Check This! Free Ice Cream

For those of you who love free stuff, according to KXAN.com, "Amy's Ice Creams is giving away free ice cream Tuesday."

"Free ice cream will be given out at all Austin locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eligible sizes include tiny, tiny + crushn, small and small + crushn."

I hope some of you find some free ice cream!

God bless.

Sun Stand Still Encouraging

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick is an encouraging read. Furtick focuses on the prayer in which it is asked to have the sun stand still and God answers the prayer. The sun standing still is only something God can do and He does is just another amazing illustiration of how BIG God is.

I consider this a book of encouragement to anyone who is looking to serve the Lord. Furtick uses personal stories and testimonies from other brothers and sister who share there Sun Stand Still moments. These encouraging stories revel that God is still in the business of moving in mighty ways.

I thought it was very easy to read and easy to comprehend. Furtick uses repetition to hammer home many of his points, like an good preacher, but it does get a little old. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking to be inspired or encouraged by the amazing things God can do through you.

I received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Got the material?" Mr. Clyde

If you had an idea or a project you might hear Mr. Clyde question, ""Got the material?" referring to the necessary wood, etc. needed to compete your project.

At Highland Lakes Camp we have resident volunteers. One of them is Mr. Clyde, who turned 89 less than a month ago.

Uponing returning home from Galveston we learned he was walking outside, fell and hit his head. I am giving vague details because i only heard, but you get the basic story.

Our family had the opportunity to go visit Mr. Clyde tonight in the hospital. We met his daughter and son-in-law who quickly welcomed us inside. They told us he was in a lot of pain, but was doing well. He has spent part of the morning walking around with a walker.

Landon loves talking to Mr. Clyde. Often times Landon will sneak up on Mr. Clyde in the dining hall to say hello or wave to him. It is a very precious sight. He did smile and wave to us tonight, but you could tell he was hurting.

Mr. Clyde has boldly shared the gospel all over the world and we are truely blessed by his joking, sleeping on the job, skilled craftsmanship of wood and his passionate love for Jesus.

Please say a pray for our friend Mr. Clyde. He will begin rehab on Friday.

God bless.

Vacation Observations

A few observations:

As I watch Landon learn and grow by exploring on the playground this afternoon, I am also amazed at what a 20 month old can do.

Salty air is making my nose burn.

Being on the road for several hours with two children under the age of two isn't that bad (only one diaper stop)!

My wife might be OCD when it comes to organizing the hotel room.

Watching other children do more advanced things on the playground because they are older, proves peer pressure exists because Landon wanted to attempt what they were doing.

Is that person really in a bikini (it's 53 degrees and very cold when the wind blows)? Brrrr!

The second Hellums family vacation continues.

God bless.

Happy Anniversary, Kari.

What's the big deal about an anniversary?

I can think of a few reason to reflect, remember and celebrate.

Reflection upon what it means to be in a covenant relationship. Established by God in Genesis, a man and woman shall leave their parents and build a new family. God also makes this covenant with His people; that is why our hope is Christ; who will return for His bride, the church.

Remembering now is easy, but I suspect as I get older I might forget. Kari walked into old Miles at Highland Lakes Camp as I was in the air on a ladder adjusting lights. She proceeded toward the stage and introduced herself by asking, "Is that a Texas A&M bracelet?" I replied, "Heck no, Texas State." She laughed and said, "Well, I'm Kari Davenport." It will be six years in May since that unforgettable day.

Remembering March 10, 2007, I'll never forget when the doors at the back of First Baptist Church Cameron opened up, my beautiful bride to be began her walk. I couldn't take my eyes off her.

A memory that makes us laugh and is still brought up to this day, is Bro. Jimmy saying Keremy. Instead of saying Kari he said Keremy until the end of the ceremony. He said, "Have I been saying that the entire time?" Yes, yes he did.

There is something to celebrate because about 50% of marriages in America fail. Right now we are the other 50%. This static is heartbreaking in so many ways especially when you consider divorcing with children. Being one of those children affected by divorce, I can say there are many tears shed. Marriage is a sacred union between man and woman before God; and God hates divorce.

Kari, I love you and am thankful for our four blessed years of marriage.

Welcome Our Newest Member

On Sunday, February 27, we welcomed Cruiser Hellums into our home.

Cruiser is a Shih Tzu puppy born on December 19, 2010. He is a playful puppy that took quickly to Landon; as did Landon to Cruiser. Landon calls him Cru Cru and Pup pup and they talk to one another as they play.

Earlier this morning while Landon was swinging he wanted to hold Cruiser, but Dada thought it would be a bad idea. He wants to do everything with Cruiser!

Logan doesn't know what to think of Cruiser yet, but he is not frightened by Cruiser.

We anticipate many fun times ahead with Cruiser.

God bless.

For daily updates, follow my twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremyhellums

Happy Texas Independence Day

175 Years of Texas.

I am proud to be from Texas! Born in San Marcos and can say I have never lived in any other state.

May you have a Happy Texas Independence Day.

God Bless.

He said! She said! They said!

How many times do we use these phrases? Are these phrases really necessary? Or are they just excuses for someone who is not ready to grasp hold of personal responsibility?

We all make mistakes; some of us just have a harder time admitting it.

For example, me telling my wife she should change her diet as she clung to a toilet bowl throwing up while pregnant. Bad idea.

Maybe a better example is owning up to something I clearly told a co-worker I could do, but honestly I couldn't do it. I confessed my wrong-doing to the other person and asked for forgiveness.

Sometimes we just make mistakes and in the long run we can do everyone a favor by owning up to these mistakes.

Jesus confronts a woman about her sin in John 4:16-18, " "Go and get your husband," Jesus told her.

"I don't have a husband," the woman replied.

Jesus said, "You're right! You don't have a husband-for you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now."

Wow, thanks, Lord. He just brings it up and takes care of it on the spot.

Imagine what it would look like in our journey, communities and families if we took the, "He said. She said. They said," out of our lives and inserted truth. Truth in love, "Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself," " James 2:8.  I believe we would see a community reflective of Christ's love abounding in truth.

God bless.