We want to welcome you to our blog. We hope you find it to be entertaining, smile enforcing, and even inspiring at times. These are our moments.



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Lorelei's Christmas Program

I know I am way behind on posting, but I am hoping to catch up soon.  Here is a video from Lorelei's Christmas program today!  I hope you enjoy!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

This is old...but I saw the picture and wanted to post

Last mother's day we were at my parents house.  Lorelei was sleeping and Adam, my mother, and I ran out to go somewhere leaving her with my Dad.  When we got back (20-30 min later) this is how we found her:

When she woke up, he couldn't find the clothes we left and he thought she was cold so he put her in one of his big t-shirts and was feeding her on the floor of the basement.  He refused to feed her the veggies so she was getting some kind of sweet fruit.  So sweet!  I love it!  Love you daddy!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Daddy Daughter Time :)

A fun moment on our trip to Statesville, NC.  

Here is my heart :)

I just had to share!  
Love,
Ashley

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Our new favorite activity and welcome to the world Brooks!

Lorelei's new very favorite activity is going to the playground.  She LOVES the swings.
However, her absolute favorite activity is to climb up the slide and slide back down...sometimes backwards on her tummy, sometimes sitting up (w/ mom or dad holding her hand) and every once in a while she will head down head first and mom or dad will have to save her :)

Welcome to the world little Brooks Lee Beck!
Thank you for letting us visit you on your very exciting birthday! 

You are already loved more than you know!  You have amazing Godly parents!  Congrats again Heidi and Ryan!



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Gwinnett County Fair 2010

Gwinnett County Fair 2010!

I should start by saying that I LOVE the fair!  I just can't help myself, the food, the rides, the shows, the animals, the excitement, the kids...I have such great memories growing up of going to the fair.  I was so excited this year to bring Lorelei to her first fair!

She has no idea what she is in for :)

Lorelei rode the Merry-Go-Round for the first time!  She wasn't so sure at first but for the rest of the night whenever we passed it she would point and let us know she wanted to go do that again!



Then we were off to the 4-H petting zoo.  Lorelei got to pet a chick
Then we saw a 4 day old donkey

Then we saw a chick that had literally just hatched (mom and dad thought this was cooler than Lorelei did)


Bad Mommy and Daddy may have let her try a funnel cake...hey we were at the fair right?
She loved the funnel cake so much that when she saw me throw a little bit away, she started crying.

The fair would not be complete without Daddy winning his little girl a prize :)

Overall, the Gwinnett County Fair 2010 = a total success!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Last Two Days of Campmeeting

First of all, sorry this is so late. I need to do several VERY late blogs of our summer. Here is the first one...

Last Two Days of Campmeeting!!

Daddy was able to be there for the morning singing and story time!
This morning we learned about Easter...so we had an Easter Egg Hunt!

And they are off!

Lorelei loved finding eggs.
Mom, Dad, and Lorelei all went to Helen for the day and had a blast.



Lorelei is finally learning to pay attention now that it is the last day :)



The last morning we were there was the day we let go of the balloons. Each year the kids attach a letter to the balloons and ask if anyone finds it, to send it back. Each year, about one person finds the leftovers of a balloon and sends it back.



The balloons are the colors of the salvation bracelets. First, we let go of the black balloons because they represent sin and Jesus paid or our sins. Then, the rest of the balloons are let go.


Lorelei did not want to let go of her balloon :)

Time to go home. We will be back again next Campmeeting. Until we meet again...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Who am I working for?

Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This piece of scripture is so difficult for me to actually live out. The Bible says whatever you work for, if it’s not the Lord, is an idol. That’s a tough one to swallow. It makes me think that often times I am actually practicing idolatry. This is something I struggle with daily. I look for the approval of man, when God’s approval is all that is needed. I could just kick myself when I think about working for myself or others and putting God in the backseat.

This all comes full circle for me after Thursday of last week and reading this passage today. I often chase so often the big stuff in my work. I get frustrated easily when I walk into a school and they aren’t ready to purchase 100 projectors that day. It hit me like a train on Thursday. As I visited school after school, I was asked about cables and other small equipment. Nothing big, nothing expensive, and nothing I could actually make any kind of money on. As I started to get frustrated at the day, I was reminded by God that maybe, just maybe, this is why I do what I do. Maybe I’m the one that needs to sell them this kind of stuff and just be happy that I have the ability to come out to them and cater to even the smallest of needs. I started thinking this is what we do as a company. This is why we exist. Why has it taken me so long to realize it and accept it and be happy with it? Sure, I can continue to chase the big stuff when it comes up, but the small stuff is why I’m here doing what I do. I can break it down and start thinking about the little money I will make off of these items, or I can realize that is why our company exists and that is what I’m here for. Since God is in charge of our finances, it doesn’t matter what I sell whether it be large or small. God tells me all the time, give me your first fruits and I'll take care of the rest.

I want to work for you God, not myself and certainly not man. I’ll continue to struggle with this always trying to gain approval from this person or the next, but ultimately I know who I am working for even when I don’t always live it. I have to turn back to Colossians 3:23-24 every once in a while and remind myself. My prayer is that God tap me on the shoulder and remind me who I am working for in this life. Thank you Father.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Beginning of Reflection...

I am beginning a journal of life where I get the chance to reflect on each week. It's nothing too profound or anything. It will just give me a chance to reflect on the week and remember and journal some of the moments and "lessons learned" of the week. I think it will be fun and insightful to record some of the memories and lessons I learn each week in order to grow into a more developed, spiritual, mature husband and father. Here are some of the things I learned this week:

- I need to carry God’s peace with me and show it to others. Be that non-anxious presence in other’s lives.
- Don’t expect plans to stay the same. Changes happen. All the time. Adapt or let it eat away at you.
- Some annuals (plants) are not annuals. They will continue to come back every year. Each year a little thicker and a little taller. We were those neighbors with the overgrown weed garden in their front yard. It was supposed to be a butterfly garden. So much for that.
- Don’t forget people’s last names. Especially ones that know you. Also, don’t expect for the person you are asking to see this person that you forgot their name to not make you feel stupid when you obviously got the last name wrong, but you had the first name right. Beckie Miller, Beckie Hitch. Very close.
- When you hear about a single mom whose ex-husband flees the country and leaves behind their two kids with a baby on the way and a job that just got cut back from 40 hours to 12, you realize just how good you have it and how very blessed and favored you are.
- When Kroger has a 2 for $5.00 sale on half gallons of organic milk, you buy at least 2. Another good lesson is don’t decide to start drinking organic milk when your child just gets to the age where she is drinking milk instead of formula and drinks roughly 20 ounces a day. With those figures, Lorelei drinks a half gallon every 3 days. On sale, that is $2.50 / 3 days or $0.83 per day. She drinks that $0.83 in about 6 minutes if you add up her three feedings. That’s 13.8 cents per minute, but who’s counting.
- Listen to my wife when she insists that I need help when putting together tables. If not, you end up doing something wrong and getting tendonitis in your elbow and unable to lift anything for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Expect to spend at least an hour at the Varsity before a Falcons football game. So many people in line for hamburgers and hotdogs. Really? It’s a burger with some American cheese (probably Kraft singles), and chili (probably canned). Somehow, all together, it’s magically delicious.
- Hold the Sabbath sacred. It’s so special to spend the day with family and keep it simple. What a way to end the weekend.
- Don’t be so quick to give yourself a pat on the back. Keep your expectations high. Never settle for an okay job even when it may be extraordinary to someone else. Character is everything. Do the right things even when no one else is looking because God always is.

Here's to another great week with little ability to use my left arm.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Aha moment... a.k.a. God moment

I was listening to a sermon last week that discussed God's presence in our lives. Something that really struck me was the fact that everything that happens to me is already known by God. It goes through what the pastor called a father filter and maybe, just maybe everything is perfectly designed for my life to shape me in the way that God wants me to be. Even my little problems that occur are designed specifically for me and are a challenge to see how I will react. Am I the only one that has never thought about that? It hit me like a train last week as I was up in Dalton, GA getting my shipment of computer tables into the school where I was to put together 177 tables with the help of one other person.

I was on a mission. I had my agenda set. 177 tables. I was figuring about 5 tables per hour each. That's 10 tables per hour for 2 people. 9 working hours. That's 90 tables per full day. We went up on Tuesday. We had to unload the truck that morning, so only a half day the first day. We had to go to another school with 15 of those tables. We should be in and out by end of day Thursday. Done deal. No going back. All tables complete. Another satisfied customer.

Ha.... That would be too easy.

As we are unloading the tables, I notice several pallets that are just wrecked. Looks like bent metal, crushed table tops, etc... It looked like a complete mess. We got all the tables out of the truck, inside, and assessed the damage. Okay, not as bad as I had thought, but now my mind goes back into calculation mode. Okay. We just lost 2 hours. We have about 20 damaged tables. Great... There goes being done on Thursday. I'm going to have to come back up here to put together 15 or 20 more tables. Such a small problem to others. I know. For me, my agenda was devastated. Then, I remembered just what I was listening to on the way up. God designs our life and puts obstacles in our way to see how we will handle them and grow because of them. He is our Father. He wants us to learn and grow and deal with problems that pop up. Not only that, but he is actually the designer of our lives and coordinates situations that gives us opportunities to grow and change while ultimately knowing the outcome. All of a sudden in that moment, it didn't matter that I will definitely have to come another day and possibly another after that. I knew that small issue was designed for me to see how I would overcome my ridiculous agenda that I always set for myself in completing the tasks of my life.

I learned through this that my focus on something gets so involved that I lose focus on the bigger picture. Sometimes my agenda is so narrow that I get upset at every little thing that is not a part of it. Is my life Adam's agenda or God's? Sometimes I forget who is really in charge.


Friday, July 23, 2010

Why Us?

I've been praying strongly for healing lately. That seems to be the bulk of my prayers these days. They used to start with asking for safety, strength, and guidance. I still ask for those, but healing is first on my list. Since we've been at campmeeting (with no TV, AC, or any other modern day luxury), I've had a lot of time to pray (in the heat) and most of my prayers have revolved around healing.

I don't know why, but it seems as though an epidemic of sickness is hitting all around Ashley and I and Lorelei and sometimes it feels as though our family is floating around in a tiny, little germ-free bubble (no bio-suits required). I often find myself asking God "why us." I know how that sounds. Isn't that something you say when things are going badly in life? I kick myself for even thinking it, but I do. I don't know why we have stayed immune to the world around us, but we have and I think about how completely unfair it is. Why us? Why are things so good for us when all around us bad things pop up to such good people. I guess that is the age old question that no one ever fully understands. Why do bad things happen to good people? Deep down, I know why and I know that life is just not fair. God never promised it would be. Then why is it so fair to us? We did nothing to deserve this and yet if something good could happen, it does for us. Seeing what others are going through and the trials that God is putting them through is so difficult, yet possibly bittersweet. I think that's the right word to describe it. I know I've probably offended anyone who may read this and I must sound pretty horrible for describing these scenarios in such a way. Hear me out though. The sweet part of all this is that I know God never gives someone more than they can handle and the pain that is being inflicted now will only make these people stronger in their faith and a testimony to others in the way they've handled these circumstances. I've already seen it and been personally influenced by it. It has made me realize the things we take for granted in our bubble. The bitter part comes from the present pain that must be going on; that must be felt by these great people and I can't begin to understand that sitting in my bubble staring out into the rest of the world.

Therefore, I must become a warrior of prayer because I know it works and there is great and mighty power in the act of prayer and God is bigger than anything we could ever imagine in this world. Why us? I don't know, but one thing I do know is that blessings flow from our God in all directions. We are being hit by them every second and all I can do is continue to thank God for all that we receive and pray for healing and blessings to pour out to those that are hurting and need the almighty power of healing from our Lord and Savior. Why do we get the favor of health and prosperity and others don't? Maybe we can't handle bad situations with such grace and strength and hopefullness that others can. Maybe God really does know how far we can go; how far it is out there to that breaking point where all hope fades to nothing. Maybe our day is coming where we will need prayer, strength and the almighty healing power of God. For now, I will continue to count my blessings, be that prayer warrior for others, and thank God for the days that I get to spend in my bubble with my wondeful wife and daughter.

Many prayers go out daily to those I'm writing about and much love to them. There is a running list of people out there right now that need prayers of healing. I will continue to pray and I will continue to remain faithful and I will probably continue to ask God "why us" and ponder that age old question.

God, we need your power of healing. You are our heavenly physician and your strength is needed during this time. We pray for healing, strength, and continued faithfulness. Amen.

- Adam

Campmeeting -- Day 6

What a wonderful day! Lorelei loved singing again!
You can't really see her face, but I just love this picture b/c you can see her smile all the way from the back.


Here we are getting ready for the Loudsville Olympics!!!

The first event was a relay where the kids ran down filled up a bucket of water ran back and dumped it on themselves.

Lorelei thought it was hilarious! She just kept laughing!!!

Then it was time for our relay. For the kids who were too small to walk, the parents ran them down, dunked their bottoms in water, and ran back.





After a few more events, the Olympics always end with a water balloon toss.

Adam and I cooked dinner! For dinner we had pot roast and veggies (which is not too pretty so I decided to put a picture of dessert instead). We received the biggest compliment when Aunt Bette said "This meal reminds me of how mother used to cook." Aunt Bette's mother is Big Momma and she is known for her amazing southern cooking so this was quite the compliment--thank you Aunt Bette!



Time to go to church
Lorelei playing in the shavings during service--bad mommy and daddy--but it kept her quiet for a while.





Thursday, July 22, 2010

Campmeeting -- Day 5

Wow what a day! I am exhausted! So much fun though! This morning we made it down in time for the children's singing...

If you were wondering if Lorelei liked it...just look at the joy on her face

She even paid attention a little bit.

Then for crafts we did salvation bracelets. Lorelei is checking her bracelet out.




It was almost nap time for Lorelei so it was on to the next adventure...tubing down the river with Nana and Alice.





We had a wonderful time! I worked very hard to keep them safe and make sure everyone had fun. We made it all the way until the very end and then Nana decided she would just get herself out of the tube instead of waiting on me to help...and she fell in. She didn't get her hair wet so it wasn't too bad but she was completely soaked. We had to race back in our wet clothes to make it for the hayride!

Lorelei's first hayride!!!!!!



The hayride makes several laps around the campgrounds. The first lap is the dry lap for the little ones and then after the first lap everyone at the campground throws water on the kids as they come back around. We only stayed on for the first lap.


Then mom and I decided to check out the new attraction called Goats on the Roof which is a gift shop/ice cream/fudge place and...you guess it...they actually have goats on the roof.




Then it was nap time again for Lorelei. For dinner we went to Bette's tent again and had pizza together as a family. Then it was time to get ready for church.





Lorelei was pretty tired tonight so Daddy took her on up to bed.



Good night from Campmeeting--sweet dreams!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Campmeeting -- Day 4

Today was the first day for the children's program!

Lorelei slept in a little later than normal because we had her out late at church last night so we missed the singing. We did however get down there with plenty of time for the crafts. Lorelei loved playing around in the shavings with the other kids and making her crafts (well mom made them but she got to hold them).

Each year, the children have a wooden name tag that they keep all week. These name tags are usually kept on nails inside of the cabins for many many years to come--a decoration of sorts. We have many from my childhood and now Lorelei has her first Campmeeting name tag!!!


This morning's lesson was about Christmas so we decorated Christmas ornaments, the children received a gift from the Campgrounds--a Bible, they gave out jingle bracelets (well they were really just pipe cleaners with bells on them) and we went around the campgrounds "Jingling for Jesus" and shouting "Wake Up! Happy Birthday Jesus!" Then they decorated Christmas cookies (we opted out of that part).


We went over to Aunt Katherine and Uncle Tommy's tent and visited a while. Lorelei loves the big checkers they have.
So far, Lorelei has been taking about a 2 hour nap in the morning, a 2 hour nap in the afternoon and sleeping 11 hours at night. The girl is loving Campmeeting but it is wearing her out! After her 2 hour morning nap, it was time to go to Jess' wedding shower at my Nana's house. Jess is marring Drew in 11 days--welcome to the family!!

Papa Jim cooked his wonderful spaghetti dinner--yummy! Then it was time to get ready to go to church tonight.

Tomorrow's Adventures:

Somehow I got roped into going tubing down the river with my Nana and her friend Alice. You don't say no to grandma right? Also, Lorelei's first hayride. So excited!!!