We decided to redo out bathroom in yellow and green this time around. We were going to do orange but never found the right shower curtian for it. But i like what we have now. Avery of course helped us put the curtian together along with enjoying helping mommy and daddy with everything. She loves to help and play with whatever we are doing. She follows us around the house and gets very excited when she wants to. I love our little girl!

It is rather crazy going from such a nice vacation right back into work and business. We both worked on Wed which was a hectic day for us since there was so much piled up. Thursday i spent the morning taking all the tree limbs and stacking them on the side of the road and out of our yard. That ice storm really did its job on our trees, and i cant get all the damaged limbs down on my own.

Avery had her first fit of agression at daycare. The teacher says she pulled hair, pushed and bit someone. She has already started biting at daddy for a while. Really she just does it when her teeth are coming through and we we saw last night she has three molars coming in the back to go along with the other one she has in the back top left of her mouth. We need to watch her when she bites though so she knows its wrong. Its not easy to discipline your child or make sure they know when they did something wrong. Hopefully we dont have to do it often.

This weekend Hollys step brother is back from Iraq so we are going to head on over to her dads to celebrate Christmas and enjoy seeing him and his wife and two sons. Should be fun.

I dont know what God has ahead for us, i do thank Him for life though and family. Its good to have those we can hold onto. Holding on to my daugther and my wife is awesome. It is a beautiful thing.

Matthew 6:12

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12

Jesus calls us to pray for forgiveness, this is something we should keep in the front of all our prayers with the Lord. The forgiveness we must ask for first is that of our own sins. Before Jesus in prayer all things are brought into the light. All of your thoughts, feelings, attitudes are magnified under the lens of His Holiness. Its important for us to set ourselves on the right path by first asking for help with our failings. 

The forgiveness that we have is not conditional upon forgiving someone else. We are forgiven because Jesus Christ paid for our debts. Because we are forgiven we should forgive. It works the way everything else does. You respond in kind to the way you have been treated. This goes right along with the mercy we talked about earlier. You give what you have been given, but Christ is not going to keep you from forgiveness. He already offered full pardon from the cross.

We all want to be forgiven when we make mistakes. Even more we should want to forgive because it allows freedom to enter into our own lives. Darkness will creep in and take over a heart that does not forgiven. Sin loves those kinds of hearts. Once we given up the things that the Lord asks of us to give, we will be free. He gives us freedom when we forgive both to the one who sinned against us, and to ourselves.

Happy New year! 2008 is finally here and its hard to believe how fast the time goes. The vacation for that matter as we leave today to head back home. It was great spending time with family and friends though. Avery enjoyed playing in the backyard running in the grass and enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. We get to go back home to the cold though, so we can look forward to spring.

We went to the service last night at WOL which was real good, Avery made it through most of it anyway, the worship part. Then we came home and had some good food and headed to bed. Now we get to go on another long flight which hopefully wont be to much trouble. So much to take care of when we get home with work and our yard from all that tree damage.

God is bringing us into a new year with new opportunites in store for us. I pray that it will be a blessing to us and we will grow as a family closer to each other and to Him.

Yesterday was a busy day for all of us. Mostly because we went on a two mile hike up into the moutians. That was Averys first real hike so it was pretty fun. She rode on daddys shoulders most of the way but she did take turns on Aunt Laurie and Aunt Dianes for a little bit as well. She enjoyed it and did a little walking herself.

We came home and watched Transformers and then went to dinner at a new barbeque place at the mall. Pastor Danny mentions it alot so now i know what he is talking about in her Sermons when it comes up. We are going to church later this morning though he wont be there, still should be good to visit Water of Life. Its been a while since we have been and i always enjoy going to my home church.

Jon, Jess, and Lexi came over for dinner and to hang out with us for a while last night. Avery did not take to Lexi the way we thought she would. She kind of just tolerated her presence, thinking this was her territory. Kind of the like the dogs have been doing here. Dianes dog Tasha, and mom and dads dog Tawny have been much that way. Lexi just played with the toys and eventually Avery was playing to, but not really together so much. Maybe when they get older. Anyway it was great to see them all last night, i wish we had more time to spend with them.

the week is going by well for us on vacation. It is good to get away from the norm of life. Of course we still touch base with the home office as much as we can. Avery seems to be enjoying herself, very happy baby having all of mommy and daddy to herself along with Aunt Laurie, Diane, grandma and grandpa. Tonight we will see Jon, Jessica, and Lexi. That will be great.

last night Holly and I went to see the new National Treasure: Book of secerts. It was good and we enjoyed it. I like anything that takes me into the History books of our country or any history for that matter. It is my favorite subject next to Literature. Anyway the mountians here are breath taking during the winter, its still pretty cold but at least i dont have to worry about ice or snow. Rain maybe, but havent seen any of that yet either.

Christmas morning we rose up from our beds and went to the tree to open gifts as a family. Avery was a lot more active this year than last of course, and enjoyed her presents greatly. She got a bouncing zebra to ride on, a giant pink chair, sammy starfish from her swim school, and some books. Holly and my group gift this year was the dinning room table, but other than that she bought me a dual handset home phone system. I got her a statue from the willow tree collection, Child of Mine. We collect those and so far have maybe 20 or thirty. Well more so now since we got more from my parents too.

We went over to Hollys moms after we got through out presents and packed for our trip a little. There were presents to open and given there. Avery of course got a lot of fun stuff to play with and wear. Then we went home and got ready to take our plane trip to California.

Avery did pretty good on the plane for the most part, no major crying. We did have to expend some of her enegery by letting her roam around the airport, with daddy of course. But it was a good direct flight. Flying on Christmas isnt to bad. We arrived last night and ate some waffles and eggs my dad made. Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jason were there as well as Aunt Diane and her dog Tasha. We gathered around the tree and opened gifts.

One tradition my parents started is the code word tags which means we dont right actual names more like titles for each person. Like if the gift is for Holly from me it would say to Honda Lover from Toyota boy. Or something like that. Its fun. Avery was very tired by this time but enjoyed the presents and helped unwrap a little bit. Finally she fell asleep in grandpa's arms.

Now its the next morning and i just got done enjoying a nice hot bath in my parents wonderfully deep tub. Just wanted to update things. It is good to have family around during the holidays, and good to see those you have not seen in a while. I look forward to the week ahead and seeing Jon and his family too.

Merry Christmas from our little wonderful family. Hard to believe its already Christmas eve, seems like the time just went right on by. Yesterday was Hollys 26th birthday and we had a good time with that. We woke up and i gave her a beautiful set of earings and necklace with Avery's birthstone. Avery gave mommy a kiss and some very very soft socks from Bath and body. Very good gifts. Then we went to Church and afterward had cake and ice cream at grandmas. Then I took Holly up to Jarrett Farm bed and breakfast, which we have been to before. We just ate this time though, we didnt stay the night. Last time were were there, we had been married for six months. Its a great place to go.

Today i worked till 4:15 then rushed home to the family Christmas party, this year at Nicoles. There was good food and presents to enjoy. Now we are home and the little one is fast asleep. Momma is worn out from a day of cooking, taking care of Avery, and wrapping gifts. I just finished putting together Avery's bouncing zebra toy and inflatable pink chair. She has that and the rocking chair granny bought her. The kid has lots to enjoy now. She already did of course. Tommrow we will wake up and it will be Christmas and in the afternoon we fly to California. Cant wait! Lots to do tonight though, Santa coming and all.

We took Avery out last night with the Erwin family to the college light display. That was a great deal of fun just seeing all the lights. Its sad with the tree damage that parts were closed, but that is all due to the weather. Its just so good to have power and heat in the house now. Last night we came home and the cable, ph, and internet services were back up and running, we were of course very thrilled about that. I had left the channel on the Christian music station with the tv off but the sound box on so it was neat to walk into the house with worship music.

Speaking of worship we tried out a new church this past sunday that reminds me of a small Water of Life from back in California. The worship was good with a lot of songs by Chris Tomlin and some others. We will go back this Sunday which is also Hollys birthday. Hard to believe how fast the time goes, just sitting here looking at pictures from last year. And here we are at Christmas again. Last Saturday we went to eat at Mazzios with Hollys dad and stepmom to celebrate their birthdays along with Holly and Nicoles birthday. Today we are going out to Grannys house for a Christmas celebration and birthday as well. Should be good.

I praise the Lord for all He has done this holiday season. Even in the midst of the storm we had through here there was provision for our daily needs. Never once did i feel like he was not present with us. This has been a good Christmas even with all the bad weather and falling trees.

Our yard looks like a war zone. Granddady and Mema came out Thursday and helped me get the tree off the main line outside. We still have a lot of tree work that needs to be done out there. But some of that might have to wait till after the holiday. For that matter they expect it might snow again today. I look forward to what is ahead.

Sunday evening the ice storm came into our area and pretty much wiped out everything in its path. We lost tree branches which in turn knocked out our power and cable lines. Our backyard looks like a war zone, which i might post pics of later if i get a change. We moved into Hollys moms house for now till we can get power back up and running, so there is not a lot we can do for the holidays. Avery loves grandma's house so she doesnt mind so much, she is her normal little precious toddler. Always a bit winy when tired though. We love her so much! Im looking forward to things getting back to normal and getting the yard cleaned up. Seems like trees just havent been good for us lately. Ill have to make sure our next house doesnt have any. At least not any large trees.

It is hard to believe that in two weeks we will be getting ready to celebrate Holly's birthday, and then move into the Christmas celebration. December is moving right along, quickly. We had had mild cold weather so far but are in for a blast of ice in the coming days.

This morning we went and saw Santa Clause, Avery didnt enjoy that to much. Then we went and bought a new dining room table with four chairs and a bench that matches along with it. Its our gift to each other this year. I am excited about it and it will give us more room to have people over for dinner.

All other events are just moving along and we still must remember the real reason for this season. Our Lord Jesus in all of His glory came down in the humble state of a baby and was born in a small town, in a barn. He came to bring us hope and salvation. How wonderful.

Avery helping mommy and daddy with the tree.

Thanksgiving has come and gone for us this year. So why don't i recap just a quick minute here. Wednesday Holly got off early to get everything ready for our usual small family gathering. That grew this year. Of course We had the three of us along with Nicole and her family, Hollys dad, and Hollys other sister Haylie, and Hollys granny. So there were a few people and the food was great. Holly did a great job. Avery loved eating and then when she finished threw her tray down on the ground to tell everyone she was done.

Thursday we went to Hollys Mema's house which is an hour drive. We often go out there for the day and enjoy some more good home cooking and turkey. Avery loves that time as well. We play bingo, watch a movie and enjoy good family.

Friday i worked so Holly went out to the city with her mom and Avery to do some Christmas holiday shopping. Hard to believe its really that time of year again. She did pick up a six foot pre lit tree this year which makes it easlier on us to decorate and all. Today we put it up after we got back from going to her Grannys house. I got some of the lights up and the tree looks amazing. Ill try to get a pic on here later of our little sprout. She is growing so fast. I look forward to the days ahead.

Avery is at it again, being adorable and completly wild. She loves wandering around and getting into whatever her little hands will find. She is saying more words here and there. One of her words is 'more', she says that alot when we are feeding her and she wants to get more food. She also says milk and mama. Of course there are a few other words here and there, but mostly just those for now. She is growing so fast, hard to believe really.

This is the week when things start getting crazy for thanksgiving. We are working on our Christmas pictures, dinner preparation, and of course thinking about what gifts to by for all the family and friends. There are a lot.

We also have a jacket for Avery which bundles her up nice with the cold air coming in. Its almost feeling like winter is here, though you can tell its still fall. Ill get some new pics up when i can. We have some cute ones.

Matthew 4:5-7

Friday is here and the weekend is all we tend to look forward to. I have to remind myself that every day is a day God gives for us to use for Him. Its just not always so simple. Pray for darling Avery to get over her cold, and the rest of us for that matter. Thank you much and have a great weekend.

David

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Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 
      ‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’
  and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
      Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”

Matthew 4:5-7
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Satan always misquotes anything that the Lord says, and this passage is no exception. The verse misquoted is from Psalm 91:11.12, a very important phrase is left out that says the Lord will ‘guard you in all of your ways.’ Jesus is here being tempted to test God. Whenever there is a message you wonder about, always go to the Word and see if it lines up with the truth. If there is discrepancy, throw out it out. 

Our Lord does allow us to test him in one area of life. That is the area of giving and tithing found in Malachi 3. We are told to give to the Lord and see to it that He will give back 100% in return to us. The idea here is not to give so that we will get back, but to give because we are supposed to. Offer your life as a sacrifice and give offerings unto the Lord. He doesn’t need our gifts, but he is pleased when we give.

When the Lord speaks, listen to what he is saying. There are going to be many voices you will hear in this world, they are not all good to listen to. We know that when the Word is spoken it is truth. Do not allow someone to misquote the Word to you or ever take it out of context to prove their own belief. The Word should define our Truth, not our truth define the word. Praise Him and give to Him all of your life.

Avery was a white kitty for Halloween this year. We tried to go to the trunk or treat but the line was to long and it was to cold for us to stand out there and wait. We did go to one hour across the street from us and of course grandma came over and saw her in her cute costume. Her granny made the costume so that makes it even more precious.

So now November is finally here and we look ahead to the Holiday season. I love this time of year with all the lights and cheer and music. Something about it is just peaceful. Though there is so much to do and so little time to accomplish any of it. But that is okay. Holly stayed home from work today and we hung out and watched some movies. It was good to have just family time. We did go for a walk in the park since its one of the last cool days before it gets too cold to go out. Avery had her first swing ride which was on daddy and mommys lap. Then she went to swim class and tonight had her first bubble bath to clean up. WIth the weather she has gotten a little sick again with runny nose and all. We will have to go get a vaporizer, hopefully it helps.

Right now i am going through some old messages from Pastor Danny and enjoying those in my car and my lunch time. Its good to get some solid teaching from the Word. Life gets so busy and crazy that i need to be able to have a place to stand, and the Rock is the best place. Jesus is my rock and fortress. As we go on ahead with the coming weeks I know He will be with us and watch over every step we make. Praise Him.

Matthew 4:3-4

November is finally here and already I hear the sound of Christmas music and feel the cool crisp air of the holidays. I love this time of year, though it can be a little too cold around here for my taste. Either way its going to be good. Avery looked very cute in her white kitty costume last night. She got a little bit of candy too. Ill try to get some pics posted to my blog later. Be blessed today

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Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:3-4
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Jesus had a mission when He came to earth, he knew that mission and apparently the devil was well aware of it as well. We will see in the things he tempted Jesus with that they go against his mission and humanity. 

This first temptation actually should read as, “prove you are.” The question implies that the devil knows Jesus is the Son of God and wants him to do something only God could do. The Word of God is always used in Jesus’ response. Jesus knows the importance of the Word as our refuge. He quotes from the book of Deuteronomy more than any other book in the Old Testament. 

Reading and understanding the Bible is our key to protection from the lies of the devil and the world. The way to stand firm is to know the Scripture and be ready. Anyone that says they don’t need to read the Old Testament, does not realize how much of it is in the New Testament. It also plays the main source material for sermons given in the book of Acts, as well as main points in the other letters written to churches. We must read the Word daily, for it gives us life and refuge.