In Memory of Deborah Grizzard

A good friend of mine and Jenny's passed away on Friday, February 13th at 3:20 PM. Ms. Debbie Grizzard went to be with the Lord after a hard fought battle with various complications. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with her daughter, Jessica, and her extended family.

So Live!

A long day, but a good day!

Everyday we have good and bad handed to us. It's easy to complain about the bad and forget about the good. If we know that our day comes with good and bad... Why not embrace the challenges and face them head on? Be encouraged that Jesus walks with you. We don't have to face life alone. Instead of defaulting to the bad, focus on the good and rejoice! Don't let the enemy steal your joy. Life is meant to be lived... so live!

The 5K is Coming!

This coming May is the Strawberry Festival in Portland. Every year they have a 5K to kick-off the day's events. I've decided to put my running shoes on! I started my exercise routine on Sunday and continued tonight. Getting started is never easy, but it feels good when you are finished. I'm looking forward to the run along with the road that gets me there. I hope to see you in the race.

Super Bowl Party

We had an all-church Super Bowl Party tonight! It was awesome. The people of Living Free Fellowship never cease to amaze me. We had 46 people come out to the party. I would guess 80% of the church was present the whole game. The attendance for our first 'church' event was awesome. Special thanks to the Read family for hosting the event in their home. I think we made it through the night without any breakage or spills... that should be a record in itself. Thanks to all the church family for coming out and being a part of the evening. It was a great night of fellowship.

The Steelers won, but the Cardinals were playing two games. One against the Steelers and one against the referees. They had their chance, but the defense let it go in the last two minutes. You win some, you lose some. Congrats to Pittsburg!

Jenny and I are blessed and grateful to pastor such an awesome group of people.

The Snow Day

We got our first real snow of the season today. It was nice to look out the window this morning and see the snow blanketing our yard. Our kids were more excited when they heard they didn't have school today (two days out and counting).

The snow happened to fall on Wednesday. It put me in a precarious situation about whether to have church or to cancel the service. After discussions with a fellow pastor in Portland and a few church folks, it was unanimous... we canceled church along with others in the community. We came to the decision to err on the side of caution than to put someone in jeopardy on an icy road. With the roads wet and temperatures in the teens and low 20's with possible freezing on the less traveled roads in Portland, we made the right decision. It's never easy to dismiss church, but it was for the right reason... we want to keep our people safe.

I went into the office for several hours today and then back home for an evening with the wife and kiddos. It has been a great evening. I always cherish the opportunities I have with my family. I'll admit it... I'm a family man and proud of it. Maybe the kids will get one more snow day out of the deal. We can only dream!

18 Kids... Wow!

Have you every watched the show on TLC... 17 Kids and Counting... The Duggar Family! They just had a new kid this past December... #18. I guess they have to change their name already. This family is unreal but interesting to watch. I could not imagine the patience these parents must have with that many children. I wish them all the best!

The Kids

There's nothing like sitting back and watching your kids play. Their different personalities, temperaments, and energy levels are interesting to say the least. As I write they have blindfolded Rylie and she is following her sister's voice through the house. It's just a matter of time before she cracks her nose on the wall.

They are fully entertaining. It's never boring around the Morris home!

I Have A Dream

Martin Luther King Jr...

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' "

Happy MLK Day!

Time

Time goes by quickly. January is half over and the year has soundly begun. What will you do with your life? Will this be the year you make new steps toward God or will you remain where you are? God waits on you.

2009 is Here!

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! 2009 is going to be a great year. May God richly bless you and your family this coming year.