School

The kids jaunted off on a big, yellow bus yesterday, down the road to their respective schools. Remind me again why this is supposed to be cause for celebration? I know people mean well, but it is incomprehensible to me that a parent should express elation at the resumation of the school year. Sure, I am very grateful for the fine education they are receiving (thank you, awesome teachers and principals - you know who you are!). It is with full recognition of the immense blessings American children have that they are provided with opportunties to learn and to grow, a circumstance denied millions of children all over this world. Yet, I do not embrace this new year with jubilance. I miss them! I miss hearing them playing, or talking to them, or even seeing their little faces. Eight hours away each day is a long time, and a part of their lives I'll miss out upon and never get back in this life. I suppose for that reason I am eternally grateful that they both know the Lord and this life is not all there is! One lifetime, one childhood with my beautiful babies, just wouldn't be enough!

Kids, Mommy misses you SO MUCH!

"We All Have the Same Facts . . .

the difference lies in how we interpret them."

With those opening words, the running commentary begins as visitors make their way through the eye-popping, high-tech, multi-media presentation of the main exhibit at the Creation Science Museum. The plan had been to take my own children immediately upon the opening of this museum, but each time we planned to go some 'crisis' would arise and we would be prevented from visiting. But, we finally did get to go, and it was so very well worth the time.

Hannah, Bryce, Joseph, and Rocky

An acquaintance of mine had shared with me that her son was beginning to have 'doubts' about the Bible due to the inundation of Darwinism via textbooks at school. Worldview matters. In fact, I would say that this is a point that is hammered home beautifully by the lectures and exhibits at the CSM. In response to this mother's concerns I suggested maybe the thing to do was to address his questions head on by taking him to this museum. She agreed and although it took us most of the summer to both find the same day, free, we finally managed to head down there yesterday.

Joseph, Bryce, and his mother, Brandy

I just wanted to say that this 11-year-old young man was radically transformed by what he saw. He is so bright and asked such great questions! Plus, you could just tell that everything he was seeing was provoking some good, independent thinking. I think we were all greatly encouraged and educated by what we saw.

Plus, the resources we returned home with will prove a huge help in the years to come when our children continue to be given 'bad' and flat-out fraudulent information regarding the origins of this universe, world, and lifeforms - especially animal lifeforms. It exalts not only the Bible as authoritative and accurate, but it truly raises one's appreciation for science. Afterall, science is a wonderful field of study. It's not the enemy, neither does it ever contradict the Bible. Anyway, I could write the book on that, but will simply challenge anyone who has the first interest to 'come and see' for yourselves.

For more info, check out http://creationmuseum.org/

More photos of trip to KY

The Sun Shines Bright . . .

on my old Kentucky life!

Cumberland Falls, July 2009

The kids and I scooted down to Corbin Kentucky on Friday afternoon directly following Hannah's last day of basketball camp. We 'jammed' to one Beatles album after another (I know they are CD's now, but they'll always be 'albums' to me) with the kids playing DJ and part-time navigators. We had fun and sang songs most of the way down. We opted to pass through Cincy, rather than to travel through Louisville. My uncle, Bill, suggested that it would be much easier and it was a very enjoyable way to travel. We went through, rather than around, the city and I had not been in downtown Cincinnati since I was a girl, so it was neat to see the large buildings and historic parts. Because it was well before rush hour, we had no trouble whatsoever passing through in a timely way, either. We arrived in Corbin around 6-ish which allowed us time to unpack and head off to the Williamsburg Donkey Races. :0)

I just have to say that it was quite funny watching those donkeys throwing people right and left all over the track! (ha) I am sure that belies a real lack of character of some sort on my part, but I don't care - IT WAS HILARIOUS! I won't bore you with every detail but I wanted to share a couple of things. Firstly, there were heats to eliminate contestants to the best of the best, and yes, even the worst of the worst. I didn't see the pathetic little bobble-head trophy for the worst donkey rider, but I agreed entirely with the poor kid who won the prize for worst ride. Let's suffice it say, he's probably still very bruised and battered even today! (ha) What still amazes me is that there are so many people willing to humiliate themselves and pay such a price (for I guarantee everyone leaves this thing with some sort of battle scar) that they have to have heats. People there are tough!

The donkeys are not all created equal. Some have a real attitude! I don't know what this one donkey's real name was, but he will forever be dubbed "Diabolo" in my mind - NOBODY could ride him. I would watch each little heat and shake my head when some poor schmuck would choose HIM for their ride of choice - poor fools!!! He would throw them so fast they didn't even know what day of the week it was, then he would step out of the way every time someone attempted to jump back on, leaving the leaper to a muddy fate, face down in the dirt. Or, when someone did manage to get atop of him, he would run really hard and then come to a full stop in order to throw his 'rider' (a term I use loosely, for 'victim' would be far more apt) right over the top of his head, so that the ridee would be catapulted onto the dirt, again, face first. He was a viscious one, that donkey!

Anyway, the final race was by far the best. One guy was actually doing very well riding the ol' donkeys and in the last race for the championship had his ride all the way around the track and was well ahead of the pack. However, that's when the donkey decided to have the last laugh. Trotting as fast as he could towards the finish line, the crowds cheering them on and the rider thinking he SOOOO had this race in the bag, the donkey locked his front knees 2 feet from the finish line and threw his almost-champion head first across the finish line! Too bad the only way you can win is if both you AND your donkey cross the finish line. (Ha) Oh, man! I about fell off the bleachers laughing! Anyway, the guy I had picked, #3, ended up slowly trotting on by and won the race and championship for this year. Who'd have thought donkey racing could be so entertaining?

The attitudes and behavior of the people of Kentucky are actually very refreshing. People take their time to do things, and each person who waited on us in stores (big or small, privately owned or in national chains) was patient, friendly, helpful, and kind. I guess I didn't realize what a big rush we are all in here until I experienced how much more patient the people we met are. I have to say that I find that pace and approach to life much preferable. Friendliness goes a long way! There were a lot of smokers, though and the kids were in shock! They aren't used to seeing people - all kinds of people - smoking. Once I explained that this is tobacco growing country however, they took it in stride.

After the donkey races, Bill took us to a little carnival and the kids had a ball riding the rides. Joseph was very reluctant at first to ride one that went up fairly high into the air, and since he's had a fear of heights all his life, I doubted he would get on. But, Uncle Bill did manage to coax him on and once he got a few times around on that thing, he was an 'old pro' and totally into it. I think the kids rode that same ride 4 or 5 times!! (ha) While there, we ate some yummy, very spicy french fries. I still don't know what they made them with, but they were great - very spicy! Bill bought the kids lighted necklaces which were very cool. They blinked with multiple colors and patterns. At night, there are something to see. It's remarkable how much fun you can have with a $2 lighted necklace! However, I wouldn't suggest heading into a port-o-potty with one as a sole source of light. Let's just say that I nearly had an epileptic seizure in there before I could finish doing my business! (Ha Ha)

What was in those french fries, anyway? :o)

On the way home we grabbed some 'real food' and had a nice dinner with Otella before heading to bed. Of course, we had to regale her with stories of donkeys, dirt, and daring rides on daunting carnival delights.

We started off the day on Saturday heading into downtown Corbin for a block party being sponsored by a local telecommunications company. There was live music, mural painting for the children, and free food! The thing with the mural was sort of funny to me. Some of the adults were joining in but were taking it all very seriously, carefully keeping their paint in the lines. What made it humorous to me was the fact that not 2 feet away on the same mural, 2-year-olds were slopping paint everywhere, using the wrong colors for everything, and making the mural look more like it had been covered in mud than paint! The adults didn't seem to mind too much, so long as nobody messed up their section. Adults are really nothing but kids in bigger bodies I think.

The live music wasn't exceptional, but I loved one guy who played the mandolin and sang. The others were obviously trying to be somewhat professional and taking turns singing songs. There must have been 4 or 5 guitarists. But this last guy sat on the stage, barefoot, with an old baseball cap on it and sang with a deep Kentucky accent. That is in no way a case of denigrating him. His voice was wonderful, and he did the best song by far. Love John Prine!! Anyway, I really enjoy live music so that was treat!

We popped into a music store there and enjoyed looking at the very pretty guitars. Hannah salivated over several she wouldn't mind having! (Ha) We like to never got out of there, the owners were super sweet and very chatty!

After that, we headed to Cumberland falls (see picture above) and were impressed with its beauty and power. Initially, we attempted to walk along the water down to the falls but a kind woman informed us that they had just spotted a water moccasin. Therefore, we implemented Plan B - walking back on the path! We walked through a small portion of the grounds/park that surrounds the falls and then hopped into the car to see the mountains and forests from numerous other perspectives. We stopped back at a rather well-known lodge and the view from the patio is breaktaking, frankly.


I have a number of pictures, but I really like this one. Bill, who is a very good photographer, took some fantastic pictures - much better than this one!

When we returned to the house, Bill fired up the grill and we had very delicious hamburgers (Angus Beef!) and then a large bonfire. We listened to music to firelight and tiki torches, and played along with guitars and a keyboard. It was awesome! We had a nice bonfire the next night, too, and I think Bill and I finally made our way back into the house sometime after midnight. It's hard to go in when you're enjoying such a beautiful night with the chorus of bugs and frogs and Van the Man playing. Ah, this is summer at its best!

Sunday afternoon we headed out on a pontoon Bill had rented and the kids had a ball driving it all over the lake, inlets, coves and so on. Laurel Lakes is expansive and breathtakingly beautiful. We stopped at a small, secluded beach area and ate lunch. This was no ordinary little lunch, however. Did you know that Corbin is the birthplace of THE Colonel Sanders' Kentucky Fried Chicken? Well, neither did I! But, apparently, it is and we bought food for our big day on the lake in the KFC museum/restaurant. It was something to see. Great care has been taken to reproduce elements of the original kitchen and dining area. I don't know. Maybe it was just in my head, but eating that chicken Sunday afternoon from that particular place just tasted a little better than usual.

Anyway, after lunch the kids swam a bit. We headed further down into the lake system and found a swimming spot. It was chilly but the kids and I swam for a good while as Bill and Otella sat in lawn chairs and enjoyed the view - very relaxing! We came home and ate a sandwich and had our second night around the fire.

Monday was our last full day and we made the most of it. Bill and I ran to Wal-mart to get our photos developed. It took forever but the pictures are such a treasure! We decided to head back to the same swimming spot we had visited the day before. However, the temperature was nearly 10 degrees warmer so the swimming was not just nice, it was ideal! We spent much of the day in the lake.

Bill and Otella got in there with the kids and were so great all week, playing with and including the children in everything. They are terrific people and outstanding hosts. Thanks to them for their hospitality and generosity to us. We will never forget it!

Anyway, after swimming all afternoon we came home and cleaned up so we could head out to China King, or King China - I cannot remember. It is a Chinese buffet and has to be the best one this lady has ever been to, personally. There was an abundance of delicious seafood dishes, in addition to the regular Chinese buffet fare - and even delicacies like fried frog legs! It was just tremendously good!

When we returned home, we stopped at the new arena cut into a huge mountain in Corbin, and from it you can see for miles. Really cool! Upon returning home, Bill fired up the Goldwing and took me on a 30-mile night ride. If it had been up to me, we'd have kept riding all night! But, the kids wanted a ride, too! :o) So, he cruised on home and took each of them for a nice, long ride, too. Otella and I went through pictures and just had the best talk!

Did I mention how great my family is? :)

Tuesday we packed up and headed back for home, but not before Bill made us walnut pancakes. We sure ate well during our stay! (ha) After a tearful goodbye (for I truly hated leaving knowing it could be months or even longer before I would see this lovely couple again) we got into the car and headed for home. Leaving again about mid-day seemed to afford us ideal driving conditions and we made it home in good and timely fashion.

We greatly appreciated the gracious hospitality of my aunt and uncle and enough could never be said of the true beauty of the state of Kentucky! Maybe, if I'm really lucky, I'll get to live there someday.

Summertime, and the livin' is easy. . .

One would think summer would be a case of easy-livin' but the reality of the matter is, I've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger! (Think on that for minute - you'll get it)

Thus far, in addition to numerous visits with family, the kids and/or I have done the following:

• Two week fitness bootcamp - Me - still haven't fully recovered (whimper, moan)
• Weekly trips to the Library - All
• Band Camp - Hannah - 1 week - (Mercifully, the child opted to play sax rather than the oboe... whew! That was a close one!)
• Basketball Camp - Joseph - 1 week
• Twin Lakes Christian Camp - Hannah and Joseph - 1 week
• Royal Family Kids' Camp - Me - 1 week
• Basketball camp - Hannah - (in progress, 1 week)
• Went to see two movies Star Trek (was awesome... I'm just saying) and Monsters vs. Aliens (did anyone else burst out in laughter when the presidential character went up to the alien, and pounded out the little musical theme from Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind, and then lifted his hand up in the classic Vulcan, "Live long, and prosper" greeting?) TOTALLY HILARIOUS!
• Devotions - Working our way through the book of Joshua (very good study with the kids)
• School Work - Kids are daily working through their Summer Bridge Workbooks to keep them fresh and ontrack for school in August
• Ministry responsibilites (okay, this is mainly me, but still!)
• Hueston Woods - We had a wonderful day of hiking last week in the beautiful Buckeye State!

It's enough to make a person long for summer to end! Anyway, I do not share that for any other reason than to lead me to say the following: If you're not hearing from me, THIS IS WHY!!! And, truly, this list doesn't cover it all. We're headed to Kentucky this week to visit my wonderful Uncle Bill and Aunt Otella. Should be a good time! Once things settle down here (they will do that eventually, right?) I will resume posting pictures and blogging. However, with the sun shining and the kids home, it just seems a far better use of my time to expend my energies with my sweet children.

To all whom may read this: Hope your summer is as wonderful as ours has been!

Dawn

Get Your Motor Runnin'

In my family, riding motorcyles is practically a genetic mandate, and the kids are off to a good 'Armstrong' start taking a little cruise last weekend with Grandpa on the Harley. SWEET!!!!

How can you recognize a happy cyclist? He has bugs in his teeth, of course. :o)

I Think I'm Turnin' Japanese, I Really Think So!

Mike took the kids and I to dinner to Fujiyama's Steak House and Sushi Bar. It was a first for the children, and they had quite the time. The 'chef' enjoyed tormenting and teasing the kids, and Joseph got so tickled and laughed so much that he had to make a dash to the restroom at one point to prevent cause for great embarrassment! Anyway, the kids asked me to snap a few pictures of their first Japanese Steak House experience so, here are the kids, posing for the camera.

A Day to Remember and to Rejoice

It's hard to believe that seven years ago, I called Mike into Hannah's bedroom to witness our daughter praying to God to express her faith in the LORD Jesus Christ as Savior. It's an overused cliche, but truly feels as if it were only yesterday. Yet, as I reflect back through this little lady's life, each year of spiritual growth can be measured in deeper understanding of God and His Word, maturity, and depth of character. My dear Hannah, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Amen! May God grant you all the holy desires of your heart. Love you more than life - Mom.

Mom Through Children's Eyes

Joseph, 9 -- Hannah, 11

The kids were asked these series of questions about their mother. Their responses are differentiated below by the first letter of their first name.

1. What is something mom always says to you?

J: clean up your room

H: clean your room

2. What makes mom happy?

J: When I respect her & do things the way she wants me to do them

H: When we do what’s right.

3. What makes mom sad?

J: When people disrespect her, including me

H: When we do what’s wrong.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

J: By saying funny stuff!

H: By tickling us, and making sarcastic jokes.

5. What was your mom like as a child?

J: (long pause, lots of thinking) I don’t know

H: (long silence) She used to play basketball and was aggressive. She stood up for what she thought was right, and liked animals.

6. How old is your mom?

J: 41?

H: 42?

7. How tall is your mom?

J: OH! Don’t know!

H: 5’ like 10” maybe?

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

J: To tickle me in the ‘pit-ties’ (translation: arm pits)

H: Study God’s Word

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

J: Drinks coffee and reads her Bible

H: (lots of laughing) She works on her Bible study, and she cleans house.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

J: Playing her guitar

H: Winning the Nobel Prize

11. What is your mom really good at?

J: Singing

H: Teaching us.

12. What is your mom not very good at?

J: Making people NOT laugh

H: Keeping her temper.

13. What does your mom do for her job?

J: Do you even HAVE a job?

H: Taking care of me

14. What is your mom's favorite food?

J: lasagna with zucchini

H: Fried chicken

15. What makes you proud of your mom?

J: When she gets a compliment on doing something

H: The way she loves us and is able to be a good witness.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

J: Porky Pig

H: Bugs Bunny

17. What do you and your mom do together?

J: We play

H: We like to talk to each other, play, and she sings lullabies to me.

18. How are you and your mom the same?

J: We both are good at reading.

H: We both like to read and look a lot alike.

19. How are you and your mom different?

J: (laughing) She has brown hair, and I have blonde hair

H: We have different personalities. I’m a drama queen, and sometimes I cry over stuff that doesn’t even matter. My mom is just the opposite, and laughs at everything. She doesn’t care what other people think about her.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

J: She shows it.

H: I know she loves me because she’s always there for me, and never misses anything. She does everything she can for me, and sacrifices for me. She tells me and I believe her.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

J: Ooo . . . I don’t know.

H: Church

Do you think your kids know you? (Ha) This is a humbling little exercise, but a lot of fun and good for a few laughs.

This was initially posted on my Facebook page, but since some of my family members are not on there I am reproducing here on the blog, too.

"Some say the world will end in fire, some say with ice."

Recently, a friend of mine invited the kids and I to attend an ice-skating/birthday party she was hosting for her eldest child to be held at Ellenberger Park here in Indianapolis (head east on St. Clair street from Emerson Avenue if you want to check it out for yourself). Now, since I have managed to maintain a perfect record of never having broken a solitary bone in my body to date - and because I wanted to keep it that way - I refrained from donning a pair of ice skates myself and venturing out onto the rink of death, er . . .um, I mean, the ice. But, my children were undeterred by my recurring insistence that 'somebody's going to break an arm tonight,' and struggled on a pair of skates.

As only my son could have done, he managed to show up to the rink with one ankle sock on under his shoes, and entirely sockless on the other foot. (Grrr!) So, I had to take off my nice, warm, long socks and hand them over so he could skate. (Joseph - thanks ever so much! I love February at the ice rink minus socks. I owe you one, buddy! ha ha!)

They clopped along the big rubber mats and shakily navigated their way onto the ice. Both were afraid and I wasn't sure they were going to attempt it, but eventually, gloved-clad hands pressed against the plexiglass walls, both eased their way around the rink. As the night wore on, they both made their way out onto the ice and didn't do too bad skating. The videos are snippets of their first experience on the ice. Enjoy!

Champions!

The girls got 'er done this afternoon, with an impressive win over Cascade. Congratulations to the Franklin Central Lady Flashes (5th Grade Team), and thanks to the coaches who have been nothing short of wonderful!

Evangelism Explosion Banquet

Sunday, the LORD gave me the privilege of speaking at First Baptist Church in the city of Montpelier to share about E.E.. The believers who meet there were extremely kind to me and I thank the LORD for the tremendous way I was treated by those in attendance. They were surely a blessing!

The thing I wanted to write about, though is that in my attempts to encourage the brethren to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to get better equipped to share the gospel, I ended up being pretty encouraged myself. Thinking back through all the lives that have been touched through this tremendous discipling, gospel-training ministry has rekindled a passion within me to seek to 'get back in the saddle' and get to work somehow in E.E.. "Oh, Lord - use me once more, I pray!"

I praise the LORD for the people He has allowed me to meet and to work with and to come to know through the Evangelism Explosion ministry.

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were
distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
Then He
said to His disciples,

"The harvest is plentiful,
but the workers are few.
Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send
out workers into His harvest."

O'Friel's a Franklin Central Lady Flash!

Looking serious as a heart-attack, little Miss Hannah is caught posing for a picture before a big, semi-finals game against the only team that beat the Flashes this season - Roncalli! The Flashes played solid defense and played well for the first game of the tourney, advancing to the semi-finals. Facing Roncalli, a team that mirrors the flashes in many way, made everyone a bit nervous!

The game was nip and tuck all the way and ended up going into overtime. Honestly, I do not know who endures more stress - the players or their parents - at times like these. (ha) But, we all survived and the Lady Flashes managed to come out on top. It was a big win, and the girls are all looking forward to playing in the championship game Sunday afternoon.

For Hannah, this experience has been a tremendous opportunity. The coach has been extremely patient and instructive with her. Unlike all the others, this is Hannah's first year playing the game. But everyone has been great about it and she has grown so much in every way. We are proud of the progress she's made and the mental toughness she is developing.

All I have to say now is . . . GO FLASHES!!!!! :)

My Baby Isn't a Baby, Anymore

It's truly hard to believe it, but my daughter is now eleven years old. Where has all the time gone? Fortunately, she's growing into a wonderful young lady. I remember a star-lit night laying out under the stars with my dad, talking. I was pregnant, just a month or two along, and was sharing with Dad some of my hopes and dreams for this little girl growing inside of me. We held hands and prayed together that the LORD would graciously allow her to be a 'mighty warrior' for Him. As we opened our eyes, we saw a shooting star (true story!). Now, I am not saying that it was definitely the a sign, but I have to say, sign or no - the LORD has certainly answered that prayer.

To my beloved Hannah - hearing your teachers commend you for your bold witness, compassionate concern for others, and tremendous growth in character and responsibility is so incredibly humbling because I know that if you are ANY of these things, it is solely and purely by the grace of God. I am so proud of you! Happy Birthday, baby!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

The Snow Day!

Let's be honest. For a kid, is there really anything better than school being cancelled due to snow?? I seriously doubt it. And, oh, my! The kids have been living it up! We now have a well-worn icy patch the width of the inflatable snow toy, a.k.a. 'Greased Lightening, or 'Snow Bomb,' down the front of our yard. The kids (mine and a few neighbor children combined) have slicked this section of yard down to the place where they can catapult themselves onto the snow board, leaping upon it and sliding right out into the street!!! (Don't fret, Grandma - they ARE watching for cars, which are few and far between today.)

This is what winter is supposed to be like - fun, not just frigid. What a blessing!

How Can We Tell How Big We Are?

Today is what we refer to as Joseph's spiritual birthday. Five years ago today, kneeling beside my husband and daughter, the three of us had the once in a lifetime privilege to enter upon 'holy ground' as we were invited to listen in as Joseph, our then 4-year-old son, prayed to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, to express his thanks for giving His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for his sins and for raising Him from the dead for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. It was a mouthful for a little boy his age, but the sincerity and seriousness with which he spoke bore witness to the full recognition of his need as a sinner to be saved by Christ. It was something I shall never, ever forget. And, today is the day each year we take time out of our busy lives to celebrate Joseph being born again (born from above). If you're wondering, yes - we most certainly have a party, replete with cake, candles, and ice cream!

When he and I were driving home from school, I asked him about his day and he said it was good, but that he was really excited about tonight. Feigning not to have any idea what he was referring to I innocently asked him, 'Oh, really? Why is that?' Sometimes I can be such a stinker! :) He wasn't fooled for a minute, though. He just said, "You know," with a big smirk on his face. And, of course, I knew full-well what he was alluding to and why he was excited. During our morning quiet time before school, the kids and I had been reading through the Parable of the Sower (which I always think should be called the Parable of the Soils!), and Joseph really perked up because he recognized - especially in light of what today is for him - that the soil of his little heart was 'good,' that is, it was open to the gospel. These morning devotions are often the highlight of the day for us and this one was especially meaningful.

All of that to say this: On the way home from dropping Hannah off to basketball practice, Joseph asked a great and what I felt was a profound question. In essence he said, "You know how we grow taller and bigger and smarter as we have a regular birthday every year?" (I resisted the temptation to make a smart remark and just nodded and agreed, letting him come to his point) He went on, "Well, how will I know if I am growing bigger and stronger, spiritually? Will it show up on my body somewhere?"

Moments like this make me so glad I'm a parent. I never would have thought to wonder about something like that had he not raised it. This is not to say that I never ponder (and truly wonder) about spiritual growth and if I am experiencing any of it. Of course I think of it quite a lot. But, his question about needing/wanting to see some sort of evidence was pretty cool, I thought.

We talked for a bit and worked together through some thoughts, finally settling upon looking to Christ as the 'benchmark' and Christian character - Christlikeness - as the way we could rightly evaluate our spiritual growth. It was an excellent discussion, and frankly, somewhat convicting. It seems to me that I have a lot of 'growing up to do.' Maybe we all do.

Oh, to be like Him! As we celebrate our Savior's great mercy to me and my family, how I pray that you are being ever more transformed into the image of God's Son, from glory to glory.

First Time Out

What's to Come!

I am hoping to keep those who might be interested on what's happening here in "O'Friel Universe" (you know who you are!). Will have to keep it short for now though. The kids have to say their prayers and hop into bed for the night!