Kennedy all Dolled Up...

Kennedy looks so sweet in her winter garb, all dolled for holiday celebrations!

Salvation Army Band and Us...

Ana and I weren't able to ring the bell for the Salvation Army this year due to the weather. As a matter of fact, we were supposed to ring the bell today, but due to the drizzling rain, we weren't able to do it. Here is a picture that Nicole took of us with the Salvation Army Band at the Jacksonville Mall just a few weeks ago. We were glad to help out with the program.

Christmas Photo!

Meredith took Kennedy to the mall for her "Santa Picture". What a cutie pie!

Our Nephew's Wedding..

Rui, Ana's sister's son, is getting married today in Brazil. We wish Rui and Cristiane a lifelong of happiness and God's blessings! Congratulations!

Stopping by the Music Shoppe..

Music Shoppe Vendor..

Ana Maria is minding the music store in the little town of Bethlehem. We had a wonderful time recreating a street in Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. Our church, Bethlehem Baptist, really came together for a wonderful production!

Unholy Speech..

I recently heard a pastor at IOP speak about another priest who tended to use "spicy" language in the pulpit.  As a matter of fact, when that particular priest was to observe Mass on TV on one occasion, the local bishop was concerned that he might bring embarrassment to the church.  As the story was told about how this particular priest spoke on the TV program, folks in the congregation chuckled at the story.  I reached over to a parishioner next to me and asked, "Was that priest really a man of God?"  To my disappointment, the point was missed, because he replied, "Oh yes, he used to be a priest here."   You know, we all sin.  We all fall short of the glory of God.  But when "church" people use words that are not considered polite, or appropriate, and we think nothing of it, what does that say about our own hearts?  To accept the sub-righteous language of a "man of God" and to say "that's just the way he is" reveals a serious spiritual problem.  I mean, we sometimes use the phrase, "What would Jesus do?"  Would Jesus use "spicy" language to get his point across.  Would he degrade himself to fit in with people around him?  I think not!  Jesus mingled with the lowliest of us, but He kept his own integrity and righteousness!   It bothers me when "Christians" speak, write, or act in ways that are not in keeping with their profession.  I don't mean that any of us are perfect, as I mentioned, but when we applaud or think there is nothing wrong with the words we choose, is our heart in the right place? are we really Christian?  When we stand before Him, how will we explain this cavalier attitude towards unholy speech?    Psalms 19:14 -- Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.