Where Will Your Name Be Written

I saw this on a blog Steve follows. Loved it! Especially at this time of year.


"Where Will Your Name Be Written?" (A Christmas Parable).
I wrote the following story in 1995. Over the years, some have made it a family tradition to read the story to their families, on or around Christmas. I am reposting it here, by request.

Not long ago, a very wealthy man hosted a large Christmas party. The man had many friends. Some were genuine. Others hoped the man’s wealth would rub off on them. The party was lavish, and the guests were dressed for the occasion.

As the evening wore on, the time came to give the man his Christmas presents. He sat on a chair in the middle of the room, with his guests surrounding him. One by one, he opened his presents. The man politely smiled as he opened each gift. Realizing that his friends had gone to a good deal of trouble and expense to give him the gifts, he took great pains not to let the bored look of a man who had everything show on his face.

He worked his way down through the pile of brightly colored, foil-wrapped gifts until only one gift remained. With a look of both confusion and disdain, the man stared at the object on the floor. The sound of embarrassed murmuring spread quickly among the guests.

Sensing the uneasiness filling the room, the man reached down to pick up the object. He tried to lift it with one hand, but it was too thick and bulky. A layer of dust covering the object made it slippery and all the more difficult to handle. With two hands, and a bit of effort, the man finally picked up the object. The crowd in the room already tense now fell silent.

It was clear that the object the man had strained to place on his lap was a book. It was older than any he had ever seen. Its worn leather cover was tattered, yet it protected the pages with an air of dignity. The man noticed it was scratched—as if thorns had been raked over its surface. It was held closed by a purple ribbon that unmistakably had been torn from a larger piece of cloth. Upon closer inspection, the man thought he could see drops of blood sprinkled on the purple ribbon; but he quickly dismissed this as insignificant and determined it to be just another quirk among an already strange set of circumstances.

The man untied the ribbon. Although badly frayed, it did not unravel further with the man’s nervous manipulation. As he slowly opened the book, it dawned on him that it had no title.

To the man’s noticeable surprise, the condition of the pages within the book was not consistent with its cover. The paper was the purest white and felt like the most costly satin. On the pages—all of the pages—names were written in ink that was a deep, scarlet red.

The man read some of the names, none of which he recognized. He noticed that many were written in foreign languages, recognizing the romantic languages of France, Italy, and Mexico, and the artistic characters of the many Asian languages. Yet, there were just as many names written in languages he had never seen.

Slowly, the man turned page after page, noticing that the book was filled exclusively with names. More unusual than that, however, was the way the names were written. The ink was the same color and consistency for each name, and every entry took up the same amount of space on the page. It was as if each name carried no more, and certainly no less, importance than any other. The man flipped through the pages for several silent moments, before he carefully closed the book and looked up at his bewildered guests.

“Who gave me this book?” He asked.

The crowd of smartly dressed people parted slowly. A small boy emerged from the crowd and stood in front of the man.

“I brought the book, sir,” said the boy. “But the gift is not from me. If you will open the book to the last page, there you will find your gift.”

The man opened the book, keeping a wary eye on the plainly dressed little boy. He flipped to the last page and, just as before, saw lists of names. “If you will look beneath the last name, I believe it is Terry Brown, you will see your gift,” explained the boy.

The man ran his finger down the page until he found, Terry Brown. As his eyes moved below the name, he saw only a blank space. His puzzlement turned to frustration.

“What’s going on? Where’s the gift?” He demanded.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir,” replied the boy. “I think you misunderstand the gift. The gift is not the book, nor is it anything you may have been looking for in the book. The gift is the opportunity to have your name written in the book.” The boy explained.

Becoming angry, the man stood up from his chair. He gripped the book so tightly that his fingers turned white.

“Who are you?” he roared. “I don’t know you, Son, but by looking at you, I can tell you’re not here with your parents.”

“Look around you,” the host continued. “I have more money than I could ever possibly spend. I have a house full of people, some of whom I even like. I have spent the better part of the evening opening beautiful, expensive gifts, and you expect me to be impressed with a blank space in a book of names.”

The man reached into his jacket and pulled out a pen.

“You have an unusual way of getting autographs, kid”, he said. “As soon as I sign your book, I think you should go.”

He tried to scribble his name on the page. To his surprise, the pen would not write. He asked his guests if anyone had a pen that worked. Time after time he tried to write his name on the page, but no pen worked on the regal and pristine pages.

“You don’t understand, sir,” the boy said, confidently. “The opportunity is not to write your own name in the book, but to have your name written in the book. You see, there is nothing you can do on your own to earn your name’s place in the book. To have your name written in the book is a free gift that can only be given by the Owner of the book. Having your name in this book will secure you a room in a mansion far greater than yours, for all eternity.”

“Who is the Owner of this book?” The man asked. “I’m sure I could afford whatever price he is asking.”

With a look of pure joy on his face, the boy said, “The Owner of the book has already paid the price for you. The Owner is my Lord, Jesus Christ.”

“So this is about religion. Interesting approach, kid.” The man said. “Look, you’re entitled to your beliefs, and I’m sorry I was rude, but nothing is free in this world. I’m a good person. I give to charities. Everything I have, I’ve earned. Except for the occasional hostile takeover, I’ve never stolen anything from anyone. When my time comes, I’m not worried about where I’ll end up. Like I said, I’m a good person.”

The man closed the book and handed it to the boy. “Thanks, Son. I’m not interested. Since it looks like the party is over, I’m going to bed. You all can show yourselves out. Thanks for coming. Someone make sure the kid gets home.”

As he walked up the majestic spiral staircase, he turned to see his guests huddled around the little boy. He could hear them questioning the boy about the Owner of the mysterious book. He shrugged his shoulders, stepped into his dark bedroom, and closed the door behind him.

Many years after that unusual party, the man became very ill. Neither his money, nor his possessions could save his life. Sadly, the once wealthy man passed away, and at the moment he breathed his last, he found himself standing before a Great White Throne. Seated on the throne was One who could only be described as Holy, and standing right next to the throne was a small figure. The man quickly recognized the person as the child who brought the book to the party, all those years ago.

Both curious and fearful, the man asked the One on the throne, “Are you..........God?”

“I Am,” He said. After a brief moment, He continued,

“Why didn’t you accept my gift of eternal life that the boy presented to you? The book he showed you was the Book of Life. There is no greater gift you could have received and no greater gift you could have rejected. You threw a Christmas party to glorify yourself, instead of remembering the precious gift I gave you through the birth of My Son—a gift the prophets foretold and My angels heralded. ‘For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:12).”

The man’s jaw dropped and his eyes filled with great sorrow as the Lord pulled the old tattered book from within His spotless, majestic robe. The Lord gently caressed the book’s cover and said, “The leather cover is made from the sandals that my Son—God in the flesh—wore as He shared My gospel throughout Judea. My Son told the people, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose’” (Luke 4:43).

“The scratches in the leather are from the crown of thorns He bore for you. The purple ribbon is from the robe He wore as He was publicly mocked, much the same way you mocked Him at the party. The drops of blood on the ribbon are His blood, which He shed as the payment for your sins. ‘They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head’” (Matthew 27:30).

“The pages are whiter than snow because all the names written in the book are of people who were washed clean by the blood of the Lamb of God, My Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. These people were forgiven their sins because they confessed and turned away from their sins and, by faith, put their trust in My Son alone for their salvation. They received the gift of eternal life that only I can give.”

The man began to sob for he knew how this conversation would end.

“But Lord!” He cried. “I’ve been a good person! Please don’t send me away!”

“How can you say that you were good?” God asked. You broke My Law and mocked My commandments every day of your life. You lied, stole, blasphemed My holy name, and committed adultery in your heart every time you looked at a woman inappropriately. Your hatred for your fellow man amounted to murder in My eyes. I certainly wasn’t first in your life, and you worshipped the false god of your money and possessions.

“I’m sorry,” said the Lord, with a tear in His eye. “I do not wish anyone to perish. I am the God of mercy, but I am also Holy, Righteous, and Just. Your deeds cannot save you. They condemn you. I do not know you. You are not one of my children, so you must depart from Me.”

The man walked to an open door with his face in his hands. The doorway was as black as coal. In the distance he could see roaring flames. The man, weeping bitterly, stepped through the door, never to be seen again.

The boy standing next to the throne was also weeping. His tear-stained face glistened as the glory of the Holy One shined upon him. “I’m sorry, Lord,” he said through quiet sobs. “I tried to share You with that man. I couldn’t make him listen.”

The Lord softly cradled the boy’s chin in His hand and lifted his head. “One never fails when one shares My gospel with others. The failure is when one does not take up his cross and follow me. Your work at the party was not in vain, my little one.”

The Lord pointed to a group of people that were now standing in front of the throne. The boy wiped his eyes and saw that the group of people had all been guests, all those years ago, at the man’s Christmas party. They saw the book for what it really was. They accepted the Lord for who He really is and received Him as their Lord and Savior. Like the boy, they received the perfect gift, paid for by the ultimate sacrifice, and given by the only One who could give it.

One by one the members of the group stepped up to the throne, bowed humbly, confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and spoke his or her name. The Lord reached down and helped each one to his or her feet. With tears of joy now streaming down His face, He embraced each one as if he or she were His only child. “You may enter into Heaven,” He said, “for your name is written in the Book of Life.”

One day, all of us will stand before the Lord. Will your name be written on the pages of His Book?

~~~~~

Although the narrative you just read is fictitious, it contains a great deal of truth. The Bible says, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Heaven and hell are real places, and there is but one-way to heaven, through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

You cannot earn or deserve entrance into heaven. None of the things you do, which you may perceive to be “good works,” will purchase your way to heaven. Because God’s standards for living are perfect, even on our “best days,” this is how He sees our good works. “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you are trusting in yourself to get to heaven, in any way, you will not get there.

God is holy and, by your very nature, you are sinful. Like the rich man in the story, you have broken God’s Law. See for yourself. Honestly answer the following questions. Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen anything? The value doesn’t matter. Have you ever used God’s name to express disgust or excitement, or use His name as a filthy word? Then by your own admission you are a lying, thieving, blasphemer at heart.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The just penalty for your sins against God is death—eternal separation from God, in hell.

But there is good news! The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus the Lord. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Two thousand years ago, God the Father sent His Son to earth in the person of Jesus Christ--fully-God and fully-Man, without sin. He was born of a virgin, just as the prophet Isaiah said he would be, more than 700 years before His birth. He lived the perfect, sinless life you cannot live.

About thirty-three years into His earthly existence, Jesus Christ voluntarily went to the cross. He suffered and died a brutal, bloody death He did not deserve; taking upon Himself the punishment you rightly deserve for your sins against God. God the Father was pleased to crush God the Son under the full weight and fury of His just and holy wrath against sin. God the Father made God the Son who knew no sin to become sin on behalf of sinners so that sinners might become the righteousness of God, through Him.

Three days later, He forever defeated sin and death when He rose from the grave. He is alive today; and He will return at a time of the Father's choosing to judge both the living and the dead.

What God commands of you is the same thing He commands of all people everywhere. God commands you to repent. He commands you to turn away from and forsake your sin, and turn to Him. God commands you, by faith and by faith alone, to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you receive the most precious gift anyone could ever give you, from the only One who can give you the gift.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that God, by His grace and mercy, gives you the gift of eternal life, through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Yes, may God bless you this Christmas with a new heart, with new desires. May He take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. May you receive what no person deserves--God's forgiveness and grace.

My prayer for you is that your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life and not in the books of God's holy judgment against sin.

Kelly's school conference

So this was the first conference I've had for a child of mine where the teacher cried! She started off the conference saying "Before I talk about anything Kelly is doing academically, I have to share with you about what happened at class the other day." I'm thinking great, what could this possibly be? And right off the bat, the teacher is fighting to hold off tears, so I'm sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what in the world?

She explained that the other week she read a story to the class about a little boy that disobeyed his parents and ran off to find a doctor for a horse because the horse was horribly sick. While he was missing the parents were very worried, the police were searching for him, the town was really worried. So then the little boy comes home with the doctor and when he arrives home the parents are crying and upset, but the doctor ends up healing the horse.

Kelly's teacher read this to the class and said she was very disturbed because after the book, in asking the kids questions about the story most of the kids felt it was ok to disobey the parents because it saved the horse. They thought the end justifies the means.

So she sent the kids home to ask their parents about what they thought. Was it right to disobey the parents so the horse didn't die? Kelly brought this question home to us and in discussing it we asked her "What is the Lord's 5th commandment?" Kelly answered "Honor you Father and Mother." So I told Kelly, "I think we should follow that command unless your parents are asking you to go against something in God's Word. So I believe it was wrong for that boy to do what he did."

Turns out the next day, the teacher asked the kids "What did your parents say when you asked them that question about the boy?" It sounded like a lot of the kids didn't phrase the question correctly to their parents, so she got answers that didn't really answer the question.

So then she told the class that her least favorite movie is The Little Mermaid. She said the story is about a young girl that wants to get her way and so she goes against what her father has told her to do and takes matters into her own hands. In the end her father goes through the struggle with the sea witch, but wins and the Little Mermaid gets what she ultimately wanted, to live on land with her prince. She explained how it was wrong of her to disobey the father and put him through that heart ache and struggle. And in the end she denied herself and her father their relationship because she had to leave everything behind.

So, she gets done sharing her thoughts with the kids and some of them raised their hands along with Kelly. She started calling on people and it took her a bit to call on Kelly. She finally called on Kelly and asked her what she wanted to say. Kelly said, "There is one thing I would give up everything and everyone for... Jesus Christ." Kelly's teacher said, "I'm telling you this because it will truly be the highlight of my year. To hear this precious child proclaim Christ to the class was something I will not soon forget."

God's got a hold of my little girls heart. And I praise Him for that. As a parent it is moments like this that take your breath away. This is what this life is about. Lifting high the name of Christ. And so many of us adults struggle with it. It's the faith of a child that we are supposed to have, and I saw a great example of that faith through my Kelly.

Change is in the air

Most of my posts are about pictures of what's going on in the life of The Hyle family. Today I thought I'd just post some thoughts I've been having because my heart has been heavy but in the midst of it all, you have to hold tight to those blessings that God gives us each and every day.
As most of you know, the hardwood floor business has not been all that busy lately, and my husbands body is screaming "Stop doing this to me!" :) It's been tight lately, which is always stressful especially when the future is unknown and you worry about what tomorrow will bring. So, we've been stressed, well, maybe I shouldn't speak for Steve, but as the provider for the family I know it's been weighing on him. The blessing however is that we have always had just enough. And we've been talking to my Mom who (for years) has been working for Business Innovations. It's a company that sells promotional items to other companies to promote their business. Mom has had a lot of success with this and Steve is going to begin training with her, trying to pick up some clients to see how it might work for him. It would be flexible enough that until we could be sure it will work, he can continue his hardwood floor business and do this at the same time. So if any of you own a company or know people who own a company that might be interested in his product, let us know! :)
Another changes is I have been hired with the Central Valley School district as a Classified Sub. I will be subbing as a secretary, teachers aide, supervisor, things like that. We plan to put all the money I make into savings so we aren't relying on a second income and only use it if we absolutely have to. I'm hoping someday this will lead to a permanent position in the school district. But we'll see what happens down the road.
I have mixed feelings about this. I've been a stay at home Mom for 14 years. I love being able to be there for the kiddos at a moments notice. I love my freedom and my spinning class, BSF, and Weight Watchers. But for a season I may have to set some of that aside to help out.
Another change is our dear friends the Benson's are moving to the Tri-Cities. This is one of the hardest changes right now. My heart aches at the thought of them leaving. Everyone keeps saying, "It's only 2 1/2 hours away. You'll still see them lots." But it's not the same. Fay's been living 1.7 miles down the road from me for awhile now and I will miss that comfort of having her so near. Kelly will miss her precious friend Avery. They are even in the same class this year but only for Sept. because they will be leaving at the end of the month. Kelly and I both cried when we found out. It's hard to see your daughters heart hurting while at the same time yours is too. Keith will miss Easton, although you'd never get him to admit that. They were able to put up with the craziness of their parents together. And Eric has been so good for Steve. Getting him to loosen up a bit and do things he wouldn't normally do. The Benson's are our crazy friends. We've had adventures with them that we would have with no one else. When I think of Eric and Fay I think of laughter. We do that A LOT with them. I know it's not good bye, it's see you later, but that doesn't make it any easier.
I just have to focus on the blessing that they're not moving to Billings MT. 8 1/2 hours away. They aren't moving clear to GA. (I know that's random, but we left some dear friends there when we moved away and have missed them ever since.) They are just moving to the Tri-Cities. I know that's a blessing but right now it's hard to feel any thankfulness in my heart because I just want them to stay. And Eric has gotten a really good job which is a huge blessing, and I am happy for him to have that.
Kelly said to me the other day. "Mom, everything is changing. I don't want it to change." I don't blame her and I understand completely how she's feeling. I don't want it to change either. I know some changes will be for the good. But some are hard. Some I don't like.
Thank goodness we have a loving merciful Lord and Savior who will never change. He is our ever constant in a life with twists and turns.
So...that's what I lean on right now. When it comes to business, friendships, schedules, health, whatever it is we have going on in our lives, it can all change in an instant, but we can rest assured that our God is unchanging.

8 Lakes Leg Aches 2010

Just finished the 8 Lakes Leg Aches ride. Mom and Keith rode 30 miles which impressed me because Keith has only ridden once this summer (at the beginning). I rode with Kristin, and Barry. Kristin rode with us the 1st 30 miles and then cut off to do the 75 mile ride. Barry and I tackled 45 miles. I was happy to do it right at about 3 hours and averaging about 14.9 miles an hour. I was surprised to be more sore after this ride than I was the Lewiston ride. Barry said he is more sore after Lewiston than 8 Lakes. My body must like hills more than distance. We had a pretty good head wind most of the ride which made it harder and one corner we went around if we would have stopped peddling I'm pretty sure we would have gone backwards. :)But the temperature was perfect. We could not have asked for a better day. I guess last year it was 100 degrees and they had to come get people off the course because of the heat! I've done nothing but lay around the rest of the day. I have no energy, but, I'm glad I did it and am looking forward to next year.

Updates

We have had a lot going on so I thought I'd do one post to catch up on all the going on's of the Hyle family.

First, when I lost my 52 pounds Dec. 2008, I decided the next goal would be not only to maintain, (Which I have succeeded in) but to also do something physically that I never could have done before. I knew it would involve my bike. Last summer, my back went out. I was in horrible pain and there was no way I was going to be able to do the bike ride I had planed on. This was very frustrating for me, but I focused on healing and getting stronger. Last Feb. I joined the gym and started spinning three days a week. I have loved that! My back now has defined muscles in it, and it helps to hold it in place. :) So, looking at my options for challenging bike rides, I chose the I Made the Grade ride. It is an 18 mile bike ride. That doesn't seem very long or challenging, but the last 8 miles are a 7% incline that goes up 2,000 ft.! June 19th I set out with my Sister, my friend Eric, and my Mom. Kristin, Eric and I tackled the hill. I was surprised at how much better I did than I thought I would. I would have been happy with three hours, but did it in under two! It felt so good to finish and not be horribly sore, but I was tired. The next day I felt great. No soreness. What a change from the past. There would have been no way I would have even finished.

Poor Eric with all those girls :)

1 hour 55 minutes 32 seconds. :)

Yep rode to the top of that!

Absolutely gorgeous view from the top. We were so high up, by the third to the last switchback, I started shaking from being nervous from the height of the hill.

We have also spent some time with our friends the Bensons. We say we survived 8 out of 11 days with the Bensons, they say they survived 8 of 11 days with the Hyles. :) First we went to the cabin in Plain Wa with them. We all piled into the Sequoia together and headed out. Keith was coming home with Auntie from Seattle that day (they had gone to the Mariners/Cubs game together) so we meet them somewhere on I-90 to grab Keith. When we got to Wenatchee we hit the Taco Truck for some delicious tacos which gave us all really bad gas. :) Let's just say that lead to an interesting weekend. HA! Within 3 minutes of getting to the cabin, Avery locked herself in the upstairs bathroom, so between the problem of trying to figure out how to get her out and the fact that there was no toilet paper in there, it was an interesting beginning to the weekend. Eric ended up taking a video of how to unlock the door on another door in the cabin and then climbing up a ladder, showed it to Avery through the bathroom window. Thank goodness that worked! Friday we went into Plain Hardware a favorite spot to shop and spent the rest of the day resting at the cabin. (At least the women did.) The guys headed out on a crazy adventure across the river. They hiked along the ridge (wish I had a picture of it) climbed down the cliff a bit by the river and hiked around while Fay and I snapped pictures of them. They were quit proud of themselves. Then at some point hot and sweaty they found a little swimming hole and got down to their undies and jumped into the river, it was so cold they could only stay in about 15 seconds. Keith took video of the Dads acting like a bunch of kids. :) But I wont put that video on here so you don't have to see them in their undies.
Saturday we headed into Leavenworth to spend some time, but for the most part we just hung out at the cabin enjoying the sun and each other and laughing a lot. We came home Sunday.

Monday Steve and I got sick but on Thursday we were headed out with the Benson's again, this time for a weekend of camping with them and Fay's Mom and Dad, their friends Mike and Jan and my Sister. I took no pictures of our weekend camping. Steve and I were still feeling sick and I just couldn't get myself to get up and take pictures. Keith got up in the mornings at 4:30 am to go fishing with Fay's Dad Rod. He didn't catch anything, but still enjoyed the time spent with him. We had four dogs with us. Bella, Toby, Moxie and Fays parents dog. And when Fay's sister stopped by they brought their two dogs. It was a fun weekend, but we headed home on Sunday afternoon and that night went with the Bensons, and my Mom and Dad to the Indians game for a 4th of July celebration. A tradition of ours for many years. It was a fun packed 11 days. With lots of great memories made. Thanks for putting up with us for that long Eric and Fay. We'll have to do it again someday. :)

Eric showing Avery the video on how to unlock the bathroom door. :) Can you see the annoyed look on his face at Steve for taking a picture?

Mornings at the cabin. A little piece of paradise!

At some point, Eric decided to jump into this tree and give it a hug. Silly Eric!

Kelly had to join the tree climbing

Avery too!

We had fun learning to shot a sling shot.

This was our solution on how to deal with the kids. :)

Group picture!

Goofy group picture!

Country Woodworks Hardwood Floors

We have just gotten a web site for Steve's business. We are really happy with how it turned out and hope it will help boost our business. Our friend Carl Schenkenberger designed the site and we think he did a superb job! Thanks Carl. Feel free to check it out and share it with others. :)

www.countrywoodworks.org

Track 2010

This year Keith tried out track rather than Baseball. They were both at the same time, so he had to pick one or the other. He ended up really liking track. I have a few pictures from the season I thought I'd share. Thanks Dad, Mom and The Benson's for coming to his meets. It means a lot to Keith to have you all out there cheering for him. :)

Mothers Day 2010

We had a nice Mothers Day this year. Mom, Dad and Kristin joined us after church for a lunch of sub sandwiches. One of my favorite meals. We took a walk through the neighborhood, and then headed off to Mom and Dad's house and Keith and Kristin made dinner. Grandma and Aunt Debbie joined us which was really fun. It was a packed day (Full of eating) but fun to spend time with family. It was nice to be spoiled for a day. :)

Trouble #1 and Trouble #2

Gorgeous Calla lilies

They drop water drops.

Silver MT Water Park

For Steve's birthday Dad and Mom got him a trip to Silver MT Water Park. We got to stay one night in a condo up there and had 1 1/2 days at the water park. It was a lot of fun. I would actually like to stay up there in the summer to ride the Gondola up the mountain and hike and picnic at the top of the Mountain. Keith wasn't to crazy about the park. In fact, he pretty much just sat the 2nd day there, but it was fun to people watch. Kelly was on the go constantly. I don't know how many times she went around the lazy river. :) She loved it. So here are a few pictures, and maybe a few videos if I can figure out how to put them on. :)

Kelly's exhausted!

Notice Keith is dry. I don't think he did a single thing but sit in that chair the second day.

Happy 40th Birthday Steve!

Steve was born 40 years ago today. He was born at Lancaster General Hospital at 2:55 am. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. He was 21 inches long. His Mom delivered him breech, he was trouble from the beginning. :) I have been blessed to spend the last 13 (almost 14) years with him, and look forward to many many more!

I loved this poem I read today. I think it says it so well:

When I say that 'I am a Christian,' I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.'

I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian,' I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!