Today finds the Cox Clan in Oskaloosa! We are preparing for the birthday celebration of one Elijah Cox, whose birthday was last Tuesday and he turned a whopping 1 year old!
The birthday party is set for tomorrow after the morning service, we're looking forward to lots of family and a great party.
Some of the Cox's arrived this afternoon and have had some fun with Elijah. Grandma Cox is convinced that we do not get down here enough and I'm tending to agree!
Here is a picture of Elijah @ 1 year:
Thanksgiving day began a bit differently for us this year as we waited until the morning to leave for Des Moines. We loaded all of Lynn's Mom's stuff into her car and she and Susan took off with Lynn and I right behind.
After leaving Lynn's Mom at her home in Ankeny, we proceeded on to my Mom's in Des Moines. We arrived there at about 10:30 AM and the rest of the family began arriving shortly there after.
The food festivities began with a chip dip that I brought, normally, we do not have appetizers before the Thanksgiving meal, we reserve that for our large family Christmas buffet. But, because we are going to have Christmas in Clear Lake this year I decided to bring an appetizer to Thanksgiving. My choice this years was a favorite at our church, green goddess dip served with corn chips.
Just after noon the real meal was on! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potato's, gravy, scalloped corn, green bean casserole, homemade rolls and seasoned butter, cranberry/orange salad, a vegi salad and homemade pumpkin pie! What a feast!
After a couple of hours to recuperate, we headed out to spend time with the Cederquest clan at the Fellowship Baptist Church and then on to Pastor Jeff Holub's home. We kind of invited ourselves into their family gathering but they were very gracious and did not tell us to "get lost" as they probably should have! We had a great time of food, fellowship and fun. As a bonus we got to see Chris & Rachael Pearson, as well as Jonathan & Heather Smith. It was good to get a chance to catch up with them. Our good friends Nick Oliver and Jessica Page stopped by as well - it was an official party!
Overall, a great day of fun, food, and family. As well as another opportunity to reflect on the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us. I'm so very thankful for all that God has done in my life but this year especially for the people that I have had and have now in my life!
Take time to pause.....
Things have been very busy but I need to take time to pause and blog just a bit.
The trip to the Grand Rapids area for the funeral of my friend Tom Hammond was very profitable. By that, I mean that it was good to see June, Tom's wife and also their children. It was good to touch base with many of the CBF's that I have not seen in about 20 to 25 years! I was evey called by my college nickname which was ...(I'm not telling!)
It was also good to spend time reflecting on the impact of one persons life upon another. I know the impact of a man like Tom in my life and in the lives of other, that was evident from the testimonials at the funeral. Which begs the question of what kind of impact are we having in the lives of others?
One last thing on this topic ... If I have any regreat, it would be that I did not keep in regular contact with Tom. I never took the time to tell him how thankful I was to God for Tom's impact in my life. Why is it that it is usually after someone is gone (has died) we finally realize that we never took the time to say "Thank You".
Getting ready to head to Grand Rapids area for a funeral of a very influential person in my life. Tough days but knowing God is always good is a true comfort. 1 Thessalonians 4:13!
Before I head out I wanted to give a bit of an update...
Here is what's new:
Susan was in a play at Ventura High School titled "Curtains", a murder/mystery. She did a great job and had a ton of fun. Susan also made the varsity basketball team and is very excited for her senior year.
Lynn is staying busy babysitting and running the ranch we call home! She is also teaching a ladies Sunday school class that I think she does a very good job with. Lynn is doing a great job nursing her Mom back to health, and her Mom is doing really well!
Archery season is underway and I'm just not seeing too many deer. I'm trying to get out as often as I'm able but still very busy. The ministry is cooking along, I'm preaching through 1 John in the Sunday morning services and I'm doing a series on evangelism in the evening services.
That's it for now!!! Talk to you soon!
Friday afternoon a man died in a car accident in Michigan. Big deal, right? People die in accidents all the time - why would I mention this incident?
Because the man involved was Tom Hammond.
I met Tom in the early 80's while attending the University of Northern Iowa. Tom was a college pastor with Campus Bible Fellowship and he was the one who discipled me after I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. He was a spiritual adviser, friend and the first person to tell me that God had given me gifts and abilities that He could use in the lives of others. It was Tom that challenged me with the thought of going to Bible College and consider the possibility of full time ministry.
The memories that I have of Tom's ministry in my life are far too numerous to try to tell here but I have been thinking non-stop about it since receiving the news yesterday morning.
My heart is heavy, but I know that God's plan is always perfect and I will always trust Him to do what is right and beneficial for my life and that which will bring glory to Himself!
