Beautiful Bahamas Beaches By Boat

Well, really it was by a big ol' ship! Sovereign of the Seas









We just returned from our very first cruise. If you've ever been, you know what we mean...It was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. If you love food, if you love seeing new things, if you love the beach or if you love the beauty of creation, you would love taking a cruise.

We took a four night cruise through the islands of the Bahamas. We stopped at the Royal Caribbean private island, Coco Cay and the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau. Coco Cay was probably the most relaxing place we've ever been. From hammocks between the Palms and the calm, clear blue water-we were looking for some real estate! Nassau was quite different, but still very interesting. There are over 250,000 people that live on New Providence Island (where Nassau is located). It was quite commercial, especially around the port. We walked over to Paradise Island where we got to go to the beach again, and where we got to see part of the Atlantis Resort. We also got to see some really cool churches, at least one of which was built in the mid 1700's.

From this cheeseburger in paradise to the midnight chocolate buffet there is non-stop amazing foods 24 hours a day. There were food options from all over the world at the breakfast buffet, the lunch buffet and the formal dining at dinner.

























The cruise itself was so amazing, but even better were our cruising partners, Matt & Sarah. Even on a rainy walk in a foreign land, we had a great time! It's always an adventure :)
We could go on for hours! If you want to see more pictures from our trip, just click on the big picture below. It'll take you to our album online. If you're thinking about cruising, we highly recommend Royal Caribbean. As they say on the ship--"Get out there!"

Show and Tell

So here are some pictures from our latest adventures here in the land of the Piedmont (we're not sure what that is, yet...)



We call it Alumni II. Seriously, it's about the same size as ol' Alumni Manor... except our neighbors don't have wild parties.











Pastor Justin, hard at work. (Actually, he's playing solitaire, but doesn't he look good??) Posh office space.








You can take the boy out of Wilmore, but you can't take the Wilmore out of the boy. We're finally sleeping in a place where you can't hear the trains, and look who has to go seek them out again...









The view from the driveway... and outlining Justin's long walk to work. So, why'd the chicken cross the road???












Contrary to appearances, Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church is not located on the side of a mountain. This is just a testament to Justin's stellar (or epileptic) photography skills!





Hard to believe this summer is half over already! We're headed to the Bahamas next week so we'll be posting more after that. See ya and Happy Summer.

Leptrascoptomologistarian

What??? Yeah, I asked the same thing. That was the role I played in last night's VBS. It's a doctor that treats people with Leprosy. I don't know if it's a real doctor, but I know I had a great time teaching the fourth graders about Naaman.

In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, the strongest man in King Aram's army is diagnosed with Leprosy - a flesh eating disease with no known cure. Even in his disbelief, his obedience to the Lord healed him after washing seven times in the Jordan River. I am blessed by this story. If you have a minute, stop in 2 Kings 5 - it's a quick read.

We used an onion to simulate the smell of Leprosy...It was pretty gross! But, who knew water and a stainless steel spoon would take the smell away...In Naaman's case, and ours - even when it doesn't make sense, obedience to the Lord is the sweetest smell of all!

Things are going well here in NC. Bible School has been a lot of fun! I will post again soon with some pictures of our living accommodations and the church.

Room to grow...

The first few weeks here at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church have been really amazing! One of the key goals for the summer is simply growing in my relationship with the Lord. One of the first things my mentor said has stuck with me… in fact, I read these words every morning before I start my day.

“Until the burden for others is greater than the burden for yourself, you will never fully know the Power of Christ.”

These words just resonate in my heart and remind me that there is always room for growth. It is the journey of Holiness. Is Holiness what you long for? I’ve recently read that Holiness is like a bird… It must have two wings to fly… One wing is personal holiness, the other is social holiness. Without one or the other the bird is grounded.

Is your pursuit of Holiness soaring or grounded?

How are you seeing growth in your life?

Philippians 3:10-11 ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Summertime is here :)

While the season of Summer is still about a month away, another semester has come to a close. I just want to give a little shout out to the 2007 graduating class from Asbury Seminary! There is much cause for celebration!

As for me, I'm going to be interning with Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church for the Summer. So Jeanine and I will be down in Thomasville, NC. We are excited to see how the Lord works and moves in this place and time, not only in our lives, but in the lives of this community.

Sorry to be so short again, but HAPPY SUMMER!!!