September 11 Memorial

A few days ago, my wife, Christel, and son, Christian, and I went to see a September 11 Memorial that is beginning a tour of the country. the first stop was in Columbia, SC, because the company that is producing the steel beams for the Monument which will be in New York is in Columbia. There were a few speeches recognizing the great sacrifices that were made on that day in 2001 and in the years since. After that, we were allowed to walk through the displays, which featured several pictures showing the horrible events of September 11, but also the incredible heroism that was displayed. We also viewed a short video which told the story of that day. Finally, we were able to sign a steel beam that is going to be used in the Memorial at ground zero. We were some of the first people to sign it.

We actually made it on the news Monday night, but I don't have any pictures from that to show you. The camera captured us while Christian signed his name. I was holding him up high enough to reach, while Christel helped to guide his hand. We recorded the newscast, but I couldn't find it online.

Here's a link to a story about the Memorial:

http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/news.apx.-content-articles-SPA-2007-09-10-0012.html

And the website for the Memorial itself:

www.national911memorial.org

A trip to Arkansas

I was unable to attend the baptisms Brian told about because I had made a trip back to Arkansas. Wild horses could not have kept me away from my brother and sister-in-law - and their new baby girl, Cassidy Lynn. Cassidy came into this world a little bit earlier than was expected, but did so well. She was in the hospital for a week - and now she and Mom are doing great! We are all so blessed by this new little life. I'm going to try to post some pictures of my niece (and no, Aunt Christel doesn't get tired of saying that). I think you'll agree with me that Cassidy is adorable.


I miss my family, and I frequently thank God for the little things like phones and email. It's so easy to keep in touch with those you love now. If I want to hear someone's voice, all I have to do is give them a call. And when things come up, as they did the 1st of August, it doesn't take very long to get home when you can fly. 150 years ago if I had moved this far from my family, I think I can safely say that there is a good chance that we would not see each other again, this side of heaven. I say all this just to remind everyone to thank God for the little things. We remember to thank him for big things - our family, friends, church, etc... But how often do we thank him for the smaller things? Have you ever thanked God for a telephone or for the ability to so easily stay in touch with far away friends and family? He gives us everything - even the small stuff.


Now - I'm through preaching. Maybe I should leave that up to Brian. Ha! I hope this blog finds everyone that reads it doing well. To all our far away friends and family, we miss you and you're in our prayers. We love you!


Now for the pictures.... Meet Cassidy Lynn Blakley











This is Cassidy and her mom, Amy, who has also been such a sweet blessing in our family...