Friday, September 26, 2008

"Weekly" Prayer Requests

Ok, folks...
I guess the least I can do is post our prayer needs here on a "regular" basis. I'll do my best!

Praises
-Jon started doing Security as a volunteer at Buena High School... it has really opened some doors with students that wouldn't normally be in his circle of influence.
-We had a great time last weekend at Canoa Ranch. (Army "Strong Bonds" Marriage Retreat) Jon was supposed to teach, but ended up observing the training. The kids enjoyed the pool!
-Praise God for an awesome group of Chaplains and support staff that we work with. It's a great team!

Requests
-Students are hurting- physically, emotionally, spiritually. Some of their intials are S, M, A.
-We have one more weekend retreat this weekend. It is great fun, but very tiring for us and the kids. Pray for rest!
-Jon is traveling to Sacramento for the National Youth Worker's Convention on October 7th. Pray for safe travel, and for Janelle as she will be home with the kids.
-Health- Kids- teeth; Jon- trying to start running; Janelle- mentally & physically drained.
-Still praying for a second car!

Thanks again for standing with us! We rely on your prayers.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Prayer Request

Hey folks-
If you're checking this blog, chances are good you pray for us on a regular basis. I'm going to try to be better at regular prayer request updates.

Praises
-Two weeks ago, I (Jon) challenged students at youth group to stop living on the fence, to choose who they were going to live for. Three students stayed after to talk, and two more contacted me the following week to talk. One of the students committed his life to Christ!
-The kids are adjusting to school, making friends, and generally healthy/happy.

Prayer Needs
-The Suburban isn't running very well since the "Squirrel Incident."
-We're working our way through the kids, getting dental work done.
-JS, the young man who decided to follow Christ... for his spiritual foundation and growth as he goes through the "Spiritual Survival Kit" with Jon.
-For Janelle, as she develops relationships both with students and adults.
-Jon is planning on running a half-marathon in December, but training isn't going well. Please pray for his ankles and heels.

Thank you all for standing in the gap on our behalf!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

In Memory-9/11

Seven years ago today, many of our lives were forever changed... drastically changed by the actions of a handful of men acting under the delusion that they were earning special privilege in heaven. So much for a "religion of peace."

Today, we remember the sacrifices made by men and women who gave of themselves; most of whom would more than likely look at the ground, scuff their boot, and say "I was just doing my job." We call them Heroes.

I'd like to mention two families whose lives have been forever touched by these Heroes.

The Family of Ronald P. Bucca Sr.
You can read the whole story through the link above. I personally got to know Ron Jr. while serving with 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. It was an honor to serve with Ronnie. He and his family know the real meaning of sacrifice.

The Family of Timmy R. Brown Jr.
I served with Tim during OIF I. Like me, Tim was troubled by 9/11, and joined the Army to do his part. Tim was killed by an IED in August, 2003. His family's lives have been forever changed because he chose to answer the call.


The McIver Family has been forever changed by the events of September 11th, 2001. However, we look back and see God's hand through it all. I am a better husband, father, son, and Follower of the Most High because of my time in the Army. I feel like I can truly claim Romans 8:28:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

To all those whom I have served alongside... Thank You.
To the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice... God bless you and keep you.
To our President, George W. Bush... Thank You for having the courage to face evil head on.
To those serving overseas today...

May The Lord bless you and keep you.
M
ay the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
M
ay the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Family Fondue Night

Our kids are pretty simple when it comes to food. Foodies they're not! They would be happy most of the time with a diet of hot dogs & chips, apples, a grilled cheese or PBJ, with the occasional slice of pizza thrown in. You know, kid food. ( I know my mom cringed as she read that, right?)

Yesterday we decided to do something a little different... we did Fondue for dinner! Not just cheese fondue to dip bread/veggies in, either. I mean the actual "Coq Au Vin" style where we actually cook meat and veggies at the table.

They were pretty enthralled by it all. Liam had his own special dipping sauce (no cheese for that kid, allergies you know) for bread and veggies. They enjoyed the cheese, but the real test came with the main course. The only rule was that everyone had to try one of everything. Other than Luc almost gagging on a piece of shrimp, everything was a hit.

Lach declared it the best meal our family has ever experienced. Janelle and I declared it a family record as we spent one and a half hours happily around the dinner table. We think this may become a monthly tradition for our family. Perhaps we've nudged our kids down the road to "foodie-dom" or perhaps not... regardless, we had a great time!

If you're planning on stopping by for a visit in Sierra Vista, give us a weeks warning and the night you're here just may end up "Family Fondue Night."