Andrew Alpaugh Blast From the Past

Love never gives up, Love cares more for others than for self, Love doesn't want what it doesn't have, Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first" Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

I have been a wayward child, I have acted out, I have questioned sovereignty, and had my share of doubts, And though sometimes, my prayers feel like their bouncing off the sky, the hand that holds won't let me go, and is the reason why I will stumble, I will fall down But I will not be moved I will make mistakes, I will face heartache, But I will not be moved On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, I will not be moved Bitterness has plagued my heart, many times before, My life has been a broken glass, and I have kept the score, of all my shattered dreams, and though it seemed, that I was far too gone, my brokenness helped me to see, it's grace I'm standing on. I will stumble, I will fall down But I will not be moved I will make mistakes, I will face heartache, But I will not be moved On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, I will not be moved And chaos in my life, has been a badge I'

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking Never let 'em see you when you fall That's how we live and that's how we try Tell the world you've got it all together Never let them see what's underneath Cover it up with a crooked smile But it only lasts for a little while There's no such thing as perfect people There's no such thing as a perfect life So come as you are, broken and scarred Lift up your heart and be amazed And be changed by a perfect God Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted When you hear the words that you are loved He knows where you are and where you've been And you never have to go there again Who lived and died to give new life To heal our imperfections So look up and see love. Let grace be enough By a perfect God Be changed by a perfect God Be changed Natalie Grant- Songwriters: Barton, Jason; Mizell, Sam; West, Matthew;

8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

Our church had an outdoor baptism at Paris Mt. State Park yesterday. We had the privilege of seeing our oldest son Tyler be baptized along with 59 others. Praise the Lord! Despite the cold, rainy weather we had a very good turn out! Click HERE if you would like to view the pictures.

We had family pictures taken for our church directory and I have uploaded them to our web album. HERE is the link if you'd like to see them. If you would like to print any of them click the download button and save them.

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I. I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.' I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four

A careless word may kindle strife; A cruel word may wreck a life. A bitter word may hate instill; A brutal word may smite and kill. A gracious word may smooth the way; A joyous word may light the day. A timely word may lessen stress; A loving word may heal and bless. Author Unknown

Andrew and I are praising God for Tyler's decision to be obedient to the Lord in believer's baptism. He went forward this past Sunday and will be baptized at the outdoor baptism at Paris Mountain on September 20th! Matthew 10:32- Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

Click HERE to see them.

On September 14, 2001 Andrew and I found out we were expecting our 3rd baby. We had done this twice before and I was not that concerned or anxious to get to the Dr. right away. We were very excited even though we had not actually "tried" to conceive. We had also decided we would keep it a secret as long as possible! :) Love to keep a good secret! On October 31st we had our first ultrasound and discovered that our baby had markers for a chromosomal disorder as well as tachycardia. Devastated at hearing this we shed lots of tears and I experienced a lot of worry, anger, and fear at what lied ahead of us. I prayed many times that if the Lord was going to give us a baby that would not live that He would just go ahead and take it from us right then. On November 23rd, I began spotting and cramping but since it was Thanksgiving weekend we waited til the following Monday to go to the Dr. where we found out that there was no heart beat and our baby was resting safely in the arms of Je

Ten years ago today we celebrated the birth of our beautiful baby girl Emily. We are very thankful to God and so blessed to have the privilege of having her in our family. Happy Birthday to our princess! We love you dearly! Last year she lucked out and her birthday happened to fall on Labor Day which meant she didn't have school, so we were able to have more time for birthday fun. This year- I got her A&W and brought my mom along for lunch at school with her. When she got home she opened her presents before having cake and cookie cake! After that we went to the nail salon and she got a french manicure and pedicure something she has been wanting to do for a long time! ( she is definitely a girly girl!) and at her request had Ryans for dinner. We also have very special plans for her on Friday! (top secret!) ;) Below is a picture of her with her cake. More pictures to come on our web album.

Let the fun begin! We are officially parents of a high school student! Will be back later to hopefully post about his day. That is if he has any thing to talk about. He's a pretty quiet kid and doesn't say too much without being asked. Sooooo... definitely on my mind today since this is not only his first day in high school but also his first time in a new school with new teachers. Please keep Tyler in your prayers specifically that he will be a Godly example to his peers and that his desire will be to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ in all he says and does.