Being Found Faithful When Trials Come

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Revelation 2:10

I - Perserverance Is Necessary For Spiritual  Maturity
We have a lot of spiritual immaturity today. God wants us to grow up in the fullness of the stature of the image of Jesus Christ. Tribulation or trials bring patience. Patience brings spiritual maturity. God doesn't immediately answer our prayers, because He wants us to mature in the trial.

II - Perserverance Is Necessary For Personal Victory
Paul is preaching about the wonderful victory we have in Jesus. You have to perservere to know personal victory. You can rejoice in the midnight hour! 2 Cor 4:8-9

III - Perserverance Is Necessary For Spiritual Prosperity
How long should you be faithful? Revelation says until death or the Lord comes. James 5:7

IV - Perserverance Is Necessary For Spiritual Tranquility
All of us want peace in our lives. When you refuse to be deterred, you will find that God always keeps His Promises.

Jesus is the lilly in the valley.

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church
Sunday, October 25

Birthday Number 5

Here are a few pictures to highlight my baby girl's 5th birthday party.

(Thanks Aunt Lynn!)

We hope everyone had a great time! We are thankful for the beautiful day we had and for all our friends and family who came to celebrate with us.

Reviewing her strategy...She said if she lined the candles in a row, she could blow them all out.

It's great to have silly friends!

Too bad veggies don't get a turned up plate like this!

Lip Smackin' Good!

Ready to open presents...

With a little assistance from the always helpful Luke!

Erin may be blogging next!

After all that helping, Luke took time out for a book break with Granny.

Sweet Miss E

Silly Miss A

Erin was right, it was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

Happiness

Happiness is a decision.

It is not a state of being over which we have no control. We are not the victims of our circumstances, but rather we create our circumstances each and every day. We can be more than the sum of our experiences. You will be that example for your daughter or son. This alone can impact the rest of their entire life.

The happiness principle is applicable to all areas of our lives from our job, to our friends, to our relationships with our families. The tricky part is that we must first become student, in order to become teacher. Truly ask yourself if, daily, you are reminded that you have one life, one chance to be happy, one chance to forgive.

This concept is freeing on many levels. If you are concentrated on being happy, you choose not to let the aggravation of piled up dishes set the tone for the evening (not always easy) you will spend with your family. It also releases you from being the person you DON'T want to be.

clipped from BR Parents Magazine

Washington Parish Fair - Part 3

Thanks Aunt Hannah for the Dippin' Dots !

Everything else is insignificant. Luke is sitting on a REAL DIGGER !

It was such the perfect size for him too!

Erin & Aubrey chose a slightly larger model.

On to Old McDonald's Farm...

I will pet you little cow from a distance.

And Erin would have stayed in the farm all day, feeding and petting the calves.

Notice Luke was not present in the cow petting experience, he wanted no part of it. They mooo'd entirely too loud for him so he watched safely with Dad from outside the barn.

Happy 5th Birthday Erin !

Erin Grace
Saturday, October 23, 2004
7.04 lbs / 20.5 inches

I’m wishing you another year

Of laughter, joy and fun,

Surprises, love and happiness,

And when your birthday’s done,

I hope you feel deep in your heart,

As your birthdays come and go,

How very much you mean to me,

More than you can know.

I love you big girl !

Washington Parish Fair - Part 2

3 Little Monkeys impatiently waiting for the midway to open

Look Eyan, Ducks !

C'mon Aubrey !

First ride of the day - the smiles ended shortly after this began!

Fortunately, we had a sympathetic operator who let my 2 off.

They shook it off quickly - On to the next ride...

Luke was happy to pick a blue truck all his own.

And pink of course, for the girlies.

Nothin' but smiles on the 4 wheelers.

Washington Parish Fair - Part 1

This week we ventured out to the Washington Parish Fair. It was a beautiful day & the kids had a great time.

Here are a few scenery pictures...

Many of the older homes decorate for the fall fair & contest.

In October, when skies are bluer and the air is crisp with Fall’s first touch, the enthusiastic crowds, larger than ever, once again flow through the front entrance into our beautiful fair grounds to enjoy the spectacle of the Washington Parish Free Fair.

Since its humble beginning in 1911 in a local livery stable, this county/parish fair has steadily grown bigger and better each successive year. Today, based upon attendance records, it is believed to be the largest county/parish free fair in the USA. It is the second oldest Parish Fair in Louisiana.

 You can read more about the fair here.

An old cabin in Mile Branch Settlement

One of many covered wagons in the parade