Praise God with Mind and Body (PGMB)

All three of my children have gone through the PGMB program at my church. The program was designed and has been run by Steve and Terri Paden for as long as I can remember - at least 15 years and probably a lot longer. It involves memorization, competition and games between teams. The program is designed for 1st through 6th graders. Each year has a different book for a total of 6 books of material. A number of helpers assist in the program including Kathy McBride and Phyllis Goodwin. Some of the past participants have also served as helpers.

My two oldest kids completed the program with 6 straight years of Gold Medals meaning they had perfect scores in memorization. The program includes many other prizes and awards along the way as well.

My youngest son completed the program this year. He entered the program in kindergarten. He has been awarded the Gold Medal 7 years, which only a few other kids have done. Alec R. also completed 7 years of the program with Gold Medals. The picture above shows them being recognized for their accomplishment.

My son also got up and read his favorite memory verse to the church this year to honor his father, and I was presented with a book mark in commemoration of his achievements.

So this ends an era as my youngest moves out of elementary grades. I've been proud of all of their accomplishments.

Thank you to the PGMB team who worked with all of my kids through the years.

LAX airport

This morning I got up at 4:00 AM so that I could take my friend Matthew to LAX airport. Matthew's parents are missionaries in Papua New Guinea where they do translation work to bring the Gospel to the native peoples. Matthew spent most of his youth in Papua New Guinea, so he is very familiar with the land and it's people. He will be spending two weeks there and come back right after the new year. His brother and sister are meeting up with him on one of the legs of the flight so they will be flying over together. The church that sponsors his parents work had set aside money for his parents to come to the States during the holidays, but instead that money was used to reduce the cost of Matthew and his siblings to go visit.

Blessings

With a nod to my wife (I can't bring myself to put "dw" since that is Arthur's little sister, but maybe "fv" will do), here is an accounting of some of my blessings:

• My God who has had a firm hand on my life since I was a child, who has comforted me through dark times, taken me places I haven't always wanted to go, but has ALWAYS led me back into the light.
  
• My wife who has supported and encouraged me, even when things aren't working out as I would hope. I love our "dates" out to Starbucks and other little treats.
  
• Three children who are loving and haven't given me very much grief, at least not yet. I am very proud of their character and abilities.
  
• A good, stable job that allows me to take care of my family, even as the economy is taking a downturn.
• Skills and abilities that allow me to help my friends and family, and keep myself occupied.
• Friends who have stuck by me through thick and thin.
• The material blessings I have, including my house, cars and computers. Having a Fry's Electronics near by is nice too.

So many more than could be mentioned here. How about you?