The boys had a couple of friends over for a sleep over tonight. It's loud in this house.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Current Pipe and Tobacco Collection
My 12 favorite pipes in the rack (http://www.twocousinspiperacks.com/) along with a few pounds of tobacco.
The books, bottom to top: ESV Bible, Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger & Shorter Catechisms, The Valley of Vision, my personal journal, two separate/topical journals.
Working Together
A recent warm day made for great weather to get a little yard work completed. Our two labs Bailey (Chocolate) and Brady (Yellow) seemed to enjoy it, too.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Found this Morning
From Last Night's Storm. A 40' tree fell from the woods beside our house into our yard. It was an old, dead tree, so last night's wind toppled it over fairly easily, I'm sure. The storm looked a little crazy for a while. With Ethan, for scale. (Cell cam photo.)
January and February have been so busy, but hopefully things will begin slowing up now that March is here. The Upward Basketball league is finished and the boys had a great time. Hopefully that will free up some time to focus on some things we need to work on.
We had planned on doing some camping in our travel trailer, but with gasoline expected to approach or surpass $4 a gallon, we may be staying home much of the spring. It's one thing to burn $35-40 in gas to get there and back. It's another to pay more for gas than the camping fees and food/entertainment for the weekend. Maybe we'll splurge for one trip, just to say we did.
January and February have been so busy, but hopefully things will begin slowing up now that March is here. The Upward Basketball league is finished and the boys had a great time. Hopefully that will free up some time to focus on some things we need to work on.
We had planned on doing some camping in our travel trailer, but with gasoline expected to approach or surpass $4 a gallon, we may be staying home much of the spring. It's one thing to burn $35-40 in gas to get there and back. It's another to pay more for gas than the camping fees and food/entertainment for the weekend. Maybe we'll splurge for one trip, just to say we did.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Red Truck Fly Fishing Rods
I cannot wait for spring. I'm looking forward to being on the streams and rivers of western North Carolina with my three boys. They're fishing way out west, but this video still had me shaking a little bit this morning. Late March/early April can't come soon enough.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
First Video
First Video
Originally uploaded by Joe Jon!
I have woefully neglected the blog after assuring myself I would be more active in the new year. But my blog activity is always a sure sign of how busy I am in life. Work has been crazy, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, basketball practices and games, homeschool activities, and much more fill up our time. And all along we forget to take pictures and make little notes.
I have done well keeping my written journal, though. And I am reading much more than normal. I have been updating Twitter with short bursts almost daily. I rarely do anything with Facebook anymore, though I have been getting razzed by friends at work whenever Stacie goes on my Facebook page and "likes" a product such as "Clairol" or other products focused on women.
The questions I asked Caden in the video are from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC). In our family devotions we have been catechizing the children from the WSC, and they are doing well in memorizing the questions and answers. When I read that 80% (or more) of Christian children sent to public schools apostatize from the church when they leave the home it gives me pause for concern. We are thankful to be able to educate our children and bring them up in the ways of the Lord in our home.
I am getting eager to get back out on the creeks and streams of western North Carolina with my fly rod. I am looking to take some time in April and fish during the week, and I have the areas around Cherokee and the Pisgah National Forest in mind. If you would like to go, bring your tent and sleeping bag and we'll make it happen. I know of a few good places in that area, but am looking to get off the beaten path on this trip. I like the idea of having to hike in for 30-minutes just to wet a line. I don't think most fly fishermen are willing to do that, preferring the ease and comfort of fishing by the road, elbow to elbow. Either way, I plan to take my three boys with me. I also plan to have a fly rod in their hands more than mine this year. I want them to get "eat up with it," so to speak, so that I'll have fishing buddies for life.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Can you find the child in this picture?
Caden is fond of the "I Spy" books. Here he is the subject of a similar search.
Can you find:
Big Bird?
A frog?
A colorful turkey?
A 5-year old human?
Now you get the idea. I Spy books by Scholastic
Can you find:
Big Bird?
A frog?
A colorful turkey?
A 5-year old human?
Now you get the idea. I Spy books by Scholastic
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sanford, NC Snowfall
8:30 AM on Wicker St. (42) near Carthage Street, heading towards the park. Shot with the cell phone.
Friday, December 24, 2010
JR Moore & Sons General Store - Gulf, NC
We finished up our Christmas shopping at J.R. Moore & Sons just a few miles up the road from our house in Gulf, NC. This was the sole store that I shopped in this year as I looked online for all of my shopping needs. Stacie, however, has essentially been Christmas shopping since June in stores throughout the southeast. She's a bargain hunter.
If I could, I would choose to live somewhere so far out that a place like JR Moore would be the closest thing to a Walmart within 100 miles.
If I could, I would choose to live somewhere so far out that a place like JR Moore would be the closest thing to a Walmart within 100 miles.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Christmas Message From Bill Maher
Anti-materialistic/anti-Oprah Christmas Greetings from Bill Maher.
Warning: Some PG-13 language.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Perspective on Size
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque'
There are 14 different countries represented. Each of the singers are coming through on a live feed with their webcam and microphone. Pretty awesome.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
What shade of red is your neck?
The boys picked up some awesome hats at their Gigi's house. They pretty much love 'em. These hats belonged to my father, which means the boys will keep them forever.
Check Caden's STP hat. He's sporting' it with the "farmer's tilt."
They look like they are ready to do some hunting. I think I'll start taking Gabe and Ethan next year. If only I can talk Stacie in to eating some venison...
Check Caden's STP hat. He's sporting' it with the "farmer's tilt."
They look like they are ready to do some hunting. I think I'll start taking Gabe and Ethan next year. If only I can talk Stacie in to eating some venison...
Holographic Maps: The Latest Cartographic Innovation - PSFK
Holographic Maps: The Latest Cartographic Innovation - PSFK
Cartography gets even better. With video.
Cartography gets even better. With video.
Friday, December 10, 2010
How to Speak Christianese - Tape Series
From A. Piper at 22 Words. Does this video remind you of a whole bunch of people you know like it does for me? ;)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
"Deer Foot"
Ethan called out to me and said, "Dad! A deer foot!"
Amused, I replied back, "You mean deer tracks, buddy?"
"No, a deer foot!"
I walked over and, sure enough, it was a deer hoof, and 4-5" of the leg with it. We were hiking the fields behind our home enjoying a sunny afternoon when he discovered it.
Amused, I replied back, "You mean deer tracks, buddy?"
"No, a deer foot!"
I walked over and, sure enough, it was a deer hoof, and 4-5" of the leg with it. We were hiking the fields behind our home enjoying a sunny afternoon when he discovered it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Homeschool International Night
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Happy Birthday, Caden!
My little buddy boy turned 5 today. He has been so excited, counting the days down for the last week. Stacie took him to Target yesterday to spend some birthday money he received from his Gigi (grandmother). He selected a Nerf gun (about the 10th we have now - the Nerf gun wars are insane in this house!) as his toy of choice. As he walked to the check out line he proudly displayed it, letting everyone who got close to him know it was his birthday and that the Nerf gun is what he picked for his big day. He is the most outgoing of all of us.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Fall Color
Not the best year for fall colors, with the recent mini-drought we had at the end of summer. Most of the tress are shades of dark red, dark orange, and brown. But a few have shown to be bright and cheery, such as the maple in our front yard. View from the playroom upstairs.
I've been working evening shift hours the last week and plan to on through Thanksgiving week while the PM manager enjoys his newborn daughter. My day crew is full with veterans, but the second shift is very new for the most part, so I want to be helpful to them without being the overbearing boss. I think they appreciate the manner in which I approach them and help them.
I actually enjoy the evening hours, too. When working day hours I get home around five or six o'clock, depending on the needs of the day, and might have two or three good hours with the family as we all grow weary and prepare for bedtime. Working evenings, though, allows me to rise around 8:00 AM and enjoy the first four or five hours of the day with them before getting ready to leave for work. It's been a nice change of pace.
Some interesting sites of late:
Reformed Book Shelf A small collection of mostly Puritan writers for loan. The service is free minus the cost to return the books (a couple of bucks) and you can keep the book up to 30-days.
The Heidelblog The weblog of R. Scott Clark, professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary, CA. Always something interesting popping up. His book, "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is on my "Top 10 Books I Plan to Buy When I Get Some Extra Cash One Day" list. Right now food and shelter seem to be the most pressing needs.
Green Baggins A bit deep for the layperson at times, but a helpful blog from Lane Keister, a Presbyterian Church in America pastor. There are several contributing writers, as well.
Daily Westminster A selection from the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger & Shorter Catechisms for use in private devotion or family worship. The reading schedule was organized by one of my favorite preachers, Dr. Joey Pipa, Jr.
I've been working evening shift hours the last week and plan to on through Thanksgiving week while the PM manager enjoys his newborn daughter. My day crew is full with veterans, but the second shift is very new for the most part, so I want to be helpful to them without being the overbearing boss. I think they appreciate the manner in which I approach them and help them.
I actually enjoy the evening hours, too. When working day hours I get home around five or six o'clock, depending on the needs of the day, and might have two or three good hours with the family as we all grow weary and prepare for bedtime. Working evenings, though, allows me to rise around 8:00 AM and enjoy the first four or five hours of the day with them before getting ready to leave for work. It's been a nice change of pace.
Some interesting sites of late:
Reformed Book Shelf A small collection of mostly Puritan writers for loan. The service is free minus the cost to return the books (a couple of bucks) and you can keep the book up to 30-days.
The Heidelblog The weblog of R. Scott Clark, professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary, CA. Always something interesting popping up. His book, "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is on my "Top 10 Books I Plan to Buy When I Get Some Extra Cash One Day" list. Right now food and shelter seem to be the most pressing needs.
Green Baggins A bit deep for the layperson at times, but a helpful blog from Lane Keister, a Presbyterian Church in America pastor. There are several contributing writers, as well.
Daily Westminster A selection from the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger & Shorter Catechisms for use in private devotion or family worship. The reading schedule was organized by one of my favorite preachers, Dr. Joey Pipa, Jr.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Homeschool Spanish Co-Op Lunch Celebration!
It was a great first session in the homeschool Spanish co-op for Gabe and Ethan. They got a great introduction to the Spanish language and worked on some fun projects and homework. Today they ordered their lunch in Spanish at San Felipe Mexican Restaurant in Tramway and enjoyed the fellowship of their classmates from the Christian Home Educators of Central Carolina. They are already looking forward to the next session after the holidays!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Random Pic from the Week
Sunrise
Ethan Our Early Riser
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Rainy Last Day at the Beach
We had five rain-free days, so we won't complain too much about this one rainy day. Most trips to the beach where we have a rainy day or two find us lounging in the library or walking through the mall. This morning we chose the library, though we may grab some lunch and hit the mall later if the rain keeps up. The forecast has it raining pretty much through the evening, so we'll have to get creative.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Nice Finish To Supper
Homeschool at the Beach
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Most of the campground will empty by tomorrow at lunch. It sure is packed solid tonight. I have a big day of fishing coming up on Monday with my buddy Heath. Looking forward to it!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Ethan Shooting the Bow
A natural with the bow and arrow, Ethan looks like he might be lining up a nice buck from 20' up in the air in a deer stand. He loves archery!
Gabe and Ethan attended "Webelos Woods" with Troop 942 and Pack 942 this past weekend. The Troop helped the Pack with a number of activities Saturday throughout the day and there were a few other Troops/Packs from the local scouting district. Gabe camped with the Troop on Friday evening and Ethan and the Webelos came up early Saturday morning.
Friday evening I was packing up a few things and bent down to pick up a shirt from the floor when I felt the little pop in my lower back. Once again I have thrown my back out, which caused me not to be able to take Ethan Saturday morning. Stacie stepped in at the last minute and took him to the campsite, though they did not stay the night. They all returned Saturday evening and we enjoyed some time at home together. Caden was very helpful with his bed-ridden Dad throughout the day while the others were away.
So, I was confined to the bed a good 16-18 hours per day Saturday and Sunday, and somehow managed to go in to work this morning for a couple of hours to do payroll for my team. That almost beat me down, as walking is extremely painful. I am going to see a doctor in Cary tomorrow to see about an ESI. My last one was 3-years ago, and it worked like a charm. I'm hoping to get the same results this time, as well.
Gabe and Ethan attended "Webelos Woods" with Troop 942 and Pack 942 this past weekend. The Troop helped the Pack with a number of activities Saturday throughout the day and there were a few other Troops/Packs from the local scouting district. Gabe camped with the Troop on Friday evening and Ethan and the Webelos came up early Saturday morning.
Friday evening I was packing up a few things and bent down to pick up a shirt from the floor when I felt the little pop in my lower back. Once again I have thrown my back out, which caused me not to be able to take Ethan Saturday morning. Stacie stepped in at the last minute and took him to the campsite, though they did not stay the night. They all returned Saturday evening and we enjoyed some time at home together. Caden was very helpful with his bed-ridden Dad throughout the day while the others were away.
So, I was confined to the bed a good 16-18 hours per day Saturday and Sunday, and somehow managed to go in to work this morning for a couple of hours to do payroll for my team. That almost beat me down, as walking is extremely painful. I am going to see a doctor in Cary tomorrow to see about an ESI. My last one was 3-years ago, and it worked like a charm. I'm hoping to get the same results this time, as well.
Boy Scout Gabe
Gabe was happy to be with his friends in Troop 942. He enjoyed camping in the 38 degree weather and stayed quite toasty in his 20 degree bag!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Frisbee Golf Rocks
The local homeschool group does a lot of fun things through the year. Today was Frisbee golf, which we hope will be planned at least monthly. The boys may have enjoyed it more than the monthly bowling trip. Though wearing a sour look on his face, Caden actually had just as much fun as big brothers Gabe and Ethan.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Nuts & Bolts of Chess
Literally. Sounds like a fun project for the boys and me... Click the pic to go to the Flickr page with the "how-to."
Hanging Out Back
So life has been stalled the last few days while several of us have been quite sickly. It started earlier last week when Gabe started throwing up one evening. The next day Caden was throwing up through the night. By Friday evening Ethan and I joined the fun, and Stacie, though not vomiting, was worn down and feeling pretty bad all day Saturday.
Since Friday evening I have lost eleven pounds of weight from not eating or drinking for three days. I was able to go in this morning long enough to do payroll for my team, but quickly abandoned any aspirations of putting in a full day by mid-morning, leaving to get some rest at home. I worked a wee bit from my home office, but am only beginning to recover a little energy from gulping down 64 oz. of Gatorade throughout the day. I ate a few corn chips for lunch, as well, and some mesquite chicken at supper was surprisingly gentle on my tummy.
I have a good 12-14 days of vacation to burn before the end of the year. We're definitely planning on escaping to the beach for another week. We may do some regional travel, as well, over a couple of long weekends. But the idea that really appeals to me is using a few days for a "staycation" and just staying at home. Maybe I'll do a little painting or fix up a few things. Or catch up on some reading. Or just plain rest. As hectic as things have been the last 120-days I could use a little time to do "nothing."
Since Friday evening I have lost eleven pounds of weight from not eating or drinking for three days. I was able to go in this morning long enough to do payroll for my team, but quickly abandoned any aspirations of putting in a full day by mid-morning, leaving to get some rest at home. I worked a wee bit from my home office, but am only beginning to recover a little energy from gulping down 64 oz. of Gatorade throughout the day. I ate a few corn chips for lunch, as well, and some mesquite chicken at supper was surprisingly gentle on my tummy.
I have a good 12-14 days of vacation to burn before the end of the year. We're definitely planning on escaping to the beach for another week. We may do some regional travel, as well, over a couple of long weekends. But the idea that really appeals to me is using a few days for a "staycation" and just staying at home. Maybe I'll do a little painting or fix up a few things. Or catch up on some reading. Or just plain rest. As hectic as things have been the last 120-days I could use a little time to do "nothing."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sparkler Fun
The boys ran through the night, sparklers in hand, blazing a trail through the darkness. Gabe and Ethan were yelling (screaming) with joy, while Caden would frequently stop, taking in the brightness of the little flares. Never far from a watchful father, he would quickly come for another one, his thirty seconds or so of fun having burned away. He had been begging to light the sparklers once again for several days, but I had been sick the last two nights. Though not 100%, I was happy to oblige him the thrill of another light before beginning another week of distractions and responsibility. The smiles on the boys are one of my greatest joys in this life.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
C.S. Lewis on Personal Devotion
I particulalry like the part about the pipe and pencil at the end. My pipe and personal journal are two of my favorite things. And I tend to like the meat of a good doctrinal book to a devotional book more often than not.
"For my own part I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that "nothing happens" when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand." - CSL
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Saturday Evening Update
It’s not from a lack of time that I haven’t written to the blog, but an odd sense of distraction that has kept me from visiting the page. There’s been an enormous amount of “stuff” preoccupying my time the last few weeks, and I have not felt up to the task of creating anything significant or presenting an update of the variety of things going on in the life of the Bryant family. So, with a number of folks asking about it, and wondering what’s been going on, I thought I would offer a brief update, youngest to oldest.
Caden is just 33-days away from turning five. He is settling in to the routine of doing a little bit of homeschool each day pretty well. He is still pretty quiet, overall, somewhat stubborn like most 4-year olds, and has this really neat habit of just coming up to Stacie and me and giving us a big hug. He loves going outside and is anxious to do some tent camping.
Ethan has been playing flag football. This is his first year playing, so he is still trying to learn the game, and looks lost at times. But he had been asking to play with the pads because he wants to “hit” the other guys. I am glad I decided to give him a glimpse of the flag game, as it lets him see how to work as a team, and how several guys can affect the play. Maybe next year I’ll let him suit up. I think he would be one of the bigger kids in his age group. Most importantly, he is having a great time being out there!
Gabe is 11-years and 5-months old and stands just over 5’10” tall. He is pretty huge. His coordination hasn’t caught up with him, but that will come with time. He still loves books and reads them more than he watches TV or plays on the computer/Wii combined. There’s been talk of bumping him up a grade level, but right now I am happy he is where he is. One of the benefits of homeschool is that we determine where he is placed based on his skill level. He’ll do fine either way.
Stacie has been busy. When the phrase “a woman’s work is never done” came around it was made with women like her in mind. She is still a master of the coupon, and boggles my brain at times with the deals she comes up with. Paying ten bucks for fifty dollars’ worth of groceries is no longer impressive to her. She wants the real bargain. Homeschool has been going well this year, and the boys are working hard. I think she is ready for another quick trip to the beach, though.
I have been busier than ever at work. I had a recent regional audit, somehow escaped a bigger corporate audit (that I really wanted to do), and completed the entire year-end processes of inventory, annual budgeting for next year, capital reconciliation of all fixed assets, vacation liability reports, etc. etc. I also had a big meeting in Charlotte with a number of execs from the company. The bulk of this happened while my mother was undergoing complicated surgery and we were facing a 10-day vacation where everything was paid for, but little would be refunded if we cancelled. Talk about a wee bit of stress.
Somehow God worked it all out and things for the most part have gone well. My mother is recovering, despite having to go through a second surgery to fix a few things, and has a good number of family and friends helping her up in Winston-Salem. The vacation was a good time away despite about half of it being rained out. The meeting in Charlotte went better than expected and the boss (and his boss) seem to be pretty happy with me. And all of the year end business was turned in on time, despite my having to turn it in a good 10-days earlier than my peers due to my choice of vacation time. (Lesson learned.)
So the fall (mid-September through Thanksgiving weekend) is the busiest time of the year for us. This fall is no different. Almost every night has something planned. Monday and Tuesday the boys have Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, respectively. Thursday nights Ethan has football practice. Wednesdays are always a late work day for me, with my typically getting home after 7:00 PM. Saturdays always have either a scouting activity or campout and football games for Ethan. Sunday is the Lord’s Day, and we commit all of it to church and fellowship or rest.
The new Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) church plant we have joined in Cary, NC, is Shiloh Presbyterian Church. http://www.shilohopc.org/ is the web address. It started in early June and has been a fantastic church home for us thus far. Though we are still searching for a pastor we have been blessed with the likes of Joey Pipa, Jr., Lacy Andrews, Bill Shishko, Phil Proctor, Dr. John Carrick, Dr. Sid Dyer, and Matthew Judd preaching for us. When we reviewed the mission and values of this work we knew it would be a great work to join. So, we transferred our membership from Providence OPC in Greensboro to Shiloh and now enjoy a 30-minute drive as opposed to a 70-minute drive to church. We miss our brothers and sisters at Providence, but are quite anxious to continue growing with our new work.
Shiloh Presbyterian has a good 17-18 families making up a portion of the maybe 80-90 members and regular attendees to start. Almost all of the families homeschool and perhaps half of the group are children under 18. We have quickly come to love the people in this work. Their fervency for their faith is inspiring and contagious.
The mission work is reformed theologically, and covenantal in its approach to Christian living, which is what I am eager for in my own family’s Christian walk. Most importantly there is a strong desire for Christocentric preaching that is applicable to gospel-centered living in the life of the believer. We are very eager to see who God provides to shepherd our congregation, and to see God raise up men to be our elders and deacons.
Recently reading:
The Puritan Library - http://www.puritanlibrary.com/ - A nice collection of works from the Puritans. I have been going there often the last few weeks.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer – This is the same book I read in 1991, but it is a completely different read. Amazing. If you have never read it, I strongly urge you to pick it up.
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by RC Sproul – I have been reading this at bedtime with Stacie. It’s a great intro to many facets of the faith for her.
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade – We have been using this summary of the Westminster Shorter Catechism off and on in our family worship throughout the week.
Recent Web Sites:
http://www.chapellibrary.org/ – Free (limited) tracts, booklets, and books from a Puritan and reformed perspective. Donations appreciated. A very nice collection of works.
http://www.esvonline.org/ – The English Standard Version of the Holy Bible online. Create an account, take and keep notes, highlight text, listen to audio of the text, utilize daily reading plans. A great tool.
http://www.reformationart.com/ – Prints and posters of key figures and events related to the reformation through the ages. I think I am going to buy a few to decorate a few empty walls in our home!
http://www.wtsbooks.com/ – The bookstore of Westminster Theological Seminary. You can typically count on them for having the lowest prices on most reformed titles, Bibles, and more.
Caden is just 33-days away from turning five. He is settling in to the routine of doing a little bit of homeschool each day pretty well. He is still pretty quiet, overall, somewhat stubborn like most 4-year olds, and has this really neat habit of just coming up to Stacie and me and giving us a big hug. He loves going outside and is anxious to do some tent camping.
Ethan has been playing flag football. This is his first year playing, so he is still trying to learn the game, and looks lost at times. But he had been asking to play with the pads because he wants to “hit” the other guys. I am glad I decided to give him a glimpse of the flag game, as it lets him see how to work as a team, and how several guys can affect the play. Maybe next year I’ll let him suit up. I think he would be one of the bigger kids in his age group. Most importantly, he is having a great time being out there!
Gabe is 11-years and 5-months old and stands just over 5’10” tall. He is pretty huge. His coordination hasn’t caught up with him, but that will come with time. He still loves books and reads them more than he watches TV or plays on the computer/Wii combined. There’s been talk of bumping him up a grade level, but right now I am happy he is where he is. One of the benefits of homeschool is that we determine where he is placed based on his skill level. He’ll do fine either way.
Stacie has been busy. When the phrase “a woman’s work is never done” came around it was made with women like her in mind. She is still a master of the coupon, and boggles my brain at times with the deals she comes up with. Paying ten bucks for fifty dollars’ worth of groceries is no longer impressive to her. She wants the real bargain. Homeschool has been going well this year, and the boys are working hard. I think she is ready for another quick trip to the beach, though.
I have been busier than ever at work. I had a recent regional audit, somehow escaped a bigger corporate audit (that I really wanted to do), and completed the entire year-end processes of inventory, annual budgeting for next year, capital reconciliation of all fixed assets, vacation liability reports, etc. etc. I also had a big meeting in Charlotte with a number of execs from the company. The bulk of this happened while my mother was undergoing complicated surgery and we were facing a 10-day vacation where everything was paid for, but little would be refunded if we cancelled. Talk about a wee bit of stress.
Somehow God worked it all out and things for the most part have gone well. My mother is recovering, despite having to go through a second surgery to fix a few things, and has a good number of family and friends helping her up in Winston-Salem. The vacation was a good time away despite about half of it being rained out. The meeting in Charlotte went better than expected and the boss (and his boss) seem to be pretty happy with me. And all of the year end business was turned in on time, despite my having to turn it in a good 10-days earlier than my peers due to my choice of vacation time. (Lesson learned.)
So the fall (mid-September through Thanksgiving weekend) is the busiest time of the year for us. This fall is no different. Almost every night has something planned. Monday and Tuesday the boys have Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, respectively. Thursday nights Ethan has football practice. Wednesdays are always a late work day for me, with my typically getting home after 7:00 PM. Saturdays always have either a scouting activity or campout and football games for Ethan. Sunday is the Lord’s Day, and we commit all of it to church and fellowship or rest.
The new Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) church plant we have joined in Cary, NC, is Shiloh Presbyterian Church. http://www.shilohopc.org/ is the web address. It started in early June and has been a fantastic church home for us thus far. Though we are still searching for a pastor we have been blessed with the likes of Joey Pipa, Jr., Lacy Andrews, Bill Shishko, Phil Proctor, Dr. John Carrick, Dr. Sid Dyer, and Matthew Judd preaching for us. When we reviewed the mission and values of this work we knew it would be a great work to join. So, we transferred our membership from Providence OPC in Greensboro to Shiloh and now enjoy a 30-minute drive as opposed to a 70-minute drive to church. We miss our brothers and sisters at Providence, but are quite anxious to continue growing with our new work.
Shiloh Presbyterian has a good 17-18 families making up a portion of the maybe 80-90 members and regular attendees to start. Almost all of the families homeschool and perhaps half of the group are children under 18. We have quickly come to love the people in this work. Their fervency for their faith is inspiring and contagious.
The mission work is reformed theologically, and covenantal in its approach to Christian living, which is what I am eager for in my own family’s Christian walk. Most importantly there is a strong desire for Christocentric preaching that is applicable to gospel-centered living in the life of the believer. We are very eager to see who God provides to shepherd our congregation, and to see God raise up men to be our elders and deacons.
Recently reading:
The Puritan Library - http://www.puritanlibrary.com/ - A nice collection of works from the Puritans. I have been going there often the last few weeks.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer – This is the same book I read in 1991, but it is a completely different read. Amazing. If you have never read it, I strongly urge you to pick it up.
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by RC Sproul – I have been reading this at bedtime with Stacie. It’s a great intro to many facets of the faith for her.
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade – We have been using this summary of the Westminster Shorter Catechism off and on in our family worship throughout the week.
Recent Web Sites:
http://www.chapellibrary.org/ – Free (limited) tracts, booklets, and books from a Puritan and reformed perspective. Donations appreciated. A very nice collection of works.
http://www.esvonline.org/ – The English Standard Version of the Holy Bible online. Create an account, take and keep notes, highlight text, listen to audio of the text, utilize daily reading plans. A great tool.
http://www.reformationart.com/ – Prints and posters of key figures and events related to the reformation through the ages. I think I am going to buy a few to decorate a few empty walls in our home!
http://www.wtsbooks.com/ – The bookstore of Westminster Theological Seminary. You can typically count on them for having the lowest prices on most reformed titles, Bibles, and more.
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