World Series cross - cut

Yesterday I made the last mow of the lawn for the fall season. I cross-cut it just for fun, copying the grounds keepers at professional baseball parks. I had baseball on the brain with the World Series, fall classic, happening this week. Winter will set in soon here in the northwest and the grass growing will slow down in response to the grey skies. Some people just can't handle the drizzly weather and it sends them packing to sunny climates for the season.

For me, the blustery winds, blowing rain, and crisp mornings lend themselves to times with God on the couch with a good cup of coffee. This is good, slowing down and reflecting on what is important, namely a relationship with the living God, my wife, children, extended family and friends all across this country.

As I stare out at my "World Series Cross-cut" lawn, I am thankful which brings this Scripture to mind, "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." Do you have a thankful heart today?

Expanding Woody Family

Last month we all joined together on the couch; Vic, Monique, Erin, Damon, fiance Lindsey, Ellie, Carly and puppy Stitch, for a family photo. Our family is growing by leaps and bounds in a blessed way. Stitch is growing faster than all of us. Blessings to you and yours!

New Life

Psalm 36:6-7 Tells us how our Lord's love and care is spread over all creation.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.



This little Golden Retriever puppy was born just a few days ago. Our neighbors dog just had ten little ones and Ellie and Carly have been giving care to the mom and the pups. Could it be that one of them will find a home at our house? Check back with us throughout the summer to find out.

Racing and Endurance

In 2 Timothy we read:

Paul's Charge to Timothy You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3: 9-11

I always think about endurance on Memorial Day weekend. My memories take me to fun weekend camping trips my mom and dad planned, usually to the High Sierras in California. The recollections of endurance come when I think of the long drive home. We usually listened to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio. What a test of endurance that race is for both the driver and the machine!

Our Lord calls us to this type of endurance for a lifetime. As we read in the apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy, there will be hardships, yet the Lord will rescue us from all of them. We must rest in this Truth, for in Him is where our hope is found.

Praise the Lord for the men and women who serve and have served our country so valiantly in the armed forces. They are examples of endurance for all of us. Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!

He Reigns

With Easter approaching, God placed a song in my heart that is resonating all around me. The song title is "He Reigns". The "He" refers to Jesus Christ, His Supremacy here on earth. The lyrics are awesome and they say it all. The song was written by one of the guys from a popular Christian group, The Newsboys. Here is how it goes:

It's the song of the redeemed, Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven, Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers, Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation, A love song born of a grateful choir
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds, Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals, To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation, Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples, None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness, Tremble at what they've just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness, Can't drown out a single word
When all God's children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns

So...lets look to Jesus and His Resurrection, for the power to overcome our trials are in Him and His love for us.

Blessings.

Vic

Rich Family Time

As I reflect on the holiday season I find myself with a heart of gratitude toward our great and wonderful God. The Christmas season was filled with special quality time with our family. The tradition of finding a bushy Christmas tree was fullfilled along with all the fun of adorning it with family decorations. Erin, Damon, Ellie and Carly all reconnected by God's abounding grace and love. It was a sight to see everyone interacting and laughing together.

I heard a song by Michael W. Smith recently titled "Healing Rain". This made me think of God's amazing work in our family. Here are a few of the lyrics that spoke to me:

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

My prayer for all of you is that you keep the umbrellas folded up and let God's healing rain come down upon your soul this coming year. He works in relationships as we together seek to know Him.

Communication Breakdown

The last weekend of November marked a big game in the world of Friday Harbor High School sports. Our high school football team was playing in a state semi-final championship game. I was unable to make the 6 hour drive to eastern Washington, so I relied on periodic phone calls and internet updates for my game report.

At one point in the 4th quarter I received a call from my son Damon in New York who was getting regular score updates from one of his friend who attended the game. Damon reported the score as "35-21 Wolverines ahead." We were both ecstatic and I was dancing around the kitchen shouting, "we going to the Tacoma Dome, we are in the state championship baby."

I quickly called my dear friend Roberto to give him the update. Another shout went out over the phone as we celebrated together. My phone rang again. It was Damon. I figured to hear the "game over" call from him but instead he said; "Dad, I got the score reversed, it is Royal 35, Friday Harbor 21." Whoosh! It was like the air was rushing out of a popped balloon for me. I called my friend Roberto and he was equally deflated too.

A lesson learned, "be slow to speak, quick to listen ..." James 1:19 This "communication breakdown" reminded of how damaging thoughtless words can be, especially to relationships. One thing can lead to another, and left unchecked, a spider web of ill feeling can be created. Proverbs 18:6-7 says this: "A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."

We must be careful in our communication with our spouses, children, family members and friends, and oh yeah, when we are reporting sports scores long distance. (-:

Red Bug Reality 

Red Bug Flashback

I would not have believed it, but it happened. Two weeks ago I found myself driving a red 1969 Volkswagen bug, one almost identical to the one I owned in high school. I even loaded Ellie, Carly, Erin and her friend Kristie in the red bug for a wild ride throughout the streets of Friday Harbor. They couldn't believe Dad actually fit in the bug, let alone was able to shift gears and drive it. By the way, it is harder to get into at age 52.

Memories of good old high school days came racing back through my mind. As I reviewed each one I found myself saying, "I can't believe you did that". By all rights, many of my crazed adventures in my little red bug should have ended in catastrophe. The Lord certainly had his hand upon me.

Looking back, I'm thankful the Lord spared me and is now renewing my mind as the Scripture says in Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the "red bug" crazed world, (Woodward paraphrase) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." He renews our minds as we read His Word, what a blessing!

Life Building Story

These thoughts are from our dear friend Kim:

It’s hard to put into words all of the ways the one-on-one discipleship time with Vic and Mo has enriched and grown me in the Lord and continues to do so every day. God has knitted our hearts so wonderfully together with His in this fellowship time of exploring, learning, sharing and establishing the truth of His word in our lives. Sharing our personal lives with each other is such a blessing and inspires me to be more real and open with others. The basics of the lesson on ‘Security’ firmed up my foundation and has given me not only confidence but a desire to reach out to others in His love. The study we are going through is great for new seekers, new believers andmost certainly for those of us who have known the Lord for some time, but have not had this great of understanding of His word, His love and His grace for each one of us. If I don’t understand or receive it, how can I effectively share with others? It has certainly given a new meaning to ‘Standing on His word’. No more sitting for me!

Monique and I feel the same way as we receive so much from the people we are blessed to connect with through the discipleship process. To God be the glory!

Goldfish family friends 

Goldfish Life Lesson

This week we all experienced a life lesson with Carly through our friends in the fish tank, the Goldfish family. Carly received a ten gallon tank and four goldfish for her birthday and we have all enjoyed watching them explore their new home. I think all have been named, so a personal attachment has begun with each fish. Hmm! Lesson time.

Well, as you have probably already figured out, Carly's first fish was found belly up on the surface of the water. We had a fish honoring burial, accompanied by many tears in the front yard. Then two days later, another fish said good-bye.

This gave us the opportunity to explain that all living things will eventually die, although I don't think this comforted Carly too much. Nevertheless, a valuable lesson learned through the mourning of our goldfish deaths. God can use many teachable moments to help our children learn valuable life lessons. The tank is full of fish again and we await the next lesson that is in store for all of us through our finny friends.

Transistor Radio Days

A couple of days ago I decided it was time to re-paint the front porch ceiling. One of my favorite things to do while at work is to listen to the radio. I pulled out our CD/radio boom box, plugged it in and to my suprise I was tuned in to the MLB playoffs. What a break!

Immediately this "old guy", as Damon affectionately calls me, was flooded with memories of sixth grade, the World Series and transistor radios. You see my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Lentine, would let us listen to the World Series during our morning and lunch recess. I couldn't wait to get my work done and listen to the game. Of course being an L.A. Dodger fan, Yankee- Dodger rivalries were most significant.

What happened to "transistor radio days"? Wow! I loved to recreate the plays in my mind as the announcer described them. Those days are gone now. Technology has brought the game visually right into our living room. It has also brought "unhealthy messages" via commercials to our minds. God calls us to renew our minds, Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Romans 12:2

So, turn on your radios this week and enjoy the game through your ears. It may bring back some sweet memories.

Carly's six years old, big blow! Watch out! 

Birthday Blessings

This past week on Oct. 12 we all celebrated Carly's 6th birthday. She had some friends over, I conjured up some of my favorite P.E. games, Monique, Ellie and Carly decorated the house in pink, a kids special Mac and Cheese dinner was prepared, and of course a chocolate cake highlighted our fun together.

We received another blessing on Friday as Monique and Carly went to Childrens Hospital for diagnosis of Carly's seizures. The doctor feels that the seizures are influenced by Carly's overheating as well as her rapid growth spurts. I guess excessive body heat causes blood to flow away from the brain to outer body parts, resulting in less O2 supplied to Carly's brain. This can cause seizures in some people. Carly has really been growing too, in the 95 percentile in heighth and weight, and this can be a factor too.

Anyway, no medication needed for the seizures at this point. There will be one more test, an EEG just to completely check out her brain for any abnormalities. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR CARLY AND ALL OF US. YOU PRAYERS HAVE BEEN STRENGTHENING US IN THIS TIME. GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Answered Prayers

Thanks to all of you who have been faithfully praying for Carly and our family. Yesterday we took Carly to Childrens Hospital for an MRI, seeking the answer to the bump on the top of her head. The MRI revealed that the bump has been caused by the way Carly's skull has formed since birth. The skull bone has grown around a pocket of normal brain fluid. The fluid which normally spreads out evenly, filled in a small gap in Carly's brain, forming a pocket (technically called an arachnoid cyst) of fluid. About 1 out of 10 people have this condition. There is nothing to remove, no growth, no tumor! She is OK! Thanks be to God! What a huge relief for all of us. Carly has an appt. on Fri. Oct 15 to assess her seizures. She hasn't had a seizure in over a month, another answer to prayer. Your continued prayers are treasured!

Family Firsts by Ellie and Carly

Ellie and Carly share the highlights in October by giving us some family firsts. The pictures truly express a thousand words as the saying goes. Ellie scored the first goal of her budding soccer career after consulting with coach Tony during a timeout. Carly, who will turn six years old on Oct. 12, was very brave allowing Mom to get a grip on her tooth and pull it out. Ellie is examining the effort with a binocular zoom close up.

First career goal scored by Ellie following coach Tony's instructions.  

First front tooth pops out for Carly. 

New York News from Damon

Son Damon is beginning his second semester at The King's College in New York City. We are so proud of him and his pursuit of an excellent education. He has made an incredible adjustment, with the Lord's help, to life in NYC. What a contrast to Friday Harbor life. He is part of the children's worship team at Mosaic church in NYC and loving it. The Lord has gifted Damon with a passion for worship and is using his voice and guitar to spread His love. Here are a few comments from Damon, taken from a recent email, regarding the protests during the Republican Convention. Damon's apartment is in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. The news media does not always give us an accurate picture as you will read.

"The demonstrators that were here did not sustain any sort of political debate tactics. Rather they were just angry and vicious towards anyone who did not share their similar views. Yesterday, during the after the presidents speech I returned to Herald Towers to visit Lindsey. On the way between 37th street and 34th Street, there as a large mass of police vehicles. I was curious so I counted them. 20 motorcycle bikes, 10 large police vans (which looked like a vehicle to detain the arrested) 14 police cars, and over 10 more police vans that were used to transport the police officers. I would guess there to be, between 37th and 34th street, over 200 police officers. That does not even include the riot police!! Once I reached, 35th street protesters had already started to make their absurd proclaims. As the busses pulled out of 34th street (which is most likely filled with people that were at the convention), the demonstrators began to curse, chant, holler and scream. Mainly telling the busses to "Go Home," and sending them with a symbol, which brought their middle finger into play. Posters, signs, t-shirts, hats, bandanas, pants, all had remarks referring to major issues like abortion, gay marriage, and the Iraq war. Many of their remarks were not persuasive at all. Most of them were hate remarks referring to the president. Some did not even refer to him at all. Some were aimed at Christians."