Three Month and Easter Pics

My sweet friend Arlene took Parker's three month old pictures. Since it fell so close to Easter, I also had her take some of him in his outfit. There are only so many things you can do with a baby who can not hold his head up or sit up on his own. However, I think she got some pretty good ones of our handsome boy. Enjoy!! (If you want to see more you can go to her website at www.arlenecloudimages.exposuremanager.com)

Our attempt at propping him up with a big bunny.

We tried for a "nest" effect but Parker was not a fan of the grass.

Trip to the Bluebonnets

My best friend Charla and I decided last minute to take the kids for pictures in the bluebonnets. It was a bright and windy day. Parker did not enjoy the sun and kept his eyes closed the whole time and found his hands to very interesting. Lilah who is 4 months older tried to eat the flowers. All in all we got a few good picks. Charla and I are having so much fun celebrating their "firsts" together.

Lilah LOVES Parker's head.

We finally got one with eyes open & a smile!

I left Parker to take a picture of Charla with Lilah & couldn't help thinking how pitiful he looks all by himself in the field.

Easter Weekend

We had an eventful first Easter with Parker. Mom and I took him for a picture of the Easter bunny on our way our church's Eggstravaganza where we all got a little pink from the sun. On Sunday we ate lunch and the Stamps house and visited family in the afternoon. It was a fun filled weekend. I am constantly reminded of God's faithfulness to our desire in having a family. Easter last year was a sad time for me as I longed for a child. I could have never imagined how far God would take us in a year's time. We are so grateful for our gift.

Parker slept the whole time.

Parker with Aiyah, & his cousins Collin and Brooke.

He loves his Daddy!

Happy Easter!

These pictures were taken on Easter Sunday
at Jerry and Debbie Stamps' home.

Parker as a Central Asian

Mark's Mom and Dad brought an outfit from
their country - a gift from a friend

El Parkito

Fuller Seminary Application

I am applying to Fuller Seminary's Doctor of Ministry Program. I though I might add the application questions and my responses. Why? Well, what the heck.

Reflect on your past Christian experience, including the most significant spiritual event/influence in your life, the role of Christ in your religious experience, the effect your faith has on your worldview, your involvement in Christian service, your perceived gifts/calling for ministry, and your reason(s) for attending your church. (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)

One of my earliest memories is of my parents praying together as I walked by to get ready for school. Both a relationship with Christ as well as involvement in church were incredibly important to my parents. Once all of their children were out of the house and done with college my parents went overseas to Central Asia, where they continue to serve today. Their devotion to Christ and encouragement of my spiritual development make my parents the strongest spiritual influence in my life. It was a result of their influence that I confessed Jesus as Lord as a child.

Christ is at the center of my religious experience. Sin separated me from God, who despite my rebellion, sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as a penalty for the sins of the world. As a child, I was convicted of my sin, believed God raised his son from the dead, and I confessed Jesus as my Lord. My walk with Christ has not always been a steady progression towards discipleship, but my faith and profession of Christ as my Lord is stronger today than ever before.

The source of my worldview comes from Jesus Christ's words in Matthew 22:37-40, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." In other words, my philosophy of life is to love God and love others.

Currently, I serve as a minister of national and international missions at North Richland Hills Baptist Church as well as the minister to young and median adult couples. Previously, I served as Youth Pastor at Harwood Terrace Baptist Church.

The first time I perceived God calling me into the ministry was as a young teenager. Even though I told my parents and youth pastor, I remained unwilling to yield to the call. Until the calling became an overwhelming burden, I remained unconvinced as I wanted a more profitable career. As I thought of the future, God convicted me that my ideals on career paths were selfish. As a senior in high school, I began to pursue the calling to ministry. I feel like God has gifted me in the areas of leadership and teaching.

My status as a minister on staff at NRHBC is the primary reason I attend. However, I would attend regardless of my position because NRHBC has a visionary pastor, a strong sense of fellowship and an excellent children's ministry as my wife and I recently adopted our first child.