Dinosaur Park

...fun in Bastrop County

The Round Rock branch of the Byrd fam visited the dinosaur park in Bastrop County a few months back. Great park, great history, and what kid doesn't like dinosaurs? As part of the attraction they have some life size statues of various 'saurs, and the kids are allowed to climb on & in them.

Look very carefully, and you'll see Nander peeking out. Aidan led the way and read all of the signs to Nander and anyone else who would listen.

Blessings,

Ken

Lyssa Makes Beautiful Babies

...sometimes musings come true.

Way before Ian and Alyssa were married, or even dating, Alyssa's mother and I would muse over what beautiful babies two such beautiful people might produce. We've had our answer three times. Here's the latest.

Henry is a keeper. So's Lyss.

Blessings,

Ken

The Circle of Life

...sometimes it's painful, and too fast

Funerals are just part of the territory for anyone in ministry. Are they pleasant? Not particularly. However, they can be celebratory, celebrating a life on earth, as well as celebrating a new life to be lived eternally with God.

On June 26 of this year Casey Palms, a 17 year old boy, took his own life. His family contacted me to deliver a funeral message. Only a few months ago I was with this sweet family for a much different occasion--a wedding.

You often hear people use the old cliche: it seems the only time we all get together is at a wedding or a funeral. I don't see that as a bad thing. It does get family and friends together on account of a common bond, whether it be celebrating a new marriage, or comforting each other over a loss. Either way, it's love.

Casey was a believer and it's important to know that nothing can separate us from God's love. Nothing. Casey stepped out of this life and into the arms of Jesus.

One of the passages I shared with family and friends during the service was Second Corinthians 1:3-4. The translation I used is called “The Message". Here's what it says:
"All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort."

What God is saying to us is that He is there for us, and wants us to be there for others. Casey may be gone but his friends and family can use this experience--call on it in the future—to offer love and support to someone else. When they do that, they'll think of Casey.

One other thing worth mentioning. Casey had long been vocal about organ donation and had signed the statement on his driver's license. His family consented as well. Because of that generous--but difficult--decision, two people were given the gift of life. Casey's heart lives on.

As hard as it is to get through a time like that, I thank God for letting me be there with the family.

Blessings,
Ken

Look Out Kindergarten

...Alexander is on the way


Hardly seems possible but our grandson, Alexander, just graduated from the Sunrise Montessori school in Round Rock. Nander (as he is usually known) had a gradution ceremony just as his older brother did two years ago. Even had the same teacher.




They grow up so fast. Don't blink, or you'll miss something.


Blessings,
Ken

Brothers

a picture is worth...

Some pictures don't need a lot of explanation. Liam is such a great big brother to Henry. I loves me some grandbabies.

blessings,

Ken

Why You Hire a Professional

part 4 or 5 or 27 or...

Any followers of this blog know I'm a believer in hiring professionals for your event. Over the last couple of years I've occasionally spotlighted specific venues, vendors or event coordinators. Hiring professionals can make the difference between a memorable, once in a lifetime wedding--or a disaster.

Last night I was priviledged to officiate an interfaith ceremony for Jennifer and James. They wanted to include both Christian and Jewish traditions. Not only did this please their respective families, it also pointed out that when people choose to celebrate their differences, taking the best of what each has to offer, and combining those traditions, then clearly love transcends everything else.

What made last night's event (held at the Starlight Room in the Dallas West End) such a smash is that it was planned and carried out under the direction of Katoiya Bell, owner of Bella Domani Custom Wedding and Event Planning. No detail was left to chance, every flower in its place, every member of the wedding party lined up and ready, bartenders, caterers, florists, DJ--all brought into place at exactly the right time to begin a memorable event. This means that the bride and groom had a happy, stress free wedding--not having to worry about all the details.

I (along with my LoveNotes colleagues) have worked with Katoiya on many occasions, and I'm happy to say she more than deserves her spot on the LoveNotes preferred vendor list. Any time a couple gives me her name as their event planner, I admit that I mentally relax a few notches since I know the couple is in good hands and there are things I won't have to worry about; I can concentrate just on the couple.

Apparently, Katoiya is a little shy about photos, as I can only find the one above in my files or on the web. What you need to experience, though, is to see her in person while she's working. From my vantage point, standing with the groom at the front, I can see things the guests don't see. Last night, it was a jubilant Katoiya standing at the back, big smile, jumping and clapping as the bride entered the room. I do enjoy watching professionals who clearly love what they do. Clearly, she does.

btw, the venue photos above weren't from last night's wedding--don't have those yet, so I pulled some from my files.

Blessings,
Ken

Henry

is over six months, and 15 pounds

The miracle baby, God's miracle of conception, God's miracle of gestation, His miracle of birth, is now over six months old. Born many weeks early, Henry's birth was the culmination of months of prayer and anticipation. Even with the early c-section and two weeks in the NICU, this child thrives. God has a plan for Henry.

On a different level, just look at that face. How can you not want to just pick him up and squeeze him? Be sure to click the image to see this in a larger size.

Just wish Albuquerque was a little closer to Dallas.

blessings,

Ken

Happy Mothers Day

...to the moms still with us, and those in our hearts

My own wife of nearly 41 years is a wonderful mother to our two sons, and equally wonderful at being grandmother to four little boys. My two sons somehow managed to attract mates who are also wonderful mothers. Adam and Heather have Aidan (age 7) and Alexander (age 5). Ian and Alyssa have Liam (age 5), Henry (six months), and Sydney Grace (who lives in heaven but was born more than two years ago).

Just about any woman can be a mother, but it takes someone special to be a Mommy. I salute the mommies in my life, especially the one who gave birth to me. I miss her every day.

blessings,
Ken

A New Wedding Experience

...details coming soon.

This coming Sunday I'll have the honor of officiating a rather interesting wedding ceremony. The groom is from Trinidad and comes from a Catholic background. The bride is from India and was raised in an Indian Christian denomination called "Mar Thoma", literally meaning St. Thomas.

They wanted to include elements of both faiths and cultures and after the rehearsal tonight I've concluded that we succeeded in that wish. In a few days I hope to have pictures and a full description of what promises to be one of the more interesting ceremonies I've had.

One thing is certain, and common to all ceremonies: LOVE. This bride and groom have chosen to celebrate the differences, choose the best of what each has to offer, and combine those things into a beautiful, meaningful ceremony.

In the meantime, just Google "Mar Thoma". A whole world of discovery awaits.

Blessings,

Ken