Update

So we were ready to begin our second adoption. Looking into the country of Nepal. Then, Brandi mentions she feels we should try to conceive again. So we set up a meeting with the wonderful Dr. Webster. We went forward cautiously. He said everything looked good for IVF.

Everything went along great and we went in as scheduled to take the pregnancy test. It wouldn't be ready right away and they said they'd call us later that day. I was driving westbound on Hwy 74 going over the I-10 overpass and Brandi called me bawling! All I heard was, "......pregnant......." WHAT? Are we? Are we not? Huh? I was scared crazy. What did she say? Then she pulled herself together a bit and said, "We are pregnant!"

Wow. 19+ years together, 15+ years of marriage & 8+ years of trying and:


Wow. God is incredible. Can't wait to see why He waited until now. Can't wait to see how He proves Himself faithful and He reveals to us why THIS is the perfect time for Baby Lambert.

We are not finding out gender until birthday. One thing we've always agreed on since we were dating. The baby is developing on schedule and every checkup brings good news that all is OK.

Even though we talked about waiting to let everybody know, there was no way to keep it a secret. We had to let all those faithful friends who were praying with us know the good news and the joy and excitement was too much to keep quiet in the halls of Healing Place Church offices.

Morning sickness began about week 7-8 and continued until week 12. Below is the last sonogram we got at our last visit. That was the first visit with Dr. Lisa Gautreau, M.D. Dr. Lisa married David Gautreau, friend of mine since Kindergarten at St. Theresa Elementary School.

Jada is very excited about the baby in mommies belly. She wants a baby sister cause a brother will beat her up. Thanks Bully in mommy's day out program. HAHA! She's gonna be a great big sister.

So we are week 14 this week. We are at <1% chance of miscarriage according to Dr. Lisa. We are excited.

Thanks to all of you who walked with us. We couldn't have imagined doing this alone! Your support, encouragement and prayers have truly helped.

WE ARE PREGNANT!! Details to come!! Can't type in text field with iPhone.

Jada pics. She's getting SO BIG!!

Song Bird!

Eve of Chinese New Years. At a Japanese restaurant with a bunch of round eyes. Best we could do at last minute.

We found this cool group from Li, former coworker and good friend of Brandi's from her days at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They are a Chinese community that meet at Episcopal High School on Sundays and celebrate their Chinese Culture. We went to their Chinese New Year's Celebration.

Jada "The Dragon" Lambert. That will be her UFC name.

Yes, cheezy, she is the only one dressed in traditional Chinese dress. Holding her Chinese paper art.

Can't remember, but I think I told her "no" about something and she walked off mumbling, "I can't wait to get my own place." or something like that.

Confession: You know you watch too much "COPS" when she wants to get out and run in front the truck yelling, "HOOTIE-HOO. Here come the Poe-Poe! HOOTIE-HOO!!"

At a birthday party with friends from Healing Place Church daycare.

Me & Jada at the HPC playground.

Jada experiences her first comforter straight out da dryer!

Jada at Home Depot with me. She has her 2nd balloon. Can you find the first one?

We went to False River to Aunt Linda's fishing camp where we lived for several months after selling the house. She wanted to go fishing using her "Princess Fishing Pole." Of course she didn't catch nuttin'!

I take her to school one morning and turn around to buckle her up and she says, "Look daddy! A flower for mommy and a STICK for you!" .....thanks sweetie.....

Treat her to Sonic after school one day and "Oh Mickey your so fine, your so find you blow my mind, HEY MICKEY!!" blares on the speakers. Like a 35 yr old she jumps off the bench and cuts a rug for the whole song! Like its an oldie but a goodie she hasn't heard since high school. Hilarious!!

Progress. Slow but steady!

Mr. Glen, father in law, has been doing a great job for being by himself. Things are looking excellent. We're really excited about wrapping this thing up. Check it out:

Pantry shelves

Acadian Florring istalled flooring couple weeks ago and finished off the stairs last week. Came out great.

Jada's closet. We were scared of the brass. But, it turned out GREAT.

Tight quarters = poor pics, our closet.

Kitchen cabinets. We used pine lumber and we stained it with "Early American" stain and coated it with polyurethane.

Father in Law built these from scratch by hand. We kept it simple and it turned out really good.

Father in Law built these bath cabinets too, we painted them and got the counters from Home Depot. This is Brandi's vanity area.

This is me and Jada's vanity area..... nuff said....

Some final trim work to finish with kitchen cabinets then we can pour concrete countertops in kitchen.

Then, we just found out we need refrig & dishwasher before plumber can come finish out.

We also need to pour a small pad for the outside A/C compressor/condenser and the HVAC guys can come wrap up.

Gettin' close.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

15+ years and 40+lbs ago....

September 3, 1993

Monthly Update

It was a very productive holiday season. I was off of Healing Place School of Ministry from Dec 2osomething to January 6th. That gave me full time working on the house and I took full advantage of it. We were able to finish up touch up paint needed to get tile and floors in. I was able to prep more material for father in law to install more cabinets.

Put first upper unit of kitchen cabinets in and found a problem..... um..... no, not a problem, an opportunity for improvement. In the photo above you see the cabinets comes awefully close to the A/C intake filter housing. Very close. Matter of fact: 2 inch by 4 inch overlap. So, we had to Saws-All a new hole. A saws-all is a hand held jigsaw used for demolition or mistake correction.

Another unit up.

Another unit up again.

Final corner piece. Which, of course, fit like a glove because all trades framed, sheetrocked and floated the house perfectly square...... NOT!!! It was expected. But, it sure is fun listening to all the crafts blame all the others for all the out of squareness. The only one I didn't hear complain was the sheetrock installer (me...). He's a classy guy.

This is Blake Urban. Man of God. Soon to be first time father. Former Healing Place School of Ministry classmate. Future Missionary to Africa. Electrician extrordinaire. Had to practically shove money in his pocket for wiring the house and finishing everything up. He also introduced me to Under Armor undergarments, which led me to throw every piece of cotton undergarment I had in the trash. Too much information? Yea, probably so..... my bad......

While Blake "The Urban Legend" installed switches, recepticals and light fixtures, I installed door knobs and switch and receptacle cover plates. Its amazing how excited having door knobs made me feel.

This ceiling fan made him especially happy. I think he spent 45 minutes on this one. Pretty though, huh?

Tile installed in downstairs foyer.

Master bath cabinets and tile in me and Brandi's vanity area.

Tile and cabinets in the laundry room down stairs.

Tile installed in bathroom. Guys knocked it out the park! Is that fine or what? Mind you, this is a 2 bed, 1 bath, 1300 sq ft home. Overkill? I think not! We love our bath time.

3 foot 6 inch by 5 foot 6 inch shower! We love shower time too!

Tile work inside shower. This is one of the 2 shower heads! Yes, that's right. 2 opposing shower heads. Big time bath in a apartment house! Mother in law suite is gonna be nice when the big house is added on to this.

Nuther look at the tub work.

Living room floors. Is it real pine or faux? I'll never teeeeeeeelllllll........

Kitchen floors. Looks like it'll go well with the pine cabinets.

Master Bed floors.

Jada's room floors.

Dug up some paperwork. This is Jada's Chinese Passport photo. Thug lookin' huh? See you next month!

Love ya'll! Happy New Year

It's SNEAUXING!!

For all our out of state friends, let me say this was a monumental event for South Louisiana. December 11, 2008 we got about 2-3 inches of snow from about midnight to 10am in the morning. I had heard it was the most snow in Louisiana in 35 years or more. A couple days later and it was mid 70's again.



Jada, Brandi in front of Brandi's parents house. Unbelievable!
We went with a ski lodge motif with the new house. Didn't figure we'd get to see it covered with snow!

Jada's first snowman! Can't believe we didn't go make a bigger one. Didn't even cross our minds.

Winter Wonderland.
Maybe we should've tied a rope to her in case she got lost in the blizzard.

This is Jada at 6:10. Maw maw came knockin on the bedroom door at 6am to inform us it was snowing. So, we can understand she's not too excited about the snow 1 hour before her normal wake up time. But, she cheered up later after her morning coffee.

Jada's First Movie!!

Thanksgiving Day we decided to take a family outing at the picture show. We wanted to see how Jada would do at her first theater movie. We saw "Bolt" was playing and gave it a go.
The good news: NOBODY is in the theatre on Thanksgiving Day at 11am. NOBODY.
Here's Jada eating popcorn and mesmerized by the giant television. This is how she sat for the first 15 minutes of the movie.

The other hour and twenty minutes she ran around the empty theater with frequent pit stops in her mom and dad's lap. Overall it was a good experience. We'll take her back when she's 8 or 9.

What's going on....

Monday we took family pictures for Christmas cards and Jada's 3 year old photos. Big THANK YOU to Landry's Photography! They do excellent work and treat the 3 year old very well.

So Brandi finds these thingy things at Sally's. You put them in your wet hair and let them dry over night and you have a temperary perm.

So, Jada went to bed like this...

So she could wake up like this....
Then we fixed her hair like this....
So we could do this....

Father in law staining and coating plywood material for cabinets.

Jada has discovered the concept of PRINCESS! Here we go....


Jada after a long day of playing. Tongue and gum hanging out of her mouth.

Jada has decided she can brush her teeth all by herself.

Me and the Princess waiting for Cross Point Baptist School. She goes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9a to 1:30p. Very nice program. She is learning so much, like, "Da Yord is my Cheppard!" (The Lord is my Shepherd)

Me and Jada doing daddy breakfast at Frank's. Apple juice + Biscuits & Gravy = Nap time!

Lil' Monkey! I'm regulated to human play gym.

Jada barrelling down the huge slide at HPC's Family Day.

We got doors hung and walls and ceiling painted. Looking good.

Jada's room out her windows.

Master bedroom looking into bathroom tub.

Kitchen looking to living room on left and Jada's room on right.

Kitchen/Living room looking down stairwell leading to downstairs garage.

The Lambert Family Picture album can be found at:
www.collages.net
username: lambert
password: 12350
then follow onscreen instructions: enter email (put a fake one) and first name.
We'd really appreciate it if you would consider Landry's Photography if you need pictures in the future. They do photography for all occasions. Thanks for your consideration.

See you next month or month and a half!

Gymnastics, Hair-do's, Horses & Cotton Mouths!

Figured it was time to start engaging in the obligatory overcommitting, crazy expensive, schedule stuffing extra curricular activities for Jada. We decided on gymnastics.

Jada on the uneven bars.

Jada on soon to be Olympic event "wall climb"

To get her ready for possible "American Gladiator" role, here we have the "Climb the Net and Jump into massive vat of balls"

Here's Jada doing her Rings routine. She's only a couple years from being eligible for the Chinese Olympic Team. (Come on! You know you were thinking it too! Could not resist.....)

Jada riding Mark Stermer's horsie. She loved it.

The Sterminator walking Jada. Dude is Cuntry...

Brandi found some neat things that you wet Jada's hair, put these curly hair maker things while its wet, let her sleep with them in and in the morning she has a perm.

Here's Jada with her new do for school pictures at Cross Point Baptist Church's Mother's Day Out Program.

While weed eating near the shop, came across this monster!

Tried chopping him up with the weed eater, but that skin is tougher than you think.

Had to settle for the Texas Toothpick (3 foot 2 by 4) to the head of the serpent.

Painting and Hanging Doors and Trim

Just a day or two before the storm hit, I got my sheetrock floated and textured. Then I sprayed the whole interior house with primer. After 30 minutes of spraying, I noticed a constant smell and funny taste. Went outside to get a drink and found the white film in my hair and all in my nose. So, put together this outfit to keep me clean.

ABOVE: Master BR painting ceiling

Painting ceiling in bathroom. BTW: Anyone know how to get Latex based paint off of a garden tub? OOPS...

This shot is from the stairs leading up to Living Area upstairs. That's the Living Room then the hall to the bedrooms (right and left) and bathrooms (straight ahead).

This is the Living Room shot from the Kitchen.

Setting up trim and doors for painting.

Doors after painting in garage. Now gotta repaint garage due to a little overspray. Should have painted garage and doors and trim same color!

Most paint done. This is Master BR going out to deck. The pond is just off the deck to the right.

This shot taken from Jada's room. She's standing in the Kitchen/Living room.

This is Jada's room again. That's her closet.

Standing in kitchen looking into Jada's room.

Master BR and that door goes into our bathroom.

This is from between bedroom doors pointing to stairway. Pantry door on left, closet door to right and computer hutch or whatever to far right.

Back in the day...

I know this will get me in the dog house. But, I truly believe its worth it. I don't know why she's bugging. She was a cute little girl that turned into a beautiful woman. Inside & out.

Aaaawwwww...... What else is there to say?

Oh yea! Brandi rocking the SKATING RINK! What music is playing? Styx? Jefferson Starship? Survivor? Olivia Newton John? Foriegner? Rick Springfield?

Appearantly, Brandi was quite the little dancer! Nice crown. Not the last time you'll see her in a crown!

Now my turn. This is the first dance Brandi and I went to together! Homecoming EAHS '89. Yes, Gered sporting the Z. Cavaricci's and vest with some rope tie. Bollo? Brandi with the black suede skirt.

This is Brandi's EAHS '92 Senior Prom picture. I was on the Submarine, so she went with my cousin. Can't miss the Senior Prom cause of a boyfriend.

Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you The 1992 Ms. Gonzales Jambalaya Queen: Brandi Cox!!! We had to put off the wedding until her REIGN ended. The Queen can't be married, you know...

Here's our engagement pic we posted in The Advocate. Cool tidal wave on my head, huh?

Christmas pic of me and Brandi while we lived in Seattle. Brandi had some cool green contact lenses that you can't see too well on the iPhone camera.

Brandi's LSU graduation picture. 4.0GPA in Accounting classes. Girl gots smarts.

Hurricane Gustav

Killing time before we lost power: What's in the box?

JADA!!!!!

Jada ain't skeeeerd! She's all up in 50mph winds. 2 of those huge Pecan trees in the background fell while we were weather watching. Cool sound when a huge tree falls.

House did fine through storm. Good ole OSB on garage openings and LOTS of silicone caulking on windows and doors.

Above: Two trees down to far left. One on our lot, the other on Grandmaw White's. Big Pecan tree down on far right blocked the driveway.

Lots of limbs. Center top is Pecan in driveway.

Another shot of big Oak splitting in Grandma's yard.

Wind picking up. Jada hanging on for dear life!!!

Sheetrock Floating & Finishing

Above: Tub.

Above: Inside garage. Laundry Room far left. Big double door opening is a closet. Door to right is from garage to foyer/stairs.

Above: Garage wall.
Above: Far right is stairs coming up from foyer. Next is pantry. Big hole is access to storage space. Little hole is laundry shoot to laundry room down stairs. Back wall to right is refrigerator location. Sink is under window. Range and Microwave will go along left side wall.
Above: Double doors from Mastor BR to deck.
Above: Living room. Far left is stairs from foyer. Door is closet and a computer nook left of window. TV will go to right of window.
Above: Living room. TV will go on wall between windows. Room to the right is Jada's room. No idea how furniture will look. Big hole in roof to right is A/C intake.

I'm surveying the daunting task of painting the exterior & interior of the house. Got me a power paint sprayer, supplies and priced the paint. As hard as the job looks, the difference between me doing it (less than $1,500 supplies) and the 3 bids of over $8,000 to paint inside and out, I'll have to plow ahead. I have enlisted consultation from a professional painter. So, I'm gathering info as much as possible.

We'll see. Tune in next time...

Branson, MO

Spent a week at the inlaws timeshare in Branson, MO. Great location just outside of Branson. Got to celebrate Jada's 3rd Birthday and bring her to her first amusement park.

My 2 beauties...

Happy Birthday Jada! Above is at the Bass Pro Shop in Branson. It's a cool pink 4 wheeler. We couldn't pass up the 10% off!! 

Mommy and Jada on Dumbo...

Jada's first rollercoaster ride!!! Weeeeeee!!! Hands up and all!!! Yeah, that's me and her in front. Gave the attendant a Abe Lincoln to secure that spot...

Jada's first Merry Go Round

First ride on a bug...

First airplane ride...

First Magic Genie ride...

She loved all the rides. Even had a water park, White Water, which we spent the whole day on her birthday. We rented a cabana right next to the wave pool with ceiling fan, table and chairs,  and cable TV!

We saw Dixie Stampede, Titanic Museum, "Noah" a cool play with the best stage scenery I've ever seen, Silver Dollar City, the fish hatchery (never seen so many fish in my life).

Our first time to Branson and it was nice. Good family vacation.

House Update

Vacation to Branson, head colds & allergies got us bogged down on progress with the house. But, today FIL and I made really good progress and knocked out alot of sheetrock work. We're about 75% done with sheet rock hanging.

Monkey see, monkey do.  Below Jada sees daddy with hammer in nail pouch and gets her own hammer in the holster.

If we see a random nail sticking out 3 feet or lower anywhere throughout the house, we know it was Jada.

Healing Place: EPIC Worship

Just a little post to recommend HPC's most recent Worship CD. All music on the new CD was written by HPC Worship Leaders. Just another one of many outstanding and excellent products from HPC.

The Magnificent Griffis says, "This CD was recorded at Amplified 2008 and truly is, in my opinion, the best thing we have been blessed enough to record. The songs are fresh and the hearts of those leading are strong after the heart of God. If you enjoy fresh, vibrant worship, you really do not want miss out on this album. The new album contains 13 original songs that can be found at the HPC Online Store, or you can download it from some great online music stores like: i-Tunes,amazon.com, and Rhapsody. I really think you’re going to like this CD, it’s incredible. Check it out today."

Jada's Glamor Shots

Couple of cool shots I got of Jada. She's getting so big. 

She had her 3rd Birthday a couple weekends ago. We're coming up on our 2 year Gotcha Day Anniversary on Sept. 4th, which is also me and Brandi's 15 year anniversary!

Did I mention we are out of diapers? We had to keep her home away from nursery with maw-maw and nanny (Brandi's mom and sister) for a whole week and send her to the bathroom every 30 minutes, but we got her potty trained.

Jada at The Jambalaya Water Park

Hair getting long. We have decided to get her hair cut for the first time. We'll see how that goes.

Jada absolutely LOVES the water park. She spent the first 15 minutes just running from station to station screaming, "Aaaahhhh!" Wish I had my other camera with video. It'd have been great footage.

EVERY kid loves to sit on these water spouts! What's the deal with that?

They have these buckets that fill up and dump every so often. Jada hasn't figured it out yet. A bucket dumps and she runs under it after the fact. I couldn't get her to stand still under one that was about to dump. She's SOOO funny.

Probably something to do with being an only child. But, Jada of course thinks ALL toys are hers. She stole about 5 toys in 1 hour. Oh well. No brother or sister planned in the near future. Guess she'll have to learn to share the hard way: time outs and whuppins. :)

This is dedicated to Kelly Wright, Jr.

Here's a little house update for my friend Kelly Wright, Jr. One of the finest Chemical Plant operators in this hemisphere. Check your local chemical industry periodicals, he'll be making news soon. He's got a rocket up his...... ahem. Sorry, something got caught in my throat.

Any way....

At present, we are installing insulation. Couple days task, I thought. We've completed day 5 today and probable 3-4 more to go. 

More insulation. You see to the right our breaker panel. Got the hook-up from Blake Urban and his brother Brandon. They did the wiring for me. Grade "A" Electricians. Their work passed the rigid Ascension Parish Building inspection...

Water meter is approximately 590 feet from the house. Therefore, me and this beast got intimate for about 10 hours. Then, I strung together with great skill and lots of PVC Glue, 27 sticks of 20 foot PVC piping from the meter to the house. The Ditch Witch dug at about 10 feet every 5 minutes.

Better view of my skeeellz.

A/C installed? CHECK!

Hot Water Heater installed? Check!

After the insulation installation, we'll start hanging sheet rock.

Hyderabad, India

Brandi and I just got back from an awesome opportunity to serve some precious people in India. We got to be involved in 5 nights of music festivals and evangelical outreaches, 3 days of Pastors & Leaders training for local ministers. We also got to help out with 2 medical outreaches and feed about 140 children at some local ministers home. Here's some pics.

Brandi and I at an airport with a cool ad sign. We had an hour flight to Houston, 9 hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany & a 10 hour flight to Hyderabad, India. Then, we took a 6 hour bus ride (NOT on Greyhound) to Nandyal, India. Where we did 2 nights of Music Festival.

Left, representing Dallas, TX is Kelly Finegan. Above us, representing Georgia, Kelly Pitts. Both young ladies attended Elevate, HPC's Internship/Bible College, with me. 

OK. India's driving.... CRAZY!! Big blue bus on the right is coming over into our lane just before that other yellow truck hits it. Constand passing, constant 3 car wide on a 2 lane road. Don't know why they paint centerlines. Nobody cares.

Brandi is throwing down the PREACH at the leader's training in Kurnool. She shared a GREAT word on PERSERVERANCE. Talk about a Proverbs 31 woman!!

3 future leaders of India's Body of Christ. The young generation in India is ON FIRE for Jesus! Look forward for an outpouring of His Spirit in India over the next 10-20 years.

This is Allen, lead singer of "Sounds of the Nation" performing at music festival in Kurnool. There a local Christian band in Hyderabad, India. They network with Joyce Meyer Ministries in India.

We went to visit Hyderabad's biggest temples of god worship. Very interesting.

These are the kids that we got to speak with and help feed. A local couple there takes in over 100 kids several times a week and gives them food, and teaches them bible stories and songs. Great outreach in the city of Kurnool.

Some of our team from HPC and LifeChurch in TN teaming up to lead worship in Nandyal.

Another cool Jada moment

I pick up Jada from nursery and take her home. Then, the coolest thing happened, she grabs my shirt and pulls me to her little bed and tells me to sit. Then she climbs up on the bed and tells me to lay down on the pillow, "Daddy, night-night." she says. So, I comply and then she crawls next to me and scoots over and snuggles up next to me to watch her DVD with me. 

If she didn't have all of me before that, she has all of me now... (In a daddy-daughter kind of way)

Siding Done, Windows & Doors Installed

We're waiting for the tub to come in and the plumber can finish and the A/C guys can finish. We're about 95% done with the framing, so those guys will be done too. Next is the electrical wiring and rough in. We also will be digging a trench to get city water from Bluff Road back to our lot, that's about 800-850 feet of digging and piping. 

We'll also be ready for roof installation. I dabbled with the idea of installing the roof myself. Then climbed up those scaffolds you see below and noticed how I tensed up so much while scaling the roof. Then, REVELATION came to me! Let the pros do it, STUPID! Before you fall and break your neck.

I love this shot above. This is the back of our lot, which ends about 15 feet before the pond starts. The big double door at the top right of the house is our bedroom. We'll have a deck built overlooking the pond. It's gonna be nice to sit out there and drink coffee and watch the sun set. 

Above is the front of the house. That's the main bathroom on the top floor. That's the creative space engineering our architects did to fit our BIG bath tub in that small house. 

Here's a similar tub we found at Southern Kitchen & Bath. The bottom is flat, but its made for two. 

On the left is our row of electric poles coming to the property. This was done this week. The poles run along the property line. To the left is Bluff Road Elementary under construction. To the left is Brandi & my lot. The house is off screen to the right. The pond is directly to my right.

Again, the back of the house and our little storage shed Brandi's dad is constructing. Little room in the house for storage, so we'll take full advantage of that shed.

Here's the front. The cypress beams are going in soon. 5 of them across the front. We'll also have some cypress detailing on top of main door. Yes, we need a clean up day, I know!

One of those moments....

You know? When you catch your child in some little cute situation? We're at Brandi's mom's house until we get settled in the RV. Another story for another time. And we stick Jada in front of the DVD player so we can get things packed a little faster.

Well, this is what it turns into:

She's getting SOOOO cute and SOOOO big. Oh yeah, really flowing well in that rebellious stage. "No" is answer to 80% of things. Hadn't quite yet figured out how to speak outside of the whining tone. 

She's a blessing. And by blessing, of course, I mean like a bomb of impatience, anger, restlessness, aggrevation and stress going off in your living room. 

She's beautiful as can be.

Looking Like Something

More Progress & More CONCRETE!!

FYI: Are any of you aggravated by the cycling prices of gasoline and it drives you CRAZY not understanding how it can cost one thing one day and another thing another day? DON'T POUR COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF CONCRETE. We paid $15 a yard MORE for the driveway than we paid for the foundation, which we poured less than 2 weeks ago. And, whatcha gonna do? Anyway....

We spent last weekend getting the forms for the driveway, back deck and storage room ready for concrete. We had concrete ordered to be poured Monday around noon. 

Above: Concrete going into deck forms.

Above: Concrete for deck. We'll have double doors from our master bedroom leading out to a 10X17 ft deck.

Above is the "finished product" just before pouring concrete. We had to build the forms, level out the dirt, put up expansion joints and lay remesh wire to help concrete be stronger. You also have to make sure all the framing and expansion joints are level with each other and you have to put a slight tilt on the whole driveway to make sure water drains off properly. NEAT STUFF! I'm loving learning all this.

Above is the first concrete truck bringing in the first concrete for the driveway.

Above is a pic after the second floor decking is completed. You see the plates laid out for the second story walls. Back left, Jada's room & closet. Back middle, bath tub and shower. I'm standing in the living room. Out of sight: back right, master bedroom and directly to my right is the kitchen. The stair well is behind me to the right.

Above: 12X12 Storage. Very little room in the 1,100 sq.ft. 2nd floor living area.

Above: Most of driveway about done.

Above: 1st wall up on 2nd Story!

Above: Front view. More 2nd story walls erected.

Above: Driveway completed. Most of 2nd story framed up. Should be seeing roof looking structures very soon.

Above: This is the back of the house. The corner of the storage room pad is to the far left. Deck is to the far right, up against the house. 

It's WAININ'!!!!!!

So, me and Jada are leaving Target and it's black outside. Pouring down raining. Jada loves the rain so I said, "You wanna make a run for it?" She quickly responded, "Yeah!"

It's not too clear with the iPhone camera. But, we're drippin' wet. She was kacklin' and laughing away as we ran and she bounced on my hip in one hand and 3 bags in the other. 

Man, she's getting soooo big...... 

All too soon she'll be gone. All grown up. Probably married to some Ohlerking kid or something.

HEEE-HEEE-HEEE-HEEE

Oh yea, arranged marriages are coming back, baby!!!

First Floor Nearly Completed

Mike Thibeau and his crew are rollin'!! I could not have imagined this much would be completed in just 4 days. He's been very interactive and making sure we're on the same page with aspects of construction that are unclear. He's very flexible and has make several time saving and money saving suggestions and recommended good quality construction suggestions.

Below is the framing completed and outer sheeting or sheathing. I've hear it said both ways....

I just thought I was done swinging a mall and driving stakes when we formed the foundation. But, now we have driveways to frame. We're starting to see it come together more with the 3 doors for the 3 car garage.

Got the windows and doors cut out. Also started on the "trusses"? Some engineered supports for 2nd floor support.

Covering the front of the first floor. None of the pics show it, but they also installed the stairs leading to the second floor. They're all the way to the right in the picture below.

Last night at work

Man, what a way to go out with a BANG!! As always, Shell Chemical took good care of me. March 16th marked my 10 year anniversary at the plant. They give you the option to go out to a nice dinner with the bosses or go to the grocery store and feed your shift. Me and my buddy Manuel hired on together so we combined our dinners and had a FEAST Monday night.

Below, is the beginnings of a Crawfish A-2-Fay. That would be the topping for the fried Shrimp.

Below is the Ribeye steaks we'd be feasting on. We sauteed some mushrooms, onions and bellpeppers to go with it.

This was the most kickin' appetizer! BBQ Shrimp, wrapped with bacon and basted in a honey-butter sauce.

Below is the other side dish of boiled shrimp.

I had the honor of BBQ's the Ribeyes. I didn't mind at all cooking for myself.

Here's the finished dinner. We through in a salad and some Texas Toast. Not that we had any room for it, but we had Blue Bell Ice Cream and Turtle Cheesecake for dessert.

I can't say enough about the past 10 years at Shell Chemical. Great company, great people, great work environment and culture. As much as I'm looking forward to the future, I'll definitely miss the people at Shell Chemical. 

It was a great season of our lives there. It was an honor working with the men and women there. Absolutely no regrets. 

Construction Update

We had alot of progress since last post. We finished forming the foundation, digging footings, spraying for pest control, laying plastic, laying cable for post tension slab, installing floating forms Thursday. 

We were able to find a concrete company that could deliver for us Saturday morning. They gave us the old last minute, Saturday morning, "I know you want this concrete real bad before the rain" price....

So, we poured the concrete Saturday morning and only had a 45 second sprinkle right after the last truck pulled out. The finishers did a great job. We even had a little extra concrete for the in laws to pour a boat shed slab for their Express Bass Boat.

Even after that special price they gave us, they still showed up 1 hour 15 minutes late. I'm not bitter.....

Truck pulls up right on time. (in "everything is an hour and fifteen minutes late" world)

First concrete hits the slab.

After filling in the higher elevated living area, they started filling the floating forms, then the footings.

Filling up the rest of the foundation.

Wet Concrete

Dried Concrete

Mike Thibeau, old high school buddy, was ready with his crew to start framing Tuesday morning. They showed up and really made a lot more progress than I expected. We partially wrecked the forms and the framers usually do that. So, that saved them some time. They were able to frame most of the bottom floor. We're expecting to be done in 2-3 weeks with little weather problems.

First wall goes up!

Two Walls!

Three Walls!

FourWalls! Aah-ah-ah-ah!!!

Construction Begins

We sold the house in August of 2007 in hopes to start building our new home soon after. Well, its March and we've just broke ground a couple weeks ago. It's a LOOONG process.

We had to get the lot surveyed and put the lot in our name and get our plans put together. It took a pretty long time to get our budget for the construction together. We had to get bids from all the subcontractors together to help figure out the budget. Keep in mind this is our first time building and contracting a house construction. So, we had alot of learning to do along the way. Then, we had to apply for the building permit. The more I learn about government regulations, the more I get aggravated with the whole deal. Just imagine, the USA is BY FAR, the best country to live in so it's hard to complain. But, its still CRAZY.

We also had to choose a bank to do this financing. We were very particular with what we wanted. We wanted a 15 year fixed interest rate, one time closing for construction and final loan. Most of all, we wanted a good rate. We got a list of 5 banks and had to provide bunches of paperwork just for the pre application work. After that, some banks started dropping out for one reason or another. Some didn't do one time closing for construction and final mortgage, some didn't return phone calls in timely manner, made it easy for us. Then it was down to 2 banks and one could meet some of the things the other bank did. So, one left standing. Sort of worked itself out. 

We were ready to break ground. We were originally above flood plain, but wanted to bring in some dirt anyway. So, we had the pad built up. They had to do moisture test and compaction test. 

Then, we had to put up batter boards. These help you keep your forms level and at the right dimensions and also square. Very important.

After running the string from the batter boards, you start putting up your form boards. Easy concept, hard work! You have to drive a stake every couple feet for support. Concrete is VERY HEAVY and if you don't stake the board right, your foundation will be wavy.

Here are the tools of the trade. Mind you, I've been working at a chemical plant for the last 10 years. It's been a little while since this body has seen hard labor in an outside condition. Me and father in law did Saturday and Sunday of 7am to 5pm to get all the foundation forms up. He's 62 and he worked CIRCLES around me. He's amazing. 

Then, we had to drive more stakes and put in kicker boards for more support. So, we had to swing the mall DOZENS of times to provide support stakes for the stakes that were supporting the 2X12 form boards.

Then, we had the plumber come in and "rough in" the plumbing that will go beneath the concrete. We had no electric under the foundation. 

Then, we had diggers come in to dig footings. Footings are deep and wide trenches that usually go under load bearing walls that are filled with rebar and concrete to provide maximum support for your frame.
BTW: In the picture above, the construction in the background is the new Bluff Road Elementary School in Geismar. So, if you're on Bluff Road about 1 mile from Hwy. 74 and see a bunch of construction where a cow pasture used to be, you're real close to our house to be.

I'm sure I've butchered spelling for some of these construction terms and even used wrong terms. But, its real fun to learn all this stuff.

We're hoping to finish the footings tomorrow and have the post tension installed and concrete poured by the end of this week or early next week.

Brandi is working on getting the interior stuff all together. She's having fun with that too. We've picked out the flooring and design of our cabinets. Glen, Brandi's dad, is doing the cabinets, he's also the one I helped with the forms. He's only been doing carpentry work for 30+ years, but we went with him anyway.

We'll give more updates later, I'm sure. Its gonna be fun. 

**UPDATE**

They came today 3/26/08 and laid cable and rebar for the post tension slab.

After the footings were dug, we had to have pest control come spray the foundation and then we put down the plastic sheeting for moisture barrier. Then it was ready for the post tension people to lay cable and rebar.

We have to construct "floating forms" and get the forms inspected. Then, we'll be ready to pour the concrete.

Another reason to GIVE!

One of the cool things I've learned through Dave Ramsey is the true purpose of giving. We know God doesn't need our money to do His will. I like reading Genesis and His creation story. He didn't take up an offering. He just spoke, and He created. He's God.

God doesn't command us to give to earn His love or earn salvation. God loves His creation, you and me, with a perfect agape love. We can't earn salvation by following the giving laws, cause salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

So, why does He has us give?

Part of our journey on earth after accepting Christ as our Savior is being transformed from our "old self" into the image of Christ. Jesus was the ultimate giver! So, by having us give, God knows we will be transformed into a giver, like Christ.

Found THIS ARTICLE that some scholars wrote to help prove why God's plan for us to be givers is a good idea. Many people tell you the most fun you can have with money is giving it away. Here's proof.

I remember a defining moment for me and being a giver. At Shell Chemical, we take part in the United Way. We were doing our annual sign up for our giving and just a couple of months before, a news story broke out about some executives of United Way abusing funds given by donors on personal use. I had made up my mind that The United Way had disqualified itself from deserving my hard earned money. Just as I was proudly about to mark a big ZERO in the giving box, my spirit was given a BIG CHECK!

I felt like I had to make a decision about why was I giving. I had to decide if I trusted God or not. After that I determined MY RESPONSIBILITY was to obey God and be a giver. I would be accountable for MY DECISIONS. The United Way executives would be responsible for THEIR DECISIONS.

If we look for it and with ALOT of help from the enemy, we will find reasons not to give, we will find reasons why our local church has disqualified itself from deserving our hard earned money. But, think about it, is it OURS to begin with? Could we make a living without gifts given by God? Could we be where we are without the doors God has opened?

I've had that mindset and it isn't fruitful; it isn't life giving. Let me spare you many troubles and encourage you to find reasons to GIVE! Not reasons NOT to give. Do it with a good heart and do it out of obedience, expecting NOTHING! That's when God brings the "something." And His "something" is according to HIS riches in glory!

Catch Up Pics of Jada

Some pics of Jada and the family I got since our trip to the Seaward's in Sept. 07. Sorry for the delay. Enjoy. She's growing up SO FAST!!

The Porch

I've avoided posting about this specific subject for a good while. Many reasons, some good, some not so good. I believe God gave me a vision which prompted me to share about this today.

I've worked at Shell Chemical for almost 10 years. I make my 10 year anniversary March 16, 2008. It's been a GREAT 10 years here. Shell is one of the best companies to work for in my industry. Shell Chemical Geismar is one of the best plants to work for on the river in this region. A great company with great comensation and benefits. But, for several years, I knew this is not where I'm meant to be. We knew a different season for us was approaching.

Brandi and I have been preparing for the time when I am supposed to resign from this job and pursuit full time ministry. God has opened alot of doors for us in many ways to help us along the way. I'm SO THANKFUL to Pastors Dino and DeLynn for creating an environment at Healing Place Church for Brandi and I to realize our calling and also to gave access to resources that has allowed us to make the transition from what I'm doing now to what I'm supposed to do. A big part of that has been Elevate, HPC's Internship program and bible college.

I was at work and the building where I work is elevated on a 2 foot high slab. There is a porch on each entrance. I was standing on one of the porches at the corner looking down at the ground surrounding the building. Now, even though God has opened all these doors and Brandi and I have prepared for this for the past 2 years or more and we've sought Godly wisdom from many men and women, I still have thoughts of "what if" or "is this right". But, not anymore. The porch is about 20 foot by 30 foot in area. It's elevated about 2 foot off the ground and I'm about to "step down".

I thought about how I'm not just stepping down from a position, but from compensation and benefits and job security. Then, I truly felt God saying to me, "This elevated porch is only about 600 square foot in area. You may be stepping down, but look at the area of the ground you are stepping down to." I looked down and the ground, of course, goes on as far as I can see in all directions. I can't begin to estimate the area that is there.

Yes, we're stepping down from a certain "elevated" income and a certain "elevated" lifestyle. But the area that is attached to that "elevated" income and "elevated" lifestyle is only 600 square feet. The area of the "lower" income and "lower" lifestyle is infinite!

Whatever God has called me to do, by obeying His leading, I will infinitely expand the ground that I have access to.

I hope by sharing this, I have encouraged some of you as I have been encouraged. April 1, 2008 Brandi and I are stepping down to expand the ground we will have access to. It's very humbling. I know the responsibility I carry by following His leading. But, EVERYWHERE He has led us up to now, He has also PROVIDED the way for us to accomplish our goals.

We have NO REASON to believe He will not do it again. We fully expect Him to do it again.

His Heart For Orphans Crawfish Boil

Tommy & Aimee Poche' hosted the His Heart For Orphans Crawfish Boil this weekend. We had our quarterly meeting and discussed alot of exciting things for the future of HHFO at HPC. 

We hadn't been in a while and it was good to be there and spend time with those friends and let Jada play with the kids. 

I really believe this Ministry is important to God. In the Old Testament He consistently mentions caring for the orphans when He is rebuking and

correcting the people of Israel. We may not ALL be called to adopt, but we are ALL called to care for the orphaned.

Check out the pics:

HPC Adoption Workshop!!

What does God's Word say on adoption?

Through "His Heart For Orphans" adoption workshops you will receive a Biblical perspective on adoption along with valuable information on the domestic and international adoption process. You will also meet some amazing children who were adopted into their forever family.

NEXT ADOPTION WORKSHOP:

Saturday, April 26th at HPC Annex Campus Suite A

8:00am - 12:00pm

REGISTER HERE

Updated Pics

We took Jada to the Chinese New Year Celebration at the LSU Union Theatre. China has such a rich culture. Over 3,500 years of history and archaeological findings. 

 

Jada in her Chinese dress.

The Lambert Family

This is Li Chow, a friend of me and Brandi. Li worked with Brandi at Blue Cross Blue Shield. She gave us the heads up about the Chinese New Year Celebration. She was so excited we were adopting from her home country. 

This was back in August last year when we moved into the fishing camp at False River.

Obligatory Apologetic Post

Every blogger goes through this. A season of not posting. My exuse was not having the USB cable to transfer pics of the family from my camera to my laptop. That was partially true. The other reason was work, Elevate, and family activities.

We really have alot going on. We broke ground on the new construction of our new house back in Geismar. The trip between New Roads and Baton Rouge/Geismar is wearing on both Brandi and me. So, we're ready to get the house done and reduce the round trip time and expense.

Elevate is going good. The only reason it isn't great is because of my normal work schedule plus the overtime I've been working because we're short on people. But, that will only be a problem for 33 more days. It's been a GREAT experience that I don't regret one bit.

Both Brandi and I have decided to go to Hyderabad, India for Elevate's Mission Trip with "Go Global." Her first Mission's Trip was to India 3-4 years ago and we're excited to go together on this one. It's May 15th through 24th. HPC is joining a host of other churches on the trip to open a new church and facilitate a revival. Here's a snippet from HPC's HP Global website:

India: Joyce Meyer Ministries
Dates: May 15-24
Open to:Full-time Elevate
Details
Our interns will be partnering up with Joyce Meyer Ministries and other churches where they will lead a crusade, build and dedicate a church, and provide medical care at the medical clinics.

Jada is getting so big! We're potty training and its going very good so far. No dirty diapers in over 2 weeks. But, the puddles throughout the house are not just Lucy's, our 6 year old Jack Russell Terrrier. She's doing ALOT OF BABBLING with some coherent words mixed throughout.

I'll work on posting some updated pics of Jada soon.

2008 is here!!

2007 was a great year for Brandi, Jada and me. "Great" includes challenges, disappointments, coming up short on some things, but it also includes alot of wins.

Challenges include an evergreen process of being new parents and balancing the work God is calling us to do. The win in that situation is seeing us get through it and accomplishing some things and learning from the dissapointments and shortcomings. Jada is such a joy! When I'm not dealing with the stress of all that we go going on, I still find time to contemplate the massive effect we've had on her life and the effect she's had on our lives.

The daily struggles of marriage and family we're multiplied for our family in 2007. We've made some decisions to take some direction that we knew would mean more work and less time as a family. But, we are keeping the end in mind as we ride the wave of a busy schedule. We know there's a purpose and a destiny that is good, despite the hard work and long hours we are experiencing now.

The decision to take part in Full Time Elevate, work full time, on top of maintainin a healthy marriage and family ended up being a little more than we expected. We're shorthanded at work and I ended up working at least once a shift on my off days since November. Sure, extra money. But, you just can't put a price on quality family time and down time.

We're also about to start construction of our new home in Geismar. Just another list of things to do. Its a very interesting process. I'm looking forward to learning alot about it and try to enjoy it.

We're so blessed to be involved in a wonderful, life giving local church like Healing Place Church. Throughout all of last year, with all we had going on, the support from HPC has really grounded us and challenged us to keep The Main Thing, the main thing. Can't imagine how people do it without a life with Jesus. The grace, guiding, leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit to put others first and resist the minute by minute urge to be selfish.

I'm so proud of my family. Brandi is flourishing in where God has her. She's pouring so much into her calling and her passion. In a strange way, its worth it to spend a little less time with her, to see her doing her part for the Kingdom of Heaven. I'm proud of her and I don't think its the 'proud' described in the 7 deadly sins. I think its a good 'proud.'

Jada is developing and really seems to be happy. Despite what me and Brandi do or fail to do. Its so obvious God has BIG PLANS for that little girl. It's inimidating to be charged with preparing her for what God has for her. What an awesome responsibility. We need Jesus more than ever.

2008 holds some BIG changes for us as a family. But, we're truly at total peace about the direction we're being called to take. I can't wait to see it all unfold. I can't wait to be challenged more, stretched more, grow more.

Merry Christmas!!

Here is our Christmas Card rough draft. We had to add a cool Christmas scripture cause that's what people who love and live for Jesus do. Again, my apologies. Red Bull tastes great, but makes you do and say silly stuff...

We're excited to see Jada enjoy her second Christmas. She's getting so big and grown up. We really need to work more with her on her vocabulary. It's like she's about to burst with new words and phrases. It'll be both a blessing and a curse... so all the other parents tell us.

Enjoy the updated pics!

Have a Holly Jolly CHRISTmas. Jesus is the reason for the season!

Warning: Another Political Post by an anti-political blogger

OK, I don't follow politics too much. So, take this for what its worth. I'm just a normal guy who realizes our elected officials have put us in a bind since about 50 years ago.

But, let me encourage you to check out RON PAUL.

I look for Christian values in a candidate and Ron Paul has them. But, I also really like the Constitution. Neat little letter written by some REALLY smart (better said: WISE) people. Today's politicians seem to be wandering away from it.

So, Ron Paul's philosophies are refreshing (from the perspective that we have abandoned some constitutional principles) and exactly what this country needs.

This is my ignorant uneducated, simple, and basic kind of opinion. My apologies. I'm in a rather cynical mood this afternoon.

Merry Christmas everybody.

God's Armor Bearer by Perry Nance

For Elevate, we're reading "God's Armor Bearers" by Perry Nance. I just read a section where the author had met with one of the servants of Billy Graham's Crusade Team. The crusade coordinator said he had been with Billy Graham the least amount of time of all the people on his team. 23 years!

This made me do a serious spirit check! With all the promises, hopes and dreams I have for work in the ministry, am I ready for the possibility that I will serve under Pastor Dino for DECADES? We all dream of leading something, directing something, "owning" something. Am I humble and mature enough to commit to serving God's Kingdom without being "the man?"

I look at the INCREDIBLE staff we serve at Healing Place Church. I know of at least 5-7 people on our staff that could start a new church or take over a church and do just fine. But, in the 6 years that I've served at HPC, I've never heard even a HINT of a desire of these A-List servants under Pastor Dino talk about branching out on their own.

What an excellent example of Armor Bearers these guys and gals on staff at HPC have been!

Biting my tongue!!!!

Just saw a morning news story about several prominent TV Evangelist and an Elected Official (Senator or Representative) that is requesting financial records for improper spending or use of those finances.

With the National Debt at $9 TRILLION, which was created by our elected officials, are they really the best people to criticize other people's spending habits?

Can somebody say, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye." Luke 6:42

I better stop there. I feel the Holy Spirit leaving my mind the more I think about it....... (Biting my pillow, trying not to loose my salvation over this ridiculousness....)

Checking In

Its been an unusual couple of months. We're a little understaffed at work with retirements, promotions and medical leaves taken. I've been working alot of overtime. Nonvoluntary overtime. Nothing worse than being FORCED to go into work on your days off. Well, that's a little exageration.

That makes Elevate a little tough. I think I've made 3 or 4 classes in the last 3 weeks. But, I begged them not to expell me. I think it'll work out.

Jada got sick during the cold front. That didn't help with Elevate either. She's doing much better and she should be clearing up soon.

Brandi and I are doing great. We're taking each day and each event as best we can. Overall things are good.

God is faithful.

Congratulations "Half The Sky" and Jenny Bowen!!

Jenny Bowen, Executive Director of "Half The Sky", will be an American who will carry the Olympic Torch in Beijing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Great blog entry about it HERE.

"Half The Sky" VERY CLOSE to carrying Olympic Torch in China Games 2008

Just got this email from "Half The Sky." As the note indicates, this doesn't ensure she will carry the torch. But, chances are better than before this vote!

"A giant thank you for your votes to help Half the Sky carry the Olympictorch. Because of you, we earned an amazing 14,188 votes and ended thecontest in FIRST PLACE! Of course that doesn’t guarantee us a place inthe torch relay (a committee will make the final decision) but itcertainly will assure that our bid gets serious consideration. Most of allI want to tell you how very touched we at HTS were by the way you and yourfamilies and friends all rallied behind us and also by the many, many kindmessages you left on the website.
I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to be a part of this beautifulcommunity."

with lots of love,

Jenny

Jenny Bowen

Executive Director

Half the Sky Foundation

www.halfthesky.org

Let's pray that this WONDERFUL organization is recognized for all that they do for the precious orphans in China.

Adoption Workshop by "His Heart for Orphans"

PLEASE VOTE!!

I've posted about "Half The Sky" in previous posts. It is a nonprofit organization created by adoptive parents that helps improve the lives of orphans in China. Well, Jenny Bowen, a board member of Half The Sky, has the awesome opportunity to carry the torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

Please visit THIS SITE and vote for Jenny Bowen!!!!

Hurting People

In my internship, over the past 3 weeks, I've had the honor of serving in the Pastoral Care offices at HPC. Its an understatement to say there is a need in our community. It would be very easy to be overwhelmed at the volume of hurt that passed through that office in a given week.

What I've learned already is that Jesus is the ultimate answer. I've also learned that if we rely on our own abilities to help the hurting people in our community, we will fail miserably. There is no way I or any of us in our office can meet the need adequately. Its just not possible. Not one of us has the amount of love, mercy, compassion or grace required to comfort the people who are hurting in our little community. It has to be all about Jesus.

I believe there is value in the trials and struggles we go through. The greater value is the ability to let Jesus bring us through our seasons. If we are able to let Jesus be our Savior for our eternal life and especially our everyday life, we are able to let God's Spirit work through us to minister to the hurting people in our little community. That's the only way we can hope to bring hope to hurting people. We just do not have what it takes to help these people. It has to be all about Jesus.

We are inadequate. We are incapable. We must decrease, so He, Jesus, can increase as we minister. We would recommend works and deeds to make it through the valleys. The Truth is, Jesus is the ultimate answer. Our suggestions and recommendations may help them through the moment. But, Jesus will truly heal the hurt. Eternal healing. It simply has to be all about Jesus.

Happy Anniversary X's TWO!!

Tuesday September 4, 2007 was our One Year Gotcha Day & our 14 Year Wedding Anniversaries. Its SOOOO cool to have these two life changing events to celebrate on the same day!

We went to Melbourne, FL to visit Nick & Christi Seaward, a couple that went to China with us and adopted their daughter Isabel. Jada & Isabel shared an orphanage together in Behai, China.

The Seawards were such AWESOME hosts. Gave us a room and bathroom all to ourselves, barely let us help cook or clean, had 3 square meals a day ready for us, wouldn't let us pay when eating out. The utmost in generosity! We loved spending a couple days with them, getting to know them better and letting Jada & Isabel spend some time together.

So, here are some pics.

Anniversary dinner at Chinese Resteraunt

Jada's First Trip to the Beach!

She ain't SKEEERD.

Have to be related, huh?

Stylin'

Passion Has No Age Limits

I'm 35 years old and probably the oldest Full Time Elevate student or at least the second oldest. I can honestly say that I DID NOT think for one second I would go to Elevate and be some sort of father figure to these WONDERFUL young men and women I'm serving with. Sure, I have some experience they don't have and if they would allow me, I surely would share what I've learned along the way and encourage them in the things I've messed up in.

What I didn't figure on happening was how much these young men and women inspire me. They inspire me with their passion to serve Jesus at 18 to 25 years old. I'm envious. What would my life had looked like if I'd answered the call at 18 or 20 years old? Why did it take me until 35 years old to figure out my destiny? Well, that answer came to me pretty quick. Me & Brandi's lives has had some ups and downs in the last 15-17 years. I think its very valuable to have experienced some of the things we've experienced so that we can serve and minister to those in similar situations. We can encourage others to make Jesus The Foundation of their lives and marriages far sooner than we have chosen to. So, it'll all work out in the end.

At 35 years old, my legs can't keep up with my mind like they used to. But, running with these young men and women, I'm getting farther than I would if I was running alone. These young men and women are incredible, they inspire me, they encourage me, they lift me up, they make it fun and exciting.

Their Passion is contagious and I realize passion has no age limits. Whether 18 or 35 years old, passion is what drives us to complete our mission and carry out our calling.

Full Timers in Elevate 2007, this will be the best year of our lives!

What a week!!

It was a CRAZY week last week! We FINALLY finished moving out of the house, but now we have a fishing camp full of cardboard boxes and suitcases.

We closed on the house Friday, ending almost 7 years of living in our first house without wheels. It was bittersweet. Our first home, Jada's room and the wonderful paint job with encouraging words in English & Chinese. But, there's ALOT of GREAT things that come out of selling that house.

I started my internship at Healing Place Church. Monday night, we met at Pastor Dino's house with all the other Elevate Students for a kickoff meeting. Then, Thursday and Friday we had orientation. Then, Friday and all day Saturday, we had the Elevate Retreat. 26 Full Time Students and 54 Evening Students. Pretty impressive for a local church's small Bible college. This is the first year Elevate has accredidation.

Jada is doing great. We did have a little accident. She came sit on my leg to ride the horsey. Well, the horsey bucked and Jada fell on her face and her tooth met her bottom lip and the lip gave way. So, she has her cute poutty lips with a fat bottom lip and a big hole in it. From what I've heard, its the first of many.

So, that's what real physical labor feels like....

We have a purchase agreement on the house and we were scheduled to close Friday Aug. 10th. So, Brandi and I have been packin boxes and making trips to the storage place, False River (our temporary home until we build) and the garbage dump.

Brandi works all day and packs at night up until midnight. I think I'd like that job better than humping boxes in 98F weather. I suggested getting a moving company, but we had to sift through everything and trash stuff, store stuff, or bring it to the camp with us. So, we did it ourselves.

Anyway, I burned 2 days of precious vacation at work Monday and Tuesday to get all the packing done. Then, we find out the buyers want to put off the closing one week later. We have some minor repairs from the punch list to complete and they've been wanting to extend for a while, so we agreed. Now we have 7 more days but only about 8 hours more work to get the house empty. I hate wasting those 2 days of vacation. But, I'm glad to slow down from that hectic pace.

Yes, I'm sore. I've used muscles that a Chemical Plant board man just don't use. Plus, I'm 35 yrs. old now. "The Ole Gray Mare......."

Jada's is doing great! She's such a helper! She'll bring us boxes and LOVES to roll the dolly around. She opens and closes the door for me when I'm loading the trailer so we don't cool the outdoors. She's a trip.

I think I packed our camera up in a box that's at the camp in False River. So, just text for the next week or more.

Happy Birthday To Jada!!!

Happy Birthday To Me.....

Happy Birthday To Me.
Happy Birthday Dear Gered!
Happy Birthday To Me!

35years old today. Feeling great! Great God (Jesus & Holy Spirit). Great wife (Brandi). Great daughter (Jada). Great family. Great local church (HPC!) Great job (Shell Chemical Operator). Great friends. Great house that sold. Great weather. Great future ahead!

No complaints.

Happy (Early) Birthday Jada!

We had a Hoola by the Poola party for Jada's 2y/o Birthday Party. What a day. Thanks to Granma & Grandpa White for lending the house and the pool! Aunt Sue, Brandi's sister Chantelle & hubby Patrick for ideas and help setting up. Heidi's (Highland & I-10) owners Amy Lassiegne & Kim Ammons for the theme idea and decorations.

Here's some random shots. We had a great turn out. We are NOT party throwers, so we hope Jada will read this years down the road and understand how PAINFUL this was to her parents. But, it turned out great, everybody had fun, the weather & Our Creator held off the rain and brought out the sun. Most of the burgers were fully cooked and Jada got lots more stuff to wreck the living room with and more great clothes.











More important than all that, it's just great to see friends & family. We hated that we were running around cooking, preparing stuff and couldn't sit and talk and catch up with everyone we've been missing.

We think Jada had a good time. We know that with everyone that came to see her, she was blessed. Especially since her future was in doubt before we got matched up with her.

Our hearts always goes out to her birth parents and will continue to as we celebrate her birthdays. I'm just believing that they have faith that she's in good hands and that she's taken care of and more importantly LOVED.

Happy Birthday Dear Jada! Happy Birthday to you! And many mooooooooooooooooooore.

Busy, busy, busy.....

We're getting ready for Jada's 2 y/o birthday party this Saturday. Her first with us!!

With the house sold, we have to get ready to move out. August 10th is the closing date. Did ya'll know self storage is not cheap? We have some touch up paint to do. Small stuff, but alot of it.


We're not keeping much, so if you want first dibs on something in our house, speak up or come by! We're only keeping Jada's furniture, dining room table and some clothes. Everything else must go!!!! We're gonna do a garage sale late July/early August, but we will take any offers before then.


The specials we have is Brandi's Office Furniture. Its a little over 2 years old, Christopher Lowell Collection from Office Depot. we paid $1,300+ for it 2 years ago, we're thinkin' we'd ask $800.

Executive Desk and Lateral Filing Cabinet below.

The Credenza Hutch above goes on top the Computer Credenza below.

Count The Cost - New BLOG!

I've really been wanting to do a separate blog about finances. This is something that has been on my heart for about a year.

Count The Cost

Its on Wordpress & I haven't learned much about it yet. But, it'll come around.

Hope it blesses you.

Pumped Puppy!!

Nothing to add. Just a cool pic I ran across before I fell off the edge of the internet tonight at work.

Exciting Missions Fundraiser!!

July 21st Chris and Meghan Matt will be auctioning their labor to raise money for a mission trip to Italy.

Chris - Is a Residential Project Foreman with great knowledge, strength and stamina.
Meghan - Is a Residential Home & Office Care Engineer specializing in house cleaning, organizing, office work, babysitting and anything else that you need.

Available shifts are 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 5pm on July 21, 2007

Bidding begins at $100 each.

Bids may be submitted to meghan.matt@healingplacechurch.org or calling 753-2273 X257.

Warning: Semi Political/Conspiracy Theory Post

A friend of mine at work forwarded me this free documentary on google video.
If you have 2 hours and you are a fan of Conspiracy Theories, you'll thoroughly enjoy this video.

It's biggest focus is about how the Income Tax is unconstitutional and how the Federal Reserve is NOT government run, but a PRIVATE ORGANIZATION created by bankers.

It gets you thinking about some things. But, I have no idea if any of this is legit or just good documenaty production. Anyway, its free and if this sort of stuff interests you, you'll enjoy it.

The documentary is called "From Freedom to Fascism".

Pretty strong words, but the documentary lives up to its name. Interesting stuff.

UPDATE: Shreveport lawyer who quit filing Federal Income Taxes 10 years ago is aquitted because the prosecution could not provide any law that stated he had to pay Federal Income Tax. READ HERE.

P.S. Happy Fourth of July!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Jada Update

OK, Jada is out the box! Follow the progression here. When we get heavy rain, water puddles on our front sidewalk. One day I let Lucy out to go to the bathroom. Jada saw the water and started playfully splashing with her feet and I thought, "Photo Opportunity!" Follow along:



See Jada have fun in water.



See Jada sit in water.



See Jada lie in water.



See Jada bath in water.



See Jada wash her face in water.





Jada's hair is growing and we're able to put it in pig tales.

Danielle Musso: High Quality Real Estate Agent!

For reasons we'll cover later, we decided that it was time to sell our first home not on wheels.

We had NO IDEA what it took to sell a house. We still really don't know because we have one of the best young and upcoming Real Estate Agents around in Danielle Musso (www.daniellemusso.com). I say young and upcoming, but she's been at it for 7 years and has really excelled in the industry.



Danielle is the wonderful wife of Doug Musso (www.dougmusso.com), who works with Brandi in the Finance Department at Healing Place Church (www.healingplacechurch.org). This is a great couple and a great family and we know Danielle would do a good job for us, but she went above and beyond our expectations. Danielle is a REMAX Real Estate Agent that worked very hard for us and really did so much we didn't know what was going on or how this thing really worked.

We didn't get a chance to learn much because we got 2 offers in the first 4 days on the market. And then we got a FULL PRICE OFFER with NO CONTINGENCIES on the 7th day. So, we're really happy with how hard Danielle worked for us and she proved to be very knowledgable and experienced at what she does.

We highly recommend Danielle Musso for anyone selling or buying. She did a great job marketing our home on her website with great pictures and a virtual tour. She's received many rewards and has sold over $7 Million in Real Estate since 2004. So, this wasn't her first rodeo.

If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate, please give Danielle Musso a chance to serve you and let her know you heard about her from us!

Thanks Danielle. You did a GREAT job!

OK, we are wimps! Everything is harder with a 2 year old...

Is it just us? Or is everything HARDER with a 2 year old? What about you folks with mulitiple kids? Are you just losing your mind inside, but just putting on a happy face for the rest of us? We just have one, who's great, happy, healthy and everything wonderful, but having to consider her schedule and taking care of her 24/7 has really made us realize how different it is with children.

We got back from Pigeon Forge, TN last Friday and already we need another vacation. We're planning on going to the fishing camp this weekend in Bayou Sorrell. It's just crazy sometimes. But, at the same time its fun.

We got LOTS going on, as usual, but this time its big news that I want to dedicate in a separate post. This post is for our Tennessee trip. I didn't get our camera pics developed back yet, just these of us white water rafting. Me and Brandi are up front. Her sister Chantelle and her husband Patrick in the middle. Chantelle's boys Andrew & Austin in the back and our cousin Chance with our Guide "Shep."

Enjoy:

Just got back from Pigeon Forge, TN

Took vacation this past week in Tennessee. There was no internet in our room and I couldn't post.

Got some good pics coming. Winding down and resting today. Hopefully will post this weekend.

Oh yeah, we got the house up for sale! We got about 6 visits while we were gone to TN and 2 offers. Hopefully we'll be moving soon!

"Career Campus of Louisiana"

Check this out: www.careercompassla.org

This organization really encourages me. It was started by Kacy Edwards & Julie Scott, two Baton Rouge teachers who served in the public educational system and saw a need to help students transition from highschool to college. Anyone remember your highschool career counselor? Me neither, which is probably why the U.S. Navy got a hold to me first! Not only did they see a need, they had a passion for it and stepped out in faith, left the comfortable state employment situation to go meet a need in an area they had a heart for. Amazing courage in my opinion.

They are also TRULY making a difference by providing PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS to students who truly need it.. They aren't throwing money at it or using the situation as a platform to get elected to some office.......... Lord, I apologize for that right there and be with the starving pigmies in New Guinee....

Anyway! We can send them a blessing of $50,000 by visiting this site: www.campaignforyourcause.com.

We can vote EVERYDAY and help them win the prize. They are gaining ground because of our votes, so let's send them over the top! VOTE EVERYDAY!.

Prayer Request from Bangalore, India

David & Theresa Greenhough, called us yesterday and asked us to send out a prayer request.

They are in need of workers at their facilities. They take in homeless children and board them, teach them, feed them and love them. They have a School, Medical Clinic & Orphanage. The school will be for adults and children.

Also, they have told us that many neighboring regions are passing more laws against evangelizing & converting to Christianity. So, they are asking for protection and for wisdom as to how to deal with these laws, should they effect their ministry.

Theresa is an amazing woman of faith who I truly believes hears DIRECTLY from God. I think she has Jesus on her cell phone. Seriously, this woman knows scripture frontwards and backwards, she speaks with such authority, she is covered with God's annointing. David and Theresa are impacting the Kingdom of Heaven and its encouraging to follow their ministry.

www.gatewayindia.org

Interesting Financial/Marital Facts about Americans

These things are a big reason why my heart is for marriages and personal finances. Over the last 3 years or so, I've found out that they both go hand in hand. Brandi and I started in the marriage ministry over 6 years ago. Then, no matter what book we read or bible study we did, we realized how much personal finance went with marriage. The first fact is what has drawn us into the personal finance field about 2 years ago.

So, check it out, do a little personal evaluation. If any of these things pull on your heart, we would love to walk with you, teach you, encourage you and share our journey and our experiences and hopefully, help you take your situation to the next level and beyond. Where ever God wants you to be. Shoot us an email with any questions. See our email to the right of the page.


Conflict over money is still the leading cause of divorce today.
- Psychology Today

70% of people in North America live paycheck to paycheck.
- The Wall Street Journal

17% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover 1 week without a paycheck. 55% could not live for 3 months or less without a paycheck.
- USA Today

In a worldwide survey, 22% of U.S. consumers said they have no money left after paying basic living expenses. Only Portugal had more cash-poor respondents , with 23%.
- Kiplinger's Magazine

The estimated average credit-card debt per US card-holding households in 2005 was $9,312.
- Time Magazine

$12,338 - average credit-card debt amoung people who carry a balance.
46% - U.S. Households that carry a credit-card balance (2004).
9% - Families with debts overdue 60 days or more (2004).
- Kiplinger's Magazine

51% - Consumers who have at least 2 credit cards
14% - Consumers who have at least 10 credit cards
14% - Consumers who use at least 50% of their avaiable credit
- Experian National Score Index

In 2004 there were 1,597,462 personal bankruptcies filed in the United States.
In 2005 there were 2,078,415 filed.

In 1929 only 2% of homes in North America had a mortgage against them. By 1962 only 2% DID NOT have a mortgage against them.
- Christian Financial Concepts

Among people 55-64 years old, 50% still owed money on their homes in 2004. That's up from 37% in 1989. The amount of that debt in 2001 was $596,000,000,000. In 2004 that amount rose to $1,000,000,000,000. Keep in mind that in 1929 only 2% of homes in North America even had mortgages on them.
- Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances

Over 62% of Americans retire on annual incomes of below $10,000
- The US Census Bureau

Mortgage debt has increased 300% since 1975 and foreclosures are up 25% over just three years ago.
- The Federal Reserve

Mortgage debt has more than doubled since the early nineties.
- The Federal Reserve

The typical bankruptcy was not a homeless guy living on the street or a high rolling real estate salesman, but a "well-educated, middle class baby boomer with big time credit card debt."
- The Wall Street Journal

The average household has $84,454 of personal debt.
- USA Today

In 1980 the total consumer debt was $1.3 trillion. Today it is over $5.9 trillion.
- Consumer Reports Money Book

55% of Americans "always" or "sometimes" worry about their money.
- Marist Institute

There are 15.4 billion credit advertising impressions on the American public every three months!
- Jupiter Media

The personal savings rate in the US has now fallen to -2.2% -- the lowest in 60 years.
- The Department of Commerce

Premarital education is associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction, lower levels of destructive conflicts and higher levels of interpersonal commitment to spouses.
- Journal of Family Psychology

Couples who received premarital education had a 31% lower chance of divorce.
- Phone survey conducted in 4 states with 3344 adults

60% of second marriages end in divorce and 75% of third marriages end in divorce.
- Gary Chapman

Most marriages that fail list financial problems as a contributing factor, if not the main reason for the failure.
- Dave Ramsey

It takes the average millionaire 17-18 years to become one. Most are first generation and started with little or nothing.
- Dr. Thom Stanley

None but Jesus!

'Nuff Said.......Any Questions?

"Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage....."

Come on Al Bundy fans, sing with me!

I just wanted to share a post from someone who posted on a marriage forum I like to visit. The original poster was talking about not feeling in love with the spouse any longer. If you've spent any time in marriage ministry, serving couples, chances are you have heard this. If you've been married more than 4 weeks, you may have even thought this to yourselves. (Did I write that out loud?)

Anyways, another poster shared this with the rest of us. It realigns our thoughts and beliefs about God's definition of Love from the world's idea of cupid and butterflies in the tummy to 1 Corinthians 13 type of love.

I am encouraged to revisit this post as a standard to measure my beliefs about 'love' to make sure my thoughts and beliefs are lining up with God's. I also want to encourage unmarried men and women to look at this and KNOW this will be a challenge to be met in marriage and even in any relationships. I encourage engaged couples to look at this and be warned that "falling out of love" is a lie from the devil and has no part in a marriage covenant where Jesus Christ is the foundation of your marriage. I encourage couples in a struggle to let this be your guide in dealing with the EVERY DAY struggles of living with the opposite sex. I also encourage couples NOT struggling to see if this can help you take your marriage to the next level. I encourage EVERYONE to think about these wise words of encouragement because I believe realigning our thoughts about 'love' to God's thoughts about 'love' will help us live the life God intended. Enjoy:

Questions we should all ask ourselves:

Love is patient: Are we patient with each other? Do we bear with one another’s weaknesses?

Love is kind: Are we treating each other with loving kindness and grace? Are we tender-hearted in our attitudes and actions? Are we using cutting humour in how we relate to one another?

Love does not envy: Has either one of us displayed a spirit of envy? Are we exhibiting discontentment or resentment in what we have or don’t have?

Love does not boast; it is not proud: Are we being boastful, arrogant or haughty? Are we displaying an attitude of being more superior or smarter than the other?

Love is not rude: Are we being rude, intolerant or harsh with each other?

Love is not self-seeking: Are we living together in true partnership-not allowing our individual wants to take precedence over our relationship as a marital team? Are we giving back to each other or only taking?

Love is not easily angered: Are we being too irritable or hypersensitive with one another?

Love keeps no records of wrongs: Are we keeping “score” of that which we shouldn’t?

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth: Are we amusing ourselves and taking delight in that which would grieve God? When we converse are we speaking the “truth in love”?

Love always protects: Are we protecting each other's feelings? Do we rudely embarrass or belittle each other? Can it be interpreted in any way that we are attacking each other’s character?

Love always trusts: Are we living lives of trustworthiness? Are we putting our trust in Christ? Do we believe the best in our spouse?

Love always hopes: Are there times when we are quick to assume the worst in each other? Do we have hope because of Christ?

Love always perseveres: Are we giving up to easily? Are we persevering through problems and conflicts rather than caving in to them?

2007 America World Adoption Agency Louisiana Family Reunion

We went to Audubon Park in New Orleans for the 2007 AWAA Louisiana Family Reunion. We had over a dozen families that have adopted and several that are waiting, in the middle of the adoption process. We had families from North Louisiana and even a family from Mississippi. Check out some shots:

More Mother's Day Photos

Jada and my mom at the Jambalaya Splash Park.



Jada at the park.



Jada playing well with others.



My 2 beauties.



We stopped by the park for pictures after Sunday service. We went home got her bathing suit, picked up my mom and let Jada play for the afternoon.

Happy Mother's Day

I was just thinking about the moms in my life over the weekend and realized exactly how blessed I am. I though it was appropriate to honor the wonderful women in my life and wish them a belated Happy Mother's Day.

I look back on my upbringing as I hear some stories of other people's experience and I realize the importance of my mom in my life. I had the awesome experience of being raised by wonderful parents, which included a stay at home mom. While dad was busting his rump as a self employed entrepreneur, mom held it down at the house. She chased after 3 boys, kept us fed, cleaned the house, did the laundry and whatever else was necessary to maintain the household. And from what I remember, did it all with a smile on her face with a great attitude. Ever faithful, she was an integral part in my walk of faith. Both her and dad were active in church. She was in the choir and thankfully, she comes from a family of musicians. I haven't tapped that potential to the fullest, but I like sitting with my guitar and strum with my limited abilities.

As far as my mother in law, well, I'm the envy of all my coworkers each time I talk about this way or that way that she has been a blessing to us. Brandi's mom is simply a giver. Her love language is gift giving and mine happens to be gift receiving. She's the kind of mother in law that you have to argue with to pay a diner bill if you go eat with her. She's the kind that you have to be very careful about saying that you like or want something. Cuz in a few days, if you go visit her, she'll hand you a bag on your way out filled with a couple things you said you like or wanted. The best part of my mother in law was that she was an integral part of building the character and value system of my wonderful wife.

As for Brandi, I feel like a king whenever I read Proverbs 31. We've been together since October of 1989, and we've simply grown up together. I love everything about her and how God has created her. Over 17 years, I've come to better understand God's definition of love. I'm encouraged that we've grown through ALL the things we have gone through. I know alot of times we get discouraged because of issues we go through in a marriage; issues that EVERY MARRIAGE goes through. But, I look back at all our valleys and lows and I am VERY encouraged. I know now that it is IN the valleys and the lows that we define who we are, what we believe and what we are made of, but most importantly, Who we trust, rely on and believe in while we walk through these issues. I hear, through case studies of marital problems or testimonies of marital problems on internet forums, that many women go through things and for whatever reason, don't make it through these problems. I know there are hurting people out there and sometimes, during a tough season, many people lose their marriage or turn from God as a result of the pressure and disappointment.

The #1 reason my love for Brandi continues to grow even today is NOT because we haven't been through anything, but, because we HAVE been through alot and she hangs on to God, she hangs on to me and she never stops fighting. She's a fighter. Brandi comes from a broken home and statistically, she was supposedly "at risk" for all the dangers that children from broken homes face. But, because of the faith and values that her mother provided and she received, she's an honors graduate from high school, she's an LSU graduate with a 4.0 in her major, she's a Certified Public Accountant who landed a job out of college with one of the five largest Accounting Firms in the world. All that was just a springboard or a way to train herself up for her current job of serving on staff of Healing Place Church in the finance department, serving the Kingdom of God.

Her professional resume is impressive. But, its not what I've fallen in love with for the last 17+ years. I've fallen in love with her heart, her love for God, her unfailing trust in Jesus and the spirit that God has blessed her with. All that other stuff is just icing on the cake.

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers in my life. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers. Your value is more precious than rubies!

P.S. I was looking at Jada last night and all of a sudden I thought about Jada's biological mother. Wow, what a sacrifice! I'm blown away that Brandi and I are the recipients of the joy and blessing of what may have been the hardest decision she could have made. Does she think about Jada? Does she miss or mourn for Jada? I still can't be angry at her. I know they may not celebrate Mother's Day in China, but I sure do wish her a Happy Mother's Day. I pray that she comes to know a peace that her daughter is treasured here in our home and I pray that she has a peace about her decision.

Shout Out to Ouachita Parish High School Seniors

I don't know about you guys, but I'm secure enough to admit that this was the last thing on my mind as a highschool senior.

I believe this is a great story. Please read and share.

"In Jesus' Name!"

Jada at Jambalaya Water Park

Decided to take Jada to Gonzales' Jambalaya Water Park today. This place is FREE and its very nice. Something the citizens of Gonzales need to be proud of.


Here's Jada getting used to the water. She was hesitant at first, but it didn't take long.


This is what I was waiting for, and it didn't take long. Curious little 2 year old. I could have warned her, but we wouldn't have this funny video if I did that, would we?


More of Jada running around sticking her head in the water.


Again, more Jada running around with the other kids.


And this is when we know its time to go home: its our version of the turkey popper! I forgot to put Jada's swimmer's diapers on. If you add enough water, that gel will bust out of the diaper. Tune in tomorrow to see if its bad for Jack Russel Terriers to injest said diaper gel.....

More Jada Vids: Dancing & Flips

Brandi taught Jada to do a front roll or a flip. She's catching on pretty quick.



Jada has taken on her own little language. We tried to catch her in the act with a hidden camera, but we got busted.

Contentment

I reviewed my blog and sort of evaluated the direction it was going and I discovered that I may need to do some clarification.

I want to ensure everyone who visits our blog that we haven't become obsessed with money. We have become obsessed with helping ourselves and others get from under the weight of debt and help people achieve financial peace however THEY define that.

We don't believe that tithes and offerings ENSURE an abundance of financial gain. We believe that tithes and offerings, given by a CHEERFUL giver and according to what God leads each of us individually to give, will bring us contentment, peace and help transform us into the very image of Christ, the Ultimate Giver.

Philippians 4:11-12, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (NIV)

Money is amoral. It has no morals. Money takes on the moral and character of that who possesses it. We believe that it's not a annual income that makes us content or makes our lives acceptable to God. We believe its a state of mind and state of heart that makes us content. The evidence of this spiritual truth is this: Many poor people AND many millionaires and everyone in between file for bankruptcy. No matter how much resources they have, they don't have the ability to manage or steward it responsibly.

Also, depression and unhappiness does not stay away from the rich man's door, the poor man's door or anyone in between. It isn't what you HAVE that defines your joy or contentment. It's WHO you are trusting and following to direct you in HOW you manage or steward your resources. It's WHO you are relying on for the source of your joy and contentment.

Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)

When we try to help people, we do not try to get them to a certain annual income and we don't judge them on how little or how much they make. We want to help people achieve financial peace WHERE EVER they are. We know we need to be just like Jesus and help people change their hearts, not their income. We prefer CONTENTMENT over CASH and PEACE over financial POSITION.

Latest pics of Jada & Family

Some shots of us & Jada at a friend's wedding shower. Thanks to Candace Mula for the wonderful shots.

Volunteers Needed

At Financial Counselor Training last week, they challenged us to counsel with someone at least 10 days from our graduation. So, we are looking for a couple of families or individuals locally in the Baton Rouge/Ascension Parish area who would like to get some help with their personal finances. You could be in some crisis, on the verge of bankruptcy, repossession, or foreclosure. Or maybe you just want to get out of debt and get freed from all that mess. Or maybe you just want some help to take a snap shot of your personal financial situation and maybe see if there is anything that you are missing.

I have enable my comment moderation feature, so if you would like to volunteer to help us get our Financial Counseling ministry kicked off just leave a comment with your contact information (email or phone #) and we'll get in touch and delete your comment so your contact information will not be on the blog.

Looking forward to serving you guys and helping you on your way to "Financial Peace."

Do you need "Financial Peace?"

Now that we're done with Training & Certification as Dave Ramsey Financial Counselors, many people are asking, "What do you do?" or "Why would people go to see you?" Things like that.

So, I wanted to provide a checklist. I wanted to give everyone some things to think about and a guide to do a self evaluation on your personal finances to see if you need "Financial Peace."
Here are some questions to ask yourselves:

* Are your personal finances a burden on you? Your Marriage? A reported 55% of families worry about their finances and Psychology Today reports that money is the leading cause of divorce.

* Are you currently living paycheck to paycheck? A reported 70% of families are living paycheck to paycheck. The average family has to borrow money if they needed $2,000 or more for an emergency.

* Are you on the verge of filing bankruptcy? Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Over 2 Million Bankruptcies were filed in 2005 and more in 2006. 98% of people who file for bankruptcy DO NOT need to. With a good plan and sacrifice, recovery is easily achievable.

* If you lost your job tomorrow, could you stay out of bankruptcy? The average family has $38,000 in debt, not counting the mortgage. Hardly any family has an Emergency Fund of 3-6 months expenses. This is why America saved a -2.2% in 2006. This is why we can't save for retirement, save for college and give to local churches and charities.

* Are you preparing for retirement? 62% of Americans retire on annual incomes below $10,000. You don't have to work for a big company to save tax sheltered dollars for retirement.

* Are you ready to pay cash for your kids college? Rising cost of a college education has many families borrowing from retirement accounts to fund college. That can be avoided with good planning. No matter how old your child is.

* Are you and your family properly insured? Medical bills are among the leading causes of bankruptcy.

* Is your Estate Plan in place for your spouse and family? 70% of Americans have NO PLAN. You DO NOT want the State or Federal Government distributing your assets when you die.

What we do is provide guidance. We DO NOT sell products. We help families achieve Financial Peace by teaching them the basics. We are teachers and consumer advocates and we want to teach you what's out there that's best for you, the consumer.

Pics from Training

Above is Russ Caroll. He's probably the most experienced Financial Counselor in the USA. He started out with Dave Ramsey over 15+ years ago. He's a former Pastor that has found a new calling in his twilight years of his life. Great wisdom and great teacher.


Above is Dave Ramsey doing his radio show, "The Dave Ramsey Show". The studio is visible behind a glass wall from the office complex's front lobby.


Above is me, in Dave's chair. He was in Mississippi doing a live event and he was broadcasting "The Dave Ramsey Show" from Mississippi. So, we snuck into the studio for some quick pics.


Above is a computer screen those in the lobby can see in the studio. It's a list of callers on hold, how long they've been on hold and a general description of what they are calling about. I think the picture speaks for itself. Dave actually handled the call very well. It wasn't a spoof or nothing, the guy was really hurting and Dave really helped him out. It's amazing how many different ways Dave helps people who call and its not always financially.

We're Certified, We're Home

It was a great day today. We watched a video where Dave talked about what it means to be a giver. How tithe's and offerings transform us into the image of Christ, the ultimate giver. That's the MAIN REASON God calls us to give. When we give, its the best way to mirror the image of Christ.

We learned how to share Christ during counseling, then we prayed, did a little worship, then they handed us diplomas and pictures and prayed over us, blessed us and commissioned us.

Great people, great cause. i'm tired and going to bed.

Uploading pics tomorrow.

Oh, MUCHO thanks to Brandi's mom and sister. They had Jada at the airport for us when we touched down. It was great seeing her again, we REALLY missed her.

Pics tomorrow, I hope.

Day Four: Dave Ramsey Training

11 more hours today. We're worn out. We went over Investment Guidelines, Estate Planning, Business Strategy, Ministry Counseling Services, Starting & Growing your business.

So much information. But what's so great about their organization is that they have made themselves available for us after we get back home. They want to do this the right way. They want to make a difference in people's lives.

Dave was back in the studio today for the radio show. One of the guys in our class had just sold a rental property or something and used the profit to pay off te last of his debt. Fridays on the Dave Ramsey show is a big day for callers to call in and scream, "I'm debt freeeeee!" So, he called the radio show and we all helped him scream! It was pretty fun.

We're ready to get home. We're ready to see Jada.

Day Three: Dave Ramsey Training

11 more hours today. We hung in there pretty good. We learned about:
* Myths about debt
* Dumping debt
* Dealing with collectors
* Communicating with debt collectors
* Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
* Foreclosures/Forbearances
* Bankruptcy

Then we toured more of the complex, The Broadcasting Department specifically. We got to tour the studio where Dave does The Dave Ramsey radio show. He was in Mississippi for a live event and he broadcasted the show from there. We got some cool pics from the studio, but I don't have my camera's ISBL cord to upload the pics. Let's just say a couple of us "filled in" for Dave while he was gone.

We ready to get home. It's going great, but we're getting Jada sick and home sick.

Day Two: Dave Ramsey Training

11 hours of personal finance training. This is hard core. GREAT INFORMATION! We learned about the counseling process, life & health insurance & retirement & college investing. Then we also went over 3 different case studies where we had the initial information and had to give recommendations of how to direct them. It was pretty crazy at first. But, we learned alot.

We also had the opportunity to tour parts of their facility and their staff. These people are WIDE OPEN. It's amazing how this group of peopl are impacting the WORLD. They have a high school curriculum that is in 1,200 highschools across America, public and private. They have Financial Peace Jr., which is a teaching curriculum for 3-12 year olds. They have Financial Peace University, a 12 week bible study and check this out: "On average these families have paid off over $5,300 in debt and saved $2,700 during this 91-day program!" 91 days!

Brandi & I are pretty sure we will start up a Financial Peace University class really soon after getting back. So, be looking out for that.

We took pictures yesterday, but they haven't made them available to us. OK, we're going to bed!

Good Night.

Here we go!!

We got to Financial Peace Plaza in Brentwood, TN today, home of Dave Ramsey's Certified Financial Counselor Training. We go through orientation and introductions and we get to take a break and step out of the meeting room and right across the hall is Dave Ramsey himself, doing the radio show!

After a couple of more hours of training Dave comes in and we get to hear his heart and do a Q & A session with him. This guy is FULL THROTTLE. It was such a blessing to see a man operating in his gift and in his calling. Talk about first class EVERYTHING. This is gonna be even better than we imagined. We just don't give him money and sit in a class for a week. We are part of the Dave Ramsey Family! He ensured us after we complete this training, EVERY resource right there in Brentwood, TN will be available for us. We will not be thrown into Louisiana to fend for ourselves.

He told us the average age on his team is 26-28 y/o. He said you don't get to go work on a project until you cry when you talk about it, that's how passionate he is and how passionate you need to be in order to be on his team. He said this isn't a job, this is his crusade! The passion is contageous!

Tomorrow is gonna be a 11 hour day, so this will be very short.

P.S. They fed us dinner and a movie. The movie was called "Maxed Out." WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY! It's a documentary about the banks and credit card companies and how outrageous their marketing has become. It'll make you sick, but it'll open your eyes about how little we, as Americans, know about how money really works.

We're going to bed. We can't wait to get home and get people to work toward FINANCIAL PEACE!

UFC 70 - Upset! Down goes Crocop

This is why I love Mixed Martial Arts. Anything can happen! Its the most exciting combat sport today. Ranking, records or reputation mean NOTHING when the referee says, "Fight!" You better come prepared and ready for battle.

The dude on the right is Mirko "Crocop" Filipovic. He's a former member of the Croatian Special Police & the #2 rated Heavyweight in all Mixed Martial Arts. But, as seen in the pic below, he's on the receiving end of a "Right High Head Kick." It's ironic because Mirko is known for stopping his opponent with his patented Left Head Kick.

So, this is the #2 ranked Heavyweight in the world on his back after eating a high kick from Gabriel Gonzaga. Don't freak out about his foot, he's fine. He walked out of the Octagon unhurt. Well, except a litle dizzy and his pride bruised.

This is the year of the upsets, so far. Everyone was expecting Mirko to win this fight and that would set up a Heavyweight championship battle between Crocop and Randy Couture. But, Gonzaga had a little Right High Kick to say about it.

If you don't know about MMA, get ready. Its the fastest growing sport in the world right now. Don't be ignorant about it. Its fascinating. Its exciting. Its real.

These pics & more from UFC 70 on MSNBC Sports.com.

More Jada Jams & Fun with Laser Pointers

"EZ" Earl @ Healing Place Church gave me this great idea.


Jada jams with "King of Cars" intro:

Why Tithe? Part 2

Studies & Polls about giving in the USA by church going people reveal that less than 5%-10% tithe consistantly. Results vary across different researchers. The Barna Group (www.barna.org) reports:

*Over 80% of all households donated some money to at least one non-profit organization or a church in 2003, 2002 and 2001, compared with 84% in 2000 and 87% in 1999.

*The proportion of households that tithe their income to their church - that is, give at least ten percent of their income to that ministry - has dropped by 62% in the past year, from 8% in 2001 to just 3% of adults during 2002 (2003)

*9% of born agains tithed 10% of their income to a house of worship in 2004.

*Nearly 9% of the evangelicals tithed in 2002 - roughly three times the national average. (2003)

With all the needs in our community, state, country & the world, as believers, its time to get our houses in order and provide the church with the resources it needs to bring the Word and Gospel of Christ to the lost, bring help to the poor, the widows and the orphans.

A related note, in a previous post (http://geredml.blogspot.com/2007/02/vision-personal-finance.html) I noted that in a study and an Associated Press news article: "In fact, the Commerce Department reported Thursday that the nation’s personal savings rate for all of 2006 was a negative 1 percent, the worst showing in 73 years."

The US is saving a -1% savings rate and nearly 90% are not tithing. We are not giving and we are not saving. What are we doing?

Why Tithe?

Malachi 3:8-12

8 “ Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘ In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts;

12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.

Virginia Tech & Grace - Part II

There was a comment on Pastor Dino's post about the Virginia Tech shootings that really answered the question that I really already knew the answer to:

"And, yes, I believe the church, which is God's idea, would and should be the first to reach out to one of God's children even when they have destroyed lives-
for even they are redeemable...
How many lives do we destroy every day-by our words, our lifestyle, our actions or in-actions towards one another-We just don't make the national news...
But, God is watching... His eyes go to and fro - just to find one...
My heart cries out to all..."

The obvious answer is that God would redeem the shooter, just as he redeemed Moses, who killed the Egyptian and David, who murdered Uriah and had the affair with Bathsheba.

The next question is, are we at the place where we can apply God's grace ourselves? Reminds me of my post, "Too Much Information." Where I quoted Watchman Nee saying, " All knowledge is the outgrowth of obedience; everything else is just information."

We have the information that we are to forgive, but do we have the knowledge, which is shown by our obedience? How do we put away our anger, bitterness and hurt to forgive others, as we have been forgiven?

To me, this is a spiritual maturity indicator. If we choose to obey and forgive, instead of waiting for justice or payback or waiting for the "feeling" of forgiveness to come, that puts us on a new level in our spiritual walk. That is what others can look at to see Christ working through us.

Virginia Tech & Grace

Pastor Dino just posted a blog about the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech and he asked what were some of our thoughts on the event. So, I responded. Here's a part of my response:

"Then, after thinking about the victims and grieving for the families and friends, I think about the shooter. If he were to survive, would a church prison ministry minister to him? Or do we think dozens and dozens of murders are unforgivable?"

I just want to go deeper into that thought. We absolutely want to minister to the victims of the tragedy, and we absolutely want justice to be served to the shooter. But, do we hold back grace? Even if the justice of the laws of the land is carried out, are we responsible for ministering to the shooter's spiritual condition? Here's some other questions:

Does the victim of adultery forgive the mistress and the adulterer?
Do the parents of a abused child forgive the abuser?
Does the victim of a hate crime forgive the racist?
Do the parents forgive the drunk driver who kills their child?
Do the members of the little Baptist church in Alabama forgive the people who burnt down their church building?
Do the employees of Enron, who are left with NOTHING in the twighlight of their lives, forgive the management team responsible for the Enron scandal?

Where does God's Grace stop? Do we prematurely withdraw the Grace of God? Do we even give the sinner a chance to hear the Good News and accept Salvation through Jesus Christ?

Do sinners see the Hand of God filled with love, mercy and grace? Or do sinners see The Body with clinched fists shaking with condemnation? Do we use the excuse of our anger and hurt to with hold forgiveness. Or even if we are not the offended party, do we use our outrage of the sin, keep us from ministering to the sinner.

I have no answer. But, I just think its something we should think about.

His Heart For Orphans BLOG

Tommy & Aimee Poche', leaders of Healing Place Church's Adoption Ministry, "His Heart For Orphans", has created a HHFO BLOG!

Bunch of info about adoptive families at HPC and education & resources for adoption in general.

CHECK IT OUT!!!

Jada on the swing.

Jada on the swing.

Happy Easter

Jada's Easter Outfit.




My two angels.


Jada's first Easter Basket.


Jada on her new swing at Grandma & Grandpa White's.

UFC 69 in Houston, TX

We had a very well deserved weekend of R&R this weekend. Upon Brandi's request, we put off Valentines Day and her Birthday for one big weekend in Houston, TX. The UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championships. Its a brand of Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. It's the most exciting form of combat sports today.

Here's the Toyota Center, right outside our hotel room.


Here's a shot of the Octagon from our seats. There was no bad seat in the place. Those new arenas are fantastic!


This is Diego Sanchez vs Josh Koschek. Supposedly the most exciting matchup of the night. There was alot of trash talking between these two leading up to the fight. There was even some shoving at the weigh ins. But, the weigh ins proved to be the most exciting action between these two. The played patty cake for 15 minutes and Kos got the decision. Like I said, he didn't win, he just sucked the least out of the two.


This is GSP or Georges St. Pierre, the Welterweight Champion, coming into tonights fight. This pic is him after getting KO'd. He was majorly upset by Matt Serra. Serra is a Jiu Jitsu specialist that KO'd GSP. Major upset, but a great fight.


8 of the 9 fights were outstanding. The place was jumping & the energy was high. We didn't get ANY pics with any UFC fighters. That was the only disappointing thing about the trip. We "could" have gotten some pics at the "after parties", but the after parties seemed a little too racy for us.

We loved it, and would recommend going to anyone who hasn't been to a live event. Great weekend.

HPC's "Our Life Magazine"

I blogged earlier about how much our local church, Healing Place Church, has meant to me & Brandi. We have found a church home that helped us discover what God put us on earth for and provided us with great friends and resources to live the life God intends for ALL OF US! If you are a bored member of HPC, that's YOUR FAULT! So much going on, so many lives being touched, so many opportunities to give our time, talents, touch & treasure to serve The Kingdom and help make Jesus famous!

A little insight as to what goes on at Healing Place Church. Click Below to check it out:

Jada Videos

The word for today is "momma."



I know where my bellybutton is!



Jada groovin' with the Doodlebops and "Get on the Bus." Hey Jada. Is that the Holy Spirit movin them hips?



Jada helps out by throwing away her own diaper after diaper changes.

Jada Pics! Jada Pics!

Just wanted to give ya'll some visual updates on our girl. Growing like a weed.


Good morning. It's 2pm, but I worked last night. So, me and Jada just woke up from a good 2.5 hour morning nap! It seems she knows when I need a little extra shut eye and stays in the crib longer for daddy.


A rare opportunity to see Jada upset. For you guys! :) Nah, she was just trying to get her toy basket out of the cabinet and it got stuck and Jada got bent.

She is babbling ALOT more lately and we're waiting for her to start putting the babbles together and create English words.


I just wetted her hair a bit for the photo shoot. She loves imitating me by waving her hands through her hair after I dry it a bit. Of course, when the camera comes out, she's gonna run up and stick her nose in the lens. She's a trip.


She's also learned the "Big Cheese" when the camera comes out.

I'm also gonna post some new movies on YouTube.

Only other news is that Brandi got braces put on. Don't look for any pics, I didn't even ask. 15 months I think she has to wear them. Not much soreness or pain yet, except for the metal brackets in the back, rubbing her cheek. I'll try to sneak in a pick or two. I'll use Jada as a decoy.

3 more days until UFC 69 in Houston! We're stoked. Whole lot of pics from that event to come.

"Other People's Money": No Such Thing

I've been hearing this a lot lately from some part-time entrepreneurs. The idea is to get a loan to start a business or buy real estate. A lot of midnight infomercials promote this strategy.

Here's the problem:

Proverbs 28:19-20
He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

I think there's lessons to be learned and character to be built when we are forced to slow down, save up and take our time before jumping into a business venture. Also, going into debt is not the wise way to proceed, in business or in personal finance.

Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

If you think borrowing money is smart because you are using "Other People's Money", then see what happens when you miss paying a note or three. You will definitely discover the context of being a servant to the lender. Making payments ties up your money, when it could be used to build up savings or reinvest in your business. There is also an emotional and spiritual effect of having the bank own your home, car or property. It's hard to explain, but think about it and it'll sink in.

Granted, many people have done this and have become successful. But, the risk is very high and with the scriptures in Proverbs 28 & 22, God seems to be strongly encouraging us to take our time. Maybe so He is allowed to open doors that need to be opened and shut the ones that need to be shut.

Using "Other People's Money" is not only going into debt, but it bypasses being diligent by not taking the time to save up. It's the quick and easy way. Nothing great comes quick and easy, maybe something good, but not something great. Some scriptures on diligence.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

Proverbs 12:27 The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

Proverbs 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.


All we've got to figure out now is if God is smarter than us or are we smarter than Him?

Marriage: Learning to Love Day by Day

Here's a comment from a marriage forum I follow. The thread is talking about "Falling in & out of Love."

"Prior to the last two centuries, there was no such thing as dating for marriage. All marriages (including the first one) were arranged. Yet, many people still had loving marriages. How?

They FORCED themselves to learn to love each other. They taught themselves and each other love, and it grew over their lifetime together.

Even in a modern marriage, the "feeling of love" is more like infatuation or euphoria than real love. It can't last long enough to get a couple through the struggles of a lifetime of marriage. That kind of love takes MUCH longer to build."

Nothing breaks my heart more than to hear a couple in crisis say they don't love each other anymore. First of all, to speak that is very dangerous. Second, we have to learn that "love" is not the butterflies in the stomach feeling when everything is going great. Love is a commandment.

When we think that we are falling out of love, we need to be reminded of what Love is according to God's Word.

There have been so many different seasons in my 14 year marriage. With each season, sometimes there is a need to learn how to love again. The addition of Jada, for example, has changed our way of life in a big way. We can't do things as we've done before Jada. So, we have to learn to love in a new way in a new season. We're still building our love.

Coming to Baton Rouge: Weekend To Remember by Family Life

Family Life's "Weekend To Remember" Marriage Conference

REGISTER HERE

April 20-22 at the Holiday Inn Exec Center in Baton Rouge.

We've heard alot about this marriage conference. One of the best there is. Family Life is one of my favorite Christian marriage ministry organizations. They've been doing it a very long time and have alot of respect from the Christian community.

This conference is great for marriages in crisis, marriages going through a rough time or just a simple tune up that EVERY MARRIAGE NEEDS!! Make a great investment in one of your greatest assets! YOUR MARRIAGE!

The Parable of the Talents: Alternative Message

I was listening to "Financial Peace University" CD's. He was teaching about the The Parable of the Talents and the importance of being good stewards of our finances.

Then, I started wondering if the moral of the story could apply to areas of my life outside of personal finances. The moral of the story is that God will bless you if you are a good steward of what He gives you. If you are not, do not expect to be given more.

So, what about other areas of my life? What about other gifts He gives me? If I am gifted with wisdom, but I don't use it or if I use it in an ungodly way, will he take that from me? If I am put in a leadership position or head of a ministry, and I don't serve that ministry with the right spirit, will that be taken from me?

What if I'm given the head of a household? What if I'm not a good steward of that responsibility? He will not take a marriage away from me, but He certainly won't give me an abundant marriage.

A few things caught my attention about this parable:
* The Master entrusted the servants with His property. It's not ours to begin with. This is why we can't boast about it or lord it over anyone. We did nothing to earn blessings, they are gifts from God.
* The servants had to work to multiply the Master's property. It takes work! Look what happened to the servant who did nothing with the gift, but bury it.
* God rewarded the faithful ones and then gave them more.. There are consequences for the way we steward God's blessings. We will have to answer for things we do.
* God gave the property of the lazy servant to the faithful servant. My biggest fear is facing God and learning that He wanted me to impact The Kingdom, but because of my laziness, he took away my gift or blessing and gave it to another and that other person was able to partner with God to impact the Kingdom. For me, all I have is a missed opportunity.

Updated: Tax Day & W-4's ** Updated with MSNBC Article

Tax Day: April 15th is just around the corner. Some have already or will be getting some Tax Refund checks in pretty soon. An AP article on MSNBC says the average return this year is $2,548. Look below at the chart and you'll see that its about $200 per month. I've recently adopted the opinion that having a large tax return every year is not smart.

We got some good advice a couple of years ago that really helped us get DEBT FREE except the mortgage. We were getting decent refunds back every year. Then, we were advised to set a goal to break even with taxes and use that extra money each month to help pay off debts.

Here's some numbers that will help you realize what you are missing out on or at least putting off until tax time.

$1,000 Tax Return will bring you $ 83 per month
$2,000 Tax Return will bring you $166 per month
$3,000 Tax Return will bring you $240 per month
$4,000 Tax Return will bring you $333 per month
$5,000 Tax Return will bring you $416 per month
$6,000 Tax Return will bring you $500 per month (several guys I work with have 3+ kids brag about these types of returns.)

As long as you keep the same income and other stuff the same, it is pretty easy to figure out how much you need to pay in each year. Now, me & Brandi keep an eye on how much we pay into Federal Income Tax (NOT Social Security or Medicare)and adjust our W-4's as necessary to hit that target.

There have been studies that show tha a majority of people use their tax returns on vacations or big item purchases. If you have the goal of getting DEBT FREE, maybe adjusting your W-4 will bring in some extra money each month to help you get it done faster.

Me and Brandi have confirmed reservations and flights booked to go to Brentwood, TN to attend Dave Ramsey's Certified Financial Counselor Training at the end of April. We signed up for the Not-For-Profit Training so we'll be able to offer FREE Financial Counseling through Healing Place Church.

Did you know most studies revealed that <5-7% of Christians tithe consistantly? I know many people are in the same position we were. We really wanted to tithe and give above in offerings, but we just had too many bills to do it. We really got freed up and are now able to give as we are called to give. We're ready to be able to help others get freed up to give too.

Here's some suggestions for your tax returns via MSNBC.com Personal Finance Section: HERE

Documetary of China Adoption

We had 37 families go to China with us. We were split into two groups after we got there. The Mortinsons were in the other group. Here's a documentary their son put together.

Gives a good idea of what the trip was like.

DOCUMENTARY on Google Video.

Enjoy

Jada vs. Crawfish

Big milestone for us! We completed Jada's 6 month post placement interview with Mrs. Paula Davis, our social worker for the adoption process. Mrs. Paula says everything looks good and Jada and amazingly mom & dad are doing just fine. I say that because we are still getting adjusted to having a 3rd wheel around the house. It's amazing how spoiled me and Brandi were to each other. None of the books we read or the people we talked to sufficiently prepared us for bringing Jada home.

No worries, for every 100 stressful times we have, one smile from Jada erases them all. She's such a joy to be around. She's outgoing, she's no China doll! We won't have no wimpy girlie chick girl in our house. Not there's anything wrong with wimpy girlie chick girls, but its just not how the Lamberts roll.

Anyway, all we have left is a 1 year post placement interview and that will be that. On with the show. Check out some pics of Jada and Crawfish!


Look at em. Like sheep to the slaughter!


Jada jumped right in. China is no stranger to crawfish, but I don't think Jada has eaten them like this.


She actually have had crawfish before, we just didn't have the camera or clean hands to catch her on film.


She ended up cleaner eatin' crawfish than she did eating zucchini or squash.


BIG CHEEZ!!


Jada's Hair is growing. Even enough to start putting pig tails in. She found a bunch of hair clips, so we hooked her up. She enjoyed it.


Still loving the camera. She knows what to do when we break it out. CHEEEZZZZ!

"Buttprints in the Sand"

Another steal from Dr. Roger Butner's blog. I've been following his website for a couple of weeks and I've been really blessed by his wisdom and encouragement. This one just made me laugh.

Check out his site. Good stuff.

"Buttprints in the Sand” (author unknown)

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore. But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, “What have we here?”
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet.”

“My child,” He said in somber tones,
“For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.”

“You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt.”

“Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand.”

T.M.I. = Too Much Information

Information vs. Knowledge:

I got kicked in the face, in a spiritual sense. It was one of those enlightening moments of humility that puts you in your place. You know, those times where you do an honest look at yourself, your heart, your intentions and see where you really stand. You don't do it to make God love you more, He already gave His only Son for us. Nothing we can do can change His perfect love for us. But, we do it because we know His ways are above our ways, His thoughts are above our thoughts. We follow God's decrees and wisdom because His ways are the secret to the abundant life God intended for us.

Anyway, I took an unplanned break from reading "Lifetime Guarantee" a.k.a., I got lazy and caught up on all the recorded shows on our DVR. I ran across a quote Bill Gillham, author of "Lifetime Guarantee" used from a noted Christian writer. Watchman Nee said, " All knowledge is the outgrowth of obedience; everything else is just information."

In other words, we can simply believe The Truth taught in God's Word, but it's only INFORMATION to us until we OBEY it. Then it becomes KNOWLEDGE. At that moment I figured out I had a little T.M.I. or "Too much information. I need WAY more knowledge.

God help us.

Just in case....

anyone believes there is something glamorous about the lives of missionaries, check out Dave Ohlerking's latest post.

Not counting our mission trip to China, I've been on one mission trip to Honduras with James Pursifull from Bethany. He set us up in a nice hotel and fed us well. Nothing like what 99% of full time missionaries have to go through. Don't get me wrong, they don't want our pity. This is what they are called to do and they serve The Kingdom gladly, without complaining or regret.

My respect and honor for these heroes are rising everytime I read their blogs. Some of the missionaries we support and keep up with:

Gateway International (David & Theresa Greenhough - India)

Isaac & Carole Williams (HPC Mozambique)

Children's Cup (Dan & Jean Ohlerking - Swaziland - Zimbabwe - Vietnam)

Support your missionaries any way you can, especially with prayers.

David St. Romain on Nashville Star Finale

Nashville Star Season Finale

Thursday 9PM

USA Network

To follow up my first post about DSR on Nashville Star....

The voting is over, but tune in to support our hometown Nashville Star finalist.

Baton Rouge native David St. Romain is one of 3 Finalist.

DSR has been living his dream of entertaining crowds for many years. This opportunity of national coverage was a major breakthrough for his career and he is DEFINITELY making the most of the opportunity.

These are the 3 finalists. DSR, Zac Hacker & Angela Hacker. Zac & Angela are brother and sister and they are CRAZY talented. They are great people too and have become good friends with DSR. It'll be hard to cheer against them, but we want our hometown boy to win this one.

No matter what happens, this contest has provided a jump start to everyone's career. Congrats to all the contestants. I'm not a fan of country music, but watching the stories of these guys and gals, it became bearable during the show.

We're excited and looking forward to Thursday night.

Pics taken from the Nashville Star website.

Kevin Harvick sent me an email....

No, it ain't what you're thinking. I work for Shell Chemical in Geismar, LA. We got this mass company email about Kevin winning the Daytona 500. This is the first time in a long time Shell & Pennzoil has sponsored a car and it was pretty neat that we won the first race.

I don't like NASCAR. I'd rather take bamboo shoots under my fingernails that watch a whole race full of left hand turns. But, its neat that my employer had a winning car. We're doing a Fantasy NASCAR league at work, just for fun. 2 of my 4 drivers crashed out early in the race, but I'm still 4th out of 10.

Here's the celebration at victory lane. That's me on the far right. I'm standing right above the 'e' in "Victory Lane". Oh dang, its cut off!