Disciplines of a Godly Man

One of my favorite times of the week is when our staff has our weekly planning and devotional meeting.  It is a very uplifting time of encouragement as we share our hearts and pray together.  Over the next 4 months, we will be reading this book, "Disciplines of a Godly Man."  This book has impacted my life for many years.  I first came in contact with it 13 years ago and have used it several times in mentor/mentoree relationships to help myself and others around me be disciplined in a healthy relationship with God.

As our staff journeys together in this book of study, we would like to invite you to join us.  You can purchase this book from our local Lifeway store or online from several bargain book companies.  We are reading one chapter per week and then we are planning to spend time discussing the chapter.  I can not wait to see how God uses this to bless our lives, families, and our congregation at Southside.

Anna Brooke and Sarah Belle's cheer competition this weekend.

My girls very early Saturday morning as they were preparing for their competition.

Sarah Belle and Anna Brooke, my beautiful cheerleaders!

Mommy captured this picture while they were putting Sarah Belle up.  Look at Anna Brooke holding her and Sarah Belle as she is about to stand up.

How Great Thou Art

This past Wednesday we were unable to have worship, choir rehearsal, and our age graded ministry activiites since our parking lot was filled with ice from last weeks storm.  After we made the decision to cancel services, our Minister of Music, Chip Holden, came into my office and asked me if it would be ok to change the choir's special music for today to my favorite song, HOW GREAT THOU ART. I was so excited and have been so since Wednesday. 

Well, today as the music went forward in our morning worship, my heart was ready for what was about to come our way.  Then, our amazing choir began to sing this special piece of music that was simply spirit filled.  I was so blessed as they shared the message about how great our GOD is.

It is so amazing that sometimes a change of our plans is exactly what we need to feed our souls.  Thank you to the best choir in the world for ministering to your pastor's soul today. 

I am forever grateful.

VBS Preview - THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

Last week, we were at Ridgecrest Conference Center for the annual VBS Preview for 2011.  It was amazing and we loved every minute of it.  Here is a picture of the little Fuller's as the Lifeway staff dressed them up as the Statue of Liberty.  It was quite comical and hilarious.  Needless to say, the little Fuller's are ready for "THE BIG APPLE ADVENTURE" with VBS this coming summer.  We can't wait to see how god blesses our VBS this year in Greensboro and in Canada.

The Fuller Boy's Enjoy A Hideaway Farms Getaway

Every year, it is our tradition to go to Florida after Christmas to spend time with our family there for a few days.  This year, we left home late Sunday afternoon, December 26 and stayed until Thursday evening when we leftt after dinner and drove into the late night to arrive back in NC so that I could go back to work on Friday.  Our time in Florida at Hideaway Farms was so much fun.  Laura's parents live in a cabin type farmhouse down a long dirt road and it is surrounded by trees, cows, chickens, and lots of adventure.  We love to go and visit because it really allows the kids to run and play with complete freedom.  It is fun to enjoy privacy and the quiet as we sit on the wrap around porch in rockers enjoying the dark quiet nights.

This year, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, we were very busy with ministry, activites, parties, and all types of celebrations.  When we arrived at Hideaway Farms, we were able to rest and relax before coming home to prepare for a busy and exciting year in 2011.

Here are a few snap shots of the boys time at Hideaway Farms.

Luke is enjoying it as Granny helps him learn to shoot his new gun.

Paul loves the tire swing at Hideaway farms.

Paul's favorite part of the farm is driving the tractor with Granddaddy.  As you can see here, he is steering all alone! WOW, it will not be long until he thinks Granddaddy will let him drive all alone!  He could literally stay on the tractor all day.

While Paul is driving with Granddaddy, Luke is riding on the hay as they are carrying it to feed the cows.

As you can tell, the Fuller boys really enjoyed their 4 day getaway to the farm.

Christmas with Granny and Granddaddy

Luke was speechless as he opened his favorite gift.  He was so excited to open his very first gun.  Granny was so excited about his new gift too.  It was a once in a lifetime moment.

Sarah Belle is showing off her new earrings and necklace that she received.  As you can see, she is loving this gift.  Granny is in the background laughing as she watches Sarah Belle pose for the camera.

Anna Brooke loves her earrings and necklace too.  She is very excited to have jewelry and I am sure she will spend lots of time putting it on in the days to come.

Paul is excited as he opens his new pajama's that granny and grandaddy gave to him.  He is thrilled that they have trains on them.

After we were finished opening presents on Monday night and the little Fuller's could not wait to jump into the hot tub on Granny and Granddaddy's back porch.  It was a fun Florida moment.

Christmas at Nana and Papa's in Louisburg

Nana and Anna Brooke are having fun as presents are being opened on Christmas night.

Luke is thrilled with his gifts from Nana and Papa.

Paul is Nana's helper by handing out gifts to everyone.  Sarah Belle's favorite part of Christmas and Nana and Papa's is all the fun stuff she finds in her stocking.

We had a great time as we always do at Nana and Papa's.  We always leave home after lunch on Christmas day once we are finished with our family Christmas at Fullertown and travel to Louisburg to have Christmas with my family on Christmas night.  This year because of the snow, we were only able to stay about 3 hours so that we would not get stuck in the snow.  Although our time was short, we had a blast and the little Fuller's loved their time with their grandparents.