Just wanted to let everyone know that Ann-Marie Joy Ashley was born on Saturday, July 26 at 5:14pm. She weighed 6lbs. 12oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. She has LOTS of brown hair. She's beautiful! And such a blessing! Both her and Amy are doing great. We came home today.
That's all I have time to say right now but I'll give another update (with pictures!) within the next few days.
7.28.2008
7.25.2008
Thai Spice: Breaking the Curse?
At the corner of Fant St. and Greenville St. there is a little restaurant called Thai Spice. For those who have lived in the Anderson area for a while, you'll probably remember that this building has been the home of numerous restaurants such as Church's Chicken, Pita House, and Phoenix Grill. (I can't recall if any others have come and gone.) When I first noticed that a new restaurant was coming I thought to myself, "That building is cursed. No business ever survives there." Needless to say, I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the sign for Thai Spice. I assumed that it would meet the same sad fate as all the previous restaurants.
A few months ago Amy and I made our first trip to Thai Spice. Although we had heard a number of people talk about how great the food was, we didn't venture to Thai Spice until we were given a $50 gift certificate. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I walked inside. What had once been a fast food type of setting had now been transformed into something much nicer. New tile, fresh paint, and lovely paintings helped to change the atmosphere. Yet, we were not only impressed by the improved surroundings but also by the food and service. The spring rolls, Pad Thai, and the sauteed broccoli and chicken were all very delicious. The vegetables were fresh and the meats were tender. For drink, Amy had sweet tea and I enjoyed the Thai tea. This drink is a blend of a special tea and cream. It's very sweet and unusual. The tea reminded me of yerba mate.
Since our first night at Thai Spice, Amy and I have enjoyed eating there on numerous occasions. If you haven't been to Thai Spice, I'd encourage you to go for lunch or dinner. I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you don't know what to order I recommend the following: Spring rolls or Crab Ragoon for appetizer; Beef Salad or Pad Thai for the main course; and Thai tea if you don't mind trying something a little different. (They also have a few unique imported beers, plum wine, and the usual drink fare.)
I believe Thai Spice has been around for about a year and it seems to be fairing well in the "cursed building." Maybe Thai Spice has finally broken the curse.
A few months ago Amy and I made our first trip to Thai Spice. Although we had heard a number of people talk about how great the food was, we didn't venture to Thai Spice until we were given a $50 gift certificate. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I walked inside. What had once been a fast food type of setting had now been transformed into something much nicer. New tile, fresh paint, and lovely paintings helped to change the atmosphere. Yet, we were not only impressed by the improved surroundings but also by the food and service. The spring rolls, Pad Thai, and the sauteed broccoli and chicken were all very delicious. The vegetables were fresh and the meats were tender. For drink, Amy had sweet tea and I enjoyed the Thai tea. This drink is a blend of a special tea and cream. It's very sweet and unusual. The tea reminded me of yerba mate.
Since our first night at Thai Spice, Amy and I have enjoyed eating there on numerous occasions. If you haven't been to Thai Spice, I'd encourage you to go for lunch or dinner. I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you don't know what to order I recommend the following: Spring rolls or Crab Ragoon for appetizer; Beef Salad or Pad Thai for the main course; and Thai tea if you don't mind trying something a little different. (They also have a few unique imported beers, plum wine, and the usual drink fare.)
I believe Thai Spice has been around for about a year and it seems to be fairing well in the "cursed building." Maybe Thai Spice has finally broken the curse.
7.23.2008
Calvinism and Evangelism
In any discussion that touches on the issue of Calvinism , one will certainly encounter a number of misunderstandings. One such misunderstanding is the belief that Calvinism undercuts evangelism. In the minds of some, a belief in total depravity (total inability), unconditional election, limited atonement (particular redemption), irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints is incompatible with calling sinners to repentance. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, a proper understanding of the doctrines of grace puts evangelism in a proper focus and should build-up ones zeal for evangelism.
On this past Lord's Day Patrick Miller,Pastor at Redeemer Church (PCA), delivered a sermon that clearly reveals that there is no conflict between Calvinism and evangelism. Please carve out an hour of your day to listen to this sermon. I believe you will be both challenged and encouraged from God's Word. (And please don't be mistaken...the point of the sermon was not to debate over the points of Calvinism...I don't even think he mentions Calvinism!) Rather, Patrick reminds us that we will all come before the Great White Throne of Judgment. And in that Day, let what was said of Abraham also be said of you and I: "And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6, ESV). Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness! Listen to Sovereign: Before the Throne.
On this past Lord's Day Patrick Miller,Pastor at Redeemer Church (PCA), delivered a sermon that clearly reveals that there is no conflict between Calvinism and evangelism. Please carve out an hour of your day to listen to this sermon. I believe you will be both challenged and encouraged from God's Word. (And please don't be mistaken...the point of the sermon was not to debate over the points of Calvinism...I don't even think he mentions Calvinism!) Rather, Patrick reminds us that we will all come before the Great White Throne of Judgment. And in that Day, let what was said of Abraham also be said of you and I: "And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6, ESV). Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness! Listen to Sovereign: Before the Throne.
Sovereignty and Stitches
In a post from yesterday, Sovereignty and Hope, I wrote that "God often has other purposes and plans for us." By this statement I wanted to emphasize that God has planned for us to encounter various trials and circumstances that we are not anticipating. Ironically enough, God chose to bring some of these unanticipated events into our lives yesterday So, here's the story.
I came home late yesterday afternoon in order to finish preparing for a youth event that was planned for the evening. While I was upstairs I heard Alora start crying. But this wasn't a normal cry; rather, it was the type of cry that lets you know that something is really wrong. Before I could make it down stairs Amy let me know that Alora has hit her head on the side of the bed. After seeing Alora's head it was clear that she was going to need stiches. After making a call to Dr. Dale, we made our way to his office.
Yet, while on our way to the doctor, our van ran out of gas. Amy and I both responded with lots of laughter. Thankfully I was able to coast the van into the parking lot of a gas station. After Amy got into the drivers seat I pushed the van to the gas pump. (Just in case you're wondering why we ran out of gas, the gas indicator is broken. And yes, pushing a van isn't very easy when you have to do it by yourself.)
When we finally made it to Dr. Dale's, everything went pretty smoothly. Thirty minutes and four stiches later we made our way home in just enought time to cook pizza before the youth arrived.
I came home late yesterday afternoon in order to finish preparing for a youth event that was planned for the evening. While I was upstairs I heard Alora start crying. But this wasn't a normal cry; rather, it was the type of cry that lets you know that something is really wrong. Before I could make it down stairs Amy let me know that Alora has hit her head on the side of the bed. After seeing Alora's head it was clear that she was going to need stiches. After making a call to Dr. Dale, we made our way to his office.
Yet, while on our way to the doctor, our van ran out of gas. Amy and I both responded with lots of laughter. Thankfully I was able to coast the van into the parking lot of a gas station. After Amy got into the drivers seat I pushed the van to the gas pump. (Just in case you're wondering why we ran out of gas, the gas indicator is broken. And yes, pushing a van isn't very easy when you have to do it by yourself.)
When we finally made it to Dr. Dale's, everything went pretty smoothly. Thirty minutes and four stiches later we made our way home in just enought time to cook pizza before the youth arrived.
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