Happy Birthday, Tony

Here in Pennsylvania he’s known by many names: Manuel Jr., Manuel Sr., The Tonz, Pastor Tony, Necó, El otro Beatle, etc. I have so many great memories of Tony. We both shared the basement room when he lived with us for a few years. We had some serious games of dominos that lasted until 2 in the morning; we shared wardrobes and debated the difference between, “matching and combining” clothes; we invented the world famous “zonk” handshake, we share stories, and developed a lifelong bond.



I don’t have too many earthly heroes, but if I were to think of one, it would be Tony. He’s such a great example of a husband, a father, a son, a sibling, a cousin, a teacher, a preacher, a scholar and above all, a Godly man who any Christian man can look up to as a role model. I love Tony and his beautiful family. I wish for him all of God’s blessings as he continues to do the work he was called by God to do.



Happy Birthday, Bro

Too Hot

OK, northern boys and girls. This is the only time you will hear me complain about the weather here. Usually I'm razin' you about your lousy weather. Today it's going to get up to 94. I remember sayin' that I would never live down here because I love the change of seasons. This is the best time of year up there. Laurie and I are going to take a trip up to North Carolina next week just to see the leaves and get a break from this oven. Enjoy it while you can. Gray skys and bitter cold are just around the corner.

The loving husband..

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they
were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told the husband, "You can have
her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land , for
$150." The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped
home.

The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home, when
it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?"

The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days
later he rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

Mexico Music

In case you're interested...

Well, We did it again . . .

Thanks to Jimmy & Iris for opening up their home to us again. We had another wonderful get together yesterday for our “end of summer” picnic. We got rained out on Labor Day weekend but we more than made up for it this time. Tony, Jess, Manny, Lisette, Christina, Carlos, Nikki, CJ, Chati, Diane, Ron, Roxanne, Tito (& significant other), Rosi (& fiancé Polito), Tom & Annette, Marie, Christina, Tommy, Mom, Pop, Melissa, Tim, Melody, and of course, Jimmy, Iris, Jacob, and Jordon were all there to laugh, play volleyball, talk a lot, eat mom’s cooking, watch the Eagles game and swim (only some of the kids including Tony).
Now that I think about it, I’m glad Labor Day got rained out. Many families were away, some were at college and others just couldn’t make it. Yeap. Praise the Lord for his sovereignty. His ways are not our ways and that’s a good thing.

I'm Back

It was a great trip as always. I'll give you more once I get settled in.
I came across this great poem while in Mexico. It was written by a homeless woman who turned to a country vicar (an English priest) for help. Perhaps he was busy and perhaps he felt helpless but he promised to pray for her. The woman later wrote this poem:

I was hungry,
and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned,
and you crept quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked,
and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick,
and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless,
and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely,
and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God
but I am still very hungry - and lonely - and cold.

Food for thought...

25 Years of marriage

On Tuesday, September 12th, Roxane and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We’ve obviously been through alot together and have persevered.

I don’t know- but I thought it was an accomplishment worth noting.
Happy Anniversary, Honey!