken last Saturday evening at the Kennedy Center. The beautiful lady with me is my bride of 35 years (June 29). Deb is such a blessing and a joy to me - every day she encourages me and shows her love in a multitude of ways. Words cannot express how much she means to my life or the ministry God has called us to. Thank you, Lord for giving me a wonderful helper and partner.

A thank you is also in order for our friends Paul and Denise who invited us to be with them at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Denise took this photo with her phone! Ah technology!

The Cross

This photo reminds me of how simple the message of the cross, and yet how profound the meaning. In the pictue you see a quiet lakefront scene with a cross near the center. You can imagine how quiet and how wonderful it would be to be somewhere near praying and thinking about the issues of life. The Cross gives those issues perspective, in that no matter the outcome of any problem in life, we have the promise of eternal life because of that wonderful message. The cross is empty. Jesus lives and because He lives, we can live also. Praise His Wonderful Name!

Two Steps Forward

March is almost over and I do not have many blog posts to show for it. It seems that I only have so much time for computer interaction and since facebook came along....the blogging has suffered. I will try to achieve more of a balance in the coming month of April.

My last blog entry had to do with exercise and losing weight...of course since that time I have exercised little and gained some weight. Here is my problem....when my schedule is interupted I have a hard time re-establishing my routine.

Thankfully, I have a friend who holds me accountable by asking, "have you been to the gym?" If you have a problem getting started on something you know you should be doing, get an accountability partner.

Just knowing that you will be asked about something might get you moving in the right direction. It does for me.

Have a great week pilgrims!

Exercise and Losing Weight

I guess I have been fighting the "battle of the bulge" for what seems like ages.  And, I am back in the battle once again.  I am trying to eat a little more healthy and exercise some every day.  It is hard work!  So far, I have lost only about 8 pounds and it seems like I have been going after it for months now.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6 am I am part of a progressive weight training class.  Because I am getting to know the other members of the class, it is hard for me to miss one - even if the bed is bidding me to stay.  I find that the mild accountability that comes from the other members of the class is enough to keep me getting up early.

On the other days of the week, I am going to the gym for aerobic work on the eliptical trainer, bike, stair master or some other machine.  Sometimes, I try to lift a few weights on these days.  Usually, I don't do anything on Saturday or Sunday (maybe I should).

Anyway, thats my story - and I am stickin with it.

Hope you all are well.

The septic tank issues continue.  The next step is to seal the openings around the tanks to prevent ground water from getting into them.  This seems to be at least part of the frequency of pumping problem.  We have not made a decision on whether or not to pursue the grey water system or not....we will keep you informed.

Be blessed!

Photo Collage

Here is a sampling of the things that have happened for us in the past month. Compliments to Deb for the great job in taking, collecting and arranging these photos. Deciding to get her a laptop has turned out to be a great blessing to everyone!

Hope you all are having a great week - looking forward to seeing some of you tonight at AWANA.

With the weather being iffy the last couple of weeks it has seemed like a long time since we had AWANA. Tonights the night.

Tonight is also the first choir practice for our Easter Cantata. I really enjoy singing together as a group in this format. Not only does it give the opportunity for more people to be involved, but it is a great way to present the message of the Cross. Come on out and join us tonight following AWANA - around 8 pm.

Blessings to all!

Super Tuesdays!

Today is Tuesday. And, on Tuesdays the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Schools meet with classes starting at 3 pm and continuing to 10 pm. At 5 pm each week we are treated to a meal prepared by Sister Sue Moring - which no doubt is the best part of each week.

Sister Moring is the widow of the late Bro. Willis Moring who was the pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church in Jefferson, MD for many years. Ms. Sue is now a member of FBCGV where she serves faithfully and is a great asset. Sue and Willis met in her native Japan when Willis was in the service. They married and Willis brought his bride back to the states. Of course, Ms. Sue still carries a love for her people and her native country. Especially that they would be saved.

On several occasions since Bro. Moring graduated to glory, Sister Sue has gone back to Japan on mission trips to visit and encourage ABA missionaries.

She is planning such a trip this summer. Sue thinks that this might be her last trip in this capacity since traveling such a distance is getting more difficult as the days go by.

Please keep Ms. Sue in your prayers as she prepares for this journey. If you can and would help her financially, please send your gifts to FBCGV with purpose noted. We will see that they are added to her account. For our address information, see our website at www.fbcgv.com.

Thanks for coming by today.