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!