It started with the birth of our third boy. We needed more space and so we upgraded to the mini van. Since then its been one mini van after another. But what happens when you reach the point when you have two. That's right, we have 2 mini vans. His and hers.

Some times, when I think about it, I think 2, really? The mom-mobile and the man-van. It's not the dream car, that's for sure.

Any way, I heard about this video so I thought I'd share it with you.

Do you have a swagger wagon?

- jay

PS - Was this post helpful, insightful, encouraging, or thought provoking? Great! I'd love to hear from you! Share your reactions, thoughts, and/or comments in the comment section! And thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

I don't think anyone like the end of an extended weekend, muchness a holiday weekend. But like so many other good things, this must too end. So we made the long ride home after a great weekend with family, and woke to begin another week of school and work.

What that means is, the blog is back.

It was great to have a few days 'off,' but I'm looking forward to sharing some thoughts and experiences from our time away.  So as I gather my thoughts, and get back into the routines of life, my hope is post some fresh content that you will appreciate.

So, till then, I hope that your weekend was restful one and that your week ahead is a good one. Thanks for reading.

- jay

18 and Counting

Every once in a while, life slows down just enough for you to gather a few minutes to think about all that God has done in your life.

On May 18th, Amy and I celebrated 18 years of marriage. Yes, 18. I know, crazy. But it really has been that long. People often say, It feels like it was yesterday... I don't know about all of that, but I do sometimes wonder where the time has gone? It may not feel like yesterday, but it doesn't always feel like 18 years.

God has truly blessed our marriage and our family. Along with 18 years of marriage, He has seen fit to bless us with 5 amazing kids. We have been fortunate to have been able to serve for over 15 years in full-time ministry as youth workers. Today we shepherd our own church.

We have experienced our ups and downs. From financial struggles the loss of loved ones to the pain of two miscarriages, to the joy of wonderful friendships and countless family memories of this wonderful adventure we are on, God has been a constant presence in our lives. His faithfulness rings as loud as the truth of His Word. No matter the road we crossed He was there to cross it with us.

As I meet with young couples looking to start a new life together as husband and wife, I can't help but stress how crucial it is to begin that new phase of their relationship with God as their center. More then just a foundation, God must be an active part of the relationship. It's in relying on Him to be your source of joy, contentment, hope, and pleasure that you find the real intimacy of a marital relationship.

18 years. Every one better than the one before. More in love. More passionate. More intimate. More God. And isn't that what it's really all about? More God.

So to my beautiful and amazing wife, thank you for sharing these last 18 years of marriage with me. I can't wait to see what the next 18 and counting will look like?

- jay

The internet is great. You can find just about anything, and just about anyone. Put them together and you'll someone talking or writing about something. Self proclaimed experts in whatever it is they're talking or writing about that day. But every once and a while you come by someone who has something good to say. Today, I want to share one of those people with you.

Let me introduce you to Abbey. Abbey writes a great blog over at, www.justagirlandherblog.com. Now the amazing thing is, I worked with Abbey's dad, while I served as the youth pastor at a church in Somerset, PA. I have met Abbey briefly, but do not know well enough to call her a friend. But none of this gets me to my point. My point is, Abbey shared a great blog post yesterday and I wanted to share a link to it for you.

Abbey shares 5 great tips for saving money and living on one income. Check out a snippet from your post, then be sure to click over and read the rest at her blog. And while your there, check out some of the other great tips, thoughts, and resources she has.

From Abbey...

Our Top 5 Tips for Living on One Income
Ever since I shared my budget binder printables waaaaaay back in January, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how we manage our money and what we do to be able to live on just one income while I stay home with the Cs. Today I thought I’d lay it all out there and share the top five things we do as a family to save more money and spend less. I know talking about money can be a little awkward; the goal of my post today is not to suggest that our way is the only way or to imply that we “have it all together” in every aspect of our life.
READ MORE

- jay