15 reasons

...why you may or may not want to be a chaperone on a High School Marching Band trip:

1. It's usually for a few days.
2. You often go with your spouse.
3. There are other chaperones.
4. You learn how to survive on 4.5 hours of sleep and coffee for 5 days in a row.
5. The students quiz you about things that never crossed your mind as a young adult.
6. You have to convince park employees that, "These really aren't my kids."
7. Stilettos are off limits.
8. You are held responsible for the lives of 60-1,000 others, whatever the case may be.
9. You stay up late.
10. You don't go to work.
11. Slim-Jims are a food staple.
12. You learn 6 new Boy Scout songs.
13. You watch Pirates of the Carribean for the 19th time.
14. It's a fun trip.
15. You return to work, not knowing what day of the week it is.

Rejoice at His coming

All the church rejoice, for your King returns
on a white horse, wearing a crown!
He will break the sky with the angels' shout
descending from the clouds.
Then the dead will rise from the land and sea;
all His people will ascend.
We will reign with Him for eternity!
Rejoice all the church, rejoice!


Music and Lyrics from "Rejoice," by Todd Twinning
Photo: www.creativephotoworksbysusan.com

Come, weary saints!

Come, weary saints, though tired and weak
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Your strength will return by His quiet streams
Hide away in the love of Jesus

Steve & Vikki Cook
"Hide Away in the Love of Jesus"
Album: Come Weary Saints

Let's Go Pens!

There's just something about hometown sports that I love. Even if you don't like hockey (ahem- Erin), you should catch one of the Pens' games against long-time rivals, the Flyers. Because they haven't had a Stanley Cup Finals appearance since I was 8 yrs. old, I have lots of hope that if they get there, they'll take it all.
(Picture from espn.com)

Growing up godly

(Missing from photo: Larissa, Jan, and probably a few other people)

OR, I guess the title could be growing more godly. I was fortunate enough to spend an evening with some of the college girls this past weekend, and really enjoyed my time with them. These girls give me hope that our generation is not totally reckless and lost, and that there is hope for the future. These girls show wisdom exceeding their years, and speak as seasoned believers; I am able to glean a lot from simply listening to their conversations. Their pursuit of godliness while at IUP inspires me and shows the fruits of our church's constant care and outreach to the campus. If you don't know any of these gals, most of them will be around for the next year or so. Make it a point to learn more about them.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, mamí!

Today's my mom's birthday, and according to McDonald's and the AARP she is a senior citizen now; however, my mom seems like anything but that. She is full of cheer and energy, enjoys a long ride on a Harley every now and then, and is constantly serving all of us with her thoughtful gestures and hard work. Though we often have strong and differing opinions about...well, almost any subject, I love my mom because she listens to me and considers what I have to say. (Not to mention, she has put up with my antics for nearly 24 years and still loves me.) I wouldn't trade her for anything!

I'm glad it's Spring!