Here we go again…we have put our house on the housing market yet again, and this time we hope for some success (despite the housing mortgage and loan issues).
Why are we trying this hell again? Well, that’s the exciting part.
We are pregnant with our third child, who is due in early January 2009. An unexpected, yet equally exciting turn of events that now has put me into a state of affairs where I have to find a house to fit us all. And one that won’t burn my entire banking account at that.
And so, first things first, we need to sell our house…and soon, as I really don’t want to deal with the stress (or should I say the wrath of my wife’s stress) of the countless house visits to be expected from complete strangers. The less we have to put up with that the better for all of the Miles crew.
THEREFORE…if you know of anyone looking for a GREAT home (especially a first home), please have them contact me.
To see photos of the house, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/patmiles.tn/FORSALE3823ValerianDrive.
I’ve also embedded a few below as well.
For Sale: 3823 Valerian Drive, Chattanooga, TN
Living Room
Master Bedroom
Apparently, something has gotten into the water in Spain. Because they are taking control of international athletics competitions.
First off, the Spaniards brilliantly kicked their way to the championship of the 2008 Euro Cup, the heightened competition between European futbol clubs. Some say that the Euro Cup is a bigger event compared to the global World Cup. And they deserved the win with their magnificent play.
Then the fierce rivaly on the grass courts finally tilted Spain’s way as Raphael Nadal defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 in what has become the biggest epic match to be played at Wimbledon. Nadal, who has conqured the clay courts at the French Open, finally bested his long time tennis foe on Federer’s favorite surface to claim his first Wimbledon title and setting himself up to take over the No. 1 spot in international tennis.
And then there’s Sergio Garcia, who has taken his spirited play and equally spirited wardrobe to the grassy courses along the PGA tour…and has found great success, a feat not to be ignored for a Spaniard golfer.
So what is going on in Spain recently to warrant such great sports success? Apparently the talent pool has found its way to the European nation. Watch out in Beijing…who knows if the Spanish success will spread to the upcoming Olympic Games as well.
Filed under: Upward (Faith) | Tags: Dominican Republic, George DeTellis, Haiti, missions, New Missions
”Well done, good and faithful servant”
These words by Jesus in His story to his disciples describe the service He wished for them to embark upon. His vision was for them to utilize the small gifts with which he blessed them and multiply them through faithful service toward others. It is His calling for us as believers and followers to do this for Him.
It is with this passion, giftedness and commitment that George DeTellis lived his life (from the little that I have had the privilege to know of him). As the founder of New Missions, a Christian missions organization in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, George touched the lives of countless people and helped them grow in their walk with Jesus. What started as a “tent ministry” along the coastal villages of Haiti in 1986 turned into a slew of services (schools, church plantings, discipleship, Bible college, health clinics among some) for the children and poor who live on both sides of the Hispaniola island.
I was never able to meet George DeTellis directly, but I spoke with him on the phone one day and then met several of his team members and friends when Jenni and I traveled to Sosua, Dominican Republic on a mission scouting trip. From all accounts, George had a passion for Jesus and for sharing that passion with those who he felt had a great need. Before relocating to one of the poorest countries in the world, George enjoyed his pastoral service in the U.S. But the Lord must have truly been nugding at his heart to do more with his gifts. So after 25 years of pastoral service, he moved his family to Haiti in hopes to help the poor people who struggled making it day in and day out. He supplied them with the one basic ingredient that every missionary should put forth - the hope that is in Jesus Christ. And despite some typical human flaws that can infiltrate any ministry, he was able to develop a foundation of service that now helps thousands in two countries (and countless others who have traveled and participated in his efforts).
I remember reading about George’s trips to the D.R. and Haiti in the midst of dealing with a cancer that had begun to take over his physical self. Despite the hardships that the sickness caused, he wanted to be “home” with the people with whom he had purposefully developed relationships. That commitment to the people of Haiti and the D.R. reflects his love to do what he felt God gifted him to do for the world. And now, after all the years building services to reach the poor in the area, George’s New Missions ministry has become a strong foundation grounded on Christ’s love. It is the mark of a truly defining ministry, one that was selfless and God focused.
And as I continue to evaluate “God’s call” for me and my family, I will remember George and his example on how to leave ourselves in order to be of greater service for Christ. I think of him as I read these words in 1 Peter 4…
“1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.”
…George, congratulations to the accomplished servanthood you led here on earth. And even more congratulations to you as you now accept your rich rewards in heaven, celebrating with our Father.
To you I say…well done, good and faithful servant.
George DeTellis passed away at 3:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Orlando, Florida after a long battle with cancer. As stated on the website for New Missions …”He went peacefully without pain and suffering” while under hospice care and was surrounded by his wife and other family.
A new era begins…let’s hope it’s back to another IU Hoosier dominant presence in men’s basketball.
On other news, IU’s soccer recruiting class looked amazing. I see glimpses of another future national championship for the Hoosier “footballers. “
