Did You Know; Shift Happens - Globalization; Information Age

Very interesting statistics regarding globalization and the exponential impact of technology on our nation and world.

Big Headlines at Villa Noir

The big news continues at the Black household in Sherwood. Today's big headline is Chris and Amanda's engagement. Chris had a creative proposal, Amanda acquiesced, and they plan on getting married this coming summer. We joyously congratulate them and wish them the very best as they continue to seek the Lord together and forge ahead with their plans.

A few other headlines...

"Young Lad Crashes and Totals Granny's Only Car"

Just last week, while Grandma June was up in the Seattle area visiting Debbie, Chris borrowed his grandmother's car, rounded a slippery corner on a country road as he was picking up his girlfriend for church, and ran into two trees. Long story short...he came out safe (praise God!), but dear ol' June's Honda Accord was totaled. Fortunately, her collision coverage with Allstate has only a $100 deductible. We are still awaiting Allstate's final assessment on what they'll settle on as sale value of the car.

"The emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation" (Darth Vader)

"An Offer on Mom's House in Eugene"
We are pleased to tell you that there has been an offer on 1283 Brookside, my mom's house in Eugene. She made a counter-offer, and it has been subsequently accepted by the other party. We are still waiting on a structural engineer to assess a small crack in the foundation, but we should know if everything is good to go by the middle of this month. Please lift up prayers as we
wait to seal the deal.

"Residents of Villa Noir Continue to Learn Important Spiritual Lessons"
With everything from breast cancer to "strep arm" infections, to crashed cars and wedding plans, we continue to learn that we puny humans are not in control. I'm always amazed at our Heavenly Father's loving (yet seemingly harsh) methods for conforming us into the image of His Son (His ultimate plan for his adopted kids). In times like these, I'm reminded of this quote from one of Alistair Begg's recent sermons I listen to on my iPod via podcasting:

"If dependency is the objective, then weakness is an advantage."

This clearly runs counter to most Americans' materialistic, autonomous, "self-made-man" mentality, but it is undoubtedly right where God wants us as He takes His "trial lumps of clay" and transforms us for a life in the Eternal Kingdom.

God Knows What He's About

When God wants to drill a man

And thrill a man, and skill a man

When God wants to mold a man

To play the noblest part,

When he yearns with all His heart

To build so great and bold a man

That all the world shall be amazed

Then watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects

Whom He royally elects;

How He hammers him and hurts him

And with mighty blows converts him

Into shapes and forms of clay

Which only God can understand

While man's tortured heart is crying

And he lifts beseeching hands...

Yet God bends but never breaks

When man's good He undertakes

How He uses whom He chooses

And with mighty power infuses him

With every act induces him to try His splendor out

God knows what He's about!

Four Hands Guitar

Okay, I'll admit it has been a rough week...I need a little light humor in my life right now!

William Tell Overture

Here's a humorous take on motherhood (sung to the tune of "The William Tell Overture"