The Pettijohn Family Blog

I finally beat Spider Solitaire with two suites!!!

2011-10-13T23:17:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Youth & Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
josh@fbcclute.com
www.fbcclute.com
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
(979) 265-2871 Office
(979) 487-9213 Cell Phone
(979) 265-1950 Fax

Sent from my iPad

On top of hoskins mound bridge looking north at wildfife

2011-07-25T20:54:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Abby & Lily shopping together

2011-07-12T18:10:00.001-05:00

Is Esther really doing public speaking??? Way to go!!!

2011-07-01T07:47:00.001-05:00

The pool is ready - time to swim! YAY!!!

2011-05-29T20:27:00.001-05:00

Honoring Ethan Hardin this Memorial Day

2011-05-29T14:57:00.001-05:00

Sgt. Ethan Hardin had big dreams. After traveling the world in defense of his country, he planned to start a small business in his native city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Soldiers who served with Hardin, from Europe to the Middle East, were in awe of his ambition.

"He fought better, played harder and made his fortune because he couldn’t be kept down. Any time things got rough or difficult; there was a quick smile and a joke," said Spc. Erik Mitchell. "He was simply the one [soldier] I knew would never let this year overwhelm me or anyone else, but now he’s moved on."

According to the Pentagon, Sgt. Hardin, 25, was killed on January 7 in Afghanistan's Logar province. He died alongside Pfc. Ira Benjamin Laningham IV, 22, who this blog recently profiled. Officials said the soldiers, who served with the Army's 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, were attacked by terrorists using improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Tom Hardin, the departed warrior's father, told 40/29 TV in northwest Arkansas that his son was heavily guided by faith.

"As a family we have a close relationship with Christ and we know that Ethan did," Tom Hardin said.

With that deep belief in God and commitment to service came a sense of humor that earned him the nickname "EZ" -- for his easygoing manner -- from fellow soldiers and friends back home.

"He was always concerned with making sure everyone was happy. He was definitely the peacemaker of our group," sixth grade classmate Olivia Marie Yates posted on a Facebook tribute page. "The last text he sent me...all he was talking about was how our class needed to get back together. He just wanted everyone to love each other."

"Little did he know how much we all love him," she continued. "He will be so missed."

At an Afghanistan memorial service, which was covered by Sgt. 1st Class Matt Meadows, the grieving soldiers of Task Force Patriot echoed those authentic sentiments. They feel fortunate to have served with Sgt. Ethan Hardin.

"His spirit, his drive to live life to its fullest, does not move on with his passing," continued Mitchell. "Remember Hardin as the man he was - a man of limitless talent, a man with an undying spirit."

The impact of Hardin's death also echoed through one of our nation's most powerful chambers, when Arkansas Congressman Steve Womackspoke about one of his state's fallen heroes on the House floor.

"Nicknamed 'EZ' for his easygoing personality, Sgt. Hardin was also a veteran of the conflict in Iraq," Rep. Womack said. "Sgt. Hardin was the product of a loving Christian family, and a 2004 graduate of Fayetteville Christian School. His dedication to God and country defined him, as both man and soldier."

One cause important to Ethan Hardin, who the Army posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant, was protecting military funerals from hateful and disruptive protesters. To their infinite credit, the Patriot Guard Riders were there to shield Sgt. Hardin's loved ones after his tragic passing.

"I know he would want all of us smiling and like Olivia said, loving each other," Doug Francis wrote in the memorial group. "He really was a peacemaker, and a good man."

Abby found another lid she likes to open...

2011-05-21T10:18:00.001-05:00

CIMG0053.mp4 Watch on Posterous

Lazy afternoon camping...

2011-05-16T15:02:00.001-05:00

Cooking!!

2011-05-15T16:09:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Funeral Expense Dilemma

2011-05-10T17:59:00.001-05:00

   Obama goes on a State visit to Israel . While he is on a tour of Jerusalem , he has a fatal heart attack.
   The undertaker tells the US diplomats: "You can have him shipped  home for $1 million or you can  bury him here in the Holy Land  for $100."
   The U.S. diplomats go into a huddle and come back to the  undertaker and tell him they still want Obama flown home.
   The undertaker is puzzled and asks: "Why would you spend $1  million to get him home when it would be wonderful to be buried here in this religious country and you would only spend $100?"
   One diplomat replied: "More than 2000 years ago a man died here,  was buried here, and just three days later he rose from the  dead. We simply can't take  that risk."

Trying out Cherry Berry!

2011-05-10T15:44:00.001-05:00

I have an AWESOME mom!

2011-05-07T04:34:00.001-05:00

Mom,
I am putting this picture up on Facebook to declare to all of my friends what an amazing mom the Lord has given me! This picture is special to me because it reminds me of the day that I officially entered the world of parenthood. Now I can understand what you felt when we cried, when we were happy, when we hurt, when we were excited, when we were sick, or when we aspired to something great. It's such an emotional roller coaster as a parent, but I don't regret it one but, and I am so glad you chose to take that risk on me. Happy Mother's Day to one of God's finest!

Love,
Josh

Driving with the Muppets

2011-04-30T17:32:00.001-05:00

"Look, Ma, no hands!"

2011-04-30T17:30:00.001-05:00

Abby is trying out a "new look" at Putt Putt Funhouse

2011-04-30T17:26:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Beach Blanket Recovery

2011-04-29T11:33:00.001-05:00

> http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=3JDT5vBQQr8&vq=medium
>

You know it's going to be a good day when the first sounds through the baby monitor are "Dadda".

2011-04-26T10:24:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

It is finished! (the home office, that is)

2011-04-22T21:37:00.001-05:00

Look who learned to pull herself up!

2011-04-21T11:27:00.001-05:00

New flooring installed in 2 hours...Man, I feel like a pro!!!

2011-04-20T23:13:00.001-05:00

Paint living room: check! Install new front door: check! Refinish hardwoods: check! Now for the floor to dry so I can put everything back...

2011-04-15T18:43:00.001-05:00

Door is in & walls & trim are back! Now to paint the living room...anyvolunteers? :-)

2011-04-14T17:47:00.001-05:00

What do you think my wife will say when she discovers I have torn up her living room? LOL

2011-04-13T17:25:00.001-05:00

Your turn...

2011-04-06T23:20:00.001-05:00

Abby loves the iPad!!!

2011-03-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

CIMG0020.mp4 Watch on Posterous

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Untitled

2011-03-27T21:57:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Susan's birthday!

2011-03-27T21:52:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

Lessons from the Third Generation

2011-03-23T14:27:00.003-05:00

Lessons from the Third Generation
Bro. Pat Briney
MBBC Discipleship Conference 2011

Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. -Proverbs 22:6

The results are tragic
-Many children choose to live lukewarm or cold, sinful lives
-Some reject Christ completely

The ideal disciples
-most children do not continue the ministry of discipleship. Multiplication fails.
-Children are perfect test subjects for studying the claims and practices of discipleship.

The judgement seat of Christ
-Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
-The decision to reject or accept Christ is up to the disciple, not the disciples. You are only responsible to GIVE the gospel.

Unrealistic ideas
-it is not promised that proper teaching results in Christ-like children. -It is not biblical to place the weight of the child's decision on the parents. Your child's failure to choose Christ is not the fault of the parent.
-Children from lost homes can be saved, and children of Christian homes can be lost. A child is not bound by the decisions and discipleship of the parents. They are not 100% a product of their environment.

Questions we need to ask:
-Is it possible to train up a child in the way he should go?
-How old is old?
-Is Proverbs 22:6 a guarantee that they will not depart?

"Deterioration within a community tends to climax with the third generation." Dennis Bratcher, Nehemiah and The Question of Identity

The third generation phenomenon is not unique to churches.

-The first generation is marked by growth
-The second generation is marked by entrenchment (content with stories of past success and small current successes)
-The third generation is marked by decline (no passion or vision)

Comparison:

-First generation builds the church. 2nd and 3rd generation inherit the church. -1st generation willingly chooses to join the church, 2nd and 3rd generation choose to accept Christ, and then to stay in the church.
-Less second generation choose Christ than the first, even less in the third generation than the second.
Over time, loss of zeal occurs in the first generation too.

Biblical axiom of Human response to Christ:

Most will reject Christ
-Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
-Matthew 22:14 (KJV)
For many are called, but few are chosen.

Most will not be fully committed to Christ
-Mark 4:20 (KJV)
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it , and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

So, the first generation has already been called out as a select few that willingly joined the church to build it. Out of the second generation, they will also have many reject Christ, and many not be fully committed to Christ.

A church that internalizes it's ministries will shrink with each generation and eventually die. For a church to grow they must take ministry outside of the church. A church of growth must continually work to win souls and bring in new members.

-The second generation and third generation are typically saved at a younger age, and have not experienced the amount of sin of the first generation, and therefore don't love the Lord as deeply. Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

-Exposure to sin causes a falling away from the Lord. Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
-wickedness is like a magnet Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

-Withhold each generation, there are less people with a drive to do anything, but are content to allow life to happen to them.

-Those who do not show initiative are often entangled in the things of the world. 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Church Growth Requires Hard Work!
-Must sow a lot of seed to have a bountiful harvest
-We tend towards failure, so. Have an uphill battle.

1. Be faithful regardless of results.
2. Be ready to reach out to any and everyone.
3. Because there are fewer people wanting to be disciples, we must continue to search for those who are willing.
4. We must be diligent with those who are willing to be disciples.
5. Appreciate those who are serving Christ!

Sent from my iPad

Hidden Disease of Distractions

2011-03-23T14:27:00.001-05:00

The Hidden Disease of Distractions
Bro. Travis Jones
MBBC Discipleship Conference 2011

Is this the only way?

-Matthew 26:6-13 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, [7] There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat . [8] But when his disciples saw it , they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? [9] For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. [10] When Jesus understood it , he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. [11] For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. [12] For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. [13] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

-Acts 1:6-11
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; [11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Need for definitions:
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

When Jesus began His ministry, He began with discipleship.
Persuasion vs. coercion:
Coercion: use of force or intimidation to gain compliance
Persuasion: To convince (Acts 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.)
Lead them to an ideal. Sheep cannot be driven, only led.

Program vs. Process:
We can create distractions with programs. Discipleship is a process, not a program someone is stuck in for a period of time. If it is just a program, it becomes a fad, or something else to be tagged on to the church's ministry. When viewed as a program, it creates competition with other programs. When viewed as a lifestyle, it changes our view of our programs. Focus is the ability to say no to almost everything else.

Who will do the discipling?

Sent from my iPad

The Hidden Disease of Distraction #mbbcdc11

2011-03-23T11:34:00.001-05:00

The Hidden Disease of Distractions Bro. Travis Jones MBBC Discipleship Conference 2011 Is this the only way? -Matthew 26:6-13 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, [7] There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat . [8] But when his disciples saw it , they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? [9] For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. [10] When Jesus understood it , he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. [11] For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. [12] For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. [13] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. -Acts 1:6-11 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; [11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Need for definitions: Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. When Jesus began His ministry, He began with discipleship. Persuasion vs. coercion: Coercion: use of force or intimidation to gain compliance Persuasion: To convince (Acts 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.) Lead them to an ideal. Sheep cannot be driven, only led. Program vs. Process: We can create distractions with programs. Discipleship is a process, not a program someone is stuck in for a period of time. If it is just a program, it becomes a fad, or something else to be tagged on to the church's ministry. When viewed as a program, it creates competition with other programs. When viewed as a lifestyle, it changes our view of our programs. Focus is the ability to say no to almost everything else. Who will do the discipling?

Our first rose!!! We planted this rose bush almost a year ago when we bought this house, and now it is starting to bloom!

2011-03-18T18:57:00.001-05:00

I bought this rose in Brenham for Susan for Mother's Day, and now it has it's first bloom just in time for her birthday. :-)

Spring Break 2011 at Brazos Bend

2011-03-17T17:35:00.001-05:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

See the full gallery on Posterous

Abby celebrates her first tooth with a smiley fry!

2011-03-13T21:25:00.001-05:00

I'm ready for Spring!!!

2011-03-03T09:29:00.001-06:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 77531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
josh@fbcclute.com

See the full gallery on Posterous

I've started my new diet plan. Have you heard about it? It's the "I can't afford to eat" diet. Special thanks to our government for taxing gas so much that it has come to this!

2011-03-02T20:33:00.001-06:00

My little cherry blossom!

2011-03-02T09:43:00.001-06:00

Thank you Bridgette for all of the beautiful handmade hairbows! Abby is putting this one to use today. I'm having a hard time keeping it on her head though, because she keeps pulling it down to look at it! LOL

Untitled

2011-02-26T11:45:00.001-06:00

Let the fun begin!!!

Just when she acted like she was feeling better...

2011-02-16T22:29:00.001-06:00

Then came round two!!! She threw up and got her momma good for the second night in a row! Anyone know how long this bug is lasting???

Abby is taking a "Sick Day" at work

2011-02-16T13:04:00.001-06:00

The BEST political bumper sticker EVER!

2011-02-10T15:57:00.001-06:00

If only all Christians did what this bumper sticker says, we would be Salt & Light, as we are designed to be.

Look honey...see all the extra space we found in your closet!

2011-02-03T16:54:00.001-06:00

Sent from my Palm Pixi on the Now Network from Sprint

I'm loving my new piano!

2011-02-01T18:41:00.001-06:00

Today I got an awesome deal on a yamaha console piano. Someone donated this piano to be sold at Hospice's Thrift Store, and my WONDERFUL mother spotted it and called me. I arranged to trade my spinnet-style piano & $75 for this piano. What a deal!

Fun at "Where's Waldo?"

2011-01-28T21:27:00.001-06:00

Tonight was a raving hit at the Brazos Mall, as the best of FBC Clute were showcased in a scavenger-hunt-style game of "Where's Waldo?". First Prize of $75 went to Rachel, friend and guest of Lindsay Wimberley (thanks for inviting them!!!). Second place of $50 was Nick, and his brother Chris came in as a close third, winning the $25 dollar prize. A big shout out to Caitlin Grimes, who nearly had third place - if only you could have found fice or six more points!

Everyone left with a smile on their face and a king size candy bar in their pocket (or stomach :-) ). With over 45 participants, I would say it was a big hit!

I would like to thank all of our WONDERFUL WALDOS:

Ashley Thomas
Esther Solis
Jacob McDougal
Amy Bohon
Jared Kirk
Rachel Kirk
Joseph Edge
Randy McDougal
Cindy McDougal
Nichole Stayton
Alinda Taylor
Ouida Alexander

Your help made tonight a lot of fun! Also, thank you to the parents who helped us chaperone the hallways and keep our game safe and responsible:

Wade Wilson
Stephanie Wilson
Diane Curl
Susan Pettijohn
Lois Cornelio
Pete Grimes
Dawn Grimes
Parents of our guests :-)

It sounds like this activity might see it's way onto future calendars! Good job, all!!!

"Donkey Tales" is Hee-Haw-Larious!

2011-01-23T11:18:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0029.mp4 (5044 KB)

Defense.gov News Release: DOD Identifies Army Casualties

2011-01-09T14:17:00.001-06:00

http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14190

My healthy dinner

2011-01-06T18:54:00.001-06:00

Chicken & Green Chile soup at Chili's. Only 100 calories for a cup, so a bowl is about 200 calories. Wow - not bad at all!!!

Redneck babysitter

2011-01-03T17:45:00.001-06:00

Abby got so excited when I started taking the ribbon off the tree, that I decided to get some mileage out of it. After hanging the ribbon from the ceiling fan above her, Abby was set for entertainment!

The shortest sermon ever!!!

2011-01-02T11:43:00.001-06:00

11:30 and services are dismissed due to an electrical issue creating smoke in the building. What a way to start the new year!

The best New Years ever!!!

2011-01-01T16:38:00.001-06:00

What an awesome New Year's party! With the help of roadgamers.com, we were able to have a mobile video game theater and laser tag in the woods! This one will be one to talk about for many years.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Please pick up your child at church at 3:15.

2011-01-01T13:33:00.001-06:00

Joshua Pettijohn
Minister of Youth and Music
First Baptist Church of Clute
101 E. Brazoswood Drive
Clute, TX 7531
979-265-2871 Office
979-265-1950 Fax
979-487-9213 Cell
www.fbcclute.com
josh@fbcclute.com

A Little Bit Tired???

2010-12-31T11:52:00.001-06:00

You know that camp has taken it's toll on Abby when she can sleep through an entire trip to Wal-Mart!

It's beginning to look a lot like Winter Camp! Loaded at Sams and on to camp!!!

2010-12-30T08:07:00.001-06:00

Another first!!!

2010-12-24T22:17:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0004.mp4 (5235 KB)

Abby sat up on her OWN for the first time tonight!!! What proud parents we are!!!

Christmas Eve fun at the Pettijohn House!!!

2010-12-24T22:11:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0003.mp4 (3014 KB)

Ryan wins - he earned Abby's first full laughs tonight! She got soooo excited and kept laughing for several minutes at her Super-cool brother!

Any guesses what this is?

2010-12-24T21:37:00.001-06:00

We got a mysterious "shipment" to our house for Papaw Hamlet. Any guesses what it is?

"Athiests Don't Have No Songs"

2010-12-22T10:18:00.001-06:00

This is the funniest thing I have seen in a good while! ACLU - eat your heart out!!!

Youth caroling

2010-12-17T20:36:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0195.mp4 (2896 KB)

I Want a Hippopautomus for Christmas

2010-12-11T10:33:00.001-06:00

Every time this song comes on the radio this year, I can't help but smile, thinking about Julia, my cousin's daughter, who sang this for me, and told me she wants "Hungry Hungry Hippo" for Christmas. Julia, you are a doll!!!

Waiting for Chronicles of Narnia - "Voyage of the Dawn Treador"

2010-12-10T18:43:00.001-06:00

Susan and Abby headed out to a jewelry party tonight, so Ryan and I decided to catch opening night. Of course, we snuck in our Dr. K drinks! Ryan is so excited...now if he can stay awake through all two hours of it.

Starting dinner....

2010-12-03T12:58:00.001-06:00

It's been over a month since I made a pot of chili, so today's the day! Tons of chopping yet to be done...

Campfire Night

2010-12-01T20:32:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0177.mp4 (4522 KB)

Connie Marquez shared with the AWANA clubs at First Baptist Church about Jesus teaching around the campfire.

12 Days of Whataburger, Day 1

2010-11-30T12:05:00.001-06:00

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Look who rolled over!

2010-11-29T15:03:00.001-06:00

I laid Abby down for her nap on her tummy, and when I checked on her, this is what I found! Rolled over for the first time 11/29/2010.

Shopping, packing, driving

2010-11-26T09:45:00.001-06:00

It's a wonderful thing to know you've accomplished what you set out to do (and I'm not really referencing Black Friday). It's time to load the truck and leave OKC, but I am content, knowing that I spent precious time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, wife & kids this Thanksgiving. No regrets.

Black Friday...check!

2010-11-25T22:49:00.001-06:00

So, we dropped in to Wal-Mart just after 10 pm to try and find where to look for our items that would be on sale at 12:01 a.m. Instead, we were able to "discreetly" load our cart with all of our list, and now we are borrowing some camping chairs, and hanging out in hardware until 12:01. I definitely like this better than waiting outside until 5 a.m.!!!

I am thankful

2010-11-25T13:17:00.001-06:00

1. I am thankful for the gift of family. As a child, we are blessed in so many ways by our family, many that we don't even notice. I am thankful for grandparents, parents, aunts & uncles who love the Lord.

I am thankful for the tremendous privilege of continuing this legacy with a family of my own. God has blessed me with a wife who loves Him, and is excited to partner with me in serving His kingdom plan. I am thankful for a son who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that began this summer. I am thankful that God chose to bless us with a healthy, happy baby girl who brings joy to our lives every morning.

2. I am thankful for church. God has blessed me through several churches in my life, all of which are part of His plan to share the love of Christ with the world. I am especially thankful for MY church, which is loving, exepting of new people, and focused on lost souls. It is my priveledge to be part of this body and work beside my brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. I am thankful that God's mercy is new every morning. Starting with purchasing my redemption on the cross, to daily cleansing me from sin, I am nothing aside from the grace of God.

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for today?

2010-11-25T08:40:00.001-06:00

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

And we are off to Oklahoma! Hope it's a good ride with Abby!

2010-11-24T04:15:00.001-06:00

Parade Float - FBC Clute Childrens Choir

2010-11-20T20:38:00.001-06:00

Let the parade begin! Two weeks of work is about to pay off as the parade kicks off. Watch for us - we are float # 16 out of who knows how many! Enjoy the pictures!!!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Doesn't feel like Christmas time yet? It does when it's snowing in Lake Jackson today!

2010-11-20T13:11:00.001-06:00

After standing in lines over an hour long, us coastal Texans get to enjoy a winter treat at Snowland, one of the free activities at the Festival of Lights, sponsored by the City of Lake Jackson. Sure, to you it might look like one lousy sledding run down a seven foot hill, but to a third grader, this means Santa is on his way!

Some birthday fun with the #1 son

2010-11-16T01:15:00.001-06:00

No, we didn't go to the Rockets Game, but we got as close as we'll ever get. We went to the Houston Aeros game, also at Toyota Center. Ryan said it was better than watching WWE!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Free Taco Tuesday!

2010-11-16T01:09:00.001-06:00

FREE tacos (2) at Jack in the Box after 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, November 16th. Who's gonna join me???

Big News!

2010-01-28T23:39:00.002-06:00

After a year of hoping, and two pregnancies that resulted in miscarriage, we are now three months pregnant! We have had two great ultrasounds and listened to the heartbeat on the doppler. We hit the twelve week mark on Tuesday and decided to share our news.

This leads to the next announcement: 1126 W 7th Stret is up for sale! We are making plans to move to a larger house - particularly one with a second toilet! We are planning to move to 517 McKay Loop in Clute. Three bedrooms, one and a half baths and twice the living space we currently have.

Please pray for us next week. We are going to Mexico City to the Rivers of Mercy Children's Home. Susan has had a lot of sickness for the past two months, and we hope it doesn't continue in Mexico. We hope to be a blessing to those children, so please pray with us about this.

Time to set sail!

2009-09-04T11:34:00.002-05:00

Susan and I are soon to leave for a week of total bliss! We are cruising to Progreso & Cozumel in ten days with two of the greatest friends you could ask for (Wade & Stephanie). We have both been on this cruise before, but when we went with the church group in Jan. 2008, we were still single. I think the cruise will be much better now, as we celebrate our first year of marriage.

We will be taking lots of pictures (Susan is the best at that), so hopefully we will post some of the best when we return.

Some news to share

2009-01-16T14:45:00.002-06:00

This week has been a difficult week for our family. Some complications with the pregnancy came to our attention on Friday. We saw the doctor on Monday and he ordered some tests. After a series of tests, the doctors determined that we were miscarrying and the baby was no longer alive. This was very difficult news to hear. We had to make some choices quickly. Susan had to have surgery yesterday and the doctor did a D&C. We are both quite sad about this, but with the Lord's help, we are both doing okay. We've cried, hugged, laughed and cried a little more. The doctor told us we could try again in two months, and if the Lord is willing, we may have some more great news to share. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement as we trust the Lord through this difficult time.

Another Doctor's Visit

2009-01-12T16:36:00.002-06:00

Six days later, we were back at the doctor today. Susan was concerned because not everything was quite normal, so the doctor ordered an hCG test. For those of you who are pregnancy illiterate, hCG is "is a glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta)." (thank you, wikipedia) Basically, if the hormone is increasing, then it is a positive sign, which indicates the baby is growing.

On Wednesday, Susan will go back in to have a second blood sample drawn so that the levels can be compared. This will be able to tell us if everything is as it should be.

We are excited to announce...

2009-01-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

We are excited to begin our family's blog with some good news...we are expecting! You read it right. Last Monday, December 29th, Susan took a home pregnancy test, and it came up positive. We were reluctant to believe it, mostly because it happened so quickly and she had taken a test a week or so earlier (when we first thought we might be pregnant) and it read negative. So we retested - three more times. After that, we decided we better just believe the tests.

We called our family immediately and shared the news. We shared it with most of our church family at the New Year's party. We scheduled the first doctor's visit for Tuesday, January 6th (yesterday).

Now that we have heard it from the doctor, it is time for our online announcement. So far, everything is normal, and the baby is due on August 28th, which means she is in her 6th week (day 5) . Susan's next appointment is on February 10th. Hopefully we will be able to hear the baby's heart beat by then!