Just One of the Many Activities that Has Kept Me From Blogging This Summer...

Aidah—Please Pray

As I sorted through my mail this past week, I was happy to see a letter from Aidah. She is a 12 year old from Uganda who I have had the privilege to sponsor through Compassion International for the past two years. Through Compassion, Aidah and I have had the opportunity to correspond back and forth fairly consistently. I have loved to see the transforming power of Jesus work in this young girl's life and in the lives of her family. She has eight siblings and parents who do their best to provide for all of them. When Aidah's letter came, I also received a postcard from Compassion International alerting sponsors about the current global food crisis and it's affect on the children of the world.

"The price for rice, beans, corn and other food staples has risen exponentially in recent months, creating extreme hardship and suffering...Families earning less than $2 per day cannot afford to keep up with these rising prices. There is just no margin. The impact is truly devastating."

I believe that our God meets all needs! He tells us not to worry about where our food comes from because He loves us (Matthew Chpt. 6). Please pray with me for children like Aidah who are in desperate need. How else can you be involved? Think about sponsoring a child. For $32 a month, a child receives food, clothing, an education, and the chance to learn about the saving love of Jesus. Visit http://www.compassion.com/ to find out more. It has been one of the coolest things I have had the opportunity to be involved in. God bless you all!

Aidah and the goat she bought with her Christmas money from me.

Arizona Caught Me By Surprise

So, at long last, I am finally posting about our quick trip to Arizona over Memorial Day weekend... I was waiting due to the plentitude of graduation parties and wedding festivities that often come with this season, but also because of the photos that I wanted to post. You see, we went to visit our friends who were living in Arizona for three months. During this time, our friends made some drastic changes and they wanted to surprise everyone when they came home; hence, I have waited to post anything about the trip because I wanted to include photos. Now our friends are safe at home (where they belong, I might add), and now I am free to post photos of our trip!

Years ago, I heard a song by Andrew Peterson called, Nothing to Say. It was my dream that one day I would play that song while staring at the Grand Canyon. This year, that dream came true. I put this video together in a flash, so I'm sure I could've picked better pictures and played with the timing some more...however, it seems appropriate to have Andrew serenade everyone on my blog. I hope that you enjoy. And, if you ever have a chance to see the Grand Canyon—run, don't walk. It is truly breathtaking. As Andrew Peterson so aptly puts it, "Arizona caught me by surprise..."

Joining Forces—Music News

For those of you who don't know, CCM—which is a great magazine that used to keep me up-to-date on all the latest in Christian music, is no more. I received my final issue two weeks ago...hence, this blog: (which might be slightly biased due to my musical interests)...

So, it looks as though two of my favorite musicians/songwriters have joined forces... March 29, Shane Bernard of Shane & Shane and Bethany Dillon got married...perhaps this is semi-old news for some of you, but I just found out. I am excited to see how this will change music for both of them. Will they collaborate on a project? (I think that would be awesome!)... we shall see what the future brings. Until then, congratulations to two incredibly talented songwriters who I really admire! Click here for more pictures.


In other exciting news, the phenomenal wordsmith himself—Bebo Norman, has a new, yet to be named album coming out on September 16. To hear the complete podcast, click here.

Beautiful Baby Boy

The Happy Family - DeeDee, Ricky, and baby Tyrell

Tyrell

Dad, jealous of the baby getting all of the attention, decided to pose for his own photo shoot...

Congratulations DeeDee & Ricky

Tyrell Thomas

One of My Best Days

Today has been such a good day! Ok, so not all of it has been perfect... but I'll admit, I have been just kind of down/lethargic... trying to get through these last few weeks of the semester. Well, today is Administrative Professionals Day, and since, during this season in my life, I happen to be an Admin, I was showered by much love today at work! I received flowers and a gift from my boss, a gift from my supervisor, and flowers from a couple who came to visit campus.

When I went to my English class, I was nervous because we were getting our exams back today. I confess, I have been saddened by most of my grades in that class, mostly because I always try to do my best, and frankly, my best has not been cutting it, and also because I love this class. It is the best class I have had since my college career began! So, anyway, when he handed our exams back, I was slightly shocked and amazed to see a big "A" on the front! I can't tell you how happy that made me!

And, for those of you who don't know, our dear DeeDee who has lived with my family for the past several months, had her baby yesterday. Tonight, if she hasn't left the hospital already, I am going to get to see sweet baby Ty! I can't wait!

You know, sometimes life is hard and at times, it feels like you trudge through it. But I am consistently reminded of the goodness of God...in days like today, in blessings like Ty. While we should praise God in the midst of the storm, every now and then, it is so great to be able to praise Him in the midst of tremendous joy!

I thought of an old Geoff Moore and the Distance song as I was writing this post, hence the title. It's a great song... even if I am dating myself! : )

Best Days

The river was deep, the water was cold,
I was only twelve years old.
My dad and me, trout fishing,
Waist deep in a Michigan stream.
He showed me how to make that fly,
Look like it was so alive.
And then he helped me understand,
How to be a fisher of men.

And all the world was right,
And I felt so full and alive
In the wonder and the light,
And I would never be the same,
For I knew somehow I had changed.
Even now I'd have to say,
It was one of my best days.

It was like a rock, a lump in my throat,
I was eighteen years old,
But I had to say something
To the prettiest girl I'd ever seen.
A new world record was set that day,
For the stupid things I'd say.
I made her laugh, It must've been enough,
For by day's end we'd fall in love.

And all the world was right,
And I felt so full and alive
In the wonder and the light,
And I would never be the same,
For I knew somehow I had changed.
Even now I'd have to say,
It was one of my best days.

Sometimes I look to the eastern sky,
Wondering what it will be like,
When we all finally learn,
Of the day You return.
What will I feel?
Where will I be?
Will it all seem like a dream?
I think it'll be like a long-lost friend,
Coming back to His family again.

And all the world will be right,
And we'll feel so full and alive
In His wonder and His light,
And we will never be the same,
For I know we all will be changed,
And we will surely say,
This is the very best of days,
This is the very best,
The very best of days.