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.

Facebook

I'm Facebookin'!  I know it is hard to believe but I have entered the interesting world of facebook at the invitation of Sir Mike Guilday.  So I am writing on walls, and updating profiles and looking for more pictures to post.  Hopefully I will be able to manage both worlds: facebook and blogging.  It remains to be seen.

I was so blessed by worship service yesterday at FBCGV.  The worship team was right on the mark and God's presence was evident.  I love preaching about Joseph and his reactions and actions in life.  We can learn so much from his attitude.

It seems to me that there are some folks attending our church who are on the verge of making a decision for Jesus.  I am so much in prayer that they would follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

It is a pretty nice day -  sunny and almost warm - here in Maryland.

Hope you are good wherever you are.

Blessings Pilgrims!

Sunshine, Lolipops, and Rainbows

It is amazing how much better I feel when the sun is shinning. I first noticed this phenomon when we lived in Michigan. The place where we lived was right next to Lake Michigan and during the winter it was always cloudy (not to mention the lake effect snow). Anyway, it seemed to get dark around October and stayed that way until March. When the sun finally came out in March - wow, I suddenly felt like a burden was lifted.

Today the sun is shinning and after the cold and blustery week we have had, it is surely a blessing. It is even a little warmer than it has been - whoopie.

Today is Valentine's Day and although it does seem like a way for Hallmark to make money, it is also an opportunity to say "I Love You" to those important people in our lives. I am blessed with the greatest partner in life. As one of my friends has said, "I married UP." I thank the Lord for Deb and know that my life has been so much richer because of her.

I am also thankful for my family, friends, and church family that the Lord has put into our lives. You all are very special to us and we thank the Lord for each one of you. You are loved!

On the road together!

Bro. Mike

Rain and Ice

Its raining, its pouring, the old man is snoring,
Bumped his head and he went to bed
And he couldn't get up in the morning!

Today is a rainy, icy day here in the Mid-Atlantic. The wintry blast of Monday has ushered an ice storm that has cancelled school and delayed everything else.

Now, we have a choice - we can lament the lost time and messed up schedules. Or, we can look for ways to be blessed with new opportunities. For those who can be at home - here is a chance to catch up on some important project (even Bible study and book reading) or fellowship, or cooking that family favorite. For those who suffered longer commute times - maybe a chance for more prayer time or enjoying good worship music.

Please be careful out there and look for ways to be blessed when your schedule is messed!

God bless you all!
Your friend, Mike

A Cold Blast

An artic blast has cornered us here in Maryland. The wind has blown in a bitter and cold day. When walking our "boys" this morning, they shivered and returned to the warmth of their home as fast as little legs could carry them. Of course, in that warmth they frustrated our latest efforts to train their elimination habits - they used the bathroom in the house! Ugghhh.

Ah, the plight of the canine owner in the modern era! Really, it has not been that bad and they are very enjoyable - especially when they sleep.

Deb seems much better with her back and is back on pace with her new job. A new week has begun with new challenges and prospects.

The septic saga continues. Here is the latest. I received a call from Mr. Hansen of NutriCycle Systems - the fellow who designs and sells the grey water systems. He informed me that he spoke with the Frederick Health Department who advised we must purchase a Septic Repair Permit ($25) at which point the personell from the health department would come and perform a series of tests at our location. So....should we pursue this possible solution or?

Stay tuned for further developments!

May the Lord bless you all with a great week!

Getting Back to Normal

I am happy to report that Deb's back is getting better by the day. She went to work today, though I drove since she was still taking some of the pain medications. We thank the Lord that she is getting better. Also thank you to some sweet folks who prayed and some sweet folks who brought us food during this small set back!

Beanie and Cecil had their second Doctors appointment this afternoon and we are happy to report that they continue in good health. The both weigh the same although Beanie looks much smaller. The difference is that he is somewhat longer than Cecil. That is my problem, I am not long enough for my weight!

This Sunday I am planning to continue our study on the life of Joseph. We will be looking at step three in our journey. Joseph is back in prison for no fault of his own. Yet, he plods on waiting for God's blessing and the opportunity to minister to others. Disillusionment comes when we put all our trust in men. The cure for disillusionment is to put our complete trust and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Later Taters!

Favorite Folks

Howdy Y'all,

Here is a post of some of my favorite folks - Jack and Beanie - this is not to downplay the importance of Cecil or any of the rest of our great family.

Deb seems to be getting some better with her back - hopefully one more day of rest will make a difference with her.

No updates from her job yet. Our expectation is that she will make contact with them sometime later today.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Just passing through!

Back Up

Deb's back went out! She returned home early from the Super Bowl Party and was walking the doggies when she almost fell. Catching herself, she hurt her back - so much it was bringing tears to her eyes. This morning the problem remained and we started looking for some relief. Starting with the emergency room for a few hours; then we were blessed to get an appointment with the PA in our doctor's office. The plan is to try pain killers and a muscle relaxer for a couple of days and hope there is no structural damage - especially at the site of her previous surgeries.

The other complication is that she was scheduled to begin her new job this morning. We do not know how this will work out but we are hoping that it will be just on hold and that she will be able to resume orientation at the end of the week!

Whew, it has been a whirl wind day!

The family is well and enjoying the blessings of the Lord.

Worship services at FBCGV were wonderful yesterday. God's people joining to together to praise His glorious Name! We are so blessed to serve an awesome God.

Until we meet again!

Septic Saga

The tale of the tank continues.... This week I have heard from two companies in the septic business who advised that we must contact the Frederick County Health Department as a preliminary step. On two days, I drove to the department only to find that the person I need to speak with was not available.

Today I called and spoke with the program manager for Environmental Health Services in Frederick County. He was immediately familiar with Maynes Lane and offered that the property once had a septic system that failed which necessitated the installation of tanks. He did state that the west side of Maynes Lane would be eligible to connect to city sewer in coming days. He estimated platts and approval for the system would be completed in three years. Of course, when the actual constuction would be done, he could not say.

He did give me the name of a company that specializes in greywater treatment systems and offered that the perk requirements of such a system were lower than a regular septic system. This would save about half of the water currently being pumped from our tanks. I spoke with the owner of the company who briefly outlined the cost and offered to come out and make an inspection of our home.

On the surface of his proposal, we would break even on the cost of the system installation vs half the cost of the pumping before three years have passed. He is supposed to come to the house sometime next week.....I will keep you updated!

Otherwise, all is well. Planning to get back to the life of Joseph this coming week - Not your average Joe!

The puppies are well. Deb starts her new job next week!

Later Amigos!

A New Day

The start of a new week is always a blessing. It is an opportunity to begin again in the process of loving and serving the Lord Jesus. This past Sunday at church was wonderful.

We were blessed to have Bro. Robert Wallace from Youth Frameworks with us to share his vision and ministry! Bro. Robert shared the ministry through a powerpoint presentation during Sunday School and then preached the Word of God during the worship service! Wow, what a message - Give God what You've Got - Give everything you have, press on through perceived failure.

The music service was great, as usual. Bro. Wesley did a marvelous job leading us.

Home life is good - still investigating the sewage situation and training the two youngest members of the family - Beanie and Cecil.

Have a great week, Pilgrims.
Mike

Septic Sorrows

On the home front we are trying to investigate if we can put in a septic tank that would replace the holding tank that has to be pumped every month - to the tune of several hundred dollars. Since our house was built in the 1950s our hope is that technological changes have made it possible for another solution to soiled water........I will keep you informed.

The puppies are doing well..they have sharp teeth but we are keeping up with the training and loving it! Hopefully, if I can figure out Picassa, I will post a picture of the two gentlemen before long.

God is good!
Passa Mike

The life of Joseph, Beanie and Cecil.

This week I am planning to begin a series of messages on the life of Joseph. For many years I have pondered about Joseph and his spiritual fortitude but have never been able to bring a message on his life. In the next few weeks, I hope we will learn much from his experiences and his reactions to bad circumstances.

On a personal note, Deb and I are set to adopt two new members into our family - Beanie and Cecil - two dachshund puppies! I can hear my Mom say, "if we don't have enough trouble we will go out and find some!" Hopefully, I can post some pictures of these two guys in the next day or so.

Later, my friends!

Trying again!

Well Pilgrims,
I am once again entering the brave world of blogging. It is the start of a new year and my prayer is that I will be able to keep a steady stream of blogging comments. My strategy for this year is to have less wordy thoughts, but more of them. Let's see how it goes. I note that my last entry was about a year ago, rejoicing in Jack's sonogram report. Now that he is here among us - he is the greatest! May God bless each of you with a great 08!
Bro. Mike