new pics

We went to the pumpkin patch today.  The girls had fun.  Take a look at the pictures and tell me, honestly, are there two cuter girls in the whole world?  :)

Go here.

random thoughts

There is so much going on in the world right now.  I have so many thoughts about everything but I don't even know where to begin.  The financial "crisis", the election, voter fraud, ACORN, corruption in business and Washington, government education, non-existent personal responsibility...

My father-in-law had an interesting idea: don't vote for any incumbents.  I pondered this for a few days: that would mean fewer Republicans in office - though a lot of them are just as corrupt as some Democrats; it could possibly give the Democrats the super majority they need in the Senate; some of those people have been there for 30+ years!; fresh blood could be good - no matter what party they are in.  

So what have I decided?  I think I will definitely give my vote to non-incumbent candidates.  As for the presidential race, I know I don't want to vote for Obama/Biden.  Quite frankly, their health care, tax and foreign policies scare me a little - okay, a lot.  I wasn't even sure I would vote for McCain until he announced Palin as his running mate.  But I'm not so sure I want to vote for someone just because of the VP candidate.  I do appreciate, however, that they don't agree on everything.  Of course, the media likes to use that for "news".  But really, is there any candidate that anyone agrees with on EVERYTHING?  I think that's one of the most honest parts of their campaign.  Anyways, I'm digressing a bit... I'm considering doing some research on the other THIRTEEN candidates on the ballot in Florida and voting for whoever is in favor of the FairTax.  Either that, or write in Mike Huckabee, who I voted for in the primary.

Our pastor has been teaching out of Revelation since April (a few breaks here and there).  It's been difficult and our pastor assures us it will only get more difficult!  But it's been really, really GOOD.  Some things he has said have made me really think - especially with what's been going on.  I can tell before I share them here that they are not going to sound right out of context.  But you can listen to all of the sermons here.  This past Sunday (10/19) we were in Revelation 5:5-6.  Mike was talking about the church's ministry in and to the world and the church's resemblance to Christ.  The way God's kingdom must expand between Christ's first and second coming is through suffering - this was the foundation of the church, so why should we expect its growth to be any different?  The situations around us today should cause us to look higher: we can't put our trust for our well-being in any candidate.  Our security for our future is in Christ.  We live in a hard time right now and we need to learn to thank God for that, because it causes us to look to Christ.  

I think my favorite sermon from this series so far, though, is the one on Revelation 4.  What an amazing picture of God, heaven, His throne, worship and how HE is the center of all things, including earth.  Nothing I say can do it justice.  You really should listen to them.  It will change you if you do.  

My prayer is that you would all look to Christ for security for your future.  No one else can come close to giving you the same.  God, in his amazing kindness and mercy, sent Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice ONCE FOR ALL.  Our hope is in Him; not in any political party or candidate, not in the U.N., not in any financial institution.  Where do you turn to for hope in your future? Can anyone guarantee your future better than Christ?

Rev. 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Penny, our Kazoo Prodigy

I wonder if there's a teacher in the area...