Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised

For the last 4 days, Carl and I have been in San Antonio, Texas at Bible Study Fellowship Headquarters. Carl has been teaching the Gospel of John to about 90 teaching leaders who will be teaching their classes in the fall. What a great week it has been. We have seen Jesus, we have walked with Jesus. We have given Him our praise and thanksgiving and He has blessed us. My passion to know Him better and serve him more fully in the power of the Holy Spirit and for His glory has been ignited. I have been encouraged through His word, through prayer, and through quiet times of meditation.

More of this later.

A wonderful time was had by all as we celebrated Elisabeth's graduation from Temple Law School.

Randie and Mark Peterson, grandma Charlotte, and John and Debbie Laney along with Carl and I enjoyed four wonderful, full days in Philadelphia. We visited the world renown Longwood Gardens -- one of Pierre DuPont's Estates, as well as Eastern State Penitentiary, and Einstein Hospital where Jed works. We had lots of yummy food, including Elisabeth's home grown strawberries, and leisure conversations.

Carl took his 1944 Ford GPW to the 82nd Avenue or Roses Parade today. There was a mix of classic cars, bands, kids, action heros along with a few military vehicles. Notice the "duck" in the background.

April 18, 2009
What a birthday present. John Laney returned today to Norfolk. VA on the aircraft carrier - the Theodore Roosevelt, after being deployed for 6 months in the Persian Gulf. We welcome him home and say thank you to all our servicemen for their service to our country. We appreciate you.

Spring is really here in Portland with all its yellows, purples and pink in full display. Ready for Easter. Yesterday the temperature was in the high 60's and we took a bike ride to the water front. I think half the city was there.

To see it is to believe it! To read it is to know it is true! David and his team had a wonderful race at Willamette University on Friday late afternoon. The sun broke through to shine on the runners and the spectators, but the temperature was a cool 47 to 50 degrees. After one lap, the runners formed two packs. the lead pack of about 8 runners stuck shoulder to shoulder and heel to toe for the first 6 or so laps, then two non collegiate runner picked up the pace and broke away. The remaining 6, from the lead pack stuck tight with only occasional jocking for the lead. David tucked himself in and decided to avoid that head wind until the last 100 meters. At that point a senior from Southern and a roommate took the lead,and a Western Oregon runner were in the first and second positions. David and a runner from Oregon were battling in out for 3rd and 4th. As the scoreboard shows it was Oregon by a breath.

When the race was over the job had been done. David qualified to go to Nationals in the 10K. Qualifying time for the 10K is 31:50. This was a PR for David and a he had seconds to spare.

What can I/we say -- David has battled with injury this season and sickness. He has been discouraged and has not been able to keep up with his usual training schedule. All I can say is David worked hard for this win, but even more than that, God is gracious, God answered this prayer in the affirmative, and God derserves our praise and thanksgiving.