According to His Purpose

After some consideration I decided it was time to move from the phillinois.com website.  It was fun while it lasted but it's time to move on.  I had originally started that site with the intention of doing more with web programming but as the years wore on, I found myself primarily using the site for the blog.  So I figured I would just move it to a free site and not pay for it every year anymore. 

With the move of the blog also comes a name change.  While "phillinois" is a fun nickname, I wanted this blog to be about His purpose, not mine.  Our purpose on earth is to glorify God and that's what I want my life to be about.  That's what I want my family to be about. 

Exodus 9:16 says, "But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." 

I love that verse.  That's why we're here.  To declare His name, that His power may be revealed to the world.

Thanks for your faithful readership!  God Bless.

Illini Comeback

Last night, Illinois scored its biggest comeback in team history. Down 20 points at halftime, Illinois got down as much as 23 points early in the second half before staging their amazing rally. Illinois was on the road at #19 Clemson playing in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last year, Illinois lost to Clemson at the Assembly Hall 76-74. This year, Illinois came back to win it 76-74.

It was a much needed win as the Illini were coming off a pair of losses in Vegas. Those were both close games that came down to the final minute but still games that Illinois should have won.

The win helped the Big Ten defeat the ACC in the challenge for the first time in its 11 year history, six games to five.

Miss the game? Check it out on ESPN360 if your internet provider offers it!

First Advent Sunday

Today was the first Advent Sunday.  Our family is taking time each week to look forward to Christmas and focus on the birth of Christ.  Today we read from Isaiah 9 about the prophecy of the coming Messiah.  It's a great way to get the kids focused on what Christmas is all about, Jesus. 
After we talked about the Bible, we did a craft together.  Today's craft was a snowman placemat!

Steffen's Jewelry

Steffen's Jewelry is having an open house today as the Christmas shopping season gets into full gear.  Heather is helping out at the store today and made a hot holiday beverage for the occassion.  They are running a promotional and have refreshments for their customers.

In addition to high quality jewelry, they have a number of collectibles and gift items.

 

So, I'm managing crowd control at home.  Alex had basketball practice today.  My parents stopped by this morning and took the kids out for breakfast.  I'm feeling under the weather but enjoying time at home.  It's fun to get into the holiday season!

Emma's Open House

Emma had a program at school this evening.  She had a lead role in one of their songs.  She got to dress up like a lady bug.  Her whole 2nd grade class sang several songs and then we went back to her room and she showed us around.  She's doing very well in school and has aspirations to be a teacher when she grows up!  Her teacher, Mrs. Rowan, is very good and Emma likes her a lot.

Here's a picture of Emma's artwork.

Vet's Day

Veteran's Day was this past Wednesday. Last Saturday, Heather was gone for the weekend so I took the kids to Memorial Park in town that has a monument for the Vets. It was a beautiful day and a small park area I had driven by many times but never had visited.

Halloween 2009

So I was getting a bit behind on uploading some pictures.  These are from halloween.  It was cold that night and the boys weren't sure what to go as so they pulled out their Jedi robes and when as Jedi Knights.  We also had Chill with Phil this night so we limited the trick-or-treating activites.

 

Some fun visitors! The Cat in the Hat and a princesss!