Father, i need Your assurance today that everything is going to be OK. i'm overwhelmed by everything--so much is weighing on my heart and my mind. i don't know how i can cope much longer. give me Your comfort. give me Your peace. give me an inexplicable assurance and reminder that You are faithful and that You keep us and protect us. i rely on You, for i have nothing else.

registration

our family sometimes participates in market research or sensory research product tests. most often it's food, but sometimes there are other items like women's make-up, men's grooming products, etc.
well, today i went to update our user profile to include the kids.
i just had to laugh when it asked what stores the 7-month old frequently shopped. it also asked if there was a restricted diet. i had to answer 'yes', but when asked to explain i just put that he's a normal infant with normal infant eating habits.
automation can be a great tool, but it might someday overtake the human race if we don't account for common sense.

a great weekend

i had a great weekend, though it's far outside my typical weekend.

friday was normal: work, home, small group.

saturday was the big day to start cookie production. we may about 15 dozen and that doesn't count the dough that was made, but not yet baked. we didn't get as far as we wanted, but still a good start.

then, we went to a pumpkin patch with israel. i don't know that he appreciated it completely as much as some of the other kids from our small groups' families. but, we got some great pictures (see below) and so, we count it as a great afternoon. besides, the weather was perfect! thanks, tawnya, for coming up with the idea.

after we arrived at home, and israel fell asleep, we started to get ready for our sweetest day date. i really don't buy into the whole sweetest day commericality, but we had a chance to go out, so we did. this was the first time we had a sitter for israel just for us a date (as opposed to work or church, etc).

we grabbed dinner at izzy's (the kosher joint, not my kid's room). as always, the potato pancakes are worth the trip, but the sandwiches are also the best. http://www.izzys.com/

then, we headed down to annies (the venue, not someone from our circle of friends) to catch triad (and others) in concert. john, who's been guitarring with us at church for several weeks now, is in this band, triad. we caught their act and we're really impressed with them. i'm anxious to catch them again sometime soon. we caught their entire set and a couple others, but couldn't stay for all of the acts. you know us good church boys and girls must be in bed early on saturdays.

sunday was also outside the norm: brian was out of town, the instruments were reduced in number, etc. but, it was a great day in the Lord's house.

the choir never sounded better. i've received at least 3x the normal number of compliments. keep in mind that our choir always sounds good, but yesterday really began to dig deep into the quality level of great. hard work pays off, for sure, but we've got a great, committed group and God is blessing us like never before.

the simple trio of accompanyment was a refreshing alternative to our full band sound. even with the drummer looking and feeling like death, he played his heart out.

danny's sermon was a non-traditional format that hit the nail square on the head.

i got the privilege of rehearsing with the kids' choir in the afternoon (as jen was out of town). you are all in for a great treat when the kids present their program. already, it is taking shape and you're sure to be impressed by their work.

by the time i got home and ate dinner, israel and i baked more cookies and went to bed, pleasantly tired by all of our days.

Lord, you are an amazing blesser of Your children. thank You for all You do for us and the ways Your love is demonstrated to us.

my 7-month birthday picture.

learning to type with papa

just like a country boy, chewin' on some straw

i love my mamame and mama again

ornery waiting to happen!