I Need Your Help!!!

Calling all bloggers (and commenters of blogs...particularly on this one). My wife has it in her head to cut her hair. Now the last few months have been filled with people commenting on how awesome her hair looks. Further, the comment sections over several of the previous posts have indicated that still more people think her hair looks great. Last...and probably least...as her husband, I think it looks fantastic. Nevertheless, she still wants to cut it. She claims it will keep Noah from grabbing on to her hair as much (though I advised it would have to be as short as mine to accomplish such a feat). Bottom line is she's just making excuses :-)

Here's your chance to weigh in on the matter. I want as many people as read this blog (even those of you who lurk in the shadows and neglect to post comments normally) to sound off in the comment section. NOW...let me clarify the issue: I am not asking whether or not she should have the right to cut it or whatever you think would make her happy. I want you to honestly post YOUR OWN opinion of what you think of her hair. Yes, this is an incredibly shallow post, probably my worst ever, but I will not be dissuaded. Ok...Dawn said I'm desperate. But please, none of the "Oh she should do whatever makes her happy" stuff. I need you to grow a pair (metaphorically speaking of course) and post YOUR OPINION. Girls AND GUYS -- young and old, regular commenters and shadow lurkers....come one and all and help me out! If you don't know what she looks like, refer to the last two posts for the latest pics.

**Postscript** Let me be clear: ultimately your opinion doesn't matter, particularly if you disagree with me. So what have you got to lose? :-)

Chillin' at Starbucks

Dawn had to finish up some things on her Sunday School lesson today, so I offered for a guys' night out (actually afternoon) with Noah. Our destination? Starbucks of course! Not only do they know me by name, but several of the baristas know him as well. He was an AWESOME baby, snuggling with me for a little bit, then napping for 45 mins so I could bang out some pages of my latest read (Jesus and the Victory of God by Wright). He even rode well in the car both ways.


After getting back home I snapped this picture of him and his Mom; I think my favorite so far!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not that again!

The teens at Colonial are going through Jerry Bridges' book "The Practice of Godliness" for Sunday school, and I found out last Sunday that I will be teaching some of the teen girls this coming weekend. This is my first time teaching since Noah was born so I was excited, but I am ashamed to admit that when I was told what the chapter was on I wanted to opt out. What topic could be so bad you ask? Chapter six of Bridges' book is on humility. Now, I know that humility is very important for every believer, but I felt like I had taught on this topic a number of different times the past four years and I was afraid that the girls would tune me out once they heard what the lesson was about. As I began thinking about the lesson I was reminded that I don't obey everything I hear the first, second or even third time, and I am sure that there might be some other sinful people out there just like me who need to be reminded about the importance of having humility.
I am still in the beginning stages of studying, but Bridges has reminded me of the "key" to being humble.

"Humility in every area of life, in every relationship with other people, begins with a right concept of God as the One who is infinite and eternal in His majesty and holiness. We are to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, approaching every relationship and every circumstance in reference to Him." p74

"This humility before God is basic to all our relationships in life. We cannot begin to experience humility in any other relationship until we experience a deep and profound humility in our attitude toward God. When we are conscious of our (sinful) creature relationship to an infinitely majestic and holy God, we will not wish to selfishly compare ourselves with others. And to the extent that our awareness of our lowly place before God is an abiding one, we will avoid the temptations of pride and competition."p75

Before I started reading Bridges' book I had the mindset that I must be humble because it is commanded in scripture (which is true). What I was reminded of is that humility will be an outcome of a right view of God; it is not just a command that I need to obey out of sheer will power. When I am consumed with the awesomeness of who God is it is not difficult for me to by humble due to my sinful state. But, when I become consumed with the things and people of this world I tend to start comparing myself and become prideful in my heart. My problem is that I am not always consumed with the awesomeness of God; everything in my life must be about God! When God has my full adoration the things that I might have become proud about are no longer a temptation, because I have a different perspective. So though the topic of my lesson will be on humility, the emphasis will be about having a consuming passion for know Christ and God.

Our little baby is growing up!

I decided to see if Noah would like to sit in his exersaucer last week; though he needs a little help sitting up in it he loves all of the fun buttons to touch! 

"Scholar" in Training

Check out the scholar in training here.

More shopping pics

This was right after he drank the milk! 

Noah's first ride in a shopping cart

Today was Noah's first ride in a shopping cart! He did a great job sitting up (with the help of a few blankets)! It was finally cold enough for him to wear his winter hat :-) 

My two handsome guys

Nate and I took Noah to the beach this past Friday; you may not be able to tell from the picture but Nate is wearing a pair of shorts! I love living in the South!!! 

Do ALL babies do this?????

Noah has started something new the past few days and it is driving me crazy!! When it comes time for him to eat (and I know that he is hungry) he gets fussy and won't drink his milk. This morning I had him in a vibrating seat and just happened to try fedding him; he started drinking! Once I took him him out of the seat and put him on my lap he started fussing again. Then this afternoon when we were out grocery shopping Noah started to fuss so I made him some milk and gave it to him to drink in the shopping cart, but once I took him out to feed him on my lap he started to fuss and would not eat. Frustrated; I put him back in the shopping cart and tried to give him some milk. He drank all six ounces!!!!! Is this something that most babies go through??? Does anyone have any suggestions!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday and we just wanted to let him know that we love him very much! Happy Birthday Dad!!!! 

Happy Birthday Lester!

Today is my brother's birthday; I hope that you had a great day!!! I wish that we could have been with you to celebrate! We love you! 

For everyone who worries!

This is my first attempt at posting something other then pictures so please be patient. I am not the best writer but Nate has encouraged me many times that the only way to get better at writing is to practice. So here goes nothing :-) Recently I have been asking myself a few questions as I read my bible such as: what have I learned about God, what have I learned about myself and what commands am I to obey. So, when I came to Philippians chapter four verses 6 & 7 I was reminded of a command that I am to obey and a promise regarding God. The command to obey is in verse six "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God." This verse hits home for me since I am a person that finds many things to be anxious about; in fact Nate has told me on several different occasions that I "like" to find something to worry about. It is not that I truly enjoy the twist I get in my stomach when I think of something that I have no control over so why do I put myself through this so often? I believe with all my heart that when I worry it is because I am not trusting in God. I am not trusting that God's way is best (which may mean I don't get the answer to my prayer that I wanted). So from now on when I start to feel that tightening in my stomach or my mind becomes consumed with how I want something to go I am going to use my sword and turn to Philippians 4:6-7. My response must be to go to prayer giving Him my hearts burden asking Him to do what is best and to help my doubting heart. I must also make a point to have a time of praise as well. When I do this I am reminded of many of God's wonderful attributes which takes my mind off of my "small" worry. This is the command that I am to obey. Verse 7 is a promise regarding God: "and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." We give our burdens to God in prayer and He gives us His peace; it is not a fair exchange but God is so gracious to us! So for any of you worriers out there the next time you feel your heart becoming heavy with a care of this world turn to Phil. 4:6-7 and watch the power of God work in your life!

They will let anyone vote.

Though Noah was too young to actually cast a vote; he went to the polls with Nate and I today. He did a great job of staying quiet and not being a distraction. He only has a few more years until he can vote by himself :-)
 

Good Bye Eric and Megan

We went out to eat with Eric and Megan Lee on Saturday to say good bye (though we know that we will see them again). The Lee's are moving to Lowell MA tomorrow (Wednesday) to help in a church plant. Though we will miss seeing them here in VA we know that we will get to see them when we go to NH for any visits! We are so excited for both of you!
 

Tigger was in the house

Noah dressed up as Tigger this year for Halloween. We did not get any trick or treaters but he was ready for them.