Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!! Only one more day till Christmas! :)

leadership

So I am sure EVERYONE has seen or heard the news about Tiger Woods and the unfortunate mistakes he has made. Like everyone else I was surprised at first. Of course he just isn't the person that you expect to hear those kind of gossipy headlines about. But the more and more this has built up and the more that has been revealed, has made me become more and more sad. Not for Tiger Woods, but for the world we live in.

In this situation I can see so very clearly the pedestal that we put our so called "leaders" upon. It is interesting because at what point do sports stars and celebrity's become "leaders". They never ran for the position and got voted in. They never intentionally stepped up to the role and promised to guide us. Based on their own talents, hard work and determination they simply became the icons we know them as today. And they became these icons because of you and me and everyone in the world who turned on the TV to watch them play or act. Who bought the clothes and items that they were advertising for sponsorship. Those who believed that they were truly the greatest at what they did.

And in the same craze and unbelievably quick admiration and obsession that we create those "leaders" in, we also tear down and reject those "leaders" when they mess up. Now I am not saying that I agree with what Tiger did. And I also believe that when sports stars and celebrity's take on this role that we give them, they should strive to be good role models for the weak minded that obsess over them.

But what I am trying to get across is the very reason that we even found out about his mess ups and the very reason why we even care. It is because of this pedestal that we have put him upon and in turn expected him to be perfect. I have heard all the recounts of when Jesus was on earth and how he did not have a very good reputation among the unbelievers. They didn't "worship" him as we do celebrity's today. They didn't put him on a pedestal and expect him to be perfect. What a shame. For once the world would have chosen a leader who they could worship, put on a pedestal and to their amazement would remain perfect forever.

Unfortunately, we will never choose any one person to be a leader and see a life that is perfect and worthy to be copied. And unfortunately for Tiger, we will never see society fully forgive him and place back in the position he once was. That has been tarnished forever. I pray for him and his family. I pray that he sees the wrong he has done, repents and more than anything is forgiven by those who love him. That more than any of his fame, glory and golfing abilities is what is important.

an orphan no more

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day that my parents first met Karleigh Mei in China. It's hard to believe she's been my sister for a year now. I can't imagine my life without her!! Here's a poem I wrote a year ago today after I found out that they had her:

An Orphan No More
You are an orphan no more
Sweet child full of grace
with desperate pleas your
mother cried that you would find a place

A place where you could grow
a place where you could sing
a place where you could dance the dance
that life continuously brings

With each step she took she faltered
with each loving glance she winced
no more to be her child
no more from that moment since

On that humble step she laid you
with such care I've never seen
a baby girl you were hers
clothes, food and a basket to keep clean

When she turned away were there
tears she wept or simply a mothers prayer?
Did she linger hidden or did she run
in sorrow and in fear?

Our hearts are open; our arms held wide
for you are now our own
God has placed you in our life
God has given you a home.

For it's only by his grace and love
that we ever find our way
Life's journey never seems to end
with each new passing day.

While your mother could only dream of the life God had planned for you
You sweet baby have made it home
all your dreams have now come true.

thanksgiving families

This is a collection of photos that I took of my family during thanksgiving at the beach. :)

My Family....I took this with a tripod :)


Uncle Brian, Aunt Amy, Riley, Ross and Zoe


Uncle Darrin, Aunt Jennie, Daniel, David, Andrew and Emily


Uncle Don, Aunt Tanya, Rebekah, Matthew, Sarah, Michael, Hannah, Deborah, John, Joseph and Jeremiah (that's a mouth full!)


Mimi and Paw-Paw


Uncle Michael, Aunt Jennifer and Lexy


Uncle Walker, Aunt Sarah, Noah, Dawson, Grayson and Ella


And the whole gang!

at the beach

We spent Thanksgiving at the beach with my (Katie's) side of the family this year! We had so much fun getting to see everyone and hang out down at the beach. After the beach we went to Blake's parents house to spend the rest of break. It was a very good Thanksgiving break! Here's a couple of photos!



Our feet on Thanksgiving :)


And no, we did not have a child....KM decided to join us! :)