On My Top 10 to Play List at Number 10

Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite, Nevada. A beauitful course. On my top 10 list to play someday. Many say it looks like the lunar surface of the moon.

Wedding Pictures

A family picture at the wedding. The only one missing is Chris.


Our new daughter.

Still

Easter morning in our YP Class we discussed something that we have lost that is very important that we need. The aspect of quietness. Quietness in our personal life as well as in our corporate worship time.

The following words are to a song called Still that I really enjoy. After looking at the words go to the youtube site below to see the video and hear the song.

Slow down today and enjoy listening to God!

Still

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
Within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust-
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Reuben Morgan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2aM4HUbzlo

Easter Sunday

Sunday's Coming, Rejoice in the Miracle of Easter!

It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where he was praying.But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord.But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming. It's Friday.

Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bonesand glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load.I t's Friday; but Sunday's coming!

It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them."It's Friday. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God. My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. At the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it but Sunday's coming.

And, on that horrible day 2000+ years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of Glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man, died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.

Now it's Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn't the only thing that was shaking because now it's Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb.

Yes, it's Sunday,and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it's Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for "He is not here," the angel says.He is risen indeed!

It's Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave.

It's Sunday. And now everything has changed. It's the age of grace, God's grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary, was buried and rose again.

All because it's Sunday

Good Friday

And They Crucified Him

Mark 15:22-25 -- They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him . . . It was the third hour when they crucified him.

1Cor. 15:1-3 -- Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

Quote for the Day

The essence of genius is to know what to overlook.

William James

Columbus Update

We made a quick trip to Columbus on Saturday with Brian and Allison. My mom and dad met us as well. We looked at a couple of additional houses in our search for our new home.

Please continue to pray for our transition, sell of our house and the transition that Osage City is now under going. I know my current staff is anxious and nervous about the search process for a new district superintendent.

Central Moves Forward

The Central Elders asked me to introduce a special series of messages yesterday morning. The Elders will be challenging the congregation with a series of lessons this month on certain areas that they would like to see Central improve on as they move into the 101st year as a Church.

I appreciate these 5 men and the vision and love they have for Central Family.

I was asked to challenge the congregation in our worship and in the study of God's Word.

Here were my thoughts:

The month of April will be an exciting time for the Central Church. Not only will Central be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on the weekend of April 26, but our five Elders will be challenging us as a congregation with a series of special messages beginning this morning.
The Central Eldership has been in prayer over the past few months discussing the future, looking back at the past, and developing goals that they wish to see Central accomplish as we seek what Christ wants us to accomplish for Him in 2009 and beyond.

Central has achieved its past success because of two very important ingredients;
1. Prayer
2. Purpose

The spirit of involvement seems to be virtue in the history of this congregation, along with the characteristics of love, faith and biblical truth.

Emerson once said that "People only see what they are prepared to see."
This morning may God prepare us to see what He wants us to see as we begin to look at the future of the Central Church.

Proverbs says, "Without a vision the people perish." The Apostle Paul was unable to proceed in his ministry until he had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him.

Peter had a vision that "God shows no partiality” and it changed his life. In this world in which we live today, the most vital churches are those that can clearly articulate how God is calling them into the future.

This is actually a very simple concept that only becomes complicated when the vision Jesus gave is blocked by human philosophies and traditions. Most people do not realize that Jesus has given us the vision for the church in clear, concise, and in an easy to understand format. Look at Jesus’ vision for the church in Matthew 28:18-20:

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

The Vision of the Church:

1. Jesus is the authority of the church.
2. Go into the world to make disciples.
3. Baptize them according to scripture.
4. Teach all to observe and obey everything that has been commanded.
5. The Lord is with us and guiding His true church every step of the way.

The primary reason the church exists is the same reason we as individuals exist – to bring glory and honor to God. That purpose is fulfilled through four basic functions:

Evangelism – reaching the world around us with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Discipleship – teaching individual believers to become less self-centered and more like Christ – to become imitators of Christ.
Fellowship – building relationships within the local church body and creating unity and love for each other with the goal in mind to fulfill Jesus’ great commission to make disciples of all people, teaching them to observe all things God has commanded.
Worship / Praise – acknowledging God for who He is and what He has done. We worship through song, communion, obedience and proclamation of His word.

After much discussion and prayer the Central Eldership have developed six areas of focus for 2009, that they will be sharing with us over the next few weeks, as we move forward into our 101st year as a congregation.

One of those areas that the elders have asked me to share with you briefly this morning is an increased Focus on God’s Word and Worship.

The increased Focus on God’s Word and Worship is very important as we begin to examine what we can do to as individuals and as a body as we develop and grow as a Christian and as a Church.

Worship should be a central part of the Church.

1. It’s a means of directing our attention to God and Christ.

2. It’s a means of increasing our devotion and dedication to our creator.

3. It’s a means of expressing our praise and thanksgiving.

4. It’s also a means of confronting our sinfulness with holiness from A Savior who died.

God’s Word is the source to help us accomplish the purpose of worship.

God’s Word should not only be a part of our personal daily study, but be a part of worship itself.

As we look ahead to the future what can we do to enhance our worship and allow God’s Word to be our number one source for all of our life’s answers.

Three things we need to remember as a congregation:

1. Our Worship to God needs to be heartfelt Praise

Psalm 57: 9-11

Our corporate worship should be a time we look forward to each Sunday. A time to lift up our hearts to the Creator of the universe. We need to put our entire being in to our worship time.

2. Our Worship must be God centered and Bible Based

2 Timothy 4:1-5

What does God’s Word say about worship. Plenty. He gives us directions on how he wants us to worship him.

3. Our Worship needs to be about Him and not about Us

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;bring an offering and come before him!Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
—1 Chronicles 16:29
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
—Psalm 95:6
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
—John 4:23-24
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
—Romans 12:1

It’s not about our likes and dislikes it’s about giving Him what He deserves. The very best worship as possible.

As we are challenged by the elders during the next few weeks we need to remember that many good things have been accomplished in the past and much work has been done; but we cannot rest on what has been done or be content with the accomplishments that have occurred.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

In other words, the best is yet to come.

We worship and serve the same God today who:

· Parted the Red Sea and dried the ground for 2,000,000 to walk across.
· Completely covered Mt. Sinai with His glory and caused the mountains to shake.
· Caused the mighty walls of Jericho to crumble to the ground.
· Controlled famines, droughts, or years of plenty.
· Conquered hundreds of thousands of enemy soldiers by using only 300 Israelite volunteers.
· Sent fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice, the stone altar, and all the water in the trench.
· Miraculously caused a virgin girl to give birth to His Son.
· Empowered men to heal sick people and raise the dead.
· Raised Jesus Christ from the grave in victory over sin.
· Caused prison chains to fall from Paul’s wrist.
· Inspired a book that in unparalleled in the history of all literature.
· Created a church that has lasted 2000 years through persecutions and trials.

That same God is the God of the Central Church of Christ. The same God that we worship and read about in His Word. This same God can work his power in ways that words cannot begin to express.

But we must believe and expect that He will do so. We must step out in faith knowing God will shower Central with His continued blessings.

Remember the best days of the Central Church of Christ are yet to be lived as each one of us joins together in worship and in service to the glory of God.

Go Lady Sooners!

The University of Oklahoma Lady Sooners play Louisville today in the NCAA Basketball Final 4 from St. Louis. Go Lady Sooners!

Time Moves On

The older I get, the more I think about the past and those that have influenced me in my professional career and personal life. On Wednesday, I led a leadership seminar in Topeka on the Effective Superintendent and Board Relations. I spoke to about 30 principals who have the desire to some day become district administrators.

I remember as a building principal 20 years ago sitting through a seminar on the same topic. I thought I would never have to deal with the variety of subjects that were being presented on that day. Now I'm the old guy trying to encourage and pass a on few secrets that I have learned sometimes the hard way about working with a board of education, faculty, staff and community.

I have really been blessed over the years that I have had great boards. Not just good boards but great ones. Boards made up of individuals that have kept kids as the first priority.

I appreciate those lessons 20 years ago from my mentors about dealing with a board on a daily basis. It has helped me understand their viewpoints and hopefully have allowed me to become a better educational leader.

Does the Church Stop After 11:45 a.m. on Sunday?

We are experiencing some great things in our Sunday morning time at Fellowship. The teaching is incredible, the worship is usually great...but there are some MAJOR holes. Community for one. We are lacking that. And, after a year and a half of being there it makes me wonder...can you exist on a Sunday morning experience? I would say the answer is NO. And I've always thought that...but it's hit home with me even more lately. But, isn't it interesting that about 90% of the time and resources seem to go toward that Sunday morning experience in most places? In a way it's funny for me to be saying this considering my former role as a worship minister and the kind of resources we offer (a lot of which have to do with Sunday morning stuff-although we all agree that community and personal spiritual growth are what makes any group of believers healthy). I love the church. I don't think the institution we have now is what "the church" really is though.

I thought the comments above were interesting last week. We do spend so much time and effort on Sunday morning that maybe we forget about the other six days during the week. Does the church stop after 11:45 a.m. on Sunday morning?

A Great Cook

My daughter-in-law can cook! Allison fixed Debbie and I a great meal on Wednesday night as I was coming back from Columbus.

They also had their new living room furniture delivered. The place really looks great.

Update: A Busy Week

My week has been a busy one. On Tuesday, I interviewed new teachers at Pittsburg State University. I really enjoy interviewing new teachers that have just graduated and are ready to work with the children of Kansas. It really "pumps me up" talking to these young people. They are so excited to get their first classroom and begin their teaching career.

It was also nice to see many friends and colleagues at PSU. I enjoyed visiting with a couple of my former professors who I had at Emporia State University about 17 years ago as I was working on my district certification. They have encouraged me and have been there for me all these years as I have worked as a district superintendent. Many welcomed me to the SE Kansas Family!

I really enjoyed my trip to Columbus on Wednesday. I was able to visit with several teachers, staff and administrators. USD 493 is a great district. They have dedicated teachers and staff who go out of their way to help make the district run very effectively. I saw excited and energetic kids in classrooms learning many different academic subjects. I can't wait for new year to begin.

The house hunting in Columbus is going well. We have seen many places and hope to make our way back the first part of April to continue the process.

Another reason I was gone on Wednesday was this was the day that Osage City was using to begin the focus group sessions with the community and staff on what they would like to see in the new superintendent. I have told my board that this is a very exciting time for the Osage City community as you discuss what you would like to see in your new educational leader. I want to be completely out of the way as the district develops the profile and direction as they work with the Kansas Association of School Boards in this important endeavor.

We would appreciate prayers in our transition and on selling our house in Osage City. It's exciting but also a stressful time.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got back to my office on Thursday and had a card from the Columbus Church of Christ signed by all the members. They wanted to let Debbie and I know that they are praying for us and wanted to wish us the very best in our move. They are a great group of Christians.

Craig Wins Election

Congratulations to Craig on winning his Vice President Election at FIT. Have fun balancing the budget!

Happy Birthday Craig

Craig,

Happy 20th Birthday. I hope you have a great day in New York City. Good luck in your Student Government Elections today.

Love,

Dad

The Best BBQ Beef

I had the opportunity last week during Spring Break to eat the best beef sandwich in the world....at Arthur Bryant's. Great bbq.

Happy Birthday Dad

A big Happy Birthday to my dad.

Columbus Schools

Central School

District Office

Scammon School

Park School

Thought for the Day

"When enthusiasm is inspired by reason; controlled by caution; sound in theory; practical in application; reflects confidence; spreads good cheer; raises morale; inspires associates; arouses loyalty; and laughs at adversity, it is beyond price."

Columbus Church of Christ

Debbie and I had a great time on Sunday worshipping with the members of the Columbus Church of Christ. They were very encouraging to us.

Columbus

Columbus


The Cherokee County Courthouse in Columbus.


Yes Craig, there is a McDonald's!

One of the most important business establishments in Columbus the Daylight Donut Shop.

More pics to come.....................

Spring Break

We plan on visiting Columbus this weekend and attend Church. We are excited about being able to worship in the community that we will live and work in. We have not had that opportunity for 22 years. We will also look at housing possibilities and we might just have to check out the Columbus Country Club if it's warm.

Craig's Big News

In all the wedding arrangements and my new job announcement, I forgot to tell our friends about Craig's big news. Craig was accepted into the Bachelor's program at FIT in New York City as well as he received a job promotion at Ug-Australia. He will be an assistant manager at the New York City Upper West Side store that just opened He is excited. He will stay in New York City this summer and work, and yes.....he wants to find his own apartment instead of living in the on campus apartments.

Thought for the Day

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. ~John Buchan

A Tough Letter to Write

March 8, 2009

Members of the Central Church of Christ Family:

It is with sadness and a very heavy heart that I resign as an Elder of the Central Church of Christ effective today.

I have accepted a new position, beginning July 1, as the Superintendent of Schools in Columbus, Kansas, just outside of Joplin, Missouri.

This is a professional move, as well as a family move, that will allow us to be about 90 minutes from our parents in Broken Arrow.

I have enjoyed serving the Central Family the past five years as an Elder and serving with Rex, Gary, Bill, Roger and Jerry. They are men who are truly committed to you and to Christ and His teachings.

My family has appreciated the support and prayers on our behalf and will continue to pray for you and the leadership here at Central.

God has blessed Central greatly throughout the years, and I know He even has greater blessings for the future.

Debbie and I are looking forward to our future and our new ministry in the community of Columbus and with the members of the Columbus Church of Christ. But we leave a family here that we care about very deeply and will miss very much.

May God continue to bless the Central Church as you reach out to a lost world in need of a Savior.

In Christian Love,

David and Debbie Carriger

For My KU Friends

John Brown holding the NCAA Championship trophy..............Nice Touch!

Wedding Pictures

The Church was beautiful.

A very traditional ceremony with many family stories

The Happy Couple!

Hey............How about the cake?

The proud Mom being escorted out by Craig

Brian and Debbie


The Beautiful Bride

The Smell Around Us

This came from Mike Cope's blog..............Powerful insight.

Love these insightful words from Eugene Peterson:

“Every society finds ways to shut its eyes, put fingers in its ears, and by the extravagant use of deodorants and garbage trucks to get rid of the smell of decay, uncleanness, stench, and squalor. We put our sick in hospitals, our elderly in nursing homes, our poor in slums, and our garbage in landfills. We are never entirely successful in keeping them out of sight and smell and sound, but we do our best.”

One of the things Jesus taught us was how to see. We can’t close our eyes; we must be able to see those around us.

Cataracts form so easily. They cloud our eyes; they made us near-sighted; they can even blind us. Christian formation involves a removal of those cataracts so that we can focus on God’s world.

Keep your eyes open today.

Vision

At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving

Emerson once said that "People only see what they are prepared to see."
May God prepare us to see what He wants us to see.

Proverbs says, "Without a vision the people perish." The Apostle Paul was unable to proceed in his ministry until he had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him. Peter had a vision that "God shows no partiality” and it changed his life. In this post-modern world, the most vital churches are those that can clearly articulate how God is calling them into the future.

Most organizations, companies and businesses develop mission or purpose statements to give direction for their employees. Those organizational leaders wish to instill in their employees the reasons and purpose of the company. This is what we believe in, and this is what we wish to accomplish.

How about the Church? This is actually a very simple concept that only becomes complicated when the vision Jesus gave is blocked by human philosophies and convoluted formulas. Most people do not realize that Jesus has given us the vision for the church in clear, concise, and in an easy to understand format. Look at Jesus’ vision for the church in Matthew 28:18-20:

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

So there is a true vision for the church and there is nothing wrong with applying methods that can relate to the current time in which we live. We can use music, programs, methods and many tools and resources. As long as our sights can remain on the target of fulfilling the God-given vision of fulfilling ALL of the great commission, we are effectively serving the Lord in our ministries.

Anything that can be brought into the line of sight while we remain focused on the command given to the church by Jesus without drifting from our goal of hitting the target is most likely beneficial to the church. Jesus is the one who gave the church the vision and He alone is our Shepherd. If the elders and congregation are following Him, we will fulfill our ministry.

In the very near future the Central Eldership will challenge the congregation in six ways as we continue to serve Him and our community in 2009. It is our prayer to take and live the Great Commission each and every day.

Osage City Fire

When we pulled into Osage City last night the downtown was on fire. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles everywhere. We went by my district office to see if there was any damage. Just a little smoke but everything was fine. We are a storage facility for many on Market Street this morning that had to protect items from the fire.

Firefighters from neighboring areas help battle downtown fire
By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, March 02, 2009

OSAGE CITY — Vickie Buenger and her family were watching the Kansas-Missouri basketball game on television Sunday afternoon when they heard sirens from a fire truck go past their home, then stop about a block to the west.
"We're nosy," Buenger said, "so we looked outside to see what was going on."

Buenger said some smoke was visible from the 500 block of Market Street in Osage City's historic business district. The smoke appeared to be coming from behind a turn-of-the-century building that housed Mink Photography, 531 Market St., and the Ramblin Rose gift store, 529 Market St.

Buenger said the fire seemed small at first but quickly escalated, engulfing the two-story red-brick building in flames.

The blaze, which began about 2 p.m., was the biggest Buenger can recall in Osage City. Longtime residents said the biggest fire in town before Sunday is believed to have occurred nearly 100 years ago.

Osage County Fire District 2 was first on the scene. Mutual aid calls were answered by fire departments from Lyndon, Scranton, Melvern, Burlingame, Carbondale, Mission Township and the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, the latter two of which brought aerial trucks that sprayed water down onto the fire from platforms that extended high into the air.

Osage County Fire District 2 Chief Dan Romine said the blaze started in the rear, or south side, of the building, then moved to its upper floor. The fire spread in part, he said, because of the way the building was constructed.

"There were multiple ceilings and voids, and we weren't able to contain the fire," Romine said. "We were able to save the buildings on both sides of it. They have a little smoke and water damage, but we were able to save them."

The business to the east is Osage Hardware, 533 Market St., and on the west is the Osage County Herald-Chronicle newspaper, 527 Market St.

As additional fire trucks rolled into town Sunday afternoon, dozens of Osage City residents gathered on nearby blocks in temperatures of about 20 degrees.

Jason Croucher, 25, a member of the city council in Osage City, was among those who came to the scene.

He estimated about 50 people, including himself, helped move merchandise out of several businesses along the south side of the 500 block of Market Street, where the fire occurred. The items were placed on the sidewalk on the north side of the street.

Croucher said many items from the Ramblin Rose store were brought out of the building before the fire spread. He also said the computer server and archived newspapers were taken out of the Osage County Herald-Chronicle as a precaution.

Additional items were taken out of two drugstores, a furniture store and a Radio Shack on the south side of the 500 block of Market Street.

"I'm so, so proud of the people of Osage City," Croucher said of the town of around 3,000 residents, located about 35 miles southwest of Topeka. "People really pitched in. I'm awfully proud of them."

Fire crews were on the scene late into the night Sunday, battling hot spots and flame flare-ups in an effort to contain the blaze to the building of origin.

Authorities said an apartment was located above the Ramblin Rose store, and all items inside it were destroyed. No injuries had been reported in connection with the fire by 9 p.m. Sunday.
However, responders were called about 8 p.m. to a car-pedestrian accident that was reported at 5th and Market Street, just west of the fire scene. Authorities said late Sunday they had no reports of serious injuries in connection with the accident.

Investigators with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office are to be at the scene early today to begin sifting through the debris in an attempt to determine the cause of the blaze, which by Sunday night was undetermined. An estimated dollar loss wasn't immediately available.

Wedding Pics

It was a great wedding in Fort Worth today.

Wedding Day

As the father of the groom I am full of emotions this morning. For one, I will be doing the ceremony. Second, I hope I don't start crying. Third, it just doesn't seem possible that our little baby boy is old enough to be getting married.

We are so excited to have Allison as a member of our crazy Carriger family. She is a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold and a love for God.

So Brian.....here is my advice to you as you take Allison to be your wife:

Cherish this beautiful gift God has given you. Love her with all your heart. Thank God daily for this special gift and ask him to help you be the best husband and friend that you can be to her each and every moment.

Remember Matthew 22: Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

May God walk with both of you as you keep Him first in your lives.

Rehearsal Pics

Brian, Adam and Vernon

The Bride to be fixing the decorations

The Mother of the Bride visiting with the wedding planners.

Uncle Mike and Brian

Brian, Allison, Mark and Laura

One Last Time

“Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts…
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.

The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips…
Last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip…
Last time when you had a binky stuck inside your mouth…
The last time that you crawled across the floor of this old house.
Last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold,
Last time when you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from the past.
Would I have held you longer if I’d known they were the last?

Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade…
Last at bat in Little League, last colored paper made.
Last time that I tucked you in for one last midday nap…
Last time when you wore your beat-up Green Bay Packers cap.
The last dark night you slipped in bed and slept between us two,
When last I read to you of God or Horton Hears a Who!
Last that that I smelled your hair and prayed after your shower…
Last time that we held devotions in the evening hours.
Last piano lesson, and last soccer goal you kicked…
The last few weeks of middle school, last flowers that you picked.
Last time that you needed me for rides from here to there…
The last time that you spent the night with that old tattered bear.
Last time that I helped you with a math or spelling test,
Last time when I shouted that your room was still a mess.
Time and life moved quicker, taking pieces of your past.
Would I have stretched the moments if I’d known they were the last?

I watched you grow and never noticed seasons as they passed.
I wish I could’ve frozen time to hold on to your lasts.
For come tomorrow morning life will never be the same,
You’ll pledge forever to your girl and she will take your name.
And I will watch you, knowing God has blessed you with this day.
I never would have wanted, Son, to somehow make you stay.
They say a son’s a son until he takes for him a wife.
You’re grown-up now; it’s time to go and start your brand-new life.
One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss…
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how quickly childhood sped past.
Would I have held on longer if I’d known it was your last?”

Texas

Had to take a picture of the new sign on the Kansas Turnpike. the Flint Hills are beautiful all four seasons.


I did take a picture of Texas when we crossed the border as sunset of the Flags of Texas


Guess what I got to do? It was GREAT!

Thought for the Day

People are always asking couples whose marriages have endured at least a quarter of a century for their secret for success. Actually, it is no secret at all. I am a forgiving woman. Long ago, I forgave my husband for not being Paul Newman.
-- Erma Bombeck

Craig

Craig is a busy guy in NYC. He is a full time student at FIT, serves on the Executive Board (Student Government) and works full time at Ug. Looks like the Executive Board is a tough job!
Craig, we will see you in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend.

5 Days to Go

Only 5 days to go before the big "shot gun wedding in Texas". We all are looking forward to the big day.

I did take a look at the weather forecast and it calls for 75 degree sunshine. So, I have been thinking how can I help best with the wedding plans, be supportive and prep with all the arrangements that need to be completed? I believe it starts by taking out my Cobra driver and hit some golf balls at the golf course across the street from the hotel we will be staying at.

I seriously doubt I will be given that opportunity.

God Leading Us to a New Beginning

We have been blessed to live in Osage City for the past 17 years. It has been our home. It's where we raised our boys and it's where we have great friends that we love.

The Central Church in Topeka is our family. We have been so blessed ministering to the Young Professionals Class and getting to Shepherd with Gary, Roger, Jerry, Rex and Bill.

Late Friday night, I accepted the position as the new superintendent for USD 493 Columbus, Kansas, effective July 1. It's a district double the size of Osage City located about 20 minutes from Joplin, Missouri. It's only 10 minutes from God's Country-Oklahoma.

We have felt God's hand in all the decision making process and believe God has led us to serve in a special way in Columbus.

We will miss so many, but understand that God has new plans for us.

We would appreciate your prayers in the transition and as Osage City looks for a new superintendent of schools.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore run, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corin 9:24-27)

"make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Do Not Fear

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. "For I am the LORD your God, The Holy one of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:1-3

New Contemporary Songs I Want My Boys to Fall in Love With

New contemporary songs I want my boys to fall in love with...............

1. Faithful Love
2. Blessed Jesus
3. You Are My All in All
4. As the Deer
5. Jesus, Your My Firm Foundation
6. Ancient Words
7. How Beautiful
8. Thank You
9. Blessed Be Your Name
10. How Great is Our God
11. These Are the Days of Elijah
12. In Christ Alone
13. Beautiful One
14. Here is My Heart
15. I Stand in Awe
16. Thomas Song
17. Still
18. We Shall Assemble
19. His Grace Still Amazes Me
20. Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Hymns I Want My Boys to Know

In addition to the countless fresh contemporary songs of praise that are sure to lodge themselves into the hearts of my boys, Here's a start to my list of proven hymns I want my boys to know, and thus be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ by...

1. Nearer, Still Nearer
2. My Jesus, I Love Thee
3. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
4. Jesus, Thy Name I Love
5. Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
6. On Zion's Glorious Summit
7. The New Song
8. Wonderful Story of Love
9. I Know Whom I Have Believed
10. Be Still My Soul

Thought for the Day

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Philippians 4:11

Would our country be in so much economic trouble if we practiced this life style?

A Carriger Family Weekend

The day started with a trip to our favorite BBQ joint in Kansas City. We even celebrated my Mom's Birthday with a cake!


Next stop was Park University where my nephew Chris plays volleyball for the Hannibal-Lagrange College. They got beat by the #3 powerhouse in NAIA Volleyball ark University Pirates. We enjoyed watching him play.


This was a family shot after the volleyball match. It was great having my brother Steve visit from Chicago.

Then it was off to the Oklahoma-KU Women's Basketball Game. The #2 Sooners won. It was fun sitting with the Sooner Nation!

On Sunday, Brian went to church with us and then we spent the day discussing wedding arrangements as we are only 13 days away. Allison called us from Texas as she celebrated with another wedding shower today.

Happy Valentine's Day Debbie

Happy Valentine's Day to my #1 Girl!

Friday the 13th Facts

Here are 13 more facts about the infamous day, courtesy of Fernsler and some of our own research:

1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.

2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.

3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.

4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).

6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.
7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."

11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.

12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.

Oklahoma Women's Basketball

My family does our annual pilgrimage to see the OU Women play at the University of Kansas on Saturday. The Sooners are undefeated in the Big 12 and ranked #2 in the Nation. The Paris twins are having great years. Can't wait to see Whitney Hand (picture) the freshman guard play. My mom loves coming up for the annual Kansas game.

Before watching the 7:00 game we head to Park University in Kansas City to watch my nephew Chris play college volleyball. He is a freshman hitter/setter for Hannibal Grange College. We will have a big Carriger family group at both games on Saturday. Should be a great family day!

Quote for the Day

"A pessimist is one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better."

Guess What I Did Saturday?

The weather was beautiful for my first fishing day of the year!