Caleb's Original

Caleb has really enjoyed learning to play guitar. We have seen him growing musically, and he has been showing some real talent in his natural rhythm and understanding of chord progressions. He seems to just have an ear for how chords work together. I posted a video below of his recital. He played a worship song called "Our God Saves", but in the video below, you will hear the first song Caleb has ever written. Though it's lyrically simple, keep in mind that he didn't just write the lyrics, but he also developed the melody line, a singable rhythm, and developed the chord progression used throughout the song. There are a lot of different things going on here. He is already asking me to co-write with him. I can't wait to get started on that! We're proud of you, Caleb! Stay focused and keep working hard.



"He Came to Earth"
by Caleb Bumgardner

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He washed away our sins
He washed away our sins

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He died and rose again
He died and rose again

He came to Earth to set us free
So we could live eternally

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He washed away our sins
He washed away our sins

Jesus, He came to Earth to save us
He died and rose again
He died and rose again

Great Vacation

Some good friends of ours invited us to spend the week with them in Newport Coast. Although we were only able to be there for about 3 days, we had an amazing time. Our kids all get along well, so it was a lot of fun to hear them laughing and hanging out together. We are back now, getting ready for tonight's Thanksgiving Eve Service at Immanuel. It will be a great time of sharing together in praise. If you are in the area tonight make sure you come to this service. The Immanuel Choir and Orchestra will be leading in worship as well as a couple of feature songs, including testimonies and video. See ya there!

The Difficulties in Sharing Christ

It is so easy to agree to the fact that Scripture says we are to "go and tell". But, when it comes to actually doing it, why do we get that nervous pit in our stomach and stutter in our voice? It happens to most all of us. I don't think the Lord ever expects us to be comfortable with obedience. But what He does expect is our obedience in the face of our uncomfortable situation.

Let's just be honest; if obeying was easy, we would all be perfect. Though none of us are, we do have access to the one Who is. Through obedience in sharing Christ we are investing in the Kingdom of God.

Stay faithful. Stay clean. And in the face of difficulty,  know that in our weakness He is strong.

My Sweet Abby Cat

Abby put this on the pillow next to me when she left for school this morning. She's so funny and creative. And yes, that's a pack of peanut butter crackers.

Red Robin Tuesday Night

We are celebrating the season's last basketball practice. Only one game left. Tuesday Night at Red Robin. We're actually sitting at the same table we sat at when we reveals to the kids that they were going to have a new baby sister. Now little Ava Drew is sitting here with us. Just not in this picture.

UPWARD and So Forth

Today, Jody was up and out the door at 7:45am. She had a Women's Ministry Event and was teaching a class on "Preparing A Thanksgiving Meal on a Budget". So, I took the two little ones to childcare (we love these people who care for our kids! Thank you Jesus for them.) Then, back to get the two older ones off to their UPWARD Basketball Games. We had two hours of games, and it was hot. What's the deal? Why is it getting hotter now that Thanksgiving is approaching?

Harvest Festival and Visiting Parents

My parents attended the Immanuel Harvest Festival for the first time with us Sunday night. It was our first Halloween for our kids to spend with their grandparents. I loved having them with us and seeing our kids with them. Our Immanuel High School Worship Choir sang at Harvest Festival, and they knocked it out of the park. They were great! I couldn't have been any prouder of them. Good stuff!

If you have ever been to Immanuel's Harvest Festival, write me and let me know what your favorite Harvest Festival moment has been. Here are some of ours from this year: