Hallelujah

Since we didn't get an Easter post, here's one.

I am finally trying this out. We will see if I can keep up with it. :-) It seems like good way to connect with all of you that we love.

Winter Storm-Wilmore Version

We had a good 3/4 inches of ice, then snow on top this morning.  We were selfishly most worried about the baby trees that we just planted in the fall (nothing broken yet), but the mature trees in the neighbor's yard took more of a hit.  

jetpack

So, apparently you can buy your own jetpack pretty soon. Surely it's not any more dangerous than motorcycle riding. Maybe I'll start saving my pennies.

Gladding November visit

We had a great time spending a few days with Rebecca, Maggie, and Seth, and one day with Sean before they took part in the Communality 10 yr celebration.
Follow the link for more flickr pix

a super sabbath

This past Sunday was one of the best Sabbaths we've had in a while. After going to an 8:30 service, in which there was a great mix of scripture, rich worship, engaging teaching, communion, we headed to Natural Bridge State Park. I rode my motorcycle, while Erin and the boys went in the van. It was a beautiful day, and although it was mostly interstate, a very enjoyable ride. The park is just into the beginning of the mountains (ok, hills). It's a great park, with a ski lift ride to the top, and lots of trails at the top. The boys loved the ride to the top, loved exploring, hiking, being out. It was so good to be out, and because the boys enjoyed it so much, it was even better. We were all wiped out by the time we got home. Actually, Jed and Andrew had good naps on the way home, so they were more energetic than they should have been. . . But It was one of those days where you came to the end and felt like it was time well spent--and we were better for it.

1st church visit

Finally made it to a church today. We tried last week, but got the directions wrong, and by the time we figured out where we should have gone, it was too late.
But this week we made it. It's kind of weird, picking out a church. I've never had to choose my church before--always went before to one my family went to, or one where I was on staff.
We went this morning to "A church for all nations" -- a non-denom gathering that meets in a rented strip mall space--it's a plant about a year old. It was a group of about 40-50 people, a number of families with small children, representing at least 10 countries--mostly african, but with Indian, Russian, Haitian, and a few others. I enjoyed singing in a variety of languages, and with African influence with drums and energy. It was a bit chaotic, but not disruptive, with kids coming and going. I ended up playing with Andrew in the back during the sermon, but the message was solid, Biblical, and painted a hopeful picture of what the church could be. Geared mostly toward newer converts getting their spiritual footing.
I don't know that it would be the best fit for us long term, but it was definitely a refreshing worship time, and we even found out that the (co?) pastor, who is originally from India, used to live in Waterloo, and has been to CVCC. It's a small world.