Happy New Year!

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From the Follman household to yours...

Happy New Year!!

We hope you have a great year of growing in God's love, and are blessed all around!

Through the Years

God stays the same through the ages.

I and my family don't!

Here is a fun pic and last trip post from our journey north to see family in NY. My mom has her fridge covered with pics from the past, including these beauties.

Take a look, see if you can find me... big hint, I'm their oldest ;)

Home

This is how our trip back home to Kentucky started this morning. We thought we might be in for another long trip home. While it was a long trip (about 12.5 total hours) the weather wasn't nearly as bad as the way up to New York.

For the first few hours things looked like the pic, or at least with wintry slushy conditions, but once we hit Erie and headed south things started to clear.

It's good to be home.

Praise the Lord for a great trip and great Christmas vacation with family. We loved seeing everyone, and even got to see much of our extended family too this time.

We are so blessed!

You might be from Western New York if...

After living outside of Western New York for several years now, some distinct qualities of the area come to mind when we visit.

So here is my brief list of "You might be from/in Western New York if...."

Oldies or classic rock are your go to radio stations.

"Wide Right" reminds you of what could've been.

You're Italian.

Blizzard conditions means you still go to school. And walk. Uphill. Both ways.

Snowmobiles have their own street signs.

You call the interstate the thruway.

"Garbage" reminds you of a delicious plate of food.

Your tax rate is highest in the nation (New York state quality)

If you have an apple orchard in your back yard.

Your truck rusts out faster than you can pay it off. And you're proud of it.

:)

So there you have it, my quick list to help you determine if you're truly from, or in, Western New York.

Shout!

Snow Report

We got our snow!

I'd say we've gotten our snow fix for the year.

This pic was taken this morning at about 7am, fresh off a night of steady snow and blowing.

Before seeing how deep the snow was (we probably got about 12 inches, and deeper in parts with drifts) I asked my father-in-law for a brush to clear the snow off the car.

He said I'd probably need more than a brush.

He was right ;)

About a half hour of brushing, shoveling, and snow blowing later, I was out.

Yea, I don't think a brush would've cut it.

Yahooooo!!

Snow Fix

I think we are getting our snow fix while we are up in Western NY...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[This is Caleb's new way to say, "Cheese!"]

Another Precious Moment

My son Judah with Carson in the background.

Silent Night at our home church's Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.

Another beautiful moment captured.

Thank you Jesus. And Happy Birthday.

Generational Moment

This precious moment was captured tonight.

Great grandfather with great grandson.

"Look at my Kitty magnet grandpa!" If my son could talk. It was beautiful as he lifted it to my grandpa with curiosity and delight, sharing his finding.

A four generation separation was bridged, 92 years of life. Born in different times, united by blood and family. My son looks, acts, thinks, in part, by what he received from his great grandfather.

Though my son will most likely never remember this moment, we will. It was captured on film to help us not forget.

And it was captured in my heart.

Over The River And Through The Woods

Here's another shot from our trip up to Grandma and Grandpa's in NY... what a great crew!

Blizzard

It was close to blizzard conditions as we headed north for Christmas today. We just got in about an hour ago. Praise the Lord we made it safely!

Welcome home to the frozen tundra!

Work Hard, Play Hard

What a fun day today! When work becomes play...

With test scores being so high at Pulaski County High School, we took a day to celebrate the students' hard work by entertaining them with a faculty "variety show."

So, between acting and eating and lip-singing and movie watching (my favorite movie no less - LOTR!), it ended up being a pretty fun day!

Hope the students thought so too.

Oh My - Dunk

Yes... Oh my!

One of my favorite dunkers in the NBA - Gerald Green.

If only he played more...

Watch "Gerald Green's "Oh My!" Slam Dunk!" on YouTube

Whirlwind

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous have an everlasting foundation. http://bible.us/Prov10.25.AMP

A friend of mine is going through the whirlwind right now.

Make that two friends.

Or more...

You may know someone, or you yourself may be going through a whirlwind lately...

May this verse bring encouragement to all those going through the whirlwind right now.

Mansions of the Heart

Wow.

Let's just say this book seems to be pointing to a walk with Jesus I have never had, yet have, in some ways, unknowingly desired.

Its got me excited, to say the least. We'll see what happens ;)

A Follman Christmas

What a wonderful afternoon...

We celebrated Christmas early this year (today) since we will be traveling over the actual holiday. We had a wonderful time of relaxing, food, presents, a movie, Scripture and love. God has truly blessed us so richly.

One of the gifts we gave this year was a handmade bunkbed for my daughter for her American Girl dolls. My wife found the instructions for building it online, and it turned out great! Both my daughter and my wife loved it, which is always a good thing :)

If you are at all interested in building this bunkbed yourself, visit ana-white.com (a great DIY site).

Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my friend, companion, lover, sister, girl, and wife, Elizabeth Follman.

I adore you.

With much love,

Your Hubby :)

What's Become Tradition...

This truly is a most wonderful time of year. It's filled with wonder, magic, remembrance, family, awe, faith,  and...

...tradition.

One tradition we have unintentionally started begins each year with our church family's Christmas party. After seeing friends from our local body of believers, we will usually (three years running!) head over to a house in town that lights up their house in a fun and unique way.

They have their home and yard covered in lights, which would be pretty spectacular by themselves, but they also have their lights set to a radio station. When a song plays, the lights blink and dance to the beat of the song.

So once again, tonight, the kids all piled in our lap in the front seats of the van, and enjoyed the "light house" show.

Blessings to you and yours, and on all your traditions this Christmas season.

Sports Science... Posterization

I love sports, and I love math. I especially enjoy the NBA. So, I didn't need much motivation to show this fun and enlightening video to my students the other day.

If you appreciate any of these topics, I think you'll enjoy this video too.

If you don't enjoy my selected topics... then what's wrong with you?! ;)

Watch "Sport Science: Blake Griffin dunk over Kendrick Perkins [ESPN]" on YouTube

The Ark

Here's a neat story I read today. Though I believe God did what He said He did in the Scriptures, it's nice to see others supporting the claims of the Bible through scientific study.

Check out the short article below...

Noah’s Biblical Flood Actually Happened, Says Famed Archeologist Who Found the Titanic | Video | TheBlaze.com

Impala SS - A Fav

Admit it - you like that, don't you??

I recently posted a pic of an old Chevy van that I would love to have as a family vehicle one day [or something like that!].

I love the old body style with a clean, fresh paint job and a few custom extras.

While I'm on the subject of vehicles I like, I thought I'd share one of my all time favorites - the Chevy Impala SS.

I love the models from the mid 90's. My friend's dad had one growing up, so as a kid, I fell in love.

I love the mix of muscle-yet-refined, old school, power, and luxury look and substance of these cars.

The particular one in this pic belongs to Tim Allen (timallen.com), actor, comedian, and car lover.

I like his taste.

Thank God In ALL

Just a little reminder [for me!] tonight...

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. http://bible.us/1Thess5.18.AMP

God With Us

It's been a great Christmas season so far. I've loved doing the Advent Bible Study each night with my family, and I've also enjoyed the sermons that have been preached on Advent by my buddy Tom.

Today Tom shared about the Trinity, and how specifically the Son was revealed at Christmas.

GOD WITH US.

It's more than a Christmas story, more than shephards, skits, and a manger scene; more than what we can hold in our understanding...

God was revealed to the world.

God with humanity.

And even better, He is still with me, and in me,

Today.

Wow.

Oh to live with a greater revelation of "God with us" this Christmas season and beyond.

Next Ride

With us expecting our sixth child this spring, we are going to be in need of a bigger vehicle.

Don't tell my wife, but I'd say something like this would be just perfect ;)

Beautiful God

God is so kind. He is so good to us...

As we have been working through the Thriving Family Advent calendar, put out by Focus on the Family, I have seen some good things happening with my family. What happened tonight was incredible - it was beautiful, real and powerful, and all orchestrated by God.

The Holy Spirit began working on the hearts of my oldest two children about two separate things, one regarding the Lordship of Jesus in their lives (going wherever He tells her to go, and giving her whole heart), the other on their sin.

After tears, confession, and prayer, I put two of the younger ones to bed only to come back out to see the two oldest behind the couch, Bibles opened, highlighting and talking.

They took turns reading the Word, then talked about how they could get up early each morning to pray and read.

After some more meaningful moments, they headed to bed; Mom and Dad with full hearts, thanking God and humbled by what God was doing.

I know He was doing... in spite of me, not because of me.

If anything, I was convicted of my own sin through the night.

I just feel so privileged to be a part of such a special moment in our family. These moments are soo precious, and I am so glad God allowed us in on what He is doing in their lives.

Love It

I love what I do.

Even though days can be stressful and wearing - on a whole - I love what I do.

I am blessed to be a teacher/coach, and have an opportunity to impact the lives of many young people everyday.

In today's day, and after the uncertainty of layoff we experienced in the summer, I am very blessed to even have a job.

God is so kind, so good...

All the time.

Heavy Day

I'm sore... already.

Usually I don't feel it until the next day or the day after when I work out, but this also wasn't my normal workout routine.

I used to lift weights often and heavy (for me), and have felt pretty sore by the end of the day before.

It's been a while.

I had a spotter today on the bench so I was able to go heavier than I have in a year or more.

It felt great!

I did 205 lbs which for me was good and really not too far from my max.

I'm just hoping now that I don't trip and fall because I probably won't be able to catch myself.

Amplify My Heart

Love the Amplified version...

http://bible.us/1John3.22.AMP And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.

What is your stance before the Lord? Does it match what was stated in the Scripture above??

Countryside Longings

I've lately here been dreaming of a cabin in the woods - mountain woods that is - a long driveway, wood stove, cozy nights inside tucked away from the cold snowy elements out....

I've also got this random longing to travel and see the country side, especially those things of the "grand" scale... Mountains, oceans, evergreens, highways, lakes, and all things outdoors in God's creation.

Maybe that's why I wanted to flip through a picture book of our nation tonight. Maybe that's why in general I love maps... because they take me somewhere.

With an Atlas or map I can explore the countryside, see new places, go on an adventure, all while sitting on my comfortable couch.

Alas, I must go...

I have some exploring to to do. ;)

Advent - Day One

At The Chapel today, we began the Advent celebration by sharing about and lighting the Prophecy candle. I've always been in the dark about Advent, not knowing really what it meant, or its Biblical significance. I think I'm finally getting my mind around the worthwhile church tradition.

Thriving Family Magazine sent us an Advent Calendar (see pic) with this months issue, and we are going to go through the schedule they put together for each day leading up to Christmas. We did day one tonight - it was a great start.

I'll update you more as our family walks through this special "Advent" time of year together...

Goodfellas Pizzeria

Now THAT'S a slice of pizza.

We spent some time with my brother-in-law and his wife tonight in Lexington, KY. We did some Christmas shopping (in beautiful 60 degree weather mind you) and then finished the night at their place with some Goodfellas Pizza.

It was delicious!

Not only did it have the familiar diner/NY style pizza, the pizzas were massive!

The picture doesn't quite do it justice, but the slice of pizza shown is on a full size (paper) dinner plate. The size of the slice makes the plate look puny!

So, I'm stuffed and ready for bed...

Sunrise

Last night I shared a beautiful sunset that ended my day... here is how my day began this morning.

Beautiful.

Sunset

God's creation is so glorious and inspiring. Seeing His handiwork is soo life-giving. I felt so blessed seeing both a beautiful sunrise over the hills and sunset (above) while on the road today.

Warming Up!

Today, was cold.

Shake and shudder cold, as I was outside running some errands tonight.

It definitely reminded me of some very familiar feelings that come with winter...

Cold feelings.

So to see us starting December off in the 60's, you won't find me complaining.

Let's just hope it stays the way it's forecasted :)

Stay warm!

The Consequences of Ideas

"We do not create a world or environment from scratch and then live in it. Rather we step into a world and culture that already exists, and we learn to interact with it."

The quote above is from the introduction of R.C. Sproul's book, The Consequences of Ideas. This one concept has enough meat in it that you could chew on it for the rest of your life.

We were born into this world, a world already in motion. Thoughts, values, beliefs, traditions, expectations were already in existence. But just because they were already there does that make them right? Does that mean we must readily adopt them without question? And what do I already adhere to or believe by default, simply because I've never critically thought about it?

I love books like this. However, there is so much foundational thinking in them that it is hard for me to get past the introduction without a world of thoughts bombarding me. I have plently to chew on in one sentence :)

We'll see how far I get. Regardless, I already have a mouthful!

Purpose

I read this on a blog today (Jon Acuff) and thought it was worth sharing. The quick read takes less than a minute, but may inspire some in finding their life-long purpose....

I used to think my purpose was to write a blog.

And then I wrote one and realized it wasn’t.

To read the rest, click here.

Back At It

Back at it tomorrow.

It's been a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Time with family, lots of food, good rest, reflection, and time in prayer. I loved it!

We have about 4 weeks - 20 teaching days - until Christmas break.

I am excited to get back at it. God has graciously given me great energy, zeal, love and excitement to get back with the students I teach.

I also have this to bring with me from the message this morning...

Do your absolute best. Be excellent.

In ALL things.

I need your help, Lord.

And, I'm looking forward to it.

Insta-what?

Well, my wife and I are instagram-ers. We'll see how it goes... :)

Username: johnfollman

See you there!

Hero, or Zero?

What happens if you are a hero outside your home, but a zero inside of it? What if you are praised by the masses, yet scorned by those closest to you? What good is your reputation if it's only good on the surface?

Some how, men can be celebrated at the office, yet disconnected and indifferent in the home. And I would venture to say most of the time, it's the man's fault.

It's one thing to serve on the job, it's another to serve as a lifestyle. You can put on an act of kindness, engagement and leadership for 8 hours, then detach once you cross the threshold of your home.

The wife and kids look for leadership, appreciation and love, and they get disconnected gazes and half-hearted conversations.

So they look elsewhere.

Who would blame them? How often do you try to drink from an empty well? When do you stop going back because it hurts too much?

I know of this because I am that man.

I am the detached husband, the disconnected Daddy.

I work hard to fulfill the dreams of others, yet leave the dreams of those closest to me unfulfilled. I can feel their longing glances directed my way, but how long will they keep looking? At what point will they look elsewhere? They look to me, and when I need answers the most, when something of substance and love and manhood is most desired,

I come up empty.

Over and over.

I have nothing to give.

I have prayed to the Lord, the Father. The One who loves, is love, and the closer you get, the greater His love. The One who always gives us His full attention, the One who never leaves us empty to look elsewhere.

I need His help.

I see the issue, but something must change. Recognizing a problem is a cheap gift. Change must ensue.

I want my wife and kids to look my way, and not come up empty, anymore.

Thankful Thoughts

What a blessed day...

Liz's brother and his wife came down from Lexington today to spend Thanksgiving together. We all gathered around our table (above) to enjoy a wonderful meal together. We read a brief account of the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims, prayed, thanking God for His great and many blessings, then dug into the meal the ladies prepared.

There is so much to be thankful for in our lives. God has blessed us with life - purpose here on earth and a promise for the life after. He has blessed our family with health, clothing, food, shelter, as well as beautiful children, a job, friends, family and so much more.

This Thanksgiving, we give thanks.

We give thanks to God for what our Pilgrim brothers and sisters did to pursue religious freedom, and we thank God in all circumstances - both good an bad - because of what we gain in God through both.

Thank you Lord.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve

We've been getting into the Thanksgiving "spirit" around the Follman household lately. With me having some time off work, it helps with getting us into the festive spirit.

Liz has been doing Thanksgiving projects with the kids for school, and we have been celebrating altogether as a family too. She has been doing her research on the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, and I have learned a lot as a result!

As a kid, I didn't really understand the faith and convictions of the Pilgrims, but I appreciate those things much more now as an adult. Tonight we all ate together in a corner of our house, on the floor, in the dark... to help simulate life on the Mayflower for the Pilgrims. They were willing to leave land, homes, family, comfort, and, risk their lives (which many died) for the sake of worshiping their God in freedom.

Would I do the same? Would you?

The Pilgrim's sacrifice helps us to appreciate Thanksgiving, and they also challenge us to lay down everything for the sake of following our Lord.

Your Love

When we know His love, we want to follow His commands...

OLORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. http://bible.us/Ps119.64.NLT

Please show me more of your love, oh Lord.

Losing Hea...

Losing health units... Can't. Go. Much. Long..

....

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

The Hobbit

Finished!

Liz and I finished the 12 hours or so of extended version Lord of the Rings tonight! We started this journey probably back in June, and it's taken a lliiiittle longer than usual, ha!

So...

Bring on The Hobbit!

With it coming out the day before our anniversary, you can guess how we will be spending our time together? ;)

No Shave November

My no-shave-november beard is in full force.

I like the beard more than I thought... of course the most important thing is that my wife likes it :)

Good night.

Look at the Birds

Have you taken time lately to look at the birds?

Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? http://bible.us/Matt6.26.NLT

One More Cheer

We had our Pulaski County Girls Soccer banquet tonight... my family and I had a great time!

I really enjoyed coaching the girls this season, and will miss this years graduating class of seniors greatly.

As the evening finished up, the team gathered for one more cheer (see pic) - a unique cheer they developed this year.

What a fun year!

Gratitude Attitude

I wrote yesterday about God's day-at-a-time provision. I also feel Him cultivating in us an attitude of gratitude.

It's this attitude that will help contentment to rise in our hearts, and, to see difficulty more as opportunities for growth and for God to get Glory.

The Bible talks about being thankful in ALL things, and that all things work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Lord, help me develop an attitude of gratitude!

Daily Bread

Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread. Not tomorrow's... not next month's, or next year's.

He promises to take care of our needs as we seek Him first (He already knows what our needs are before we ask!) and not to worry about tomorrow...

All of the above is so much easier said then done.

Father, please help me to walk in your ways.

Amen.

Hero

I saw this quote on Twitter and had to share...

If you're a father, who you are to your wife & kids is far more important than who you are at work, church or any other venue. -- Billy Humphrey (@billyhumphrey1)

Being a hero outside the home matters little if you are a zero inside of it.

Ohh, how I long to be a Dad who is most adored and appreciated by those in his home. I know that adoration must be authentically and daily and sacrificially earned.

Lord help me.

Wagon Ride

A mower and a wagon is all we need for a little fun :)

The kids and I went for a wagon ride through the hills, roads and backyards of our local subdivision this afternoon.

Oh, what fun!

The Return of the King

My wife and I finally began the final movie of The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King. We started watching the epic trilogy over the summer as part of our semiannual viewing, but it has taken much longer than normal to complete this time around.

Regardless, we are prepping for the big release this December, The Hobbit. We are hoping to watch the movie in theatre as part of our anniversary that month... and yes, we are LOTR junkies :)

Farewell.

It's A...

We went to the doctor this afternoon and found out we a healthy baby GIRL growing inside of my wife!

Praise the Lord!

The Heart

Our family loves watching the Duggars. Tonight we all sat around the computer screen and watched the season's final episode of 19 Kids and Counting.

As we watched, I was personally encouraged (and convicted) by something Anna Duggar said (Anna is Josh's wife).

She was in a stressful situation with some of the younger kids, and instead of getting super frustrated to the point of yelling and screaming she took a step back and realized what was most important - their heart.

Ouch.

That hurt... But I needed it.

So often I become that frustrated, raising my voice, yelling, impatient Dad, instead of living with my children with patience and kindness - looking out for their heart first and foremost.

I may have their obedience, but do I have their heart? It's the same in our walk with God.

Needless to say, I am thankful for the Duggar family and their example of loving and leading like Jesus. I only hope to get better myself at being a loving Father and husband in my home.

Election 2012

As I write, things are pretty tight in the 2012 Presidential race. Over the next several hours, we should know who will be the next President of the United States. Months and months of campaigning for the candidates comes to this moment.

I personally have no feeling one way or the other about who will win this election. What I do know from Proverbs is that when the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

I also believe that America is at [and has been at] a crossroads in many ways. It doesn't take much prophetic insight to see our nation is straying from its foundation. Ultimately, I believe that fact actually points to a deeper issue - a church that has left her King, her first love.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Jesus.

How does a nation stand strong on it's biblical foundation, if the church, or light of the world, is allowing their light to go out?

Regardless of who our next president is [and I hope he is a godly man] we must all be sure to examine our lives to see if we as the church are truly being the light of the world.

Am I truly the salt of the earth? Or have I lost my saltiness? Have I left my first love in exchange for the cares and allurements of this world?

Without the church being a light, without the church burning hot for her God, our nation has no real hope. There is only one leader who can provide lasting and eternal change to our nation - and He's on the ticket of our lives - Jesus Christ.

Light the fire again...

Date Night!

You Are The Cheese

I saw this picture hanging in our local coffee shop and immediately thought of my beautiful wife.

Honey, I just want you to know... [read pic now :P]

Love you!

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Last but not Least - Final Pic

As you can see from the previous pictures, we had a great time at the Father/Son Campout. I loved the opportunity to spend some quality time with my oldest 2 sons!

This particular picture I caught as the sun was rising, out in front of The Chapel. Taken with a Motorola Android, HDR effect.

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Father/Son Campout Pics!

The father/son campout with the guys from The Chapel was a blast! Check out some pics of Carson, Josiah and myself and others who were there... (I'll send the pics in separate posts)

Father Son Campout

The Father Son Campout is this weekend at The Chapel... currently I am freezing my tail off! My boys are fairing better than I :)

Pics to come ... Love times like these with my boys!

Act Your Wage

Love Dave Ramsey. So much common sense it embarrasses me.

God has blessed us greatly this year by helping us get out of debt. Even though we have a long way to go, thankfully, against all odds, by God's grace, we have made progress. One area we have grown in is common sense.

I saw a great bumper sticker on my way to work this morning. So simple, so basic, so Dave. Check it out below and may it help in you journey to becoming debt fee.

Bumper Sticker - Act Your Wage

Game Time

It's back!

After the summer layoff, the National Basketball Association has officially kicked off the 2012-2013 season.

Opening night was last night - the reigning champs Miami Heat received their rings and began their quest to defend their title. They started the season with a win by beating their long time and once nemesis Boston Celtics in a chippy game... Love seeing passion and emotion from the first game!

I have loved following the NBA since my teenage years, so when a new season rolls around, I get excited ;)

Interested? Checkout out the place where I get most of my NBA news - ESPN (below)

NBA Home - ESPN

Your Steadfast Love

My good buddy Tom has been preaching on God's attributes. Recently, he talked about God's infinitude, and placed God's great love in that context. The truth hasn't left me...

God is infinite.

God is love.

His love is infinite.

There is no end to our God, His power, His majesty, His wisdom... His love. Our infinite God is infinitely loving. There is no end to His love. You cannot exhaust it.

I almost can't believe it. Then I read...

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."

Believe it. Thank you Jesus.

This song is running through my head tonight, I'm so thankful for His love...

Big Sandy

Wowza. The largest hurricane over the past quarter century.

Hurricane Sandy may be a post-tropical storm now, but it's effects are still being felt, and it's unclear just how far-reaching the storm will be.

Even as far inland as we are from the storm, we are still affected. Right now the wind is howling outside, with some pretty strong wind gusts. Its been cold and rainy, a stark change from last week's beautiful sunshine.

Check out below for maps and updates on the storm.

Be safe, we will be praying for those on the east coast.

The Weather Channel

Sunday Afternoon Coffee

What a wonderful day...

Great service at The Chapel of Somerset. It was a timely word that my friend and brother Larry Meece shared today - the Father heart of God. It's what I needed to hear with what God has been speaking to me lately.

Followed by an easygoing afternoon consisting of...

picking up our local eggs and honey, "leftover" lunch, chess with my son, mark off a few To Do's, peruse the paper with a hot cup of yummy caramel coffee, delicious omelet dinner from my beautiful wife, Wii, bedtime prayers, all ending with some laughs with Liz...

So thankful for moments and days like this.

Time to pack it in for the night. Big day tomorrow - may the Lord live His life through me.

You never know what might happen with God ordering our days.

Blessings...

The Common Good

Love this... Another reminder of just how much we need each other.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. http://bible.us/1Cor12.7.NLT

Vista Love

There is only one magazine that I subscribe to - Backpacker.

There is something about hitting the back country with your gear, map, and a heart full of anticipation for the adventure ahead.

I love maps, beautiful vistas, fresh air, mountain peaks, forest trails, and the sense of newness and excitement that hiking brings.

Whenever I get my current Backpacker magazine, I love searching for local trails, scoping out the latest gear, checking out the inspiring images from God's creation, and reading the interesting articles.

The pic above is from "The High Life" article in the November issue.

If you love the outdoors, I encourage you! Get out more often, and, get yourself the Backpacker magazine

My Tweeps

Up until recently, I had kind of dropped off the "social networks" of my life. I haven't really utilized Facebook for months, maybe, but I even lost interest in "tweeting," my most used social networking tool.

I'm not really sure if either has added any value to my life, but they are a neat way (or sometimes obsessive way) to keep up with friends.

I had really enjoyed Twitter for a time, yet it lost some of its value in that most my friends didn't use it. It seems much of Twitter's draw and fun-factor comes with it's ability to help you interact with friends/tweeps.

All this to say, I have had a rejuvenated desire to tweet lately, and I am hoping to increase my interaction with my tweeps (twitter peeps) this time around.

So check me out, follow me at twitter.com/jfollman. Would love to catch up with you both here at my blog, as well as in the world of "tweets!"

What Does Love Look Like?

http://bible.us/Prov3.12.ESV for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Say "CHEEESE"

You can probably tell where we spent part of our afternoon today, visiting Chuck E. Cheese!

The kids of course always have a blast there, and, we were able to capture this wonderful moment with all the kids together (along with their beautiful and hilarious expressions!).

PS, take note of the purple dinosaur sneaking his way into our family photo! Ha!