So I went back to the hospital again today, after a horrendous weekend, a three day headache (which wasn't a migraine according to the doctor) which just finally let up, serious pains in nearly every part of my body (except my calves and feet), nausea and dizziness. But it seems that there is nothing wrong with me. I feel like such a complete idiot every time I go to the doctor. Seriously things could be worse, I know that, but I cannot stop desiring some relief.
One thing I am more aware of then ever is, that even though these highly trained, highly educated people cannot find something wrong with me--God Knows and He isn't simply watching it happen, He is active and moving. I am such a weak and disposable little being. My life is chaff, it will wither very unnoticably and blow away. How weak and unsearchable these human bodies of ours are and how all powerful that makes my God become in my own eyes, more glorious.
No matter what--He has ordained this struggle and this pain, this will be good for my soul in the long run to reveal the deep depravity of my heart yet known to me (like self sacrifice and patience and long suffering all of which I do not particularly excel at) and crusify this flesh furthur. Confession is the action of the hour, minute, second because it seems this heat is bringing many bubbles boiling to the top. I am still so very, very weak in many areas. Here are just a few....
Honestly I am heartily disappointed in myself....but to look upon the cross....
He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:10b-15.)
June 16, 2008
May 05, 2008
Five months update on Baby #4
So I had my fifth month check last week and wanted to let everyone know how things are going! Since everyone is DYING to know the gender of this newest little one I was compelled (mostly by my nosy husband, although I wondered as well!) to ask for another ultrasound. So there is no confusion please read carefully!
There is no chance of getting third ultrasound! Unless there is something wrong!
We are a little disappointed in this developement, but also excited that everyone, including us is going to get a great big surprise come september! Don't start biting your nails! It won't be too long! I hope! All I know is that when this young person makes their first appearance we will all be very excited to welcome them!
Here are some new pictures of the Crazy Boys! ENJOY!!
There is no chance of getting third ultrasound! Unless there is something wrong!
We are a little disappointed in this developement, but also excited that everyone, including us is going to get a great big surprise come september! Don't start biting your nails! It won't be too long! I hope! All I know is that when this young person makes their first appearance we will all be very excited to welcome them!
Here are some new pictures of the Crazy Boys! ENJOY!!
April 30, 2008
Around here again!!
Drinking: Milk. Are we the only family that has to buy two gallons a week?
Recovering: From another virus that has aflicted our boys, and probably soon us too.
Reading: Actually I haven't been reading much but our book club book.
Studying: Isaiah
Linking: www.caseychappell.typepad.com (check the link and then pray for this sweet baby!)
Watching: Saturday Morning cartoons.
Listening: To the three natural lawyers that aren't over four feet high.
Our Number 1 Conductor
Numero 2
If you look close the child has fit the binkie and a sucker in his mouth simultaneously. We thought this hysterical!
We went to dinner last night at a place called Fritz's. The food is delivered by trains and the interior is like riding the 1950's train car straight out of White Christmas. The boys LOVED this, but it was a little bit of sensory overload. The burgers were awesome to, but that might just be preggers talking. Enjoy our update!
Note: the train place was all my husband's idea.
Recovering: From another virus that has aflicted our boys, and probably soon us too.
Reading: Actually I haven't been reading much but our book club book.
Studying: Isaiah
Linking: www.caseychappell.typepad.com (check the link and then pray for this sweet baby!)
Watching: Saturday Morning cartoons.
Listening: To the three natural lawyers that aren't over four feet high.
Our Number 1 Conductor
Numero 2
If you look close the child has fit the binkie and a sucker in his mouth simultaneously. We thought this hysterical!
We went to dinner last night at a place called Fritz's. The food is delivered by trains and the interior is like riding the 1950's train car straight out of White Christmas. The boys LOVED this, but it was a little bit of sensory overload. The burgers were awesome to, but that might just be preggers talking. Enjoy our update!
Note: the train place was all my husband's idea.
April 25, 2008
After 5 years
Even after five years it is still good to know that some things never change! My wonderful, sweet and precious husband brought me my favorite.....Tulips--and yellow at that! What a wonderful surprise!!
The little boy is an addition!
These are the original from the proposal!
He carved (he's crafty like that) an actual yellow tulip and inside was the ring! Oh, the memories of those days five years ago are sweet!
Have a great day and try to remember those days when you were first married and how much your love has grown and how wonderful those times make the times today!!
The little boy is an addition!
These are the original from the proposal!
He carved (he's crafty like that) an actual yellow tulip and inside was the ring! Oh, the memories of those days five years ago are sweet!
Have a great day and try to remember those days when you were first married and how much your love has grown and how wonderful those times make the times today!!
April 03, 2008
He walked
Okay, so we are the proud parents of a third walker! Our youngest finally walked at 13 months old! We thought he would take longer, but no! He surprised us this morning with this wonderful, fantastic, amazing ability! Sorry the picture is so poor, we need to get batteries for our digital so the cell phone will have to do!
March 15, 2008
What We Believe-- From Don Whitney's Questionaire
What We Believe
The Following Questions and answers are ones we submit for any and all ministry positions. They are taken from Don Whitney’s Questionaire which is found on his site. This is not all that we believe about the faith, but this covers a wide range of topics. If you have further questions you can contact us at: crazydougfam@yahoo.com
1. There are many who profess to know Christ who are mistaken. What evidences do you have that you have been given life by God?
Without doubt the fact that I love my Savior, love His people, and hate my sin in ways I never did prior to conversion. I also believe God has gifted me in ways only His children are gifted.
2. What does it mean for a person to love God? In what ways do you see true biblical love toward God demonstrated in your life? Do you see true biblical love toward God in the lives of your wife and each of your children?
Loving God is rooted in calling righteous what He calls righteous and calling what He calls rebellion sin. Of course, simply proclaiming these truths is only part of faithfully loving God. As James clearly shows we must also, by the grace and empowerment of God, live righteous lives and abhor unrighteousness. As for Larissa, the boys, and Petra it would perhaps be better that others determine that. So I asked Larissa this question and here is her typed response: Will has grown in his patience, mercy, and service to us over the years and I have seen real growth in Will’s loving us as Christ loves the church especially as evidenced most recently with my pregnancy with Petra. It was especially encouraging for me to see Will grow in the midst of this difficult time for us.
3. How does your wife feel about your commitment to pastoring? How do your children respond?
Larissa is convinced that I should be a pastor primarily because she believes that God has gifted me in ways that are best utilized in pastoral ministry. As for my children, they just love being at church.
4. Why do you believe God wants you in the pastorate?
I have zero doubt about whether or not I should be in pastoral ministry due in large part to God’s sovereign working and spiritual gifting in my life. I have also had churches and other believers affirm this calling. In short, I believe God has called me to shepherd His people because of what He has done and revealed in my life, not because of my ability.
5. Closely examine each of the Bible’s qualifications for pastors and deacons (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Which are you strongest qualities? With which requirements do you have the most trouble? Why do you believe these areas of difficulty do not presently disqualify you from ministering? (Note the phrase “must be” in 1 Tim. 3:2.)
My strongest qualities would be temperate, able to teach, and I am not quick tempered. On the side of weaknesses, I think that my family is the most difficult area of struggle me. I love leading my family but it is enormously difficult knowing how to lead each of the individuals in my home all the time, knowing what is best for them individually, and knowing what they need best to hear. I think also when you take into consideration the reality that there are six sinners, including myself, living under one roof. it will probably always be one of the hardest areas where my weaknesses are often revealed to me as well as areas of needed growth in my own life. This is not to say that I believe my wife to be unruly or my children, simply that it is the area of greatest difficulty, in terms of investment and consistency. In general however, it must be noted, that none of the qualifications are easy. Though redeemed, a pastor is still a sinner and will continue to struggle with the path to glory. I do not foresee a time in my earthly life that I will not battle my own flesh and have to turn away, again, from sin and toward my Savior. Needless to say, the realities of my reliance on grace will always be before my face.
6. A pastor is charged by God to preach to the church and to shepherd the people in a more individual way. Which aspect of the ministry appeals to you the most? What are some specific ways you could be helped to develop your skills in either of these areas?
I can not choose between the preaching of the word of God and the shepherding of God’s people. In a sense the two are (or certainly should be!) interwoven to the point both are faithfully, passionately, and tirelessly carried out with a compassionate heart. I would say that the greatest way I could be helped in these areas would be by praying for me. One of my greatest hopes is that God will take me to a church that prays for me and then prays some more for me. I also believe I could be helped by having other men around me holding me accountable. Thirdly, I could be helped by continuing my education in the future.
7. What are your methods for involving yourself in the lives of your people as their shepherd and overseer of their souls?
By being a real person, while patiently and humbly asking others to do the same. I am a redeemed sinner who has a long way to go to glory and this is true of all of us. Wherever God takes my family, I want my new church family to know I want to be a part of their lives and I want them to be a part of mine. I want them to eat at my table, cry with me on my couch, pray with me, rejoice with me, just be my brothers and sisters. Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many. (1 Cor. 10:33)
8. What activities characterize your evangelistic interest? What is your approach to personal evangelism? corporate evangelism?
My evangelistic focus begins in my home and flows out to my community and the world at large. At the present time I have four little sinners I desperately want to see come to know the Savior I love, but I also love sharing the gospel with my co-workers at my secular jobs and also random people I meet.
9. What is your approach to counseling? How do you handle your counseling load?
My approach to counseling is purely cross-centered and bible-based. My professors at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation have said it best when they adopted as their motto “Restoring Christ to Counseling and Counseling to the Church.” This is a great counseling focus and one I thoroughly affirm, especially in a day and age of much that is unbiblical and spiritually unhealthy in the counseling world. As for a counseling load, I intend to limit counseling sessions to no more than 4 hours a week. However, I am a firm believer in the fact that counseling can and does take place outside of “official” times when appointments between the pastor and counselee are set. Some great counseling “sessions” can happen when two people are watching their children play football or while chatting at a neighborhood BBQ. For this reason, I intend to be a replicating counselor, one who teaches others to “speak the truth in love” to others. I believe true counseling is mandated of all believers and must be biblical, relational, and transferable to others. So, in short, I would allot certain hours for official counseling sessions and training other counselors, all the while being flexible and open to unforeseen, informal opportunities to “speak the truth in love” to others.
10. What are your specific and regular practices regarding the spiritual disciplines (e.g., personal prayer, Bible study, meditation, stewardship, learning, etc.)?
Though I am always thankful for my times in prayer and in God’s word, I firmly believe that the “spiritual disciplines” as we know them must never be thought of a vehicles in pursuit of grace but rather natural outpourings of those pursued by grace.
11. How would you describe a successful pastor? How would you describe a successful church?
A successful pastor is one who is faithful in loving His Savior, the universal church, and the precious people of the local church entrusted to him until death. He preaches the word boldly and serves his heart out (2 Corinthians 4). A successful church is cross centered, hungry for the word and things of God, humble, and passionate about seeing the lost come to know Christ and all the riches of His kingdom.
12. How is the pastor held accountable? What relationships in your life currently provide accountability for responsible attitudes and behavior, both personally and as pastor?
The pastor is helped to be held accountable by maintaining friendships with other godly men and especially other elders in the church and by seeking the counsel of his wife. Currently, for me I am blessed to have an honest and godly wife who tells me the truth even when it hurts. I am also blessed to have several godly men that are helpful in keeping me accountable.
13. Who are your favorite Christian writers, commentators, theologians, etc.? Why? What books have you read in the past year?
D.A. Carson, Gordon Fee, C.H. Spurgeon, Paul Tripp, John MacArthur, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Washer, and Richard Baxter just to name a few.
2010 reading- Hebrew Bible and my Greek NT, specifically 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 1 Peter and currently reading 2 Peter along with several commentaries (I Corinthians by Barrett, 2 Corinthians by Barrett, 2 Corinthians by David Garland, 1 Peter by Achtemeier, and 2 Peter by Green). I have also read in the past year Citizen Soldiers, D-Day, The Treasure Principle, Power Through Weakness, A Shepherd Leader.
2011- reason For God by Tim Keller, The Man Who was Thursday by GK Chesterton, Do Hard Things by the Harris Brothers, 1 and 2 Peter in the Greek with commentaries,
14. Describe an instance when you made attempts to reform the church in some significant area. What were the results? What did it cost you personally?
During my most recent pastorate, I took a stand on the authority of God’s word and was told to stop preaching certain portions of the scriptures or lose my job. Because I did not stop preaching, teaching, or standing on God’s authoritative word a petition was circulated to have me fired. When I asked why I was being fired the answer was simply that I was not a good pastor. I then stated that I knew I was not a perfect pastor because no pastor was, but I did not understand why I had not been a “good pastor” when all I had done was preach, teach, and stand on the word of God. I was then interrupted and told that they were not saying that I was not a biblical pastor just that I was not a good pastor. Because I believed and still believe that a biblical pastor is a good pastor I did not resign and was fired a week later.
15. Describe your leadership style. What have been some weaknesses? Strengths?
To be humbly bold, and to lead by example while coming along side others to encourage them. I am not the type of leader that thinks he can or should do it all. Administrative stuff is definitely a weakness for me. I can be impatient at times and not take the time I should to wait. Strengths are not wanting to be a quitter; I want to persevere, even when it gets hard. I also will not back down on the truths of the gospel; I will stand firm on the God’s truth.
16. When you have met with opposition, has it been mostly related to your style of leadership, your personality, your beliefs, or something else?
My beliefs have met with opposition, specifically my beliefs in the inerrancy and total sufficiency of scripture, as well as my beliefs in the doctrines of grace, especially how these truths play out in every day theology, not just on paper. Most people seem to assume many conflicts in churches are caused by personalities clashing, that has not been my experience, although there have been clashes because of beliefs.
17. According to your observations, what doctrines needs special emphasis in our day?
The doctrine of Christ, the authority (not just inerrancy) of the Bible, the costliness of grace as opposed to the error of cheap grace (in short really following Jesus), the reality of suffering for sake of the gospel, the doctrine of the church, and God's working humility in our lives.
18. What is true biblical repentance?
Repentance consists of rightly seeing your sin, rightly confessing your sin, rightly seeking forgiveness (not just saying sorry) from God and others, and turning from that sin by the empowerment of the Spirit, to a life of righteousness.
19. What is true biblical faith?
It is being known by Him and knowing Him. Such vital faith translates into some very real vital signs and will never cease to be found in the life of a genuine Christ-follower.
20. Explain justification by faith. What is the difference between the Catholic view of justification and the biblical view?
Catholics believe in grace plus sacraments, the bible is clear that our justification is based not on any action that we have, but solely grounded on the work of Christ; his righteous/sinless life and his work of redemption on the cross. The whole work of salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification is founded in Christ’s justification. Christ is all!
21. Please explain your view of sanctification. What are the various means God uses to sanctify the believer?
Sanctification is a work of grace the same as justification and glorification. The Lord works out our sanctification in the same manner. He has imputed his righteous nature to us and it is through His righteous life living in us that we are able to run to the end and able to live a holy life. God uses all manner of things to sanctify. We are sanctified when God brings us under pressure through trials and tribulations and refines the gold and burns away the chaff.
22. Can a person have Christ as his Savior without submitting to Him as Lord? Explain.
No, but I still do believe that there are carnal/backslidden Christians who need to be confronted in love and brought back to the fold. Corinthians is clear (although many godly men would disagree with me) that there are genuine brothers and sisters in Christ who, for a season, don’t submit to Christ the way they should, but if they are true believers and are confronted they will repent and return.
23. What is your position on the inerrancy of Scripture?
The Old and New Testaments in their original autographs are completely a work of God, without error and incapable of being erroneous.
24. Explain the biblical term “baptism of the Spirit.” When does this baptism occur?
It is instantaneous to conversion and synonymous with the reception of the Spirit. When you receive the spirit you are baptized in the spirit.
25. What are your views on baptism by water?
Baptism by immersion in water is the only biblical mode of baptism. Baptism in itself is an outward display of an inward work (one of two) and, therefore, serves not a means of salvation but as a response to salvation.
26. How does the Bible relate the sovereignty of God to salvation?
Every aspect of our coming to know God is a work of God. (John 6:44)
27. What does the Bible teach about the extent of man’s depravity?
We were dead in our trespasses and sins in which we once walked (Eph 2). We are dead at the bottom of the pool and God must not only drag us up but also breathe new life into us (borrowing R. C. Sproul’s analogy). In short, man is completely and totally depraved.
28. What does Christ’s atonement accomplish?
For believers, an absolute demolition of the enmity between them and God. A transference of our sin to Christ and His righteousness to us. I am absolutely sure that the Bible is clear only believers eternally profit from Christ’s atonement, yet I am somewhat unsure that Christ’s atonement did nothing for all people. I don’t know what precisely Christ did for all (I believe this is a mystery in scripture), just that it was something not nothing.
29. What does the Bible teach about the perseverance and preservation of believers?
Every genuine believer will be brought to glorification. God will not forget and cannot forget even one of His elect.
30. What is the proper use of the Old Testament law?
It is to teach us that we are sinners in need of a Savior, and to remind us to be humble before our great God after conversion.
31. How do you articulate your present view of end-time or eschatological issues?
I am Post Tribulational, Pre-Millennial -- but ultimately I, as they say, am a pan-millennialist (I am pretty sure it‘s gonna all pan out in the end!). Let me say, too, that I would never break fellowship with a brother or sister in Christ who disagreed with me on this issue.
32. Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin? What is the significance of your belief?
Yes, you have no God-man without a virgin birth.
33. What is your interpretation of the biblical teaching on Hell?
I believe in a literal hell.
34. Do you believe that the events described in Genesis 1-11 are factual or symbolic?
Factual.
35. What does the Bible teach concerning spiritual gifts? Please delineate your views about prophecy and speaking in tongues.
Although many spiritual gifts are abused, the bible no where says that they have ceased. Therefore we must be careful not to say more, or less, then scripture says. I do believe that prophecy and speaking in tongues are still useful and utilized for edification in the church, when strictly biblically practiced.
36. What is your view of divorce and remarriage? How strictly will you follow this view in practice?
I don’t ever believe that divorce is a godly choice, though I do believe that God can heal those damaged by divorce and that He is providential enough and good enough to work through the most painful of divorces. I believe every situation is specific to those individuals and I will work toward relational restoration as much as I am able, while always leaning towards grace and not condemnation. I will strictly try to cling to the cross and encourage others to do the same concerning this issue.
37. What is your view of the phrase, “The bishop [pastor] then must be...the husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2)?
A lot has been said by many a commentator regarding this verse. This is true in large part because the phrase in the Greek is difficult as a stand alone phrase. In context, however, what is clear is that an elder/bishop/pastor must maintain marital fidelity. Though it would perhaps be helpful for me to say more, I am confident that the Greek text will not allow me to add anything more to the fact that an elder must be faithful to his wife.
38. What are your requirements for performing a marriage ceremony?
Any couple that would like me to marry them must first agree to pre-marital counseling with me. Such counseling would be conducted over the course of no less than 6-8 weeks (1 session a week for 2 months). It should also be noted that I will not marry an unbeliever to a believer, nor will I refrain from presenting the gospel during the course of the ceremony or the counseling.
39. Please explain your views on church discipline. Relate any personal experience.
I have had personal experience with church discipline. The most recent instance was initiated on a rebellious “sister” who slandered two other church members, made demands rooted in fear, and left the church when denied. Matthew 18 was followed all the way but eventually rejected at the church business meeting. This lady is currently still on the church roll. Though very unpopular by most and abused by some, church discipline is something that must be practiced in order to protect God’s people from those who seek their spiritual demise and to bring genuine but wayward brothers and sisters back into the fold via repentance and restoration. The actual process of church discipline should be done in accordance with God’s word (Matt. 18 for example) and in a spirit of a love and humility.
40. How would you handle a case of scandal or immorality by a church member?
I would follow the course of action outlined in Matt. 18.
41. What is your view on abortion?
It should be illegal, is murder and abhorrent.
42. Many children who appear to be converted at an early age show no evidence of knowing Christ later. How do you handle children when they come to you for counsel concerning conversion? What is your advice to parents?
This is a great example of why church membership should not be approached cavalierly. Whether you are talking about children or adults, certain “safeguards” (like meetings with the elders and a membership class) should be in place to allow the elders to determine as much as possible whether or not a potential member is truly converted and understands the requirements of membership in that church. Having said that, I would not treat a child any different than an adult and I would encourage parents to share the gospel with their children and help them as much as possible to understand the truths of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
43. What is a useful plan for receiving new members into the church? What are prerequisites?
I would say that a 6-8 week Sunday School class and/or comparable weekly meetings with the pastor for potential members is a good place to start. It would allow those desiring membership to be reminded that the Bible requires conversion to be a prerequisite for church membership. It would also allow the potential member to gain a better understanding of the church’s doctrinal/practical outlook (i.e. the church’s statement of faith, constitution, by-laws, requirements for membership, etc.) Then an interview and application process followed up by the elders in the church, to give the church a better vision of the prospective member and to provide accountability for that new member as well as accountability and protection for the church. A public confession of conversion (either recorded or live) is also required as mandated by scripture.
44. What are your views on styles of church music?
Whatever leads us to worship God and magnify Him. I love both hymns and contemporary music so long as it glorifies God truthfully and isn’t based on unbiblical ideas.
45. Who should direct the worship of the church? Why? Which methods of leading corporate worship are appropriate? Which are inappropriate?
Ultimately the leadership of the church should lead by supplying the content and structure of all aspects of the worship. Having said that, I am perfectly okay with faithful, truly regenerate church members helping facilitate the worship (music) on Sunday mornings. I see no prohibition against such a practice and I am equally convinced any method that is biblically sound is God-honoring and any method that runs counter to His word should be done away with.
46. What does the Bible teach is the purpose of the church’s weekly gathering?
To corporately worship God and grow more like His Son.
47. What are your views regarding raising money for various projects within the church? Should the church solicit those outside the church?
I am not against using any funds that have been obtained honestly, diligently, and without unfair strings attached by either those within the church or without.
48. What are your convictions about the local church and debt?
I would say that the ideal is always that the church avoid debt.
49. What does the bible teach about women in pastoral ministry?
Women have an important place in ministry within the church, but the office of pastor/elder is reserved for men.
50. What does the Bible teach about how churches should make decisions?
Scripturally, a plurality of qualified men (elders) are to make decisions within the church, but never without the support and awareness of the congregation as a whole.
51. How should a pastor and his church relate to other churches locally and (if denominational) to the larger body? Do you feel comfortable cooperating with other denominations? Do you draw any lines?
A pastor must always remember that whatever church he serves is only a small part of a larger fellowship of believers. I would absolutely work with other churches in my denomination without question and any church outside the SBC, as long as they affirm the essential doctrines of the faith.
52. What are the biblical responsibilities of elders? Are there any distinctions between elders, pastors, and overseers? If applicable, what distinctions exist between staff and non-staff pastors?
The responsibilities of the elder are to provide leadership and protection to the church. In a certain sense, elder, pastor, and overseer are synonymous terms, but some allowance should be made for slight differences. Many small churches only have one pastor on staff, but that doesn’t mean that a non-staff elder is any less important or any less authoritative then that one paid individual. Also, each elder, though equal, is gifted differently. Each elder has their own ability and spiritual gifts. For some, this may mean preaching, for others it may be administration, or counseling, etc. Every member of the body is essential.
53. What are the biblical responsibilities of deacons? How are deacons and elders to relate?
Deacons are biblically to be servants who allow the elders to do the work of leadership as they have been called by God to do so. They take care of the people of the church and community based also on giftedness and qualification.
54. What emphasis do you give to the leadership of fathers with their families, especially in terms of family worship? Do you personally engage in family worship with your wife and children?
I put a very high emphasis on fathers loving their wives as Christ loves the church and recognizing that their children are their greatest ministry and they are called to disciple those children. I consider family worship to be very important. But family worship, although essential, is only a part of a father and mother discipling their children and being present in engaging their children daily, addressing sin, carrying out discipline, and approbation. During family worship we have a prayer time with our children, read a portion of scripture (currently Acts), memorize new scripture and/or go over previous memorized scripture, and answer questions. Our children are still very small and as they grow I hope to add more depth and to our family devotions.
55. What is your missionary vision for the church? How are you currently demonstrating missionary interest and involvement?
I believe that a church should be locally and globally minded. Without doubt a church must plant churches all the well aiding other churches to do the same. I have every intention of helping to cast a vision to be a church that plants churches as well as planning an overseas mission trip for whatever church the Lord takes me to. Larissa and I have several friends serving as missionaries overseas who are looking for groups to come. This would not be my only focus, however. Whatever community that I enter as a pastor will be a focus of my efforts to share the Savior that I love. I am also a supporter of the cooperative program. As I said before there are many people in ministry that we are close to who have benefited from the amazing work that the SBC cooperative program does.
The Following Questions and answers are ones we submit for any and all ministry positions. They are taken from Don Whitney’s Questionaire which is found on his site. This is not all that we believe about the faith, but this covers a wide range of topics. If you have further questions you can contact us at: crazydougfam@yahoo.com
1. There are many who profess to know Christ who are mistaken. What evidences do you have that you have been given life by God?
Without doubt the fact that I love my Savior, love His people, and hate my sin in ways I never did prior to conversion. I also believe God has gifted me in ways only His children are gifted.
2. What does it mean for a person to love God? In what ways do you see true biblical love toward God demonstrated in your life? Do you see true biblical love toward God in the lives of your wife and each of your children?
Loving God is rooted in calling righteous what He calls righteous and calling what He calls rebellion sin. Of course, simply proclaiming these truths is only part of faithfully loving God. As James clearly shows we must also, by the grace and empowerment of God, live righteous lives and abhor unrighteousness. As for Larissa, the boys, and Petra it would perhaps be better that others determine that. So I asked Larissa this question and here is her typed response: Will has grown in his patience, mercy, and service to us over the years and I have seen real growth in Will’s loving us as Christ loves the church especially as evidenced most recently with my pregnancy with Petra. It was especially encouraging for me to see Will grow in the midst of this difficult time for us.
3. How does your wife feel about your commitment to pastoring? How do your children respond?
Larissa is convinced that I should be a pastor primarily because she believes that God has gifted me in ways that are best utilized in pastoral ministry. As for my children, they just love being at church.
4. Why do you believe God wants you in the pastorate?
I have zero doubt about whether or not I should be in pastoral ministry due in large part to God’s sovereign working and spiritual gifting in my life. I have also had churches and other believers affirm this calling. In short, I believe God has called me to shepherd His people because of what He has done and revealed in my life, not because of my ability.
5. Closely examine each of the Bible’s qualifications for pastors and deacons (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Which are you strongest qualities? With which requirements do you have the most trouble? Why do you believe these areas of difficulty do not presently disqualify you from ministering? (Note the phrase “must be” in 1 Tim. 3:2.)
My strongest qualities would be temperate, able to teach, and I am not quick tempered. On the side of weaknesses, I think that my family is the most difficult area of struggle me. I love leading my family but it is enormously difficult knowing how to lead each of the individuals in my home all the time, knowing what is best for them individually, and knowing what they need best to hear. I think also when you take into consideration the reality that there are six sinners, including myself, living under one roof. it will probably always be one of the hardest areas where my weaknesses are often revealed to me as well as areas of needed growth in my own life. This is not to say that I believe my wife to be unruly or my children, simply that it is the area of greatest difficulty, in terms of investment and consistency. In general however, it must be noted, that none of the qualifications are easy. Though redeemed, a pastor is still a sinner and will continue to struggle with the path to glory. I do not foresee a time in my earthly life that I will not battle my own flesh and have to turn away, again, from sin and toward my Savior. Needless to say, the realities of my reliance on grace will always be before my face.
6. A pastor is charged by God to preach to the church and to shepherd the people in a more individual way. Which aspect of the ministry appeals to you the most? What are some specific ways you could be helped to develop your skills in either of these areas?
I can not choose between the preaching of the word of God and the shepherding of God’s people. In a sense the two are (or certainly should be!) interwoven to the point both are faithfully, passionately, and tirelessly carried out with a compassionate heart. I would say that the greatest way I could be helped in these areas would be by praying for me. One of my greatest hopes is that God will take me to a church that prays for me and then prays some more for me. I also believe I could be helped by having other men around me holding me accountable. Thirdly, I could be helped by continuing my education in the future.
7. What are your methods for involving yourself in the lives of your people as their shepherd and overseer of their souls?
By being a real person, while patiently and humbly asking others to do the same. I am a redeemed sinner who has a long way to go to glory and this is true of all of us. Wherever God takes my family, I want my new church family to know I want to be a part of their lives and I want them to be a part of mine. I want them to eat at my table, cry with me on my couch, pray with me, rejoice with me, just be my brothers and sisters. Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many. (1 Cor. 10:33)
8. What activities characterize your evangelistic interest? What is your approach to personal evangelism? corporate evangelism?
My evangelistic focus begins in my home and flows out to my community and the world at large. At the present time I have four little sinners I desperately want to see come to know the Savior I love, but I also love sharing the gospel with my co-workers at my secular jobs and also random people I meet.
9. What is your approach to counseling? How do you handle your counseling load?
My approach to counseling is purely cross-centered and bible-based. My professors at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation have said it best when they adopted as their motto “Restoring Christ to Counseling and Counseling to the Church.” This is a great counseling focus and one I thoroughly affirm, especially in a day and age of much that is unbiblical and spiritually unhealthy in the counseling world. As for a counseling load, I intend to limit counseling sessions to no more than 4 hours a week. However, I am a firm believer in the fact that counseling can and does take place outside of “official” times when appointments between the pastor and counselee are set. Some great counseling “sessions” can happen when two people are watching their children play football or while chatting at a neighborhood BBQ. For this reason, I intend to be a replicating counselor, one who teaches others to “speak the truth in love” to others. I believe true counseling is mandated of all believers and must be biblical, relational, and transferable to others. So, in short, I would allot certain hours for official counseling sessions and training other counselors, all the while being flexible and open to unforeseen, informal opportunities to “speak the truth in love” to others.
10. What are your specific and regular practices regarding the spiritual disciplines (e.g., personal prayer, Bible study, meditation, stewardship, learning, etc.)?
Though I am always thankful for my times in prayer and in God’s word, I firmly believe that the “spiritual disciplines” as we know them must never be thought of a vehicles in pursuit of grace but rather natural outpourings of those pursued by grace.
11. How would you describe a successful pastor? How would you describe a successful church?
A successful pastor is one who is faithful in loving His Savior, the universal church, and the precious people of the local church entrusted to him until death. He preaches the word boldly and serves his heart out (2 Corinthians 4). A successful church is cross centered, hungry for the word and things of God, humble, and passionate about seeing the lost come to know Christ and all the riches of His kingdom.
12. How is the pastor held accountable? What relationships in your life currently provide accountability for responsible attitudes and behavior, both personally and as pastor?
The pastor is helped to be held accountable by maintaining friendships with other godly men and especially other elders in the church and by seeking the counsel of his wife. Currently, for me I am blessed to have an honest and godly wife who tells me the truth even when it hurts. I am also blessed to have several godly men that are helpful in keeping me accountable.
13. Who are your favorite Christian writers, commentators, theologians, etc.? Why? What books have you read in the past year?
D.A. Carson, Gordon Fee, C.H. Spurgeon, Paul Tripp, John MacArthur, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Washer, and Richard Baxter just to name a few.
2010 reading- Hebrew Bible and my Greek NT, specifically 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 1 Peter and currently reading 2 Peter along with several commentaries (I Corinthians by Barrett, 2 Corinthians by Barrett, 2 Corinthians by David Garland, 1 Peter by Achtemeier, and 2 Peter by Green). I have also read in the past year Citizen Soldiers, D-Day, The Treasure Principle, Power Through Weakness, A Shepherd Leader.
2011- reason For God by Tim Keller, The Man Who was Thursday by GK Chesterton, Do Hard Things by the Harris Brothers, 1 and 2 Peter in the Greek with commentaries,
14. Describe an instance when you made attempts to reform the church in some significant area. What were the results? What did it cost you personally?
During my most recent pastorate, I took a stand on the authority of God’s word and was told to stop preaching certain portions of the scriptures or lose my job. Because I did not stop preaching, teaching, or standing on God’s authoritative word a petition was circulated to have me fired. When I asked why I was being fired the answer was simply that I was not a good pastor. I then stated that I knew I was not a perfect pastor because no pastor was, but I did not understand why I had not been a “good pastor” when all I had done was preach, teach, and stand on the word of God. I was then interrupted and told that they were not saying that I was not a biblical pastor just that I was not a good pastor. Because I believed and still believe that a biblical pastor is a good pastor I did not resign and was fired a week later.
15. Describe your leadership style. What have been some weaknesses? Strengths?
To be humbly bold, and to lead by example while coming along side others to encourage them. I am not the type of leader that thinks he can or should do it all. Administrative stuff is definitely a weakness for me. I can be impatient at times and not take the time I should to wait. Strengths are not wanting to be a quitter; I want to persevere, even when it gets hard. I also will not back down on the truths of the gospel; I will stand firm on the God’s truth.
16. When you have met with opposition, has it been mostly related to your style of leadership, your personality, your beliefs, or something else?
My beliefs have met with opposition, specifically my beliefs in the inerrancy and total sufficiency of scripture, as well as my beliefs in the doctrines of grace, especially how these truths play out in every day theology, not just on paper. Most people seem to assume many conflicts in churches are caused by personalities clashing, that has not been my experience, although there have been clashes because of beliefs.
17. According to your observations, what doctrines needs special emphasis in our day?
The doctrine of Christ, the authority (not just inerrancy) of the Bible, the costliness of grace as opposed to the error of cheap grace (in short really following Jesus), the reality of suffering for sake of the gospel, the doctrine of the church, and God's working humility in our lives.
18. What is true biblical repentance?
Repentance consists of rightly seeing your sin, rightly confessing your sin, rightly seeking forgiveness (not just saying sorry) from God and others, and turning from that sin by the empowerment of the Spirit, to a life of righteousness.
19. What is true biblical faith?
It is being known by Him and knowing Him. Such vital faith translates into some very real vital signs and will never cease to be found in the life of a genuine Christ-follower.
20. Explain justification by faith. What is the difference between the Catholic view of justification and the biblical view?
Catholics believe in grace plus sacraments, the bible is clear that our justification is based not on any action that we have, but solely grounded on the work of Christ; his righteous/sinless life and his work of redemption on the cross. The whole work of salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification is founded in Christ’s justification. Christ is all!
21. Please explain your view of sanctification. What are the various means God uses to sanctify the believer?
Sanctification is a work of grace the same as justification and glorification. The Lord works out our sanctification in the same manner. He has imputed his righteous nature to us and it is through His righteous life living in us that we are able to run to the end and able to live a holy life. God uses all manner of things to sanctify. We are sanctified when God brings us under pressure through trials and tribulations and refines the gold and burns away the chaff.
22. Can a person have Christ as his Savior without submitting to Him as Lord? Explain.
No, but I still do believe that there are carnal/backslidden Christians who need to be confronted in love and brought back to the fold. Corinthians is clear (although many godly men would disagree with me) that there are genuine brothers and sisters in Christ who, for a season, don’t submit to Christ the way they should, but if they are true believers and are confronted they will repent and return.
23. What is your position on the inerrancy of Scripture?
The Old and New Testaments in their original autographs are completely a work of God, without error and incapable of being erroneous.
24. Explain the biblical term “baptism of the Spirit.” When does this baptism occur?
It is instantaneous to conversion and synonymous with the reception of the Spirit. When you receive the spirit you are baptized in the spirit.
25. What are your views on baptism by water?
Baptism by immersion in water is the only biblical mode of baptism. Baptism in itself is an outward display of an inward work (one of two) and, therefore, serves not a means of salvation but as a response to salvation.
26. How does the Bible relate the sovereignty of God to salvation?
Every aspect of our coming to know God is a work of God. (John 6:44)
27. What does the Bible teach about the extent of man’s depravity?
We were dead in our trespasses and sins in which we once walked (Eph 2). We are dead at the bottom of the pool and God must not only drag us up but also breathe new life into us (borrowing R. C. Sproul’s analogy). In short, man is completely and totally depraved.
28. What does Christ’s atonement accomplish?
For believers, an absolute demolition of the enmity between them and God. A transference of our sin to Christ and His righteousness to us. I am absolutely sure that the Bible is clear only believers eternally profit from Christ’s atonement, yet I am somewhat unsure that Christ’s atonement did nothing for all people. I don’t know what precisely Christ did for all (I believe this is a mystery in scripture), just that it was something not nothing.
29. What does the Bible teach about the perseverance and preservation of believers?
Every genuine believer will be brought to glorification. God will not forget and cannot forget even one of His elect.
30. What is the proper use of the Old Testament law?
It is to teach us that we are sinners in need of a Savior, and to remind us to be humble before our great God after conversion.
31. How do you articulate your present view of end-time or eschatological issues?
I am Post Tribulational, Pre-Millennial -- but ultimately I, as they say, am a pan-millennialist (I am pretty sure it‘s gonna all pan out in the end!). Let me say, too, that I would never break fellowship with a brother or sister in Christ who disagreed with me on this issue.
32. Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin? What is the significance of your belief?
Yes, you have no God-man without a virgin birth.
33. What is your interpretation of the biblical teaching on Hell?
I believe in a literal hell.
34. Do you believe that the events described in Genesis 1-11 are factual or symbolic?
Factual.
35. What does the Bible teach concerning spiritual gifts? Please delineate your views about prophecy and speaking in tongues.
Although many spiritual gifts are abused, the bible no where says that they have ceased. Therefore we must be careful not to say more, or less, then scripture says. I do believe that prophecy and speaking in tongues are still useful and utilized for edification in the church, when strictly biblically practiced.
36. What is your view of divorce and remarriage? How strictly will you follow this view in practice?
I don’t ever believe that divorce is a godly choice, though I do believe that God can heal those damaged by divorce and that He is providential enough and good enough to work through the most painful of divorces. I believe every situation is specific to those individuals and I will work toward relational restoration as much as I am able, while always leaning towards grace and not condemnation. I will strictly try to cling to the cross and encourage others to do the same concerning this issue.
37. What is your view of the phrase, “The bishop [pastor] then must be...the husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2)?
A lot has been said by many a commentator regarding this verse. This is true in large part because the phrase in the Greek is difficult as a stand alone phrase. In context, however, what is clear is that an elder/bishop/pastor must maintain marital fidelity. Though it would perhaps be helpful for me to say more, I am confident that the Greek text will not allow me to add anything more to the fact that an elder must be faithful to his wife.
38. What are your requirements for performing a marriage ceremony?
Any couple that would like me to marry them must first agree to pre-marital counseling with me. Such counseling would be conducted over the course of no less than 6-8 weeks (1 session a week for 2 months). It should also be noted that I will not marry an unbeliever to a believer, nor will I refrain from presenting the gospel during the course of the ceremony or the counseling.
39. Please explain your views on church discipline. Relate any personal experience.
I have had personal experience with church discipline. The most recent instance was initiated on a rebellious “sister” who slandered two other church members, made demands rooted in fear, and left the church when denied. Matthew 18 was followed all the way but eventually rejected at the church business meeting. This lady is currently still on the church roll. Though very unpopular by most and abused by some, church discipline is something that must be practiced in order to protect God’s people from those who seek their spiritual demise and to bring genuine but wayward brothers and sisters back into the fold via repentance and restoration. The actual process of church discipline should be done in accordance with God’s word (Matt. 18 for example) and in a spirit of a love and humility.
40. How would you handle a case of scandal or immorality by a church member?
I would follow the course of action outlined in Matt. 18.
41. What is your view on abortion?
It should be illegal, is murder and abhorrent.
42. Many children who appear to be converted at an early age show no evidence of knowing Christ later. How do you handle children when they come to you for counsel concerning conversion? What is your advice to parents?
This is a great example of why church membership should not be approached cavalierly. Whether you are talking about children or adults, certain “safeguards” (like meetings with the elders and a membership class) should be in place to allow the elders to determine as much as possible whether or not a potential member is truly converted and understands the requirements of membership in that church. Having said that, I would not treat a child any different than an adult and I would encourage parents to share the gospel with their children and help them as much as possible to understand the truths of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
43. What is a useful plan for receiving new members into the church? What are prerequisites?
I would say that a 6-8 week Sunday School class and/or comparable weekly meetings with the pastor for potential members is a good place to start. It would allow those desiring membership to be reminded that the Bible requires conversion to be a prerequisite for church membership. It would also allow the potential member to gain a better understanding of the church’s doctrinal/practical outlook (i.e. the church’s statement of faith, constitution, by-laws, requirements for membership, etc.) Then an interview and application process followed up by the elders in the church, to give the church a better vision of the prospective member and to provide accountability for that new member as well as accountability and protection for the church. A public confession of conversion (either recorded or live) is also required as mandated by scripture.
44. What are your views on styles of church music?
Whatever leads us to worship God and magnify Him. I love both hymns and contemporary music so long as it glorifies God truthfully and isn’t based on unbiblical ideas.
45. Who should direct the worship of the church? Why? Which methods of leading corporate worship are appropriate? Which are inappropriate?
Ultimately the leadership of the church should lead by supplying the content and structure of all aspects of the worship. Having said that, I am perfectly okay with faithful, truly regenerate church members helping facilitate the worship (music) on Sunday mornings. I see no prohibition against such a practice and I am equally convinced any method that is biblically sound is God-honoring and any method that runs counter to His word should be done away with.
46. What does the Bible teach is the purpose of the church’s weekly gathering?
To corporately worship God and grow more like His Son.
47. What are your views regarding raising money for various projects within the church? Should the church solicit those outside the church?
I am not against using any funds that have been obtained honestly, diligently, and without unfair strings attached by either those within the church or without.
48. What are your convictions about the local church and debt?
I would say that the ideal is always that the church avoid debt.
49. What does the bible teach about women in pastoral ministry?
Women have an important place in ministry within the church, but the office of pastor/elder is reserved for men.
50. What does the Bible teach about how churches should make decisions?
Scripturally, a plurality of qualified men (elders) are to make decisions within the church, but never without the support and awareness of the congregation as a whole.
51. How should a pastor and his church relate to other churches locally and (if denominational) to the larger body? Do you feel comfortable cooperating with other denominations? Do you draw any lines?
A pastor must always remember that whatever church he serves is only a small part of a larger fellowship of believers. I would absolutely work with other churches in my denomination without question and any church outside the SBC, as long as they affirm the essential doctrines of the faith.
52. What are the biblical responsibilities of elders? Are there any distinctions between elders, pastors, and overseers? If applicable, what distinctions exist between staff and non-staff pastors?
The responsibilities of the elder are to provide leadership and protection to the church. In a certain sense, elder, pastor, and overseer are synonymous terms, but some allowance should be made for slight differences. Many small churches only have one pastor on staff, but that doesn’t mean that a non-staff elder is any less important or any less authoritative then that one paid individual. Also, each elder, though equal, is gifted differently. Each elder has their own ability and spiritual gifts. For some, this may mean preaching, for others it may be administration, or counseling, etc. Every member of the body is essential.
53. What are the biblical responsibilities of deacons? How are deacons and elders to relate?
Deacons are biblically to be servants who allow the elders to do the work of leadership as they have been called by God to do so. They take care of the people of the church and community based also on giftedness and qualification.
54. What emphasis do you give to the leadership of fathers with their families, especially in terms of family worship? Do you personally engage in family worship with your wife and children?
I put a very high emphasis on fathers loving their wives as Christ loves the church and recognizing that their children are their greatest ministry and they are called to disciple those children. I consider family worship to be very important. But family worship, although essential, is only a part of a father and mother discipling their children and being present in engaging their children daily, addressing sin, carrying out discipline, and approbation. During family worship we have a prayer time with our children, read a portion of scripture (currently Acts), memorize new scripture and/or go over previous memorized scripture, and answer questions. Our children are still very small and as they grow I hope to add more depth and to our family devotions.
55. What is your missionary vision for the church? How are you currently demonstrating missionary interest and involvement?
I believe that a church should be locally and globally minded. Without doubt a church must plant churches all the well aiding other churches to do the same. I have every intention of helping to cast a vision to be a church that plants churches as well as planning an overseas mission trip for whatever church the Lord takes me to. Larissa and I have several friends serving as missionaries overseas who are looking for groups to come. This would not be my only focus, however. Whatever community that I enter as a pastor will be a focus of my efforts to share the Savior that I love. I am also a supporter of the cooperative program. As I said before there are many people in ministry that we are close to who have benefited from the amazing work that the SBC cooperative program does.
January 27, 2008
Why So Many Kids?
About 10 years ago we began to believe that we were able to block God's work in our lives so we quickly became pregnant without first child. But it wasn't long after he was born that we began to doubt the idea that we were able to block the Ruler of the universe in any way! Saying that our use of any form of birth control was able to stop the Lord and His work was sheer idiocy, was our Savior so small and powerless? But two things began to prey upon our minds apart from the Mighty nature of our God. First the idea that we would never treat any other form of medicine the way we viewed birth control and it seemed very foolish to think that God could not be in charge even of medicine when we benefit from it. But we also began to feel that valuing life was one thing, but we were also parents, we wanted our children to know we loved them, not that we just loved having babies. We Have a responsiblity to parent our children in a way that honors Him and we didn't think that clinging to "God is sovereign over birth" would be the main message we wanted our children to learn.
We value life, all life. We know we haven't proven that fact in our lives perfectly, but we really desire to value creation for the creator most. But most of all we want to live for Him alone and having our children has been his main way of teaching us both what living a life for Him alone has meant.
So, no we don't condemn people who use birth control, we don't believe in cultic issues and we don't believe that life begins with the unification of an ovum and a sperm. What we do believe is that Life is created for a reason and every life that has come into our family has brought with them many blessings, some tough times, lessons aplently, and boundless love. So the reason we have so many kids....God looked on two horrendous sinners and knew they would face some real struggles in their walk along the narrow road, he knew they would need a constant reminder of how sweet and good He is and so He sent to them five very precious and remarkable gifts for them to borrow. So that they might remember, even in the hardest times, how He is working all things together for Good! How He is making them into the image of His son. They recieved each gift with fear, because they knew how precious they would love those gifts and how deeply their hearts would be connected to those gifts. They continue to view their borrowed gifts with a certain level of fear and awe at the grace shown to them. And daily they remember His goodness in the face of great struggle because they see the beauty of the Father in the creation of these precious lives.
We have five crazies because He is awesome and He loves us very much....
"Even when we are faithless, He is faithful, He cannot deny Himself" 2 tim 2:13.
Silly as it sounds, these five nuts help me every day to rely on Him and endure til the end. One day, as He knows, I will stand before Him and he will say "well done good and faithful servant" and I will know it was only because He was so sweet and in large part because He made me a momma. He knows His business and I have stopped trying to do it for Him.
September 22, 2007
Happy Birthday Daddy
My wonderful, sweet and precious husband (although I am certain I don't tell him enough!) is 29 today! Happy Birthday William! We love you so much and are so blessed by your love and your life this day and everyday!
We love you!!
Larissa (for herself and the three crazies)
Note: picture is of kace enjoying Daddy's cake from work! Don't you just love his gusto?
August 02, 2007
Day At the Museums
For our second adventure story we would like to highlight our visit to the National Museums of Natural History and Aviation. We started our day with a ride on the metro. Which was a first for almost all of us aboard! But Pop Pop, Will's Dad, came prepared with a metro map and directions on how to get us all to the Smithsonian stop. Will was especially impressed by his Dad's abilities! Isn't it a miracle that we all fit on the train?
The two bigguns with Grandma Chickie(Will's Mom) and Pop Pop (Our oldests' given name for Will's dad, his version of Paw Paw)
Our little man was a happy boy since he got his belly full! And daddy is always glad to have a travel buddy!
Here is the BIG attraction, although trumped quite neatly by the entire triceratops skeleton that we saw right next to him. At dinner later on that day I asked my husband, son, mother-in-law and father-in-law what they liked seeing the most and the vote was unanimous, they liked the dinos the most (Although secretly I thought my father-in-law enjoyed the aviation museum just a little bit more). Big surprise!
This was a really neat display that they had and so we took a picture and then did a little doctoring, I hope you enjoy their artistic appeal.
Where's the Stegosaurus?
Man, is it a long shot to think that this little dog (or whatever it was I cannot remember) is nosy?
Here is what the little guy thought was neat and where he chose a car set of Air Force One to take home with us. These are the WWII fighter planes that were such a hit with my little mechanical man, who is even at this moment playing with his cars.
The two bigguns with Grandma Chickie(Will's Mom) and Pop Pop (Our oldests' given name for Will's dad, his version of Paw Paw)
Our little man was a happy boy since he got his belly full! And daddy is always glad to have a travel buddy!
Here is the BIG attraction, although trumped quite neatly by the entire triceratops skeleton that we saw right next to him. At dinner later on that day I asked my husband, son, mother-in-law and father-in-law what they liked seeing the most and the vote was unanimous, they liked the dinos the most (Although secretly I thought my father-in-law enjoyed the aviation museum just a little bit more). Big surprise!
This was a really neat display that they had and so we took a picture and then did a little doctoring, I hope you enjoy their artistic appeal.
Where's the Stegosaurus?
Man, is it a long shot to think that this little dog (or whatever it was I cannot remember) is nosy?
Here is what the little guy thought was neat and where he chose a car set of Air Force One to take home with us. These are the WWII fighter planes that were such a hit with my little mechanical man, who is even at this moment playing with his cars.We all really enjoyed this visit to the Natural History Museum, it is the first time I had ever been, although I have visited DC plenty of times, I always when to the National History and Aviation Museums. But the one thing we all thought amusing was one display in particular, I will explain.....
While wandering through the Prehistoric section of the Natural History Museum we came across a display, which, I might add, we would have missed had we not had a stroller with us. This display showed a model with evidence of prehistoric fish and a model with evidence of prehistoric lizards, then in the middle was the "missing link", which happened to be a drawing of a fish coming out of the water with legs. We found it to be quite amusing that all the "missing links" seem to be speculation without evidence; isn't that the first rule of hypothesis, don't make an suggestion that you cannot test? Ah, well it was fun laughing about the zillions of years this earth has existed and the things that happened to the environment. Next time we visit a museum of Natural History we want to head to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio.
August 01, 2007
The Fun of Aviation
Our adventures began on a plane. Now all the boys have been flying before, but it is always different since this time we have never flown with all three at once! You can imagine us two directing the exhibition! It was hard work, which I doubt we will repeat anytime soon as we ended up being called to our connecting flight and holding everyone up because of an accident in the diaper area! It wasn't so fun to have my husband rushing up to me saying "we're late, didn't you hear them paging us?" I was not aware of our lateness and was greatly embarrassed when we boarded and everyone but us were seated, then a lady commented that she wondered how many children we had and I said, "Oh, only three." She responded "Only THREE!"
We came about all right and found that, when our returning flight was delayed we were bumped from our connecting flight and held over until 6:00am the next morning, that flight can be a test of our godly character the same as trials and persecution are. My patience, self-control, love, and steadfastness were all sorely tested and I regret to admit more than one was thrown to the wind to be repented of in quiet later.
But all in all we got some pretty funny pictures, I hope you all think they are as amusing as we do! Here goes.....
Hi Daddy! You still there?
He slept through the landing, pulling up to the gate and everyone else's exit!
This was hysterical, he was totally sprawled
Crazy! Crazy for flying in airplanes! (Just kidding, but I especially was ready to be home in Missouri!)
We came about all right and found that, when our returning flight was delayed we were bumped from our connecting flight and held over until 6:00am the next morning, that flight can be a test of our godly character the same as trials and persecution are. My patience, self-control, love, and steadfastness were all sorely tested and I regret to admit more than one was thrown to the wind to be repented of in quiet later.
But all in all we got some pretty funny pictures, I hope you all think they are as amusing as we do! Here goes.....
Hi Daddy! You still there?
He slept through the landing, pulling up to the gate and everyone else's exit!
This was hysterical, he was totally sprawledCrazy! Crazy for flying in airplanes! (Just kidding, but I especially was ready to be home in Missouri!)I hope this first installment is to all of your satisfaction and enjoyment, especially the embarrassing picture of yours truly! You can never say I shrink from transparency!
Many Blessings!
July 05, 2007
What Did Silas See At Powell Gardens?
Our Family went to visit Powell Gardens this week so that we could spend some time as a family enjoying being outside together, but mostly because there was a dinosaur exhibit and Silas, our oldest, is simply gaga over anything reptile. So we loaded up the crew and set forth....no just kidding, but we tramped through this very neat botanical garden and saw some dinos along the way! Enjoy our pictures and I hope soon to see what you have been up to this summer! Blessings!
T-Rex Boy!
Big and small, hats on 'em all! (okay gimme a break I couldn't think of anything better.)
Silas looks as uncomfortable as this dino.
Silas can hardly believe his good fortune, there is a dino in the lake!
Not quite sure what these are, but they fly.
This is the crowning glory.....the Tyrannosaurus Rex!
"Hmmmm, I wonder if they will notice me eating dirt?"
We even took a picture for you to see we are still in complete control of our sanity.
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! Your kids probably stayed up and watched the fireworks just like ours did(although it was passed bed time and they were not supposed to), but I doubt you wished your neighbors would move away and stop shooting their fire crackers at your home.....Well I only wished for a little while!
T-Rex Boy! Big and small, hats on 'em all! (okay gimme a break I couldn't think of anything better.) Silas looks as uncomfortable as this dino.Hi Dragons (what they like to call the dinos)
Silas can hardly believe his good fortune, there is a dino in the lake!Not quite sure what these are, but they fly.
This is the crowning glory.....the Tyrannosaurus Rex! "Hmmmm, I wonder if they will notice me eating dirt?" We even took a picture for you to see we are still in complete control of our sanity.I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! Your kids probably stayed up and watched the fireworks just like ours did(although it was passed bed time and they were not supposed to), but I doubt you wished your neighbors would move away and stop shooting their fire crackers at your home.....Well I only wished for a little while!
May 31, 2007
Learning About Loss--Reposting
As many of you know my grandfather died friday May 18th, 2007. Although not a surprise, as he was seriously ill, it is never easy to loose a person whose life has impacted and touched your own. I am tempted therefore to run down a list of things that marked or remind me of his life. I say tempted because the purpose of our lives is not to run over and over the list of our accomplishments, the lives we have touched, or even the things we valued. The purpose of our lives is to reflect the nature of our great and glorious Savior and to boast only in His accomplished work. My grandfather was a good man, but I want to see Christ in this end to his life. I desire in my heart, that is acutely regretful, to see my Lord in the action of my grandpa's life and in the action of his death. I admit that it is hard for me to see His glory in the lost life of my grandfather because I do not know if he trusted in Christ for his righteousness (even knowing how sweet he was to me). But if he did not trust Christ, where in this loss do I encounter the One who changed me and my life? And where can I point to His glory and His grace? Even if I take myself out of the equation, where does anyone encounter the Savior in this act?
Unfortunately, I have no pat answer for my own question. All I know is that God is sovereign and my own confusion in this experience is under His omniscient control. I know a few things though. I know how much I love and value my mother and father. I know how much my sister's souls are of importance to me. I desire for my family to encounter their own mortality and--at that reality-- rely on the sweet and providential mercy of Christ. I know now how much I don't really know and how much faith is involved in losing someone you love dearly and whose life touched your heart. I cling now to the Lord who knows all things, sees all things, and directs all things since only He knows how this action works to reflect His glory and how this life that was lost will and continues to honor Him alone. I never understood before that loss, no matter how anticipated it may be, is never easy. This is hard, this not knowing.
"7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;the testimony of the Lord is sure,making wise the simple;8 the precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is pure,enlightening the eyes;9 the fear of the Lord is clean,enduring forever;the rules of the Lord are true,and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold;sweeter also than honeyand drippings of the honeycomb.11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11.
Unfortunately, I have no pat answer for my own question. All I know is that God is sovereign and my own confusion in this experience is under His omniscient control. I know a few things though. I know how much I love and value my mother and father. I know how much my sister's souls are of importance to me. I desire for my family to encounter their own mortality and--at that reality-- rely on the sweet and providential mercy of Christ. I know now how much I don't really know and how much faith is involved in losing someone you love dearly and whose life touched your heart. I cling now to the Lord who knows all things, sees all things, and directs all things since only He knows how this action works to reflect His glory and how this life that was lost will and continues to honor Him alone. I never understood before that loss, no matter how anticipated it may be, is never easy. This is hard, this not knowing.
"7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;the testimony of the Lord is sure,making wise the simple;8 the precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is pure,enlightening the eyes;9 the fear of the Lord is clean,enduring forever;the rules of the Lord are true,and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold;sweeter also than honeyand drippings of the honeycomb.11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11.
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