Justin Update

We got a letter from Justin yesterday. He is still at Great Lakes participating in training. However he still does not like it. By the sounds of it it's not the Navy he doesn't like it is being away from family that he dislikes. He tells us that he needs his family. We wrote him letters encouraging him to hang in there that after the first couple of weeeks we will be able to visit and see him as often as he wants to see us. He wants to try to switch to the Navy reserves or get out on medical from when he broke his arm when he was in kindergarden. I have encouraged him not to do anything to quickly and to always be honest and tell the truth. Still praying for him.

Brenda's Turning 30:-)

I can not believe it. Brenda is turning thirty. It is amazing to think she is still so young and yet so mature. Birthdays come and birthdays go, but I am forever grateful for Brenda being born. She truly is God's helpmate for me and I for her. As this momentus occasion approaches, July 29th of 2007, we already celebrated a surprise party tonight at Brenda's mother's house. I am not sure how surprised she was, actually she was not surprised at all. Brenda is one smart cookie.

I would be lost without her. There is no gift great enough, there is no appreciation strong enough, there is no words to convey thanks for everything Brenda has done, is, and continues to be and do.


Happy birthday

Daddy's coming home

Well here it is Friday afternoon and Pearl is very excited. I am also. Corben has been in Kentucky this week for the second of his three classes for the summer. He called at about 12:30 and said he was done and on his way home. I gave Pearl the phone for him to tell her, and she got a smile on her face so big I can not describe it. We are also very proud of him because he got an A in his class. The class he was taking was on Technology in ministry. He was learning how to produce videos and do powerpoint for worship services. I do not think he'll be able to use the knowledge here at Bridgewater, but I know God is preparing him for the future ministry He has in store for us. We can not wait to see him he will be home this evening. Pearl will be a little bigger at the next graduation. This picture was taken May of 2005 when Corben graduated from Geneva.

Please Pray

Last Thursday we went up to the Federal Building in Pittsburgh to say good bye to our cousin Justin as he shipped out for the Navy. He will be at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois for the next nine weeks. He called home yesterday and said that this is harder than he thought and did not know if he could make it. I know that he can. Please join us in praying for Justin. This is a picture of Pearl and Justin that day right before we left.

God of Wonders

It is amazing to see special relationships. I am amazed when I see Brenda and Pearl sitting together in the chair watching a kids movie.

God is so amazing and watching Brenda and Pearl relate as they bond today reminds me what God of wonders we truly have.

This thing God created called motherhood is such an amazing gift. It not to say mothers have it easy for Pearl gives us all, mom, dad, gramma, papap, and the like all a run for our money, but to see mother and daughter relate and relax together, the way God designed is awesome.

Russell Family Update

Wow it has been a long time since I have posted a blog. Here is what has been happening around here. In May Corben finished up the spring semester. Pearl and I were very happy it was over and proud of Corben for all of the hard work he put into the semester. We took Pearl to two Pirate games in May she seems to like going to the ball games alot. We traveled to White Lake Onterio for a weeks vacation. We took my sister with us. Pearl had a blast "fishing" and hanging with everyone. No phones, no TV, no computers. It was great. Pearl did have a portable DVD player and Aunt Dottie did not want to even her the name Shrek upon our return to the states. After vacation Pearl develped an ear infection which caused a high fever and resulted in a trip to the ER with a sevrille seisure. The doctors say they cause no damage and that she will grow out of them, the key is to keep her tempertures down. Than it was off to Annual Conference @ Grove City College. This was a very eye opening event. I enjoyed getting to catch up with old friends, getting to meet some of the other bloggers face to face, and meeting new friends. I was a little disappointed with the clergy spouse event. It seemed like everyone for the most part had their group of friends and did not want new people to come in. We'lll have to wait and see what happens next time. After Annual Conference we picked Pearl up from Grandma and Grandpap's Sunday night, unpacked, and repacked to head for Pigeion Forge Tennessee @ 7 AM Monday morning with my parents, grandparents, and cousin. Two cars with eight people and a whole lot of stuff headed to a cabin in the Somokies. Awsome time was had by all even in the mist of construction traffic and one car breaking down on the way home. On Father's Day Corben left for a week at school in Kentucky. Pearl and I took my Dad and sister to the Pirate Game for my Dad's birthday and Father's Day. We also took my sister, she said it was too hot and that we parked too far away. Corben came home to a very happy Pearl that Daddy was home. She meet him at the car and would not even let him get out. This past week Pearl went to the community Bible School. She loved it did not even want us to take her in after the first night just wanted to say by love you have fun and run in. To her dimay however someone always took her in. She is defintly going to miss it, and so will I two hours to get stuff done. Maybe Pre-shcool is a thing for her. Yesterday we celebrated Justin's graduation from high school, and his leaving for the Navy on July 4th. We are so proud of him. We can not wiat to see him in his Navy Uniform. Pearl will miss him, but she will survive along with Justin and the rest of the family. Today we are done with church and are now getting ready to go to the Pirate game, it is kid's day, Pearl will get an autograped baseball. After that we will come home and the family is comeing over for homemade icecream and staying for Bridgewater's Fireworks. Wow what a start to summer. Will post a few pictres latter.

By the Grace of God!

By the Grace of God I have my first publish work: a Sermonet :-)

On Saturday June 9th, 2007 I had a small excerpt posted through the cooperation of Christians United in Beaver County in the section entitled: FROM THE PULPIT

ANYONE GOOD ENOUGH?

Passages like James 4:17 are a hard pill to swallow for people who believe Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. It is a struggle to come to grips that sin is sin no matter how great or how small. Then to realize as James 4:17 explains even if someone only knows of the good they are supposed to do and they do not do it they sin. Is anyone good enough?

So often people look at those believers of Jesus Christ, the ones often called Christians, and see people who think they are better then everyone else. The fact is no one is better then anyone else, there is no pedestal, and more over anyone who is a believer is worse off since they know the good they are supposed to do and yet do not always do it.

I remember a young man calling himself a Christian once came across a couple whose car had ran out of gas and when the couple asked for a few dollars because they had left their money and credit cards at home the young man told them to hold on. So they waited a few minutes, the young man came back and said “I have something better then money” and handed the couple a pamphlet about Jesus Christ and who He is. The good the young man did not do was that He did not help this stranded couple in their time of need. Is anyone really good enough?

No one, not a single person, is good enough except for one. This one was and is perfect. This one died on the cross so that all who believe may have everlasting life. This one took on all the sins past, present and future for himself. This one who did not deserve to be punished, was humiliated, shamed, tortured, died on the cross, and rose from the dead three days later so that there could be real hope. Hope in being good enough. People who believe in Jesus are no better then anyone else, but should strive to do all the good they ought to do.

Niagra Falls

On Friday after Justin got out of school we left for Niagara Falls. I had taken Justin to Niagara Falls back in 2001 in February and told him that someday we would go back when it wasn't so cold. Well he leaves in less than 2 months for the Navy so Corben and I decided it was time to go and we figured Pearl would enjoy the trip also. Everyone had a great time. Pearl's two highlights were swimming at the hotel, and going up to the top of Skylon Tower. Pearl kept calling the falls, "falls water," instead of water falls. Here are a few pictures.


Pearl at the top of Skylon Tower


The falls from the top of Skylon Tower


The three of us


Justin and Pearl outside of the Souvenir Store

Nothing But Nets

On April 19th Bridgewater had their semi-annual Braised Steak Public Dinner. There are usually around 200 people who come through the doors of the church for this dinner. So we decided to have a display for the nothing but nets campaign. We took Pearl's pack n play and placed it at the entrance to the church with a net on it. We than had a information sheet to give to anyone who asked what is this about. The pack n play is now sitting in the sanctuary as a reminder to the congregation. If you would like more information go to www.nothingbutnets.net and check it out.

Pap Russell

A few weeks ago we went to visit Corben's family for Easter. We had a good time and while there we got to spend time with Corben's Gram and Pap. They are an amazing couple and have so much to offer us. They have been there done that and if we just take the time to listen to them we can learn so much. This is a picture of Corben and Pearl with Pap.

Can Not Believe It

For the past couple of weeks we have been working with Pearl on attending Sunday School. Here at Bridgewater there is only one Sunday School class and it is an adult class. So, since coming here Corben has been attending Sunday School and Pearl and I have chilled at home. It has been going pretty well for the past couple of weeks today during Sunday School Pearl of course had to go potty so we left came back than she said she had to go again. Not so she was just playing games...therefore we had a talk about lies and she got very upset. Back to Sunday school eventually after she calmed down. Than she had a mental breakdown. She wanted to go upstairs and pray she told her Dad. He told her they would, but after we prayed downstairs first. That is when she ran to the door threw her self down and yelled cried and kicked. (I have no idea where she would get that from.) So I was like this is going to be one long church service and did not expect to make it through announcements let alone the whole service. However God is amazing and we Pearl and myself were in church the whole time. At the end of Corben's sermon there however was a scary and than amazing moment. He asked for a moment of silence...Pearl stood up put her chin on the pew in front of us...I held my breath and was ready to grab her and run...than I heard it...absolute silence...you could hear a pin drop. Than came the benediction, Pearl imitated her Dad from begining to end. Hands in the air talking and even coughed when he did. Next week? I pray for the same, but time will tell,

What Church Father are You?

I recently took a brief survey to determine which church father I most closely resemble the results are scary:

You are Origen!
You do nothing by half-measures. If you’re going to read the Bible, you want to read it in the original languages. If you’re going to teach, you’re going to reach as many souls as possible, through a proliferation of lectures and books. If you’re a guy and you’re going to fight for purity … well, you’d better hide the kitchen shears.

http://www.fathersofthechurch.com/quiz/

What Superhero are You?

Your results:You are Green Lantern
Green Lantern
85%
Spider-Man
80%
The Flash
70%
Iron Man
70%
Superman
60%
Supergirl
60%
Wonder Woman
60%
Hulk
60%
Catwoman
55%
Robin
50%
Batman
20%
Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.
Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

I always thought I had a good imagination, but hot-headed? My wife agrees, at least, at times

Brenda took the test and she came up as Superman

Potty Time

For about a month now we have been working with Pearl on using the potty on a regular basis. Peeing on the potty has been going very well for about a week or two now. However pooping was a different story. But, on Thursday we had a break through. Corben and I decided that we were not going to give in and about two hours latter Pearl pooped on the potty. She was excited and so were we. We are still going to use diapers at night and at nap time, but that is it. Pearl also last night took the potty seat off of the toilet and is sitting on the big people's toilet seat.

Easter Week Almost Done

Well, it is Saturday evening and our week of Easter celebration is just about to come to an end. We started the week with church, and family visits and ended the week with family visits and icecream. We got to go and spend time this past Thursday and Friday with Corben's grandparents and parents. We had a great time visiting with all of them. Pearl enjoyed the car ride both ways(and no potty mishaps either), and also enjoyed her time having Easter egg hunts and playing with Grandma and Grandpap Russell's dog, Oatsie." Upon returning home we had Aunt Dottie's Mac and Cheese and went to J & T's with Aunt Dottie. This was our first trip of the year and while there we ran into Uncle Mike and cousin Michael. Michael told us all about baseball practice while we waited for our icecream. Pearl really enjoyed her first J & T icecream, last year she would not eat icecream.

HAPPY EASTER

Prayer

We all know that prayer is a very powerful thing. This afternoon a friend of ours who is a missionary with the Mission Society is leaving for Peru. She will be doing ministry throughout Peru for the next four and a half weeks. Please join us in praying for her and the people of Peru who she will be ministering to.

Father God,
I just ask you to be with Sue today as she leaves for Peru. I ask you to go with her, to give her a peace while she travels. Allow her time to rest. Please God be with the people of Peru as they finish preparing for Sue's arrival.

Cousins living in one house

At the begining of March our cousin Justin came to stay with us. It has been a great time and a learning experience for all of us. Corben and Justin have enjoyed some quality time (that's what they say at least) playing video games. They have also enjoyed some long talks. Justin and I have had talks about forgiveness, truth, and grace. He has given me a lot to think about. He might not relize it, but he is living like Christ in ways that some of us strive for on a regular basis. While Justin has been here the past few weeks Pearl has started to understand the concept of school. She has also learned to say his name, up until yeterday she has called him Just all the time. When Justin came so did his drum set. Pearl really enjoys that addition to the house. Both Pearl and Justin love to play the drums. We have all enjoyed having Justin around and will mess him greatly when he leaves for the Navy. However there is alot to be done till that time. We are planning on hosting Easter dinner for the family, a trip to a Pirates game, family vacation to Canada including my sister Dottie and Justin, Justin's graduation from high school, a trip to Dolly Wood with my parents, grandparents, and Justin.

Spring...I Think it is Here!!!

I think spring is here. This morning I could here the birds singing while I was making the beds and getting ready for the day. When I went out to get the paper this morning Pearl ran out the door with me and did not yell cold. So I said to her do you want to take a walk. She of course said with a huge smile and jumping up and down yes. Pearl than ran inside told her Dad we were taking a walk and gathered up her dolls and bears to join us. Daddy could not join us this morning, because he had to go visiting. We walked down to the newspaper recycle bin dropped off our newspapers and than walk down to the river. On the way to the river I saw a robin. I told Pearl that the bird over there was a robin because it had a red tummy and that when we see a robin that means spring is here. She started singing bird has red tummy. The last time we were at the river was about a month ago when it was frozen over and covered with snow, and she asked where are the ducks. We told here they would be back when it got warmer. Well, this morning when we got to the river the ducks and geese were back she was so excited. Tonight after dinner Daddy was able to join us for a walk. We walk back to the river and the ducks were still there. After walking to the river we walked down to Bruster's. Pearl is just barely short enough (40 inches or shorter and you get a free baby cone)39 inches for a free cone. She got purple dinosaur, it was just the right size for her. The next time we will have to take a picture. On our way back we even got to stop and talk to Mr Anderson, and Jean Lopes from church, who were also out enjoying the nice spring weather.

Partnersteps!

Is this a plug for another one of Conferences one size fits all program to rebirth dying churches or is there a different way of thinking then what we are used to that can help us be, act, and do in a way that is more God centered, Jesus focused, seeking to specifically do whatever God wants his followers to do right here and right now and do it together. I know this togetherness thing is different then the way we have always done things, different then the way we are used to thinking, but maybe, just maybe this whole one body thing with many parts in the New Testament is an old idea and not a new one. An opportunity to work together, utilizing each of our talents, skills, abilities, gifts, and graces in the way God intended, sharing in Ministry.

I like to reflect on I Corinthians 12 when thinking of working together.