Thank you

I owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and supporting me since mid- August. I would not have made it this far without my family and friends showering me with love and encouragement.

I had gastric bypass surgery on the 14th of August. It was something I had been thinking and praying about since last October. The sugery went well, but my initial recovery was very difficult. In the past week and a half, I have come a long way. I am returning to more normal activities, but am usually wiped out at mid- day. I know that healing takes time, so I am trying to be patient and not try to rush things.

This process and total life changes has definitely brought me to my knees before God. I praise Him for giving me hope and comfort, as well as blessing me with exactly the people I would need to help me get through this and grow through this.

I especially want to thank my mom who came from MI to take care of me. She was and is my rock and my soft place. I love you mom!

My Brand New Baby Niece

This past Sunday, I had the chance to meet my neice for the first time. It was love at first sight. Cali Theresa Efird is the most precious thing in the world. I look forward to watching her grow and being part of her life. I had some major baby envy goin' on. Thank goodness I can live vicariously through other people.

Baptism @ the Brook

This weekend was another awesome time at Southbrook Church. I got to serve on the First Impressions team and was asked to take pictures during the baptisms.

It was so good to hear Clayton King preach- he hasn't been in a while. I only wish he could have spoken longer. He always has the best stories to tell! (And if you didn't know- he tells different ones at every service. You have to go to them all.)

This is one of my favorite pictures. The expression on the girl's face is priceless. She is smiling, glowing really, as she emerges from the water. And doesn't Pastor Daryl look cool sporting his Southbrook shirt with the new logo?

I think its fun to worship in different environments, like outside. Return always does an awesome job at leading us. I felt bad for guests and non-regular attenders. There was no screen to display the lyrics, so people didn't really participate much. People didn't even stand up! What's up with that? I was clapping and singing all over the place.

Overall, the weekend was a huge success. Many believers chose to take the next step in their spiritual journey by publicly proclaiming their faith in Jesus Christ. And hopefully that is not the last thing they step up to do. There are many small groups and service opportunities to be looked into. If you were at the 11:30 service, you got to hear part of a story about a soldier who was captured in Iraq 6 months ago, regained his freedom 3 months ago, and got baptised in our pool yesterday. Check out Pastor Rob's blog for a more complete story.

My only cause for concern during this baptism blowout was the pool attendant. Why is he so grumpy and tired looking? I see this die hard Yankee fan always working, cleaning something, greeting someone, and hollering at the kids to keep their paws off the glass doors. SOMEBODY GET HIM SOME HAPPY PILLS!

Just Kidding! Ron is my boy.

We all need to pray that he finds someone to fill the open facilities position soon. He works all the time- no wonder he doesn't have the energy to smile. He's been working like a dog for a while now.