May - A Month of Celebration

May is always such a busy month for everyone. For us, May means the end of Spring baseball seasons for two boys, the end of yet another school year, Awards Day, the beginning of Summer baseball and Summer fun and activities, birthday celebrations, Mother's Day, and many other end-of-school/baseball activities and parties. Last week we celebrated my birthday and the end of John Michael's first baseball season. For my birthday, we went to Cypress Inn for dinner and the boys treated me extra special with flowers, cards, and lots of hugs and kisses. God has blessed me with three of the best boys on this earth! On Saturday, John Michael had his last baseball game complete with an end of the season trophy presentation. He is so excited to have started his very own "trophy collection" just like the one his brother has. We did treat bags for his team complete with sweat bands, sports whistles, and some other "very cool sports-stuff"(his words). Samuel's team, the Braves, finished the regular season tied for first place and are now the only undefeated team left in the tournament. They will be playing for the Championship this Saturday. So proud of them and their hard work this season. Good Luck Braves! This week, today actually, marks the end of Samuel's 4th grade year. Wow, has it flown by! Monday was Awards Day and he received the following awards: All A Honor Roll for the year, Outstanding Citizenship Award (boy recipient from his class), National Physical Education Award, and Reading Achievment Award. A couple of weeks ago he was selected for Safety Patrol and to serve as an Ambassador for the next school year. We are so proud of him and his dedication and hard work. He was also selected to play on a travel baseball team this summer - The Northport Tide. So proud of him for not only working hard to meet his goals both at school and on the ball field but, even more so, for being respectful, honest, reliable, and a good citizen and a loyal friend. Now bring on the Summer Fun! We are so ready for a break in routine and a little relaxation. I think we ALL need it, so let the fun begin. Have a great summer everyone!

The God of THIS City & We will Praise You in THIS Storm

Over the last couple of weeks these songs have become somewhat of the theme songs for our great city and even our entire state. In the midst of such devastation and complete destruction we have seen Jesus in such a powerful way throughout Tuscaloosa and all over Alabama. Communities have come together and in the midst of broken-ness we have witnessed together-ness. It has been amazing! I love these songs even more now because of what they have come to mean to us.

You're the God of This City You're the God of this City. You're the King of these people. You're the Lord of this nation.

You are!

You're the Light in this darkness.

You're the Hope to the hopeless.

You're the Peace to the restless.

You are!

There is no one like our God. There is no one like our God.

For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City.

Greater thing have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City.

There is no one like our God. There is no one like our God!

For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City.

Greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done here.

There is no one like our God There is no one like our God.

Greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done here!

by: Chris Tomlin

"Praise You In This Storm"

"I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away. Stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining. As the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain"I'm with you" And as Your mercy fallsI raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away.

And I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I've cried.

You hold in Your hand You never left my sideAnd though my heart is tornI will praise You in this storm.

I remember whenI stumbled in the wind. You heard my cry to you And you raised me up again.

My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on If I can't find You.

But as the thunder rollsI barely hear You whisper through the rain"I'm with you"And as Your mercy fallsI raise my hands and praise the God who givesAnd takes away.

I lift my eyes unto the hillsWhere does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

by: Casting Crowns

Easter 2011 - In Pics