A look at life through my viewfinder

The Hair Cut That Led to a Job

2012-02-08T18:33:00.010-05:00

Today, I was on my way to go study for a little bit for my World Literature class at a Starbucks and I was driving by the place where I get a hair cut (right down the street from my house). So, I looked in the mirror and thought I could use a hair cut. So I pulled in and noticed that there were three people in the shop. 2 hair stylists and 1 older gentlemen just sitting around talking. My thought was "great I can get in, out, and onto the rest of my day..." Boy, was I right but little did I know that "the rest of my day" wasn't what I had in mind.

So, I sit down and the lady who always cuts my hair says "So are you still looking? (referring to the fact that I am without a job)" I said "yep." Then the older gentlemen begins to ask me about a million questions...
What do I do, how much was I making, how many interviews have I been on, where have I applied, what kind of skills do I have, when I am not working what do I like to do, where I am from, what is my heritage, etc... etc... etc... Honestly, I was starting to say to myself "seriously dude, I just wanna get my hair cut, pay my $16.00 and get going." I just sat there answering all his questions and then the unexpected happened: He got up and handed me his business card and said "My son's name is _________. You call this number and ask for him. I believe that you would be able to help him out with his business. As a matter of fact I am going to call him right now..."
This gentleman calls his son and says "__________ hey this is Pop (by the way this is what I used to call my dad) and I am sending you someone who reminds me of ___________ and ___________ (his two Godsons). I would like you to interview him and see if there is a fit."

So, I am thinking to myself well, it can't hurt to go to an interview... Now, I am in jeans and a sweater and I don't have my resume or anything about myself with me. But, this guy is expecting me so I jump into my vehicle and I drive to the interview. Turns out this company is a family owned (rather large) Catering business and the position that they are looking for is someone who is good with computers and a jack of all trades kinda guy.

I sat with the owner of the company for about a hour and half talking about everything from World War II, Mac computers, Sarah's (My sister-in-law) boyfriend, to website hosting, photography, evangelism, New York City, Buffalo, Tex/Mex restaurants, my schooling, Bible College, being a Paralegal, how my family came to Maryland, married life, children, Army v. Navy football game, New York Yankees, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Polish people (the family is Polish and so is my mom's side of the family) and bagels. After I mentioned that I love photography his eyes lit up. He mentioned that I might be able to get some weddings gigs and that I should go home and write him an email about what I think I can do what for the company. Mind you at this point I have no idea what the job description is of the job that I am interviewing for. He then gives me his cell number and I mentioned to him that my number is going to be from the Rochester area because I can't/won't ever change my number. He then asks why I can't/won't change my number. "Well, I used to work a boy's correctional home and I always gave out my cell number to the boys there (even though that was against the rules) and I told them that if they ever needed me or were in trouble just call. Well, now I can't change my number because if they were going to hurt themselves or were in trouble and couldn't get a hold of me I would feel horrible." So then the owner says "I tell you what. You show up here on Friday and don't worry about writing me anything... I have heard all I needed to hear"....

So, I have a job!!!! I still don't totally know what I am going to be doing... However, God once again whispered to me " Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow seed or harvest grain or gather crops into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are?" (Matthew 6:26)

Just like that God, met me in the barber shop and set me up with a job!!!! Plus an added bonus I got the hair cut for free... As I am writing this blog I am listening to a song that says it better than I ever could...
"All You ever do is change the old for new, people we believe that God is bigger than the air I breathe the world we'll leave... God will save the day and all will say My Glorious!!!! (My Glorious by Delirious) "

Thank you my Glorious for saving the day!!!

Below for your viewing pleasure are some photos of Rebecca feeding Jack....

"I am a serial thriller, I am a boring killer, I wanna pick my own grave stone... "

2012-02-02T22:26:00.012-05:00

Recently, I saw this truck (2012 Chevy Silverado) commercial where one guy is talking to another guy who has just moved into the neighborhood. Of course he asks the new guy the one question that we all ask... WHAT DO YOU DO?

Well, recently I have been "let go" of my job. I was a litigation paralegal for a law firm (personal injury). I can tell you all you need to know about the laws of Maryland and how the Court system works. What to say and what to stay away from.

Well, since I have been "let go" I have been increasingly more and more aware that I can't really answer that question. At least not the way that most men can answer that question. I want to start answering that question this way.... "Oh I am a lover of God, OH I am worshiper of Jesus, Oh I am a dad, husband, brother, and mentor..." There is a tag line at the end of the commercial that says "for those who live life for a living the 2012 Chevy Silverado" Kinda, my line of thinking... I want to live my life for a living (it doesn't pay as much though). But when I pass I don't want my gravestone to read "Justin D. Heim a paralegal"

I want it to say: A loving Husband, Father, (Grandfather if time willing) and liver of life... In the last couple of days I have had the opportunity to hang out my children more and I am realizing that they are what my life is suppose to be about not punching a time card in and out...

There is a song by Jason Upton called "Between the Graveyard and the Garden" and one of the lines in the song says:

"I am a serial thriller, I am a boring killer, I wanna pick my own grave stone... "

I am not sure that I could have said any better than this... I have no idea when I am going to get a job (sooner rather than later) or what that job is going to look like. But what I do is not who I am any longer...

Here are some pictures of my boy for you...

If you would like to watch the commercial please visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpzvsQAtkaY

Forgiveness

2011-10-17T10:34:00.006-04:00

The other day I had a former youth group kid asked me to look up a few verses about self-forgiveness or being able to forgive yourself.

I thought about it and did some "googling" only to realize that the Bible never actually speaks to forgiving yourself. The Bible speaks too two levels of forgiveness: horizontal and vertical.

So here is a little bit of my message to the former youth group kid...

Forgiveness in the Bible is vertical (between you and God) and horizontal (between you and another person). No where in the Bible does it speak about internal forgiveness.I believe that is because if God has forgiven you then you are forgiven. Any, bad feelings or regret that you may feel is the work the Devil.

Consider this verse:
1 John 1:9 ESV.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

So, here the Bible says that if we confess what we have done wrong God is faithful to forgive. We don't need to pay anything or do anything other than confess our sin. Here is another verse for you.

Roman 8:1-4
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."

I know that verse is mouthful but let me break it down a little bit...
Basically, the Bible is saying here that if you have been saved (asked Christ to forgive you and are developing a relationship with Jesus), then you are saved. You are forgiven! The old way (killing animals to gain God's forgiveness) wasn't enough. What Jesus did for you and me was enough. God has forgiven you because of the work of Jesus. When we guilty or condemned that is Satan trying to hold us in our sin so we can move forward in Christ.

Final verse for you:
Psalm 103:8-12
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Here is something amazing about God. Have you ever noticed that if you were take your finger on a globe and start traveling North that eventually you will be traveling South? Once you get past the North pole you are traveling south. BUT if you try the same thing with going East you NEVER end up traveling West. That is how amazing God is about our sin East to West is not measurable. God, casts our sin away forever!

So if God is able to forgive us, who are we to say that Jesus' death wasn't good enough? That is what we are saying when we can't forgive ourselves. We say Jesus, your death may have been good enough for me to be forgiven in God's eyes but it is not good enough for me.

One last observation... The Cross is symbol of forgiveness. It travels east and west and north and south. Or it shows forgiveness going vertical (between you and God) and horizontal (between you and another person). But not inward!

Well, I hope that you find this blog helpful... If you have any thoughts or questions regarding what I have written please feel free to comment (even if you don't agree with my point of view).

Wow... It has been a while!!!

2011-09-27T17:24:00.012-04:00

I was just thinking today "man, I haven't blogged in forever". So, here you go! Under the category of new things (& people) for me and my family...

1. OH BOY... Jackson Robert Arrived 8/23/11 about 8 hours after my birthday!!!!

(Jackson meeting Jack for the first time)

He is named after his great grandfather (Jack) and his grandfather (Robert).

2. A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of walking around the

WWII Memorial with my grandfather in law for the first time.
(pictures below)

The trip was paid for by a company that is attempting to get as many WWII vets to see the memorial as possible. I was amazed to listen to Jack tell stories of the war. Stories of his arrival, where the slept, and different challenges that every solider faced.

The most amazing part of the morning was to watch random strangers walk up to my grandfather, shake his hand and say thank you.

I realized that I need to do a better job of thanking the vets that I know.

Not just on memorial day, or other national holidays,
but everyday!!! They gave so much... I should say thank you more often! So Jack, Thank you!
Thank you for your life, service, sacrifice, and for this opportunity to honor you.

Sunrise or Sunset?

2011-08-03T14:48:00.006-04:00

" Early in the morning I'd like to rise and spend a little time in quiet, creeping through the shutters falling on my wife, the sun is calling me to shine... Early in the morning, time still flies. Minutes, hours, lost as treasures. My tiny baby's breathing deeper every day, soon she'll leave her crib forever." (Early in the Morning by Andrew Osenga)

When I was a freshmen in Bible College a couple friends of mine and I got up early in the morning to watch the sunrise and we spent the rest of the cold upstate NY spring day, playing and not having a care in the world. We ended the day watching the sunset. Honestly, it was one the best days of my life. I will never forget it!

Well, this past Friday night and Saturday morning I was able to do it again expect it was backwards. First the sunset and the sunrise... This kinda got me thinking about a couple questions. Am I a sunrise or sunset kinda person? Not am I night owl or morning dove. That is easy... I am completely 100% a night owl.

What I mean is...

with a sunrise comes this kinda of expectancy or hope of God doing something great. Almost like you are looking forward to amazing things that God is going to do throughout the day. I kinda think sunrises are full of hope.

with a sunset comes an opportunity to see God's faithfulness, how and where He came through. I kinda think sunsets are full of faith or for reinsurance of our faith.

In the song that I quoted... The author ends the song with these beautiful words...

"so let us not take this granted, let us not waste the second hand.
But let your love rage like a lion and let your heart break like a lamb"

I know that I should be both full of Hope and Faith... God, please help me!

I hope you enjoy these photos. I took them of St. Mary's Lake on University of Notre Dame Campus...

I know it is just a Home run Derby...

2011-07-12T13:51:00.007-04:00

Last night, I was watching to home run derby and more importantly as a life long Yankee fan I was watching Robinson Cano (NY Yankees second basemen). Let me give you a little background on how this derby works. There are 8 different batters 4 from each league (Nation and American league). As a batter you allowed to pick the person to throw pitches for you to hit.

photo taken from

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/12/sportsline/main20078666.shtml

I was extremely touched last night to watch Robinson Cano pick his father to throw "batting practice" and Mr. Cano was all business last night. He didn't even crack a smile last night during the competition. Once, Robinson won the home run derby (walkoff style) I teared up while watching Robinson jumping in his father's arms.

I was thinking about all the times that my dad coached my little league teams. I played little league baseball for close to 8 years and every season my dad was the coach. I remember trying to always impress my dad. I wasn't very good though! That never mattered to my dad, whether we won or lost it never seemed to matter very much. Actually, the only think that really mattered to him was if we tried our best and if the Umpire didn't stink. My dad got thrown out of his fair share of games... I remember one time he was talking to an umpire and kept offering the ump his glasses. Yeah, the argument didn't last long for my dad that day.

Last night I was also thinking how great it is going to be playing ball with my son!!! I just need to patient...

A True Leader and an Amazing Wife!

2011-07-11T13:17:00.006-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure to watch the love of my life care for my 2 precious daughters plus carry my expected baby boy (8 months along) and she was the first woman to preach at Transforming Life Church.

I know that I am bias and I am suppose to gush over her and all she does... But please just indulge me for a minute.

Last night, I witnessed a woman who I have known for 10 years know deliver God's word with conviction, power, honestly and clarity. I watched her talk about our life, marriage, some of our failures (most of which were my fault) and our successes.

Rebecca's sermon was titled "Following GPS (God's Plan and Strategy) For Your Life". She didn't have 7 godly steps, or 5 faith points or anything like that. Instead Rebecca, made the sermon about life and how simple it really is to follow God.

It comes down to a choice either we follow God (with Faith and Patience) or we don't! When we don't well that is like running a red lights the first couple of times you maybe able to get through the intersection without something happening but eventually the law of averages will come into play and you're going to run over by a Mack truck.

Once we get hit by the truck will really show our character though: 1. We accept that we caused this accident or 2. we blame God, or the truck driver or anything but ourselves.

Far to often this is what we has human beings do. Nobody, likes to admit that they are to blame. However, if we can and then submit our lives to God again... (In words of my wife) God's GPS will say "Re-calculating!" You will find yourself on the right track again!

Well, thanks for allowing to gush about my AWESOME, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, PRECIOUS WIFE! I love you Sweetheart!

Bunk Beds for All

2011-06-29T11:18:00.005-04:00

My wife and her sisters went on a two week vacation out west. They flew to Las Vagas and then proceed to Lake Tahoe, then further north to Seattle, from there they went south onto San Diego. They finished their trip off at the Grand Canon.

While that was happening I was home taking care of the house and dogs (the girls were in New York with my mom for one week and Rebecca's mom for the second week). So I thought of an idea that would be a good idea to build the girls' bunk beds.

While, I can say that I learned a couple of things

one: bunk bed building is not a one man job.
two: the girls love their beds.

three: my life is never going to be the same!!!!

At Home with 80,000 Strangers

2011-06-28T12:25:00.006-04:00

“ I want to feel sunlight on my face, I see the dust cloud disappear without trace. I want to take shelter from the poison rain, where the streets have no name” (Where the Street Have No Names)

Last Wednesday, I got to the chance to go see an amazing band. Probably, my favorite band... I was among 80,000 plus screaming people. I was singing along to lines like:

"I believe in the Kingdom come, and then all the colors will bleed into one, bleed in one. But yes I’m still running. You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains, carried the cross of my shame, oh my shame. You know I believe it”
(Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For)

and

“See the world in green and blue, See China right in front of you, See the canyons broken by cloud, See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out, See the Bedouin fires at night, See the oil fields at first light, And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth, After the flood all the colors came out" (Beautiful Day)

It was right about at this moment that I had a God moment. One of those times that it is undeniable that God visited with me. I felt so close to Him and felt so loved in His midst. Now, please don't miss interpret what I am saying. I don't believe that U2 had much to do with this other than they wrote the songs and were preforming them. What I am saying is this: U2 is one of the only bands or concerts that I believe that this would have happened at. For one reason or another I felt close to God during the concert and I guess I am just saying don't put God in box. You never kn0w when and where He might visit with you. Of course, I realize that God is all places and all times, but there are times that His presence is stronger or at least we realize presence more than others. Last Wednesday night was a

night like that for me. Here are a few other shots that I took during the concert.

So in short... Please don't box God in where and when He is allowed to visit with the People He loves. We don't need a building to experience the Love of God. However, we do need each other! God, loves to be where His people are gathering!

Photo of the Day is BACK!

2011-05-26T09:44:00.004-04:00

After taking a few months off, I am starting my Photograph of the day.

So please feel free to stop by my photography site.

http://focusingonlifephotos.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/bride-among-flowers/

Please feel free to leave comments. Either here or there...

It Ain't Easy...

2011-05-02T20:14:00.006-04:00

I am learning to love my neighbor and to live by the golden rule

But it’s so hard when I’ve been lied to

I feel like a fool forgiving a fool

It ain’t easy learning to love like you

I am learning to be faithful with the little that I have

To do like Jesus and turn the tables

To give it all to get nothing back

It ain’t easy learning to love like you
~It Ain't Easy by Jason Upton

So all day, today I have been having a problem with this Osama Bin Laden news. Like most Americans I remember exactly where I was when the towers were hit and eventually fell to the ground. I remember seeing the plane crash into the Pentagon. I remember! I will never forget the events of 9/11 and all the people who lost their lives. I remember the weeks of not knowing what was going to happen next. I remember being proud of my brother who signed up for the Army all because someone had to go over there find those who were responsible for those innocent people who lost their lives.

Now, I will always remember the events of last night. I will remember where I was when I first heard the news of the death of the man who was responsible for taking those innocent lives. I will remember where I was when I first heard "Ladies and Gentlemen, I can announce to you that Osama Bin Laden is dead"

Now, here is where it gets a little difficult for me. On one hand I want to celebrate this man being brought to "Justice". This man who took responsibility for the events of September 11, 2001. Not only did he take full responsibility, but he celebrated his actions. However, as a Christian I can not help but feel remorse for a soul that is bound to hell (if he didn't come to the truth about Jesus Christ). To steal a line from a friend of mine: To think Jesus loved him (Osama Bin Laden) as much as Mother Theresa." ~ Joe Dibella

So here is the problem...

As an American I want be like:
"OH YEAH! We got that blah and blah...

and He got what was coming to him... Don't mess with the U.S."

But when I read verses like this:

Ezekiel 33:11a Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.'

or this:

Prob. 24:17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.

Or when I read what Jesus said:

Matthew 5:43-48

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I can't help but think that a human is going to place where he was never meant or designed to go. Hell was never created for us. We were only meant to glorify God, and reflect His image, love, and grace. Instead... Osama (apart from Christ) is going to eternal destruction.

Please don't get me wrong I am not condoning the actions of September 11, 2001. I am not trying to belittle the lives of all the people who died because of the actions of the Al Qaeda. I am not trying to belittle the lives of our soldiers or their sacrifices. However, I am not going to celebrate when a human soul is bound for Hell (unless he came to the knowledge of the truth of Christ). Until, I am able to figure out what I am suppose to feel... I will feel: sad...

Today, I think the only thing celebrating is: Satan!

I for one refuse to side with him...

Please feel free to challenge me on my opinions or to offer your own.

And most importantly, I would like to say a

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SOLDIERS, FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS AND SACRIFICES. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!!

The Veil!

2011-04-27T14:59:00.006-04:00

Recently, I was watching the Passion of the Christ (you know the one directed by crazy Mel Gibson). I watch it every year on or around Good or Holy Friday. Anyways, I was watching it and again in the movie it came to my favorite part of the crucifixion scene. It is right after Jesus cries out for the second time saying "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit" and he dies, the Bible states in Matthew 27:50-51

50 “And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and gave up His Spirit. 51 and at once the curtain of sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split." (Matthew 27:50-51)

I started to think about the veil and where it came from and what its purpose was. I wondered how thick this veil was. So I did some digging. In Exodus 26:31 we read for the first time what God had in mind when He first came up with its design.

33 “and you shall hang the veil form the clasps and bring the ark of the Testimony into place withing the veil; and the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. (Exd. 26:31)

In this verse is an 8 letter word that is only sthe cariest in the Bible: SEPARATE. "It shall separate for you" I remember has a child (I was maybe 6 or 7) I used to go shopping with my mom and she would be looking for something for herself. I would start hiding in the clothing rack because that is what little bored boys do. Of course the inevitable happened. I lost track of where I was or where my mother was and I would panic. I started running up and down the aisles looking for her. I was separated from her. This is what we received from our first parents (Adam & Eve). I call it a gift of separation.

Once they (Adam & Eve) realized they were naked they tried to cover themselves up or separate themselves from each other and God's judgement and wrath.

Finally, God has to put something that will separate us (sinful man) and Him (Holiest of Holy). Otherwise we would be consumed within seconds of coming before His throne.

"The wages of sin is death..."

So God gives Moses the plan to make sure that this doesn't happen. God tells Moses to hang a veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. I have read that there is a note in The Ryrie Study Bible that expounds on the veil and states:

"Josephus reported that the veil was four inches thick, was renewed every year, and that horses tied to each side could not pull it apart. It bared all but the High Priest from the presence of God..."

When Jesus cried out "it is finished" He was saying "No more separation, no more hiding, no more not knowing where we (humans) are" We are free from hiding, separation, sin, and death. What mighty horses, countless spotless lambs, and numerous High priests were unable to do... Jesus did with three words "IT IS FINISHED"

So if you find yourself trying restitch the veil because you have missed the mark or messed up, please put the needle and thread down... Jesus has already won... There are no more victories to be won. If Jesus is victorious and I am found in Jesus then

I AM VICTORIOUS (I wanted that to sound like a great warrior). Honestly, you don't have to struggle anymore. You cannot hide yourself or things that you have done from God... Jesus won't allow you too, because if you could then His death, the cross, and whipping was for nothing! We can't trick God into forgiving us of sins... Jesus did it willingly! I am grateful! I hope you have had a wonderful Easter...

Oh Boy!!!

2011-03-31T12:03:00.005-04:00

Coming to a Heim family near you.... One Jackson Robert!!!!

This past Tuesday my family (grandma Heim included) went to discover our 3rd baby's sex. Almost everyone besides me and my mom believed that this baby was going to be a girl... Even the night before Rebecca kept referencing the baby as her or she. I would interrupt her with "you mean him or his?"

Well, sure enough we are having A BOY!!!! Baby's name: Jackson Robert (named after Rebecca's grandfather and father)

So I have been thinking.. Come late August, September, and October I will be watching baseball with my son. I am little excited in case you can't tell. P.S. I love that JR is sucking his thumb!

My Favorite

2011-03-03T15:40:00.009-05:00

A couple of years ago I went to funeral of a very important and influential man. I didn't know this gentlemen very well, if at all. He was influential to me because of my wife and the people who spoke at his service.

You see, at the service of this man his children (all girls) all stood to speak about their father. Almost every daughter started off their speech with "I was my dad's/his favorite..."

I loved watching all these people celebrate the love that this man showed them and others everyday. I loved how they all felt like they were his favorite. I have no doubt that it is true that they indeed were this his favorite for one reason or another.

This past Sunday I realized something: Madilyn Hope and Abigail Grace are my favorites. Each for her own reasons, but my favorites none the less. It all started the other night when we were watching the Oscars and Madi started dancing to the music that was playing in between the winners and speeches. It was so cute... I am blessed and these girls (and "the one in the oven") will always know that they are my favorites!!!! These are the photos that I could get... Enjoy the photos and

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-02-11T12:57:00.006-05:00

Don't worry I am not going to write a thousand words but I have been thinking lately that some pictures are really worth a thousand words.

I was at work today and I was day dreaming a little (my nickname as a kid was "the space cadet") I found myself staring at some photos scrolling by on screensaver. Pictures of my dad, coco, events that have taken place in the backyard.

As I was looking at this photos, I was thinking... I am so glad that I have these photos.... I am sure that I won't ever forget these memories but it is nice to have reminder every once in while.

More often than not I find myself looking back at events or random memories and thinking "God, You are so good to me." I find myself thinking about where He has brought me from, how He has saved me so many times in the past. I think about how Faithful God really has been for me. Specially in the times when I have forgotten about Him or His will. He is still a steady rock for me.

Isaiah 28:16

"¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
will never be stricken with panic.'"

God has been so good to me that I have no need of relying on anyone else... Specially me!!! So I have decided that I am going to make more memories of me relying & take pictures of them... Below are some more photos/memories...

God knows what He is doing "The Life of A Dad"

2010-12-03T11:00:00.007-05:00

Many times I wonder why God gave me 2 girls. I would like to have son (or a couple). I would like to teach him how to play ball, how to treat ladies, what it means to be a real man. Right now though God has given me 2 girls... Both are different from one another but both are definitely girls!...Last night God reminded me again that He is in control and knows what He is doing...

Abby and Madi got their dresses on and starting dancing around our living room to "Ball Music". Madi was dancing with the Cinderella doll and Abby was putting into practice all the moves that she had learned from her dance class. After I was able to get a few pictures off, Abby stuck her hand out and said "enough". I put the camera down and to my surprise Abby took my hand started dancing with me around the living room.

I was feeling a little under dressed so I went up stairs and got on a suit. Then I came back down stairs and finished my daddy-daughter dance. I thought about what if I had 2 boys... Man, a lot more stuff would be broken in my house and i'd miss out on all the "princess balls". "Thanks God for knowing what You are doing and what I need"

Here are some of the photos.

I ♥ Autumn, Yet it is the hardest season

2010-10-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

colors, sun, and a chill in the air....

leaves changing and leaves falling

hay rides, pumpkins, trick or treat, happy turkey day,

cheering, jeering, celebrating, losing,

notre dame v. navy, hospital, death...

Four years later and I miss him more than ever...

"Dear Dad:

Thanks, for whispering an idea in Abby's ear today to start 'mud ball' game with her sister.

Did you laugh when you saw Madi covered in mud?

Or did you laugh more when Rebecca asked Abby

'How come your sister is covered in mud and you are not?'

I am sure that you whispered her answer: "mom, i can throw farther than she can"

I am sure you heard the laughs and giggles come from my girls

and I know it brought a smile to your face... Thanks!

I wish they could feel your strong hands wrap them up the way you used to with me.

I am trying to be loving, strong, caring, and all that you stood for in front of my girls.

I will never understand why you aren't here, but thanks for reaching out today...

In case I haven't said in a while... I love you and miss you!

Hope to see you soon!!!"

PLEASE ENJOY THESE PHOTOS!

"Handsome smiles wearing handsome shoes,

Too young to say, though I swear he knew,

And I hear him singing while he sits there in his chair,

Now these autumn leaves float around everywhere."
(Autumn by Paolo Nutini)

I Have Become My Father

2010-09-30T12:47:00.007-04:00

This past Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon was one of the worst times that my family has had to endure. On Tuesday night my daughter's (Abby) beloved dog "Coco" escaped out our back yard (while I was home with Madi) and ran into the street. She was hit by a vehicle who never stopped and drove away. (Please keep in mind I was inside the whole time) I was changing Madi and getting her ready for bed time when all of sudden Watson (my dog) started barking and going crazy at the back porch. Then there was strange knock at the door. This is what I heard

Stranger: "Do you have a brown dog that has a microchip in her?"

Me: "Yes"

Stranger: "Well, someone just hit your dog in the street and someone else took her to the Emergency Room."

Me: "Wha... Wha... Wait what did you say?"

Stranger: "She was bleeding from her mouth... and someone took her to ER Vet Clinic"

I was home with Madilyn and I don't have a car seat for Madi in my car, so I had to wait for Rebecca to get home from Bible Study. The next thirty minutes seemed like forever. When I arrived at the hospital I met the wonderful Good Samaritans who brought Coco to the hospital. Then the assistant put me in a room where I needed to wait for the Doctor. Once the doctor arrived she explained that Coco had brain damage and was in shock and not moving and she was waiting for X-Rays to come back. It turns out that Coco's back was broken and the doctor didn't think there was anything that she could do for her. So I made the decision that no parent ever wants to be force to make. We had to have Coco "put down".

Then the doctor said "would like to see her and be in the room for the procedure?"
I said "yes" immediately. I thought that since the dog had been with my daughter through thick and thin it was the right thing to do. I can tell you that this was my third experience of being in the room with someone (thing) who was dying. First was my nephew (T.J.), second was my father (the worst day of my life) and now Coco. All I could think of was to thank her for being so loyal to Abby and being a great dog for my little girls. I pet her bloody face and said "Thank you and good bye"

When I left the hospital I was rubbing Coco's collar between my fingers in complete silence and unsure of what I was going to say to Abigail. (Of course Rebecca already broke the news to Abby).

Well, the next day Abby stayed home from School and I took the day off of work. She woke up and I believe the first few words out of her mouth were: "Daddy is going to take me on a Daddy/Daughter date to get a new puppy right?"

-Little side note-

When I was growing up I can not remember a day when I didn't have a dog in the house. There was one dog who was specially close to me named "Scrapper" (cause he had color patches on his fur). When Scrapper had to be put down because of illness. I believe that the very next day I had waiting for me in the living room a new puppy. My dad was the second biggest dog lover that I know. Me being the first.

Well, long story short: We have a new addition to the family:

Everyone in the Blogging World I would like to introduce you Elle (pronounced Ellie) or soon to be named "Ella Bella"

But Coco will be missed dearly. No other dog I know would greet me every morning and evening with a smile... Well, if there is a doggie heaven I know that they have a new resident... We love and miss you Coco

Dear Elle: "Welcome to our family... You have some big paws to fill"

Nothing Better

2010-09-09T14:44:00.008-04:00

At work I have a photo screensaver that pops up after a couple of minutes of the computer being idle. I have a specific set of photos that I like to have as the slide show. The slide show has mostly photos that I have taken or that I am involved with. So, recently I have been noticing a lot of the photos are of me and my daughters having 'a good ole time'. Some are of us playing football, or rough housing, some are of us at the beach. I had this thought the other day!

There is not one thing better in life then being a dad.

(Little disclaimer here: I am sorry if you don't have a dad active in your life currently. )

I am really grateful that I am able to be apart of my two daughter's lives. I love watching them learn, laugh, and love. The girls and I have been spending more time together lately and I believe that I am learning as much from the girls as they are learning from me. Through them God has been showing me what takes to be a child of God. It takes faith, patience, love, and grace. I am and will be forever grateful that God blessed me and my wife with these (and more God willing) wonderful gifts! Below are the photos from the our recent family vacation.

That time of year again.

2010-08-31T12:43:00.006-04:00

IN THIS CORNER:
Standing: 5 feet 10.5 inches
Weighing: 235lbs.
(More on this later)
**************************************************************************************

Last night my wife and I were discussing how we enjoy this time of the year. I stated that I don't
really like it, but when I think about it I am not sure that there is a time of the year that I enjoy more. I mean, Baseball is wrapping up (or making a big push to the playoffs) and Football is starting. In another month or so Hockey and Basketball will be starting. So let me profess right now! I do love this time of the year. The weather is getting a little cooler and nature's colors are starting to shine.

Well, this past Sunday Abby and I went on a Father/Daughter date to Wendy's (she for some reason has wanted to go there for a long time!) and then we stayed home from church with Madi (only Rebecca went). So what did we do? I taught the ins and outs of Football. Really just running and tackling one another. We ended the night with them taking baths and watching our favorite "The Lion King". I think the most fun part for the girls was getting to "tackle Daddy''. It was a great night.

Here are some of the photos of the girls playing football.

This is Abby coming to tackle me

Nice Catch!

She is leaving on Jet plane... Will be back again (in 10 months)

2010-08-09T12:16:00.013-04:00

So there are a few things that we have become a very used to here in Maryland: First, it is always Sunny even on days when it is overcast, there will be a a few moments of sunshine somewhere in the day.

Second, when you live in this city you are expected to follow this city's sports teams. Like the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and whatever... (Justin is always getting grief)

Thirdly, for the last 6 1/2 years we have become used to having Aunt Sarah (Rebecca's sister) sitting to our right in our church row. Well, that didn't happen yesterday, I (Justin) looked over my right shoulder yesterday and I realized that Sarah was not there and won't be there for a while. She is off to Asia and doing some awesome work there. (Actually, it is a huge testimony of God's amazing grace, mercy and provision. Her entire support has come in... THANK YOU JESUS!!! )

I wanted to tell you that it has been great having her so close to our family for the past 6+ years.
I have loved watching my girls play, laugh, giggle, and learn with Sarah. She really has been the perfect Aunt for Abby and Madi. I know that my kids lives have been enriched far beyond what I may ever know. I guess this is a long winded way to say thank you to Sarah and that we will be praying for you and naturally we are going to miss you!!! Please go do awesome and amazing things!!! See ya in about 10 months or so!!!!

If I (Rebecca) could put an add in the paper it would say this: WANTED: One "temporary" Sister/Aunt in the Baltimore area, Must be able to tolerate and love my quirks, let me manage your finances, sew, bake, and most importantly, LOVE/SPOIL and babysit my children as if they were your very own....accepting applications immediately (which must be accompanied with a plate of homemade cookies) position will terminate next May then resume again the following August...If you are named Sharon or Rachel Lewis you need not apply...just move south ASAP!!!

It's not only a new page in Sarah's life, but in ours as well. We will miss her terribly and are trying to adjust to life here without her. At the same time, we are so happy for her and proud beyond words and release her to the awsome plan God has for her....and thank God for SKYPE!!

God is the Great Teacher

2010-07-16T17:24:00.008-04:00

WOE.... How He loves us....

Today I took a half day at work and the plan was to take my oldest daughter Abby to a movie (Toy Story 3). This week we have been a little tight on money but I was able to come across 20 bucks and I really wanted to take Abby to see this movie. So off we went and when we got the parking lot I noticed that there was this older lady in a SUV in front of me trying to park her vehicle. When she pulled into her spot she pulled too close to the vehicle next to her so she needed to back out and re-park. I wish I could tell you that I waited patiently for her but sadly I don't have very many patients for people are "bad parkers" I am not sure why but I always seem to be in hurry.... Funny how Jesus was never in hurry instead He would come across someone's path right on time... I can not recall anywhere in the Bible where the words read "Jesus was hurrying" In fact I am now reminded of the times that He ministered to others on His way to minister to someone who was dead. (I guess I thought well, she isn't gonna get any deader...) Please teach me this lesson Jesus...

Anyway, I shot around her and parked our van on my FIRST TRY. After all I am a professional parker. Then I got Abby out of the vehicle and started to walk toward the movie theater and I noticed that this same lady was kinda half staring and half waiting for us to walk by. I thought "She must be angry and want to give me a piece of her mind..."

Instead, she was trying to get her keys which she had dropped on the ground and bounced under her vehicle. I asked her if she wanted me to get them for her and she was so relieved... So I grabbed the keys and muttered something witty like "some times the keys seem to bounce in the worst spots". Then this lady started to walk with us into the movies. She asked Abby what movie we were there to see. "Toy Story 3, I LOVE TOYS", Abby exclaimed!!! Then she told us that she was there to see Despicable Me.

And this lady keep getting in front of me and again I was getting annoyed... I was thinking "it is one thing to be a bad parker and take forever with your SUV but come one lady I am in a hurry". I just kept laughing and kidding with Abby... Then I over this lady order her ticket and another ticket... I thought to myself that's strange she said she was there to see Despicable me? Why is she ordering a ticket for Toy 3? Of course I am sure now you realize that she decided to pay for my ticket... God, is so good to us... I mean here I am being a jerk in my head and thinking that this lady is in my way... then she shows God's mercy and grace to me... God then there reminded me of Jeremiah 2:13.

"Come and drink this water... Come and drink this water... Come and drink this water... Which you couldn't afford!!!!" (I Dreamed There was a Fountain by John Mark McMillan)

"God help me to rely on Your living Water and not find my source of water... My sources are broken and are not able to satisfy the way you do... Thank you Jesus!!! "

PS. If you haven't heard John Mark McMillan's new CD called "Medicine" please visit this link and give it a listen!!! Really good worship music... Also he is apart of project called "I dreamed there was a fountain" (title track) which is really good listening!!!!

Happy Father's Day BEST PRESENT OF ALL

2010-06-19T20:43:00.011-04:00

So I wanted to tell you that I received the best present for Father's day. This past Thursday I received a text from my wife that said

"Abby prayed tonight 'to have

Jesus come in my heart so I

can do great things and love

you' all by herself tonight"

I can tell you that there is no better feeling as a father when your child starts to get to know YOUR FATHER... God, thank you for your gift that is Abby. Please continue to bless her life and yes, come into her heart so she can do great things and love you... From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:2

AMEN!!!!

Then Rebecca said to Abby "All of Heaven rejoices???" and Abby replied in her cute little excited voice "YES!!!!"

Happy Father's Day a Little Early!!!

2010-06-15T19:53:00.006-04:00

In my house we decieded to celebrate Father's Day a few days early. First, because we will be away on Sunday and there is NO WAY that we were lugging my gift to NY and back again.

Second, I am the worst at waiting to giving gifts and getting gifts. In that way, I am very much like my father.

So what did Rebecca and the girls get me? Well, actually two things. One that I have been asking for over and over again and the other was a huge surprise.

For my first gift (you can see it in the picture) is a portable fire pit. I have been wanting one of these for a very long time now. I just like the idea of being able to have the family sit around a fire in the backyard. What was even better about last night is that we had icecream cake last night and sat around the fire... That was just perfect!!!! Thanks Sweetheart....

Oh and the second gift was a new water bottle with a neat ice pack to keep everything cool in the bottom. I have actually used that more than the fire pit so far... Here are some more of the photos that my wife took. Please enjoy!!! And hug your father between today and Sunday if you can!!! Just tell him you love him, that will be enough...

These last two I took of the sunset last night...

He did it again, and again...

2010-06-14T12:15:00.004-04:00

This past weekend my nephew Jonah was invited to play in a baseball tournament in Delaware. Last year Jonah also played at this tournament called "Sports at the Beach" and that weekend he hit a couple homers (one over 330 feet). Well Saturday, I had the joy of attending and watching him hit another home run. It was about 310-315 feet down the line. Then on Sunday, I am told he hit yet another home run over 320 feet... I could get used this! Nice job slugger! Keep up the hard work!!!

Sorry this picture is a little blurry, but you can trace the ball off the bat if you look in the left hand side of the picture, you can see the ball line going out...

Here is a few other shots that I got... Please feel free to leave any comments!!!

He must love this place.

Getting ready to crank that ball!!!

Stealing My Friends Through the Night

2010-06-07T11:02:00.013-04:00

"The Prince of Despair has been beaten you know, the loser still fights... Death's on a long leash stealing my friends through the night." (Caedmon's Call: "Love Alone")

DEATH! It was never meant to be this way. Very often I wonder how it must break God's heart when we are brokenhearted over losing someone close to us. God never wanted us to feel the pain of losing someone. WE were not created with Death in mind. When God put Adam and Eve in the garden He provided a way for Death to never be a part of their lives.

¹⁵And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. ¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; ¹⁷But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die (Genesis 2:15-17)

God's original plan was for us to live with Him and nature in perfect harmony. Never to know of death or loss. Once Adam and Eve ate of the the tree of the knowledge of Good & Evil... Death was knocking at their door. God promised it!!! See, to Adam and Eve, death was a threat and a promise. A threat because they could no longer live with God and walk with Him face to face. Their relationship with God was lost/damaged and would never be the same. Can you imagine hearing God with your own ear? I mean they knew the sound of God, not just His voice but He had a sound... I think it is the same with people we truly know in our life. Even if they are in the other room or you can't see them, you still know their sound. This is what Adam and Eve had with God... They spent time walking and being God... What we have lost! This must have been so amazing to behold.

Once they ate of the fruit all was lost in a moment and the blame game started.

¹²And the man said, The woman whom YOU (emphasis added)gave to be with me--she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate. ¹³And the Lord God said to the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled (cheated, outwitted, and deceived) me, and I ate. ¹⁴And the Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all [domestic] animals and above every [wild] living thing of the field; upon your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust [and what it contains] all the days of your life. (Genesis 3:12-14)

Death is also a promise to Adam, Eve and us... After Adam and Eve ate the fruit and sinned against God, God removed them from the garden & the tree of internal life. The Death promise is this: "You will not live forever in your sin". You see, we weren't designed for sin and death. But since we have strayed away from God, we have chosen both. Now we are far too familiar with both. But it is God's grace that He doesn't allow us to stay in our sin forever. He could have allowed Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of life... but He had a plan...

22And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of Us [the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit], to know [how to distinguish between] good and evil and blessing and calamity; and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live [b]forever-- (Genesis 3:22)

It is promised that if we trust in Jesus and He as our sacrifice, then we will not live forever as sinful, disobedient, wretched beings. Instead, we are promised that once we make it through the death (or end) of this life we will be changed forever... NEW BODY AND ALL!!!! Yes we have a lost a lot... BUT THROUGH JESUS (THE SON) we can have it again...

PS... D I am praying for you and your family! May God's grace and peace find your hearts during this time of loss and pain.

Lost in the Shuffle

2010-06-03T12:10:00.006-04:00

One week ago this past Saturday I was in Buffalo for my Nephew Stephen's black-belt extravaganza. I can't tell you how proud of this little man I am. He is ten years old and a Junior black belt. If you don't know my nephew (also my Godson) then let me explain a little bit about him. He is an amazing little boy because he has acomplished this while having a form of Austim called Aspergers.

Taekwondo has been perfect for him and a great outlet for him to express himself.

Anyway, I had the pleasure of taking the pictures for it and here is just a sample!!!!
Congrats Stephen, I love you

Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T20:13:00.002-04:00

Price of Freedom is VISIBLE HERE!!!!

I wanted to take a few moments and thank those who served and provided our freedom...

To my cousin Stephen Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to this nation as a Marine.

To my friend Noah P. Thank you for your service and dedication to this nation. May God bless you and your wife richly!

To My Uncle Richard. Thank you for your service in the Marines

Thank you Opa for your years of service and dedication. This nation and more importantly your family owes you a debt of gratitude.

Thank you to my brother Jamie and his family. Thank you for all you have done and your support. May God bless you richly today.

To Uncle Mike... Thank you for all you have given to this nation. To my mom thank you for raising us children while Dad was away in the service. You both have done a wonderful job.

To my dad: I have no words, but Thank you and I miss you!

This is my Grandpa Heim. He served in Italy during WWII. Thank you grandpa... We miss you!

To my grandpa Schlenker served in the Army during WWII .
"Thank you Grandpa and Grandma and we miss you"

Wow.... What a week!

2010-05-27T21:18:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday I was scheduled to to fly to Buffalo with Abby (my oldest). We were going North for a couple of reasons. First, to see my nephew get his black belt in Taekwondo (I was going specially to take photos). Second, my mom wanted to take Abby to get her first Manicure/Peticure done and an appointment for a hair cut. Or in the words of my mom, her first "Princess Day".

THEN, my grandmother-in-law passed on Friday... So I boarded a plane with TWO children under 4 and no wife to help. YIKES!!!! Rebecca was going to drive up to Rochester with the dogs and we would meet up later on during the weekend.... Well, everything worked out perfectly. I mean, the girls were perfect angels on the plane. Then Saturday morning my sister took Abby to get her nails done... (You will see photos later) and my mom and I took her to get hair cut. She was so happy and Madi had a good time also.

It was a huge blessing to be "home" for a couple of days and I know that my wife was a bigger blessing in Rochester for her family. Then we went to Rochester for the funeral of Grandma Lewis (or as Abby says "Gigi"). It was beautiful service and I got to sing with my sister in law (It is Well With My Soul) and if I say so myself I think we sounded great! Then, yesterday we began our long drive back to Baltimore.

As soon as we got home, my second worst nightmare happened. I had left the front door open in an attempt to bring the luggage. As I walking back towards the house, I see a flash of a stray cat running from our front yard and right on it's tail is my BEST BUD Watson... The Cat makes it across the street but Watson is hit by a pick up truck. I am powerless (and yelling on the top of my lungs NOOOOOOO) and only can see Watson disappear in front of the truck and what seemed like a life time later, Watson bounced up to his feet and ran in the house... Then the pain came and the blood was everywhere.... So we (Watson and I) made a late night trip to the emergency vet clinic. It wasn't until 1 am that we returned with the best news possible... He hurt his right front paw, the dew claw and the pad underneath his paw. After a few days or so he should be fine. No broken bones or anything... Absolutely a miracle..... Thanks God!!!

So needless to say, our week was full of ups and downs... But most of all - full of God's faithfulness!!!!

Well, below are some of the photos!!! Please feel free to comment and

HE SHALL COVER THEE...

2010-05-20T15:42:00.007-04:00

He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
~Psalm 91:4

This is just a little reminder...
* This is a male Canadian Goose who didn't really like the extra attention
I was paying them...

I LOVE THE LION KING

2010-05-19T15:15:00.009-04:00

I have a confession to make, I love "The Lion King" not just has a Disney movie but as a movie.
One of the main reasons why I love this movie so much is that it shows the impact a Father has on his children and who they become... (at least that is how I convince myself it is okay to love a Disney movie...)
One night when my eldest daughter Abby turned 2 I introduced her to "The Lion King". SHE LOVED EVERY SECOND... We skip past the scene of Mufasa's death because I don't think anyone ever needs to watch that. Well, last night I was in charge of watching the girls again and after we cleaned up the living room of all the stuffed animals I came up with an idea.... It was time for Madi to be introduced to....

"Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba"

Anyway, Madi is in love with it too... Now we have family movie night with the Lion King... (we watched part 1 last night & tonight is part 2)
Below are some of the photos I took last night...

Wordless Wednesday (6 of a Kind)

2010-05-13T14:19:00.005-04:00

Check some of the other entries at: Wordless Wednesday

Love Lately

2010-05-08T22:45:00.009-04:00

I LOVE MY WIFE!!!!

Lately I have been surrounded by stories of lost love. Without naming names I have counseled a few different men who have had love break their heart. It has been some pretty sad stories. So that has had me thinking "I LOVE MY WIFE". I know that I am suppose to say that, but I love her more now after seven years of marriage. Seriously no one laughs like her. No one understands me the way that she does. No one encourages me the way she does. She is an amazing mother to my two daughters. I love watching her take care of our children. She is caring, patient, kind, and has a wonderful imagination. She is a great sister... I love watching her worship and dance. I thank God that He has blessed me with an awesome wife for the past 7 years.
Happy Anniversary!

FACELIFT!!!!

2010-05-05T16:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Rachel @ Ladybird for the blog design!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T12:49:00.003-04:00

For more WW fun at:
http://www.wordlesswednesday.com
Thanks for stopping by and please leave some comments.
~Justin

Random Abbyness

2010-05-04T21:52:00.005-04:00

So lately we have been having some random conversations with Abby and it has been very funny!
We thought it would be funny to share them with you.

While at the park and telling Abby that I needed to put the dogs in the van in order to help her with ride her bike.

Me: "So who do you think should wait in the van? You, Me, Mom, Madi or the Dogs?" Abby: "Maybe the dogs could stand with you and Madi could sit in her car seat"

Rebecca helping Abby with bike riding

A couple of days ago Rebecca (my wife) and Abby had this conversation...

Abby: (very serious look on her face) "Umm, Mom I have a question for you... When we get madi her own dog where is it going to sleep?"
My Wife: "Abby we can't get a dog for Madi, it is too expensive and our house isn't big enough for three dogs."
Abby: (turning to Madilyn) Well, Madi looks like you can't get a dog... it would be too expensive and our house isn't big enough... Sorry"

This is Coco Abby's Dog...

Some people just wanna re-live their childhood.

Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to leave any comments...
~Justin

Race for the Roses...

2010-05-02T21:04:00.007-04:00

This past Saturday was one of my favorite sporting events of the calendar year. It was the Kentucky Derby (in case you were under a rock). I love the fact that it is so quickly over ("The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports") and thrilling throughout. I recently discovered my youngest daughter's obsession with it (really she loves the horses).

We knew that Abby loved horse racing... I remember when Abby was 1 and watched her first race and I can't really remember her getting this excited.

Every time a horse would come on the screen Madi would scream (something loud and unintelligible) and clap her hands... Abby flipped through pictures online of all the races for about 30 minutes telling my wife (Rebecca) which ones were her favorites. I believe she picked out about 5 or 6 different horses....of course when the race was actually over she was jumping up and down clapping "That was the EXACT one i wanted to win!!" haha

Since the race is also called "The Run for the Roses" and we got our first blooms of the year, I thought it would be good to post some pictures of the roses... Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the photos.

~ Justin

Just a little Plug

2010-04-26T16:36:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday I went with my daughter Abby, Sister in Law Sarah, my nephew/Godson Stephen and my mom to see "How to train your dragon"

Let me tell you if you haven't seen it yet and you want to take your kids to see a wholesome feel good movie... I think that this is a great choice. Only a few make you jump scenes and generally a good action packed movie.

Well, I hope you get a chance to see it...
Thanks for stopping by!
~Justin

Happy Earth Week...

2010-04-24T17:53:00.020-04:00

My wife and I have discovered Abby's little green thumb... For the better part of 4 months Abby has wanted to plant a "garden".
Yep, my little four year old is now a gardener. She was really excited to have a place where both gerbera daisies and corn can grow. She wants to have place where we can have tomatoes and carnations... Abby wants to have green beans and Osteospermum grow together. So yesterday my wife and two daughters went to Walmart and picked up so flowers and veggies.
Well, my little planters did a great job and maybe with a little luck we can have some corn for dinner and flowers for the center piece. Anyway my wife made sure that we have a place for the veggies and a place for the flowers.... Below are the photos... Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to leave comments...

~ Justin

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T14:27:00.008-04:00

More participants here: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

~ Justin

The Parable of the Lost Ring...

2010-04-19T19:56:00.004-04:00

If you know me then you know that I lose everything. I mean seriously I lose everything... My brother teases me all the time

"you better screw your head into your neck...
Otherwise one morning you wake up and it will be missing"

So about a year and half ago I lost my ring. I thought that maybe I put it down and little fingers may have found it. I came to the idea that I wouldn't really find it again. This past Christmas I had decided that I would get a ring tattooed onto my ring finger. (That way I would have to lose my finger before I lost my ring again)... My wife got a me a ring for Christmas before I went to the tattoo parlor and it was perfectly fine ring... Looked nice and fit perfectly so I was happy again.

Well, just yesterday my wife came from church (I haven't been feeling well so I stayed home) and she told me that a wonderful lady in our church found my ring... I was so happy to have my ring back...

On the inside is enscribed "I am my Beloved's RGH 5/10/03"

I imagine that this is how God feels when we return to Him. The only difference is that God never resolves to the fact that we are lost forever. He never stops looking or waiting for us.
If you have walked away from God or feel lost please just return back to Him...

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15: 20)

Below are some of the photos that I took...

Thanks for stopping by....
~ Justin

Sun Cake Day

2010-04-14T21:06:00.009-04:00

Today, I received a message from my wife and it stated:

"Dinner menu consists of Lamb chops, mashed potatoes, carrots, and dessert is going to be a 'Sun Cake' that is made by Abby and Me..."

The sun cake was made in honor of the sun being out lately and because of how much I love the sun.
On my way home I had an idea... I should get two SUN flowers for the lights of my life (corny I know) but when i arrived home I immediately heard Abby say "FLOWERS!!! Can I have those flowers Daddy?"

I explained that one was for her and one was for Madi and the rest for Mommy. I handed Abby her flower and Madi her flower (Madilyn loved it...)

And the rest to my wife... I pretty sure that she loved them too...

(yes, she has confirmed that she does)

The rest of the dinner? Well, Madilyn loved smashing the already mashed potatoes into her face/hair and Abby decided to cry over spilled cake.

(Don't worry...she got a new piece and was happy once again!

She certainly has a flair for the dramatic though...)

All in all it was a perfect dinner and the sun has been wonderful here in Maryland.... Hope everyone is doing well, and thanks for stopping by...
~Justin

Cherry Bloosom Festival

2010-04-05T16:57:00.011-04:00

This past Saturday I got up at 5:00am to go to Washington, DC every year in DC is the Cherry Blossom Festival. The Cherry Blossom trees that was sent to DC as a gift and they are truly beautiful but very fragile. If the sun comes out early in DC then they bloom early. Any harsh cold weather or lots of rain and the pedals will all fall off. So I was extremely fortunate to have gone this past weekend because the weather has been beautiful and they are thriving...

I wanted to make to DC in order to get some sunrise shots, however I learned that the Metro (DC Subway) doesn't run until 7am on the weekends. Well, I was bound and determined that if I was getting up that early I was gonna see the sunrise. So I drove to DC... If you haven't driven in DC before it can be a little difficult because not many of the roads are east and west or north and south. DC is more like a big circle. However I made it... Here are some of the shots that I was able to get... Hope you enjoy them!So after about 2 hours and the sun went behind the clouds. I started to realize that my family was going to met me in DC around 12noon or 1pm... That was still 3 more hours away... I was thinking that maybe I would just drive home and let them enjoy the festival without me... I am really glad that I toughed it out and waited for them. My family (& Sister-in-law Sarah) met up with me at the WWII memorial and we had an awesome day... Besides if I had gone home I would not have gotten these pictures....

Well, we hung there until around 4 or so... Which made for a extremely LONG day... But I am really happy with the family time and the photography time that I was able to get in... And it made for great a workout because I think I walked about 5 miles or more... The Moral of the story is if God gives you some time to spend with your family and enjoy sight seeing at the same time DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!

Here is a link to enjoy some of the photos that I have posted.
My Cherry Blossom Festival Photos

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave comments...
~Justin

My life may never be the same....

2010-04-04T19:41:00.007-04:00

My Life is never going to be the same...

She was so excited and I am really glad that I got these pictures.

She loves the Disney Princesses.

She has not stopped riding it...

I hope you have/had a wonderful Easter! Thank you for stopping by...

I will also be posting some of the photos that I took over this past weekend at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC... So stay tuned!!!!
~Justin

Fatherhood

2010-03-31T14:47:00.001-04:00

I love being the hero that can make "IT" all better...

I love brushing off scrapes and boo boos.
I love walking hand and hand...

I love hearing "how was your day at work dad?"
I love tucking in at night.
I love praying for bad dreams to go away
I love giving "Piggy back rides"
I love tickle wars!!!!
I love tea parties!!!!

I love answering WHY, WHAT, WHO questions.
I love telling once upon time stories.
I love saying... "YOU LOOK SO PRETTY!!!"

I love being the KING
I love hearing "DADDY!!!"
I love a being dad.

Thanks for reading
~Justin

Rain, Rain....

2010-03-29T16:52:00.006-04:00

If April Showers bring May flowers, what do end of March showers do?

Sometimes I have to admit that I enjoy rainy days (unless I am driving somewhere).

Today here in Baltimore MD it has been like a day at Niagara Falls: VERY MISTY...
I find myself enjoying the small things are rainy/misty days.
Like the way rain cleans the air, ground, running water.

I have a friend that once had this thought:
"God allows for the rain at the beginning of Spring because He wants to wash away all the dirt, and filth that has been around for the entire winter."

He had this 'vision' from God of a running river and God was causing the rain to push the garbage and junk down stream...

I think I agree with that... Sometimes I feel like God is 'pouring' His grace into my life in order to push the garbage and junk out.
"Father please continue to pour out Your grace
Wash away all the doesn't please you."

Please enjoy the pictures and the little things in life:

thanks for reading
~ Justin

IT IS FINISHED

2010-03-26T16:23:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow I have a major paper due for my school.

To most people a 12 page isn't a big deal and normally I would agree but this paper was a subject very dear to my heart: "Mentoring" and therefore it was difficult to get the knowledge out of my head onto the paper. It didn't help that I have been suffering major writer's block.
Anyway, I wanted to share with my blog buddies my accomplishment.

The paper is suppose to be about some experience that I have been through and how it applies to a new endeavor that I am currently in. So I wrote about mentoring and how is the useful too of youth ministry.

For those of you who don't know I was youth pastor (currently I am still a youth pastor technically speaking) for past 8 years or so. I was also a residential counselor for a troubled boys home in Bath, NY. So I drew upon those experiences and wrote about being a mentor. I wrote about taking the "things" that happened in my and allowing God to use them for the good of both myself and those around me.
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HERE IS A LITTLE TASTE:

When I am open, honest and practice what I preach, I am able to show that God is really our Father and He is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). It is estimated that 85% of teenagers who are in prison never had a father while growing up. This leads me to believe that it is my job to seek and find these young men who are without a father figure in their lives and provide them with a stable and safe environment for them to learn in.

I read an article on www.orphanbracelet.org/what-we-do/orphan-elephants about orphan elephants that grew up without their mother because of poaching for ivory. These elephants were causing major damage to other wildlife and human beings around them. The orphanage realized that the orphan elephants needed a mature elephant to show “ the rights and wrongs of an elephant”

The article states:

"Without an adult role model, there is no example of love, of setting limits and discipline. And that’s one of the reasons that things go wrong."

I have found it the same with the youth today that I am working with. Many of them do not have a stable family or a family at all in order to show them right from wrong. The real issue that I am finding is that many of these teens are having families of their own. How are they going to raise a young one without the knowledge of right or wrong being passed down to them? This is the role that I am currently fulfilling. This leads me to feel like I am “a substitute parent”. If I am not there to show them how to “live” who will? If I do not allow God to use the experiences of my life to share His goodness and faithfulness then these young man will never be able to reach their full potential.

In the processes of writing this paper someone very special in my churches congregation passed away. Well, I have realized that a young man that lost his "Mature Elephant".

In the fall of 2006 I lost my father very suddenly to colon cancer. In the year to follow I found myself asking God, ‘why did You take my dad away’. Well, within the last two months God has been opening opportunities for to share His faithfulness and mercy with those who have also lost a father or someone in that role of their life. Now I know that is not the entire reason why my dad died and I am pretty sure that I will never know the entire reason why my father is gone. I know that God is using that experience in my life to shine into others a little hope and love.

In his book "To Own A Dragon" Donald Miller (pg 91.) explains how he learned that pilots who are flying across the country are constantly in communication with one another about the weather and the air that the next pilot can expect. One pilot who is about a hour ahead we explain what they went through and then they will contact someone ahead of them in order to find out what to expect. This to me is what mentoring is all about:
We all need someone who has "been there and done that" and is willing to share with us what to expect. We also need to be the person who has "been there and done that" and share it with someone who needs to know what to expect.

Well, I wanted to write here is that we may never fully understand why God does/or allows things to happen to us. What we need to understand is that God's grace and faithfulness is more than enough for whatever situation we find ourselves in. Then once we are on the other side of the troubled water we can share with ours who are suffering the same loss and hurt that we went through. Please if you are struggling or hurting do not keep to yourself. Find someone who can listen, relate, and offer a helping hand.

Below are some photos that I found: One of my nephew Jonah and his dad (my brother) the rest of my dad, my daughter and I:

Well thanks for reading

~Justin
PS. Pick the book to "Own a Dragon or Father Fiction" by Donald Miller!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-18T16:29:00.008-04:00

Here in Maryland the weather has been amazing this week. Yesterday I left work a little earlier in order to get home and enjoy it with my family. While my daughters, the dogs, and I were running around and playing in the backyard; my wife made a wonderful meal. Lamb chops, Mash-potatoes, and carrots... MAN I LOVE SPRING. (I know that technically spring starts on Saturday)
Now that the weather is getting nicer I am finding it more and more difficult not be home with my family. Please take some time and love on the ones you love!!!
Please enjoy some of the photos that I took yesterday!

This Abby and Coco playing fetch!

Abby and Madi play fetch!

Watson and Coco playing fetch!
Someone is turning out to be not very good at sharing

When Abby was this age we have a photo that she looks like this in.

She reminds me of Huck Fin here!

Take it easy and enjoy the day!!!!

Thanks for reading
~Justin

Welcome Back...

2010-02-24T14:49:00.006-05:00

"Welcome back,

To that same old place that you laughed about..."

On Saturday, March 4, 2010. I am going back to school. (sorta)
I am planning on attending a school for a business degree about for 14 months.
I'm a little anxious about the whole ordeal.
Simply because I am not the most studious person
But the schooling is a means to an end.

I just need to keep reminding myself that God has a plan for my life.
A plan that is for good and not evil...
If God got me through Bible College...
Then I know that He won't let me down now!

I know that I will be able to look back at this time and see God's hand in my life.
He has a way of doing "things or allowing "things" to happen in our lives,
so we don't forget His faithfulness!!!
Thanks for reading
~Justin

Winter Blues...

2010-02-19T10:25:00.007-05:00

I have come to the decision that I hate February! Nothing personal against the month or those whose birthday happens to fall in the month of February.
My problem with this time of the year is simply this:
It isn't spring yet!
I am a baseball fan and that means that it is spring training!
Today is the official day of Catchers and Pitchers reporting to SPRING training.
I just really like the fact that the daylight is getting longer, the warmth, and that everything starts to become green again. So once I get past February then I know that winter is ending.
The problem around here (Baltimore, Maryland) is that
we have gotten a million inches of snow and it isn't melting fast enough.
I guess I will just have to have some patience and in the mean time
I think I will dream about the SPRING.
Below are some photos of my nephew who is attempting make the USA Jr Olympic Baseball team. He is pretty great, of course I am bias!

Thanks for reading
~Justin

PS. I should feel blessed though because when I lived in Buffalo there wasn't a season known as spring.

The Good Thing About Imaginary Friends Is....

2010-02-08T11:46:00.012-05:00

Here in the Baltimore/DC area we got hit with a major snow storm. It started snowing Friday night around 5 and didn't stop until Saturday around 5. At some points in the night it was snowing about 3 inches an hour and there was thunder and lighting accompanying the snow. I have never heard of a thunder snow storm. But WE got one in the early morning hours on Saturday. Well, my oldest daughter loves snow. She loves to make snowmen, and "dig for buried treasure". The problem is that when it looks like this outside....

it isn't very much fun for a four year old. She can't really walk in the snow drifts that are above her head. So we came inside....

The good thing about an imaginary friend is that even in bad weather they can come over for a visit. My daughter Abby has a "friend" named Martha. Martha is four and even has a boyfriend named Nick. (I am sure that Nick is named after my sister in law Rachel's Boyfriend). Martha also has a dog name Lala who comes and plays with Abby's dog Coco and usually they come to play every day. Well yesterday, Abby decided that it was Martha's birthday.

My wife and Abby made Martha's cake.-Strawberry with Chocolate icing! (from scratch ;)

It was so good!!!! Well, we had a nice time together has a family and imaginary friends.
(Just so you know - Abby knows that Martha is just pretend. I asked "Is Martha going to blow out the candles?" Abby response... "Um, no, remember she is just pretend". )

We still sang happy birthday and Abby blew out the candles!!! Below are some of the other photos that i took over the weekend. Please enjoy them...

These were my "artsy" photos before the snow got really bad...

These two loved it out there... Until the snow got above their heads!!!

You know you have gotten too much snow

when even this one doesn't want to go outside anymore.

I think Abby and Martha did some dancing!

Thanks for reading

~Justin

It is ten at night...

2010-02-03T12:46:00.008-05:00

Do you know where your husband is? Last night around 10 pm here in Maryland we had some snow.... My oldest daughter Abby loves when it snows here, but it was too late for her to go play in the snow last night. So I took the dogs for a quick romp through the snow. Then I made a snowman for Abby to see when she woke up in the morning...

My idea was that I wouldn't be able to play with Abby in the snow today, so I would make a snowman for her instead. It worked perfect!!! This morning I woke up to this...

"Mom, Mom...." "There is a snowman outside my window!!!"
"How do you think it got there?" Rebecca asked
"Um, I don't know..."
"Well, who do you know that makes a great snowman?"
"DADDY!!!!" "Thank you daddy!"

So my idea worked wonderfully and here are the photos to enjoy!

This last picture was taken at work today. I just love it!
Thanks for reading
~Justin

Little Blue Bird v. Jeremiah 29:11-14

2010-01-28T14:33:00.006-05:00

"I’m just a bird with a melody to sing
I’m hardly heard look at these tiny little wings.
But I can see an arrow flying and I’m not afraid
I can hear the terror try to steal the night away
And I’m not afraid I’m not afraid"

~ Jason Upton.

Lately this little guy has been outside my window at work. Today I was able to get a few shots with the encouragement of a co-worker.
Some times I wish I was like this little bird....

He doesn't seem to have a care or concern in the world.

Then I started thinking about how I am actually blessed to be who God made me.

Sure this little guy's life looks to be "pretty easy" at least from window at work.

But I know that has made me the way I am. He has plan and place for me.

God's plan is to bless me and not for harm. So in actuality I am glad that I am who I am...
(That sounds little like Popeye)
However, there are days like today that

I wish I could just sit on a branch and sing (chirp) my troubles away.

Well, if you are having a bad day, please understand this. God is still there and His plan is still intact. He is still on His thrown and He still loves you!!!!

Thanks for reading

~ Justin

Princess Party for 3

2010-01-19T16:33:00.011-05:00

So a couple of weeks ago my oldest daughter asked my wife a question that really scared us. The question was...

Who is coming to my birthday princess party?

Well, we weren't really planing on a party for Abby (mostly because we had just traveled back to Maryland from NY for Christmas). So my wife came up with a great idea.

"How about we have Princess party when Aunt Rachel and Tante Sharon come to Maryland?"

So we did! And it was great! Here are a few of the photos from the party!

Thanks for Reading

~Justin

CRAFTY!!!!

2010-01-08T22:07:00.009-05:00

Recently, my oldest daughter has been really into coloring and making crafts. Here is one of her recent projects. It is for me to take to my office and hang in my window. I have to say that I love her projects!!!! I love when she gets so excited to show me what her and mommy have been working on.

Also, it is a perfect way for mom and daughter to have a bond and for Abby’s mind and talent to grow!!! And as an added bonus I get to enjoy the finished product.

Also, Abby told me a story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus,

only her story involves the Volcano in the Wii Resort.

It was cute!

Please enjoy in the photos…

Thanks for reading

~ Justin

4 years later and God still amazes me

2009-12-30T09:55:00.011-05:00

4 years ago this past Monday my life turned completely around. My wife gave birth to a wonderful little girl Abigail Grace!!!! Well, she turned 4 years old on Monday and I think she's going on 24... This little girl has a way of either saying or doing something every day that just simply amazes me. I very often find myself just shaking my head in wonder.
God truly blessed me and my wife with 2 wonderful little girls. I love when they greet me at the door. (Which usually is Abby running in the living room screaming "DADDY" and Madi pointing and smiling) I love hearing them giggle and laugh. I love our play time upstairs. I love that they both hit the stair hang over (Notre Dame Fighting Irish Style).
photo taking from the internet.
I love sitting and watching "Wonder Pets, Dinosaur Train", and whatever else. Our only problem right now is getting the girls to share and play with each other nicely. There is 3 years separating them and they don't like to share. If Abby is playing with something then Madi wants it. (But usually it's not an age approporiate toy) and vise versa. So Rebecca and I are taking any suggestions that the masses might have out there. Thanks for reading and please enjoy the photos!

~ Justin

Hot Coco AKA Family Time

2009-12-15T10:44:00.007-05:00

Last night I came up with an idea on the spot! I was making some hot chocolate and said out loud "I am making some hot coco" and Abby replied "Me too" which was followed by my wife saying "I want some too". Normally my wife does work at night from home. But I said that everyone had to stop what they were doing and

join me at the table for some Family Hot Coco time!
So we put on some Christmas music, had some Christmas cookies
and had our Hot Coco time! Man, I love CHRISTMAS!
Here are some of the pictures taken during the cookie making process!
I hope everyone is having a blessed Advent Season!

Thanks for reading
~ Justin

THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE!

2009-12-11T11:50:00.006-05:00

I love coming home from work! I usually have my hands full but by the time I get in the door I am greeted with "Daddy!!!!" from my 3 year old (almost 4) and something that is suppose to be "Daddy" (from my youngest). The Dogs greet me with tails and tongues wagging. And of course my wife with a smile and kiss. Normally I can get changed but the other night one of the cutest things happened.

Abby (my 3 year old) came to me with a serious voice and holding an empty box saying.

"Daddy, there is a mystery, mommy's necklace is missing from
the box!"
" We need to find out who took it and where it went. I have found
a clue over here. You should take a picture of it and we can find out who did
this!"

She showed me a foot print on the hardwood floor (most likely left behind by a little dog)

So we put on our detective hats and went to work.

I am not sure if she is watching too many kids detective shows like "The Backyardgains" or "The Wonder Pets" but it was so cute & fun to imagine with her.

Here are the suspects...

Thanks for reading

~ Justin

Ps. Truth be told that Mommy had the necklace on and hadn't placed it back into the box yet.

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-08T11:05:00.008-05:00

For the past 4 years my family and I have gone to cut down our own Christmas Tree. The past 3 years we have gone to the same Christmas tree farm and no matter how hard we try we end up doing the same thing every year. We walk around and spot a tree that we all agree is nice, perfect shape, and size. But for some reason we don't cut it down instead we remember where it is and fall into the curse of looking for a “more perfect” tree; only to come back to the original tree that we agreed upon.

Well, the same thing this year! We get there and we start looking for the “PERFECT TREE”. My wife and I agree on one but we decided to keep looking just in case. Then the unthinkable happens!!! My wife notices a family arrives and starts admiring “our” tree so panic kicks in. We are watching them and hope that they fall under the same find a “more perfect tree” curse. Low and behold they decide to mark the tree with a weed and some other things and then they keep looking.

Well, we nonchalantly move in to get our tree, and while we are in the middle of cutting it down the family comes around the corner. Of course we have now gotten the tree down and going through our normal traditions of pictures and being proud of our amazing find. But it was a little awkward seeing them walk around looking for their “perfect tree” only to see some strangers posing in front of it. I am sure that they found a suitable tree for their home. I think maybe next year I will just stand by our original tree and wait for my wife to walk around and come back to me!

Below are some of the photos.
I hope you enjoy the Christmas Music

Thanks for reading
~ Justin

Advent Season

2009-12-04T13:09:00.007-05:00

When I was a child, I never really did anything with advent or an advent calendar.

My wife, on the other hand, has a rich family tradition when it comes to Christmas.

Although I give her a hard time about some of traditions,

I am actually blessed that she has this tradition and is passing it onto our children.

I am also blessed that at the heart of every tradition,

my family keeps Jesus as the center of this season.

My mother-in-law got Abby a wonderful gift this year.

It is a little Christmas tree as an advent calendar.

This little tree comes with a book where you can read

different parts of the Christmas story.

It is really cute and Abby really loves it.

Here are the photos I took the other night.

(She put most of the ornaments on already. She couldn't wait to do only one each day!)

Thanks for reading & have a wonderful Christmas
~ Justin

Baltimore aquarium

2009-11-24T10:16:00.008-05:00

On Friday night my wife and I surprised our oldest daughter with a trip to the Baltimore aquarium. We had a great time. I was surprised to watch my youngest daughter get so excited to see the all different kinds of fish. She would run up to the glass, point and say "oooohhh". She was too cute. Our oldest daughter had a great time too. I am pretty sure she loves that place! If you are ever in Baltimore then please go see the aquarium. You won't be disappointed. Here are a few photos of our trip. (I think the Jellyfish were the best. They are a new temporary display)

Thanks for reading

~Justin

3 years

2009-11-20T11:32:00.007-05:00

Many people use the 1st of January to mark a new year. Practicing Jews will use the Rosh Hashanah to mark their new year. January 26, 2009 was the Chinese New Year. Well my mark for a new year would be November 21. Three years ago, my life was changed in a dramatic way. My father passed away very suddenly, and ever since I am learning more and more about what it means to be a father.

I have felt God invade my life and draw me closer to Him. He has showed me that I need to be more like a Son in order to be a better father. The more I allow myself to be controlled/ruled by His will, the better father I will be to my children. This past year I have learned that God's grace is sufficient for me in all situations. I don't believe in the statement "He doesn't give us more than we can handle" because we can handle ALL things through his Grace!

I believe that He gives us things that push us towards Him. He allows situations in our life that only He will gain Glory through. I believe that God allows situations to happen to us that we can only survive through His grace. So I can say that I "survived" another year, and I look forward to God's grace in the coming year. I pray that He shines into your life, in ALL your situations!
I think Jason Upton puts it best by saying...

"In the company of Jesus there are no experts there's are only beginners and necessary followers. Because in the company of Jesus no body knows where they are going"
~Jason Upton

Thanks for Reading
~Justin

ARE YOU READY??? For some football?

2009-11-17T10:40:00.006-05:00

Last night my daughter (Abby) wasn't tired so she wanted to watch football with daddy. So we did! My daughter is in that stage in life that she has to know how everything works and why it is that way. So here is our conversation:

Abby: "Daddy, what are they counting for?"
Me: "Oh that is the end of the period" (i didn't want any confusion between football and money so i so didn't say quarter)
Abby: "What's a period?
Me: " There are four periods in football, period 1, 2, 3, 4 and each period has 15 minutes in it" "So there are 10 minutes left in the period. Then they will go to the 3rd period."
Abby: "What are they trying to do?"
Me: "they are trying to score" "they have to get the football in what is called the end zone, that is how you score."
Abby: "Why?"
Me: "Those are just the rules, made up since the beginning of time."
Abby: "okay"

And so we enjoyed a little father/daughter monday night football. I won't even begin to tell her how much the Buffalo Bills have broken my heart... That is a story for when she is older. Please enjoy the pictures.

And thanks for reading
~Justin