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2012-01-03T14:06:00.001-05:00

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Christmas, 2011

2011-12-27T15:37:00.001-05:00

See Our Christmas Pictures Here.

Vacation in Boone, August 2011

2011-08-20T22:56:00.006-04:00

Vacation in Boone, August 2011

Kennedy Picking Flowers

2011-02-21T20:50:00.002-05:00

A Day with Nana and G'Daddy

2011-02-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

A Day With Nana and G'Daddy

An Adorable Photo of Kennedy

2011-02-19T13:20:00.001-05:00

I couldn't resist posting this photo again - alittle closer this time. Can you imagine seeing the world through the eyes of a child once more?

A Beautiful Morning With Kennedy

2011-02-19T12:58:00.001-05:00

After breakfast this morning, Nana, G'daddy, and Kennedy went for a walk. Kennedy picked some wild flowers, so Nana placed them in a little vase to grace our table :)

Helping Grandaddy!

2011-01-22T17:33:00.001-05:00

Kennedy was excited and enjoyed helping Grandaddy put together her "Dora the Explorer" organizer :)

A Lovely Picture of My Wife

2011-01-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

I was reminded of Rembrandt :)

Birthday Celebration at Marrakesh!

2011-01-04T21:36:00.001-05:00

Ana Maria's Birthday, 2011 !

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Ana Maria's Birthday, 2011 !

New Years Eve and Day, 2011 !

2011-01-04T21:03:00.001-05:00

New Years Eve and Day, 2011!

View Photo's from Our Christmas :-)

2010-12-27T19:28:00.003-05:00

Christmas at Our House

Listen to the Snow Fall...

2010-12-27T18:41:00.003-05:00

Christmas Snow!

2010-12-27T18:04:00.001-05:00

It snowed the day after Christmas this year! What a lovely, lovely site!

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

2010-12-25T14:29:00.002-05:00

Kennedy and Aaron

2010-12-04T13:22:00.001-05:00

Kennedy loving Aaron :) "Play with me, Aaron! "

Guess Who's Birthday?

2010-12-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Kennedy's birthday last Saturday! After the party Kennedy got all dressed up to go to Grandma 's house :) Cousin Gracie enjoyed the party too! There are alot of pretty girls in these pics! My sweethearts :)

Getting Decorated for Christmas!

2010-11-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

Ana and I spent the beautiful afternoon outside decorating for Christmas! We don't have a stable for the nativity scene this year, so we brought the Holy Family closer to our house. Well, there's a sermon in that thought!

Thank You, Lord, for another season when we celebrate You and Your birth.

Portuguese Collard Soup

2010-10-30T19:48:00.001-04:00

Mom made delicious Portuguese collard soup and shared it with us today. She got the recipe from Ana. I must say it was great! Mom went a step further and pureed the collards rather than just chopping them. And in keeping with southern culture, she added a little bacon for flavor :) It was a winner! Ana served it up in some pretty "made in Portugal" bowls.

Breakfast at Our House this morning ..

2010-10-30T19:39:00.001-04:00

Today it was nice to get up to a cool October morning. For breakfast, Ana made French toast - I made the coffee :) Great way to start the day!

Dressed up for Halloween

2010-10-30T19:31:00.001-04:00

Ana dressed up yesterday to go to work. This was her costume of choice - the 70's look :) She is one of the few people I know who can still wear her actual clothes from the 70's!

Gracie Comes for a Visit

2010-10-23T21:39:00.001-04:00

Nana and granddaddy are keeping Gracie this weekend. We've been having a good time. After breakfast we took a little stroll :) Doesn't she look boo-tiful?

More Pics from Our New House

2010-10-16T13:02:00.001-04:00

A Perfect Painting

2010-10-13T20:54:00.001-04:00

This photo of Grace is perfect for a painting! Love it :)

Beach Bunnies

2010-10-13T20:42:00.001-04:00

Meredith and Kennedy joined the gang at Ocracoke this past weekend too. Such a lovely photo.

Guess Who?

2010-10-13T20:14:00.001-04:00

Natalie, Judson, and Gracie joined family in Ocracoke this past weekend. I had to lift this picture from her Facebook page :-) This is an adorable picture! and Gracie is getting so grown!

Autumn in Our Backyard

2010-10-13T18:53:00.000-04:00

After a walk with my wife, I sat on the back deck while she prepared our supper. I noticed this beautiful tree already announcing the Fall season. Oh how I love this time of year!

It's getting dark now... shorter days. I miss my girls, and my granddaughters... I best be getting inside.

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes – James 4:14

2010-10-12T21:35:00.001-04:00

On the way to work the other day, I caught myself thinking about how temporal things are. We tend to think that everything will remain as it is, don't we? Several years ago, my wife and I used to visit a favorite coffee shop every single weekend. As a matter of fact, we would spend hours there, drinking coffee, making plans, reading the Bible and holding wonderful conversations. I thought we'd end up performing that same ritual for years to come. But two or three years ago that coffee shop closed up. It took awhile to find another suitable replacement, I might add. But part of us stayed behind in that coffee shop.

I think about things my wife and I enjoy presently. We love to sing for the senior citizens at a local nursing home. I take my guitar, and we sing old church hymns in duet. And every so often, our choir director asks us to sing during Sunday worship. During the Christmas season, Ana Maria and I help the Salvation Army by dressing in old 1860′s attire and ringing the bell. We sing Christmas carols right there on the sidewalk! We love all of this! And this is what got me thinking. We take for granted that we will always maintain the health and stamina to get out and go places, singing and telling others about the Lord. But there may come a day when we no longer are able to get out to the nursing home, or get up and sing at church. We may be the recipients of someone else's kindness and music.

Ana Maria and I are now in our 50′s. These are good years. We do our best to stay active and serve the Lord each day with the strenghth and time He gives us. I love where we are, but I know that things will not remain the same. However, this is no cause to be discouraged! We keep moving with steady anticipation toward that day – that day when we meet Him in the air and appear with Him at His coming! Things will definitely no longer be the same!

Our New Home!

2010-09-01T22:05:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we closed on our new house! We've been living with Mom and Dad for several weeks - and we've enjoyed every minute of it. Mom and Dad have been great! And how we've enjoyed some great meals :) But we're about ready to get moved in. Hopefully we'll be able to do so this weekend - if the hurricane slips on by :) We thank God for His blessings!

A Deceiving Picture... :)

2010-08-19T20:27:00.001-04:00

A little later in the day Kennedy lay down. You would think she's all settled for a much needed nap - wrong! This picture is of a momentary respite :) Kennedy was up soon after this shot and played and played :)

Look Who Spent the Day With Us!

2010-08-19T20:21:00.001-04:00

Kennedy spent the day with us last Saturday. We started with a nice big breakfast. Kennedy had a goooood appetite and ate 2 eggs! We had a very nice time all day :)

Guess Who Had a Birthday?

2010-08-18T20:02:00.000-04:00

Ana and I joined Nicole and Tom for a birthday celebration last Friday! Nicole turned **** years old :) We had a great time and enjoyed the meal - and of course the birthday dessert: ) Happy birthday, Nicole! And many more!

Homespun Lattes and Cappuccinos

2010-08-18T19:54:00.001-04:00

We're living with Mom and Dad until we close on our new house. Our nephew, Bobby, spends the night with my parents several nights per week too. Bobby just loves to cook for all of us - even though he is only 11 years old. A few mornings ago he decided to make lattes - from scratch - without the help of a steamer. They actually turned out great! Here he is showing off his handy work! Hey Bobby, when are you going to make lattes again?

Baby Gracie

2010-07-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

Natalie just sent over the cutest picture of Gracie. Oh what a bloom she is! :)

Another Pic from the 4th..

2010-07-09T23:53:00.001-04:00

Ana had a great time all weekend :)

More From the 4th...

2010-07-09T23:50:00.001-04:00

We went out on Camp Lejeune to enjoy more Independence Day celebrations! Nicole and Tom joined us as we listened to music, ate hotdogs, and of course, watched fireworks!

Another Photo from the Weekend!

2010-07-06T21:57:00.001-04:00

I wasn't absolutely sure, but I THINK Kennedy enjoyed the pool: ) It was a lot of fun "tugboating " her through the water. She became very sleepy soon after: )

Fourth of July Celebrations!

2010-07-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

We spent Saturday afternoon with Ann, Dalton, the girls and grandgirls! It was a lot of fun at the camp ground, enjoying the beautiful weather and, of course, the our little ones: )

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-30T22:29:00.001-04:00

This is my new mouse pad - a gift for Father's Day! Aren't these just the sweetest granddaughters? Bless their hearts: )

Guess who came to see me at work. .

2010-06-24T22:15:00.001-04:00

Natalie brought Gracie by to see me today! We went downtown for a nice lunch at Cafe Carolina. Gracie was such a good girl :) We had a great time! And.... I have a brand new mouse pad and coffee mug with my favorite granddaughters' pictures on them. :) Thanks, girls!

Portugal Day!

2010-06-14T21:01:00.000-04:00

June 10 is Portugal Day! Ana is a faithful celebrant of the holiday, as you can see: ) She is standing beside the flag of Portugal while wearing a shirt with the town of Lisboa (Lisbon) written across the front. For supper, Ana made a traditional meal of beans and sausage with rice - yummy!

Enjoying a Machiato This Afternoon

2010-05-30T21:29:00.001-04:00

Ana and I are at Barnes and Nobles for a coffee treat. Look at the size of this machiato! Quite delicious! A great cold drink on a hot day.

Pentecost in the Park

2010-05-25T21:59:00.001-04:00

It is a real joy to see our children come to a place in life where the things of God take on a greater significance than in years gone by. As parents, we only want what is best for our children. And because of past failures in our own lives, we know that unless they put Christ first, direction and stability will not be theirs to enjoy.

Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed seeing one of our daughters, along with her husband, join a local church in the town where they live. We went up on a very rainy Sunday, not quite knowing what to expect. My daughter had told us "We're celebrating 'Pentecost in the Park', Dad! We will be accepted into the church membership too." Well, the rain ended the "park" part of the celebration, but there was ALOT of celebrating in the church gym ! There was so much excitement in the air as church folk filled the gym, sitting on fold-up chairs. Most everyone wore red in celebration of the birthday of the church. Once the music started, there was no holding back. We began singing and clapping to the beat of the music. I took note of everything: the prayers, the scripture readings, the sermon – judging whether my daughter and her little family made a good decision by joining this particular church. I began to feel at ease. She had previously told me, "Dad, in our orientation classes, we were told that they will only teach what comes from the Bible." That was a good sign. And now, I had the opportunity to worship with her, take communion with her, and see for myself what kind of church she has aligned herself with. You can probably discern that she joined a different denomination from what she knew as a child. I must say, I'm quite partial to the Baptist denomination. But I know we don't hold a monopoly on God, or heaven. I pray that she and her husband, and their precious little girl (my granddaughter) will develop spiritually. And I look forward to my granddaughter's own baptism there.

Last Sunday was truly special. And I look forward to many wonderful Sundays! But you know, Sundays are just a taste of the eternal Sunday where we will celebrate with our Lord forever!

Ana's Baptism Video

2010-05-16T16:20:00.004-04:00

Ana Takes the Plunge..

2010-05-16T15:00:00.003-04:00

This morning during worship service, Ana Maria took the "plunge" into the baptismal pool at my home church, Bethlehem Baptist. Ana was raised Catholic, as most Portuguese are. But her hunger for a deeper knowledge of God lead her to visit other churches outside the Catholic faith over the years. For the last few years, we would go to her church and to my church each Sunday. Although, Ana considers herself a "Bible only" believer, the tradition of her family made it difficult to leave the Catholic church. Also, we love the choir members at the local Catholic church, and we truly hated not being a part of their choir any longer. As time went by, Ana and I became convicted that we needed to be dedicated and committed to one church -- a church that believed in solo scriptura and solo fide.

It was wonderful this morning watching Ana being immersed in the baptismal waters and enter into the local fellowship of believers - called Baptists. I am thankful for the Baptist tradition that exists in my family. And I'm grateful that I'm bonded with a Christian spouse, who has known the Lord for many years. We can now jointly immerse ourselves in the work of our Lord with our church family at Bethlehem Baptist.

In these pictures, Ana is holding a handerchief monogrammed with my initials. Natalie gave that hanky to me years ago. Today it was used to cover Ana's nose and mouth as she was baptized

:-)

One More Baltimore Post...

2010-05-16T14:49:00.002-04:00

Ana and I enjoyed a final meal at Hotel Monaco on Thursday morning. I had a wonderful breakfast of steak and eggs! Ana stayed with more healthy choices (although I did share my eggs with her :-)). And of course, we downed a few cups of coffee. Can't start the day without that :-)

The Hotel Monaco

2010-05-12T20:52:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of the official Hotel Monaco coaster. I thought it was kinda neat. We brought some of the coasters home for memory's sake :-)

More Pictures from Our Trip to Baltimore...

2010-05-12T20:38:00.004-04:00

We enjoyed having coffee and dessert at a nice Spanish resturant this evening by the harbor, called La Tasca.

Ana grabbed this picture of me by one of the theme resturants in one of the pavillions by the harbor. This one is Irish, called Tir Na Nog :-)

A nice "harbor guide" graciously took a picture of Ana Maria and myself beside the Inner Harbor. It was a rainy day, but it was still a beautiful part of the city!

Another harbor shot - Ana in front of a schooner in the harbor.

I took this picture because you can see our hotel - Hotel Monaco - just behind her (the tall building in the near background).

Enjoying Baltimore, Maryland!

2010-05-12T20:15:00.006-04:00

Just above is another photo taken in the main entrance to the Hotel building. The 2nd picture up is a picture of Ana and myself at a resturant called "The Rusty Scupper." We had the best calamari we've ever tasted! The 3rd picture up is of a lunch special I had at the hotel resturant. Ana liked the cute little french fries basket - and thus the picture :-)

Here are a few shots around the hotel. Notice the marble staircase! and the fireplace enclosed in glass! Such opulance!

Here is a shot of our bedroom. This building was once the headquarters of the B&O Railroad. It is about 104 years old!

Ana and I have been in Baltimore, Maryland for a few days on a business trip. We are staying at the Hotel Monaco on the 12th floor! Here is a shot from our hotel window. It is a loooong way down! :-)

Lord of All, or Not Lord at All...

2010-04-25T23:04:00.001-04:00

Isn't it odd how that many in America wondered where God was when 911 took place? And where God was when Katrina hit our coast? When Ann Graham Lotz was asked about the catastrophe in New Orleans, she responded, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

Sadly, this is how many of us conduct our personal lives too. We ask for God to give us His blessing. We ask Him to send us the right job, or the right mate. Or we might ask, "Lord, I need a new place to live!" And while we expect Him to answer our prayers, we refuse to live surrendered, obedient lives before Him. We somehow expect God to do something about the things we need and want while we continue to live contrary to His revealed will. There is an adage that says, "God will be Lord of all, or He won't be Lord at all." I believe His Word bears that out.

Beautiful Flowers and Wife

2010-04-18T13:21:00.001-04:00

We had a few minutes after church today before meeting friends for lunch. Ana and I enjoyed looking over our flowers. Of course I couldn't pass up a photo op :)

Nana and Kennedy Playing Peek-a-boo..

2010-04-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

Nana and Kennedy couldn't be still after breakfast: ) There was alot of laughing and playing peek-a-boo! I don't know who kept the other going. :)

We Went to the Bakery Today!

2010-04-17T16:01:00.001-04:00

We took Kennedy to the bakery today - her first time, I think: ) We behaved though and stuck to the more nutritional breakfast. Kennedy ate eggs and Italian bread - toasted. Ana and I had our usual spinach croissant, and we shared an egg, ham and cheese sandwich. For dessert Kennedy had chocolate graham cookies her mom packed. Good breakfast and great time!

Relaxing Sunday Afternoon..

2010-04-04T18:06:00.001-04:00

After a wonderful Easter service and an enjoyable family reunion, we went home and sat on the deck. Such a beautiful day! We really don't want it to end :) One day we will enjoy the never-ending day.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:26:00.001-04:00

Just a Dream...

2010-04-02T22:49:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had one of those dreams that led you down such an emotional path that you awoke, startled from the dream? I had one when my daughter, Natalie, got married. And then I had one last night.

I dreamed about a number of things and events, ending with a scene featuring my younger daughter, Meredith. For some reason I was giving her a gift -- I think it was some sort of jewelry. Anyway, I wasn't sure if she would like it, but she exclaimed that she really did! I felt relieved as I gave her the gift. It seems like we hugged at that moment. Then she asked, "Do you think you would want to go back?" Before I could answer, she said "I would." I understood what she meant. At that moment, we were both hugging each other, and we began to cry. It was such a tender moment. I immediately woke up, barely choking back my tears. It was dark -- not quite dawn. It took me awhile to fall off to sleep again.

I don't know what caused me to dream that dream. I do know that I felt a wonderful connection with my daughter. It was as if we understood everything we needed to understand about each other. But then, perhaps I was transporting to my dream world cares from my real world. It is amazing how much parents worry about their children. We worry about their finding the right mate, the right job, a good future. And usually there is one child we worry about more than the others -- and sometimes, dream about.

Spending My Birthday Gift..

2010-03-30T14:55:00.001-04:00

Ana and I had lunch today at Barnes & Noble, courtesy of Natalie and Judson. We used the card they gave me for my birthday. :)

Grace's First Day Home...

2010-03-30T10:28:00.004-04:00

Grace was fast asleep when they brought her home. I was happy to have been able to travel up to Raleigh and see them as they drove up to their driveway. What a beautiful afternoon it was for Judson and Natalie to bring Grace home - it had been raining earlier, but it turned out to be a beautiful spring day. In this video, you can see that Grace is all frillied up in her "coming-home" dress :-) Isn't she a beauty!

Pictures of Grace Caroline...

2010-03-30T09:59:00.007-04:00

There are so many great pictures that have been taken of Grace with the family. Here are just a few. All of these but the bottom picture were taken at the hospital (Rex Hospital in Raleigh). The bottom picture was taken yesterday, Grace's first day home. I had the chance to hold her a few minutes between feedings. :-) Sweet sweet baby.

A Star is Born! (a New Granddaughter!)

2010-03-30T09:29:00.008-04:00

We had a chance to see Grace Caroline Mills just after Natalie gave birth - about 6pm on March 26! It was an emotional moment for all, especially for the new dad :-) A wonderful miracle. Natalie and Judson, you did GOOD! :-)

A Verse I Read Today...

2010-03-22T14:00:00.001-04:00

I was reading in Jeremiah on my lunch break today. This verse was impacting to me:

Jeremiah 6:16 - Thus says the LORD, |Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls...

What is that "good way"? And what about the "rest for your souls"? It tells me that unless we're walking in obedience to the Lord, we WILL NOT find that rest. But if we "ask for the old paths" (that which has been ordained by God from the beginning), and walk in them (in fellowship with Him), that "rest" is ours.

Beach Time!

2010-03-21T22:10:00.001-04:00

As the weather gets warmer, we all think about getting down to the beach for a day in the sun. Ana has always loved the water too. She was about 3 years old, I think, when her mom took this picture of her. What a little beauty! :-)

Ana Surprized Me Today!

2010-03-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

I turned 55 today: ) Ana Maria surprized me with a special delivery: an Incredible Edible arrangement! I was in a meeting in Raleigh when the delivery was made. Thank you, Sweetheart, and to all who had a hand in this covert operation!

Turning 55 on Wednesday...

2010-03-08T20:36:00.001-05:00

In honor of my 55th birthday this coming Wednesday, I decided to post this image of my 3rd grade school picture. They just don't make ties like this anymore :)

Snow Cream!

2010-02-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

Ana Maria had her first taste of snow cream yesterday: ) It is a treat from my childhood days. Mom made us snow cream every time it snowed deep enough to get "clean" snow. RECIPE: clean white snow, vanilla extract (to taste), condensed milk, sugar, a little bit of milk. Mix by hand or blender (Ana used a hand blender - perfect!) ...until it becomes a nice think cream. All ingredients should be added according to your taste. We topped it off with cinnamon. We also experimented by topping it with maple syrup and then molasses. YUMMY! Enjoy next snow! :)

A Beautiful Snow Day for a Stroll...

2010-02-13T17:28:00.004-05:00

We allow our snow people to stroll around as long as they do not venture out too far. They have gotten as far as the edge of the front lawn...Aren't they just the cutest couple? :-)

Snow People...

2010-02-13T17:05:00.003-05:00

We have very fashionable snowmen,...er..ah...snow people :-) The lady snow person couldn't decide whether to wear a scarf or a hat... You can decide which you like best!

Our little snow family.. :-) The Jar-Snow-mans. I don't think the male snow person looks like me, but the female snow person is a dead ringer for Ana Maria, don't you think? Check out her big smile and her grabbing the other snow person's hand.. :-)

Now here's a real snow man :-)

SNOW! (The Morning After..)

2010-02-13T12:28:00.002-05:00

It was amazing waking up to the silence and beauty of a winter wonderland this morning! As soon as I got up from bed, I began taking pictures from the windows. After the initial excitement, Ana and I settled down to enjoy a really delicious breakfast! She always adds a bit of Portuguese flair to her cooking.

Baby Shower for Grace!

2010-01-17T18:02:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the baby shower. Natalie looked lovely as a mommy-to-be:) I don't think I've ever seen her more beautiful and radiantl than she is right now:) In the picture of Natalie, Mom, and me, Natalie is holding a quilt Mom made for me when I was an infant. I've passed it to Natalie with the hopes she will comfort Baby Grace on those chilly evenings, and then one day, pass it on to Grace to share with her own daughter.

Souvenir from the Baby Shower..

2010-01-17T17:58:00.001-05:00

I love this little bird's nest and eggs:) Ana picked up these little souvenirs from the baby shower - a sweet reminder of the stork's impending delivery!

A Great Image of Grace!

2010-01-16T20:51:00.002-05:00

This image really really reveals alot about Grace's facial features! It's clear -- She is going to be a beauty!

Birthday Dinner

2010-01-04T21:10:00.001-05:00

For her birthday dinner, Ana Maria chose The Old Siam resturant. She looks lovely as usual, waiting for our first course. Happy birthday to a wonderful companion and sweetheart.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-01-04T21:03:00.001-05:00

Our first stop on the birthday celebration train was the White Oak Bakery for brunch! Ana is holding the remainder of a delicious eclair (aka birthday cake: )) with a candle. Mom and Dad joined us a little later before we left the bakery.

From My Armchair...

2010-01-01T18:26:00.001-05:00

A quiet moment to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!
.

From My Armchair. .

2010-01-01T18:21:00.001-05:00

A quiet moment to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!

A Blue Moon..

2010-01-01T00:47:00.001-05:00

Early this evening, as I was driving home from work, I took this picture of the blue moon! This picture just doesn't do the scene justice.

Kennedy all Dolled Up...

2009-12-27T19:50:00.001-05:00

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

Salvation Army Band and Us...

2009-12-19T16:55:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-12-19T14:38:00.001-05:00

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

Our Nephew's Wedding..

2009-12-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

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..

2009-12-13T14:08:00.001-05:00

Music Shoppe Vendor..

2009-12-13T14:03:00.001-05:00

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..

2009-12-05T11:19:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-12-05T11:18:00.001-05:00

Guess Who Turned One on Monday!

2009-11-25T19:35:00.000-05:00

Kennedy had her first birthday this past Monday! Yay! Yep, she really is a princess:) We're celebrating on Saturday!

A Cup of Coffee on the Deck..

2009-11-07T12:31:00.001-05:00

I'm enjoying a cup of French Vanilla coffee on a cloudless autumn day on our deck! Aaahh, what flavor...what a beautiful day! :)

On the Balcony at the Hotel in Boone!

2009-10-21T20:28:00.001-04:00

Ana posed for this picture on our hotel balcony this evening. We just got back from having an Italian supper of calzone and coke at a local cafe. It was a beautiful day and a lovely evening in Boone, North Carolina!

Soup in Some Very Important Bowls!

2009-10-21T20:15:00.000-04:00

We had soup last night, using the very bowls we ate from that fateful day at the Council For The Arts :) The first soup I ate soup from that bowl was Portuguese Collard Soup!

Stopped by Coastal Community College..

2009-10-21T20:04:00.000-04:00

Ana and I stopped by CCCC yesterday to commemorate the days we spent in college there. That was almost 20 years ago! Ana took this pic of me in the cafeteria where we both spent many hours studying!

Coffee at the Bakery!

2009-10-21T19:51:00.001-04:00

A kind patron took this picture yesterday at White Oak Bakery! Ana and I shared coffee, sandwiches and eclairs, celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary. I'm holding a mug that says "15 Years!" hmmm.. What's that all about..?

Ana's Anniversary Gift to Me!

2009-10-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

Ana surprised me this past week with a wedding anniversary gift - A Blue Ridge Parkway license plate! I have wanted one for years, but I really didn't want to pay the extra cost. But since we traded cars about a month ago, Ana felt it would be the perfect initiation for our new Mazda RX-8. Moreover, we are heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway this Wednesday to commemorate our wedding anniversary! Just like the Mazda slogan, we're ready to "zoom zoom!"

Breakfast On A Rainy Saturday..

2009-09-26T11:28:00.000-04:00

Another glorious breakfast!

Baby's Got Blue Eyes....

2009-09-22T21:18:00.001-04:00

I love this picture of Kennedy! What blue eyes she has!

There is Just Something About Autumn...

2009-09-20T17:54:00.001-04:00

There is just something about Autumn that I truly love -- the cooler temperatures, of course. But I think I like the colors! Orange, browns, yellows... And the air smells crisp and clean:) Our cat, Aaron, seems to agree with me -- He is enjoying the Autumn air wafting through the screen. Poor fellow. I know he would rather be outside in a pumpkin patch somewhere chasing mice and such. But for now he'll have to resort to dreaming and being content with the life he was destined to live.

Kennedy with Nana and Grandaddy on the Deck!

2009-09-19T21:42:00.001-04:00

My Portuguese Cook..

2009-09-10T21:42:00.001-04:00

I came home from work about 6pm tonight. As I entered the door I was met with the most wonderful aroma! I stepped over to the kitchen and saw the cutest cook all decked out in her cooking apron. Ana Maria was sautéing chicken in garlic and olive oil, along with potatoes and onions! How delicious! The apron is from Greece, a gift to Ana from our friend, Sherry. There is a Greek word on the front I dont understand. But this I know: The cook is all Portuguese!:)

Our Deck at Night..

2009-09-07T10:25:00.000-04:00

I took a picture of our deck one evening through the sceen door. I thought it looked pretty in the light cast upon it through the upstairs window.

At White Oak Bakery..

2009-08-29T13:11:00.000-04:00

Ana, enjoying the sunshine while sitting by the window at White Oak bakery. We are about to enjoy a delicious panini sandwich & coffee! Just wait until we get to choose our dessert! So many choices~so little time..:)

Am I a True Christian?

2009-08-20T22:30:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking lately about how important it is to take stock of our faith, our lives, and see if we measure up to what a Christian really is. Oftentimes, someone may ask, "How do you know you are a Christian?" We tend to look back to a special moment or an event such as our baptism and reply that we became Christian on such and such a day. But if that is the sum evidence of our faith, then we may be sadly mistaken about the genuiness of our faith. The article below is from "The Power of His Presence" daily devotion by Ray Stedman. It is worth a read:

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5-6).

When we are out of line with Christian standards we have to ask ourselves, "Am I a true Christian, or am I a counterfeit? Have I been born again, or am I only putting up a front?" Those of us who are Christians ought to ask ourselves that occasionally. It is a good idea to examine yourself, especially if there is any kind of wrong behavior involved.

The very fact that the apostle could ask a question like that indicates that a possible answer is what marks true Christianity. A Christian, of course, is not simply one who joins a Christian church. Nor does adhering to a certain moral standard in your life or the fact that you consistently read the Bible make you a Christian. A true Christian is someone in whom Christ dwells. And the person in whom Christ dwells will have certain inescapable evidence of that fact given to him or her. Paul is suggesting that we ask ourselves if we have the evidence that Jesus Christ lives in us.

You may be asking, "How can I know that?" The answer is found in several places in Scripture. For instance, Scripture speaks of an "inner" witness. In Romans Paul says, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" (Romans 8:16). That is one way you can know. There is an inner testimony, a feeling, a sense within produced by the Spirit of God who dwells within that you are part of the great family of God.

Scripture speaks also of desires that are born in the heart of a new Christian. First Peter 2:2 says, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." One of the marks of born-again believers is that they have a deep and sudden thirst for the Word of God, a hunger to be fed, to know the truth of God.

This inner change will also produce an outward change, which is not all subjective. We can answer the question, "Is Jesus Christ in you?" by observing our conduct, because the inner change will produce a different attitude toward our behavior. One of the striking things about new Christians is that they invariably begin to manifest a totally different attitude toward things they once thought were appropriate. In some of the more blatant forms of evil, such as attitudes about lying or drunkenness or stealing, they find immediately that their attitude is changed. That is because Christ lives in them, and light can have no part with darkness. Christ cannot share with Belial. Even our attitude toward our selfishness changes. We see how selfish we have been. It looks ugly and distasteful in our eyes, and we want to be free from it.

That's worth thinking about...