Baseball Playing Birthday Boy...

It has been a fun fall season of baseball... great coach and team, along with fabulous weather.  This guy is learning the game.

 This post will be a bit hodge podge, largely due to our incredibly busy month but coupled with my tired brain...

So, anyways... another daddy-daughter date...oysters...

 I occasionally like to snap pictures of our walk to elementary school (James is no longer with us on these...)

 Pre-game dinner...

 Hey batter batter!

 Such loyal, attentive fans...

 My middle schooler learning the trumpet...Titus isn't quite sure what to think about all this...

 This sweet girl has joined a girl scouts troop... woo hoo 100 year anniversary!  Let me know if you need cookies :)

 Notice the eye black...

 Game ball recipient!

 Our IDC Girls Growth Group participated in a canned food drive.  This past Sunday we went to deliver over 700 pounds to the Raleigh Rescue Mission! 

 Abraham and Caleb helped load us up...

 Our group...

 After delivering the food, Mr. DJ gave us all a wonderful, informative tour!

 I thought this sign was cute...

 Afterwards, we splurged on soft serve at Sweet Frogs.

Back to baseball... 

Our coach's wife takes some great pictures...

 Tony got to pitch the past two games.  He had so much fun "throwing meatballs" and reliving the glory days (ha)...

My baby boy turns 8 years old this Friday!!!  Oh so sweet.  What a gracious gift from God our son is!  Tears of joy.  All I can say.

Relationships...

This fall semester I've had the humbling opportunity to co-teach a women's evangelism class at SEBTS with Dr. Alvin Reid.  During our class earlier this week, we hosted Dr. Reid's co-ebook-author, Ashley, (along with her husband, Cole) to share about their book:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-of-Matches-ebook/dp/B008N1A4JK

The Book of Matches discusses a common yet specific struggle: relationships.  Written by a newlywed in her twenties and a seminary professor, this little book can help you sort out a few things in terms of relationships - with God, with friends, and perhaps one day, with a mate.

What a blessing it was to get to know Ashley, to hear her heart for knowing God and making Him known, particularly through fostering healthy relationships.  I strongly recommend this Gospel-centered book on relationships to anyone who has any (i.e. that would be everyone - ha!).  It's an ebook, which basically translates to 'e'xtremely practical and 'e'asy to read.  :)  The book will also be made available in print soon.  So, order your e-version today and order hardcopies to pass out to others later!  I pray you may be encouraged, refreshed and challenged by it as I was!

What a Weekend...

Love these little notes that appear on my desk or dresser from time to time... Especially before a busy weekend!

 I had the privilege of leading two breakout sessions at North Carolina Embrace's Women's Prayer and Evangelism Conference at Ridgecrest Conference Center Friday and Saturday....

 Though I made some great contacts and met new friends, one of the greatest blessings was spending time with new friend, Leslie Hildreth (pictured far right below while on a missions panel discussion)...

 As well as spending time with one of my closest friends, Shauna Sigmon.  

Meanwhile, back at home, Shauna's husband, Matt along with Tony got all our kids together for pizza, baseball, ice cream and fun...

 While the boys went to Joshua's game, my sweet friend, Karen took all our girls out for ice cream...

 Let's go Yellow Jackets!

 Friday night's game he was 2 for 2...

 A glimpse the women's conference main session...

 Tony left Joshua's game (and our kiddos in others' care) to speak at a conference in Raleigh...

 Saturday morning in the mountains... beautiful retreat...

 Me and Shauna...

 We finished our second breakout session by noon and decided to hit the road early beginning with a quick drive up the mountain... Absolutely gorgeous...

 We went out for German food in downtown Black Mountain... delicious!

 Had smooth travels until just east of Greensboro... yikes!

People were driving the wrong way and everything!  Seriously?!.

 Despite this madness, we had interesting conversations in our ride, ha...

 The downpour, however, did add a bit more strain for me the driver BUT in God's grace we made it home safely just after 8PM...

 My sweet girl enjoying a birthday party (thanks Melissa for sending this picture while I was away!)

Sunday morning we celebrated with our Imago Dei family ONE YEAR birthday party over at Falls Lake/Beaverdam...  Awesome!

 "In Christ Alone my hope is found..."

 Tony preaching from Mark 8, "Jesus said, 'Who do you say that I am?'"

 We celebrated together with 6 testimonies and baptisms... sweet time...

 "Celebrate His death and rising, lift your eyes, proclaim His coming!"

Afterwards, we gathered at one of the pavilions for the Lord's supper and lunch... A great time of fellowship...

 Then it was time for the recipient of the pie in the face contest.  The girls growth group hosted a canned food collection for a local food bank.  Those who donated gave in honor of one of the elders.  The elder with the most (Nate Akin) had the great honor of receiving a pie in the face...poor guy...

 Then, the growth group leader whose group gave the most cans also got a pie in his face... and from his lovely wife as well?!... Ha...

 True love...

 But then, the other two elders decided to take a complimentary pie in the face as well... First, Tony...

 Then, Matt...

 Who then proceeded to give a few announcements, ha ha...

 After lunch swim...

 Beautiful and blessed day...

Happy 1st Birthday, Imago Dei Church!