"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ...
And of his fullness have all we received,
and grace for grace" (John 1:14,16).
Last Saturday, a couple of us Grays participated in a Tae Kwon Do Demonstration at a car-show held by First Baptist Church of Middleburg. It was a lot of fun, but be glad you weren't there, because when we left it was about 105 deg. F... Anyway, we enjoyed looking at all the cars in between our shows. There were a lot to see!! Dad found this one, just like his first car, except his had black interior...a '66 Ford Fairlane.
OK, I know you're waiting for the demo stuff. =P
Here's Katherine practicing her routine...
...and breaking the last of four boards.
Here's Christian preparing a concrete and wood combo break. He used to attend our class, but was made an instructor after he earned his black belt, so was moved to a new school. He had a handkerchief on top of the concrete. Once his hand broke through the concrete, it wrapped around his hand, and it went flying after he broke the board.=P
You can click your mouse on each image to see a larger/better view, by the way.
This was my routine. I started out by breaking 2 pieces of concrete at one time, and then I broke 4 more concrete singles. I had Brad (a friend of mine) setting them up as fast as I could break them.
Right after that, I took one of the pieces I had already broken and chopped the end off of that, as my finale.=P
This is Brad, who has been taking martial arts for more than 10 years. He's setting up to put an elbow through 6 (you can count 'em) pieces of concrete. That's 12 inches of concrete, by the way.
This is Mr. Lynn's setup. He broke 2-1" boards each time with first a turning back-fist, and then a turning side-kick...
This is Drew, another one of us nuts. =P
This is Christian again... He's setting up to take his third run at jumping through a hula-hoop and breaking a board. (I tol' ja we were nuts.) The first 2 times, he got hung up on the hoop, but this time he made it through the hoop and broke the board. I think most would agree that he was the most entertaining out of the lot of us.
Special thanks to Grand Master Charles Coker (GMC, =P) for starting Yesha Ministries 26 years ago, without which my family, friends, and I would not have the chance to develop TKD skills in a godly environment. Within this ministry, our faith in the LORD is encouraged, and our bodies are exercised/strengthened. Thanks to Dad, for having the vision to get our family started in this program and kept us going when some of us (no names are mentioned =P) wanted to quit. Also, many thanks go to Eric (2nd Dan) & Yvonne Salis (3rd Dan), my first TKD instructors, for teaching me through to earn my black belt. Lastly, I'd like to thank Masters Mark Sadusky and Nels Gyland for the excellent training, coaching, and advice on breaking.
Mark and I have visited the OLD city many times, and we never tire of going.
We've made many special memories there; the best of them being February 14th, 1987, the day Mark proposed to me, and September 25th, 1987, seven months later, the night we honeymooned there.
The BayfrontWescott House Inn
We spent our first night together at the BayfrontWestcott House Inn, a Bed and Breakfast, room 203, overlooking the Matanzas Harbor/River. It was BEAUTIFUL in 1987, and it was even more BEAUTIFUL this past weekend when Mark took me back again for our 22nd anniversary, to room 203!! It was sooooo special to return.
Although the room had been renovated/updated since 1987, it was great to be back. We had a lot more time and energy this visit, and enjoyed our stay even more.
The temperature and humidity were quite high, but that didn't hinder us from getting out to enjoy the city Friday afternoon and evening.
Horse-drawn Carriage ride
Although I'm still under the doctor's orders to stay off my feet, we didn't get out to tour the city on foot as we had in the past. Instead, Mark arranged to have a horse drawn carriage pick us up at the inn, then drive us around for an hour before we ate. William, our carriage driver, flowed with historical facts, much of which I do not remember hearing on February 14th in '87, so I'm glad we went again : ). When the sun began to set, the breeze became cooler, and the night lights were beautiful. It was great fun.
Our horse, Golly, actually lives in NW Jacksonville, but was boarded in St. Augustine to work this season. His owners, two 80 something year old sisters, felt he needed a change of scenery, so leased him to the carriage company; He's getting more exercise and experience around people, which seems to benefit him and everyone else well. What a great and enjoyable service. I highly recommend the horse drawn carriage tour, especially during the latter part of the day (7 p.m.) when the temps lower and the lights dim. This hour seemed the perfect time to go!
After our carriage ride, we walked a few blocks away from the inn to Harry's Seafood and enjoyed a nice meal. We considered returning to a favorite restaurant, but decided to find a restaurant in close range so we wouldn't need the truck. We didn't want to lose our 'choice' parking spot directly behind the inn. St. Augustine is quite the buzzing place. Our inn-keeper said this is the 'off season', but you wouldn't know it by the cars lined up on the street, especially when you're looking for a place to park. The Wescott House had a designated parking lot, but it was several blocks away, which we didn't want to use, if we didn't have to. The LORD was gracious to provide a space for us behind the inn, so once we parked, the truck stayed... : ). This was another wonderful blessing of the weekend : ) ! My foot held up well, and didn't seem troubled by the few blocks we walked (until Sunday : ( ).
YES, we left the children HOME ALONE, and I survived! They survived too! : ) We missed them very much, but trusted MS and Matt were very capable brothers, and could manage well. I continue to PRAISE the LORD that ALL went well. I enjoyed hearing their stories when we returned. My favorite words were, 'It was weird being here without you!' It was good to hear our children missed us.
Finally, I want to close with sharing, Mark thought he'd trick the children by texting them Friday night to say, 'Wrecked truck! Come pick us up. Call first'. I laughed about this because the boys were slightly disappointed/offended that Dad wouldn't leave the new truck with them, for fear they'd wreck it while we were out of town. Well, within a few moments, MS text'd back with his reply, 'Very Funny!'. He's definitely not a very gullible young man, which is a great attribute for the young man placed in authority over our little lambs while we were away. That seemed the perfect time to text back to ask if they were home safely after attending a demo practice (downtown on Liberty Street!!!) for the TKD demo they'd participate in the next day...they were home! (Demo picts are forthcoming via MS, I believe).
House of Gray, Est. 09/25/87, 22 years later and counting....
Special memories have made for an overall great 22nd anniversary!!
Now that the children are getting older, Mark said we'll start getting away more. Since I'm quite the 'homebody', and often dread the thought of 'missing the children', I anticipate the JOY of trusting Jesus more!!
"Tis so Sweet....Oh for grace to trust Him more!"
A Model Marriage*
Recently our friend, Debbie, lost her husband, Doug, to cancer.
I was greatly moved by the inscription of these words written by Charles H. Spurgeon on the back of the program which was handed out to those who attended his memorial service. Doug was buried just hours before on that day, which marked their 30th anniversary.
Please take a moment to read this description of what a 'Model Marriage' is like...Read the entire love story of Charles and Susanna Spurgeon if you'd like, or scroll down to 'The Model Marriage' subtitle to begin...
I am grateful for those who have set this 'Model Marriage' example before us! We are especially grateful for our parents' examples; they have each celebrated more than 50 years of marriage together...PRAISE THE LORD!!
As Mark and I continue to mature in Christ's love for one another, we desire to model this BLESSED marriage love for our children. LORD, may it be so! Matthew 19:4-6.
*The Blessed Marriage by Charles H. Spurgeon...this link is no longer available, so I've pasted in what I had copied and documented in a file...see below.
The Blessed Marriage
Sometimes we have seen a model marriage, founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her, he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart’s love belongs to him, and to him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is her where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom, that she may there create happiness and comfort is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him. A tear from his eye, because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She asks not how her behavior may please a stranger or how another’s judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately united that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leaped to both their lips. Happy woman and happy man! If Heaven be found on earth, they have it~ At last, the two are so blended so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and it’s burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love. So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them that the two streams of their life have washed away the dividing bank, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity. ~Charles Spurgeon~
This past Sunday afternoon our family had a very pleasant surprise:
Our friends, the Stephensons, dropped by. They were on there way home from a theme park called "Wet 'n Wild" when they decided to visit. So we woke Mom and Dad up (because they usually take naps on Sunday), greeted the Stephensons, and went into the Family room to talk and get caught up on things. We had so much fun. Time flew by, and after an hour or two, the Stephensons had to leave for their home in Brunswick, GA.
Here are some pictures...
"Samantha with an S"
Little John Joseph
Joshua the "BiggieBro", as he calls himself, celebrated his 17th B-day this weekend.
Jeremiah and Matthew
All the kids together
Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson
All the parents together
Dad wanted everybody to do a straight face, like in the pictures back when nobody smiled, but nobody listened.
Parent's funny face
We love you Stephenson family. All rights reserved. :)
Elisabeth Elliot is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read many, if not all, of her books, and still treasure them as I refer back to them often for encouragement. Her 15-minute radio broadcast, Gateway to Joy, no longer airs, in fact, aired for the last time in August of 2001, shortly after John was born. For years, I met with Elisabeth Elliot daily at 2:30 p.m. while the children rested and/or had quiet activities. Finding out that this 'special time' would come to an end was really difficult for me, especially after losing both of my grandmothers, just weeks before. Elisabeth Elliot's replacement was Nancy Leigh DeMoss, host of radio broadcast Revive Our Hearts. She, too, has become another favorite author of mine since that time. God has met my spiritual needs. He continues to bless and encourage my growth in different ways through many precious people.
Elisabeth Elliot writes and travels less now (for speaking engagements), yet her life continues to influence mine. I consider it a blessing to be able to follow her 'Daily Devotion' via...http://www.elisabethelliot.org
The story of her life and walk with the LORD strengthens me greatly, i.e., the transparency of her personality and faith through many hardships and victories! I highly recommend her writings to anyone who desires to be built up in their faith. She has surely helped make scripture come alive in my heart and life.
This is a portion of the devotion I read this morning. If you'd like, read the whole devotion. It is quite moving...
"This doctrine of the cross is sheer folly to those on their way to ruin, but to us who are on the way to salvation, it is the power of God.... To shame the wise, God has chosen what the world counts folly, and to shame what is strong, God has chosen what the world counts weakness. He has chosen things low and contemptible, mere nothings, to overthrow the existing order. So there is no place for human pride in the presence of God....He is our righteousness; in him we are consecrated and set free" 1 Corinthians 1:18, 27-30, NEB (Elisabeth Elliot, Devotion Title: A Lighthouse in Brooklyn).
Elisabeth Elliot's books can be found in many Christian bookstores, but if you visit her website, check out the 'Books & Tapes' link. There are a few special offers there you are likely to not find anywhere else.
Hello everybody. I interrupt your day to bring you a special report... John Dear: The Mountain! Our family and some friends like to visit the dunes near our house to ride dirt bikes and our 4weeler. In the picture above, Matt and I are riding his 4weeler. It was a short ride.
There is a mountain at the dunes. I like to get on the top. This is me standing on the mountain.
This is me getting ready to slide down the mountain.
I'm getting dirty but having fun! Thanks Mom!
Stay tuned for more information. Join me at 4:00pm tomorrow.
A lot has taken place around our house in recent weeks. Time passes quickly with much to think about, and of course, much to do.
A couple of Friday evenings ago, our friend, Mark Y., returned to hang the last door in the sewing room. This door now connects the sewing room and laundry area to the garage. The door looks great unfinished, but MS will likely prime and paint it this week.
Our friend, Isaac N., was here a lot this past week to mud and sand the walls. He also mudded part of the ceiling.
Another big change that took place was the removal of the old door (which originally lead from the laundry area out to the back of the garage). A portion of the wall surrounding the door was also removed to help open up the new entrance area.
As I've said before, I thrive on watching my guys work around here. I wish I could explain the joy I receive from watching their diligence. Progress alone is very encouraging, but to imagine my boys are learning something that will help them in the future makes my heart soar!
Recently, my dad shared his perspective of my joy...
"As an adolescent, your dream was to become a "mother." I never realized that subconsciously [your] dream was to have a husband and a bunch of kids so that you could become a "work foreman!".
HA! I must confess that being a mother often requires this of me!
It is a blessed privilege to be a mother. There is no greater calling, I believe, than to have a part in the 'plan' that God ordained/designed to conform each heart and life in our family to HIS image! I'm learning that my call is not at all about my efforts/work, but the willingness to yield to HIS way/work. God fulfills/completes this great work.
Well, Dad's words have come to light in the last few days.
I have become quite the 'work foreman'. After three weeks of nursing a sore foot, I found out last week that I have a stress fracture. There's no telling how this happened, but I suspect it could be the result of my recent reacquaintance with TaeKwon Do :)!
Katherine is known for seeing problems on the bright side, and said, "Mom, This just means we need to get you some TKD shoes".
I wish I could say that my response was as bright...
"Oh really? I thought this meant TKD is not for me and I should quit (again)!"
The podiatrist said, "Stay off of your foot for three weeks, then come back for another x-ray".
Stay off my foot?
I must say, being a 'work foreman' comes easy for me today.
It wasn't long ago that MS had similar imposed limitations, so he's quite familiar with the ethics of recovery. He's taken liberty to be 'the authority' about this and reminds me often, 'get off your foot, elevate, and ice it'. It seems the hours are passing by slowly today.
I have purposed to meditate and have found great encouragement from 2 Samuel 7.
The construction of David's house had just been completed when he sat and enjoyed the rest God provided from his enemies. David imagined it seemed inappropriate that he should live in a house of cedar, while the ark of God was kept in the meager surroundings of a tent. So, he thought, "I'll build a house for God". Nathan, David's friend, agreed that this was a great idea, but God intervened and had a different plan. God simply told Nathan to go to David and say, 'You, build me a house? Have I ever told anyone that I wanted a house of cedar? I do not desire to be limited by a house. I have moved in a tent, a tabernacle, as I desired after leading my people out of Egypt/bondage'.
Then Nathan told David as the LORD commanded,
"I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with thee..., and have cut off thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Morever, I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that HE will make thee a house...I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I WILL ESTABLISH his [Solomon's ? Temporarily, but eternally, Christ's!] kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
David humbles himself before the LORD, and rightly sees himself in God's eyes as a servant instead of 'the king'or builder/foreman.
"Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my house , that YOU have brought me this far?...And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, LORD GOD, knowest thy servant. For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. Wherefore thou art great, O LORD GOD: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears..." (7:18, 20-22).
David realized he didn't need a temple/building/house in order to worship God.
He praised God for who He IS, for HIS greatness! David began to really worship God here! His heart was rightly focused on the greatness and grace of God, instead of his success/authority as king. David recognized himself for who he is without God.
For this reason, David requested God's promise to be fulfilled, "For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, has revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee a house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. And now, O LORD GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou has promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue forever before thee: for thou, O LORD GOD, has spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed forever" (2 Samuel 7:27-29).
WOW! What an awesome passage. I cannot begin to comprehend all the TRUTHS/PROMISES that are packed within this chapter!
I'm overwhelmed by the promise of God to David, that HE would make and establish His house to last forever, The Church, and fulfill HIS promise to us through Jesus. We do not need a building/temple to worship/fellowship with HIM. God ordained that HIS kingdom be established within our hearts.
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ "(I Peter 2:45).
"...Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the LORD for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this" (Psalm 22:3, 30-31).
O LORD, let it please you to bless the 'House of Gray', thy servants, that it may continue forever before you: For you, O LORD GOD, have spoken. With your blessing let the 'House of Gray', thy servants, be blessed forever. Amen.
Today we received the awesome news that Mark's dad, 'Pawpaw', will not have to begin kidney dialysis anytime soon! As you can imagine, WE ARE ELATED!! We PRAISE THE LORD for His perfect provision of a better functioning kidney for Pawpaw! Even Dr. Davis proclaimed the goodness of God today, giving HIM praise for the miracle that Pawpaw's kidney has improved to the condition it was in two years ago.
Several weeks ago, Dr. Davis gave Pawpaw the news that his one and only kidney was failing. 'Dialysis' has never been a word that any of us wanted to think/speak about, especially Pawpaw. The last few weeks have been really hard/long for him. I wish I could say we knew how to help and encourage him, but we didn't. We only knew to call, visit, take him out to eat, and pray. Yet his heart remained heavy. This was a faith lesson we all had to trust Jesus with. I remember receiving the news back in 1995 that one of Pawpaw's kidneys had a tumor. Our boys were 4 and 1-1/2 then, and the only words I knew to speak to MS re: this trial were the words to a favorite hymn, "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". This song became our daily song/prayer during those days of uncertainty. After the kidney was removed, the biopsy revealed the tumor was cancerous, but 'incapsulated' or 'contained', meaning it had not spread, and was bound by the walls it grew. Pawpaw did not need chemotherapy or radiation! Praise the LORD! Will I ever sing this song and not remember what God did then, and now again?
LORD Jesus, Thank you for demonstrating again today how trustworthy and merciful You are to our family. Your mercies are new every morning, Great is your faithfulness! You have multiplied years of life, generations, to our family, through Pawpaw. We are very grateful for your work, your healing hand, in his life!
The House of Gray, Est. 1950, Four generations pictured October, 2007-Pawpaw's 80th Surprise Birthday party Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came from near and far to celebrate~
"My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the LORD GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou has redeemed" (Psalm 71:15-18,23).
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Text: Louisa M. R. Stead, c. 1850-1917 Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921 Tune: Trust in Jesus
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word; just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the LORD".
Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, How I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust his cleansing blood; and in simple faith to plunge me neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Chorus...
Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.
Chorus...
I'm so glad I learned to trust thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; and I know that thou are with me, wilt be with me to the end.
Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, How I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4).
