Steve and I have been hard at work knocking out our list of fun summer items. While we still have lots to go I wanted to take the time to update you on a few of the ones we have checked off so far:
1. Get more exercise... Not accomplished yet.
2. Read fun books: Check! So far Steve and I have both gotten a little fun reading in.
My (Laura) book of choice has been
Orphanology by Tony Merida and Rick Mortan. It is all about the Church's Call to do orphan ministry. I like this book because it has something for everyone! I realize that not everyone is called to adopt, but we are all called to do orphan ministry. This book shows people how they can do that in many different practical ways. It also shows biblically why orphan ministry is important. If you're looking for an inspiring, challenging, and at times tear jerking book you should check it out!
Steve who is always outdoing me in the reading front has been working on several books. His first read of the summer was Francis Schaeffer's A Christian Manifesto He reviews it as "well worth the read." he is also working on Tim Keller's Generous Justice So far his review is that this book is "very insightful and challenging."
3. Memorize a book of the Bible: Work in Progress
Steve is working on memorizing the book of Galatians.
I (Laura) do not plan on memorizing the whole book of Psalms but did memorize Psalm 139 last week with the help of her wonderful friend Carlena Speed. I have not picked a whole book to memorize yet.
4. Go to Salt Lake City: Check!
Go to Las Angeles: Check!
Go to Mississippi/(Texas): Check!
Go to Seattle: Not yet
My (Laura) trip to Salt Lake City was to go the wedding of a close High School friend. My mon also flew out for the festivities. This trip also marked the first night apart Steve and I had spent apart since getting married. While I had a wonderful time I must admit I was very glad to get home to him again!
Not two days later another high school friend and I were able to meet up right here in San Fran. Lauren and I did quite a bit of touring locally and then did some in L.A. too! I feel like I’m starting to get the tour guide thing down (Please come visit us!)
Steve forgot to write visiting Texas as another one of my goals. My little Sister Rebecca graduated high school and my Dad retired from the military. Both events were really nice and I am glad I was able to attend.
Steve spent time in Mississippi performing the duties’ of being a grooms man at his college friend’s wedding. He enjoyed catching up but decided that living the life of an on the go bachelor was no longer for him claiming it was much too exhausting.
After the wedding Steve and I met up to visit with both sets of our grandparents. It was by far the most relaxing part of our trip. They treated us to some fine out to eat dining as well as good home cooked food too! We are so blessed to have them!
Seattle is coming up in less than a month Our College group will be doing a mission trip to help out a local church plant. We will defiantly blog about that trip when it comes!
5. Do some preaching: Check!
Steve is in the middle of a miniseries at church right now on our Church’s mission statement. Videos will be coming soon!
6. Plan and Lead VBS: Check!!!!!!
After a logged 40 hours of prep work at the church starting the day after we returned from Mississippi we hit the ground running with our Pandamania VBS. Our VBS was likely very different than most. For starters it was all day long Children arrived at 8:45 a.m. and stayed until 5 p.m. each day. Another difference is that we did not have enough people to do it on our own. The Lord has a way of working things out though! SFMBC was blessed with having 7 Summer missionaries from GA and MS to help us this year. We ended up having 32 children attend. At the end of the week 2 children and 2 youth were saved (Praise God!), 50 cans were collected for the homeless, and nearly $700 was raised for the SFMBC college mission trip! I was so encouraged and blessed!
If you have a few minutes check out our end of the week wrap up video:
7. Make a good grade in Christian Ethics: Work in Progress
8. Plan something cool for our anniversary: Check! Though I have no idea what it is. Steve has taken care of it all to surprise me.
9. Look like surfer beard guy: Check for Steve! No check for Laura!
Steve was on the verge of growing a disgusting beard much like surfer dude but I could not let him continue it. Thankfully it is now shaved.
10. Hang out with Neighbors and friends at GGBTS: Work in Progress
Hanging with the Davis family at Regan's Birth.
Hanging with Carlena (and Will) in L.A.
Hanging with Cara as she helped me paint for VBS.
We have enjoyed catching up a little this summer but we have not gotten to see all of you yet! Give us a call or knock on the door we would love to hang out with you!
