Preaching at Seven Hills and Trinity

This past Sunday I preached for Seven Hills Fellowship, a church plant in Rome, GA, a really cool, smallish college town with an outstanding downtown. They meet downtown in the Rome Little Theater, one of the most excellent sites for a plant that I have ever seen. The planter is Bryan Pierce. If you know anyone in the Rome area (or going to Berry or Shorter Colleges), send them the way of Seven Hills. Bryan's contact info is here. By the way, can you guess why they named the church Seven Hills?

The next two Sundays I'll be preaching for Trinity Church PCA in Alpharetta, GA (major Hotlanta suburb). FYI: John Hardie, former Senior Pastor for Independent Pres. in Memphis, has just been called as the church planter for Trinity.

Schaeffer Scores "Hat Trick"

In this past Saturday's soccer game, Schaeffer pulled a "Hat Trick" (which means he scored 3 goals in one game) while leading his team to a 3-2 victory. Afterward, we went with some friends (the Blounts) to The Mellow Mushroom for pizza (see picture below).

Sarah Wynn on American Idol (Home Edition)

Last night Sarah Wynn sang "Mighty to Save" on American Idol (Home Edition). All three (biased) judges were impressed, claiming that her performance was "brilliant." You judge for yourself. We think you'll agree.

Snake Handlin'

Being so close to the Appalachian Mountains, we've decided to make our ministry as culturally relevant as possible. Schaeffer is taking the lead by becoming a genuine, bonafide snake handler. Enjoy this 2-part home-documentary on Schaeffer and our Ring Snake, Prince (not to be confused with the snake formerly known as Prince).

Video Part 1


Video Part 2

Super Soakers

Even on a clear day you may get wet on the Caston homestead. With super-soakers in hand, Schaeffer and Ann Ferris are not afraid to pull the trigger. By the way, I was seriously nervous taking this picture. Those guns were loaded!

Sarah Wynn Enjoys the Fort

With the beautiful spring weather we've been having, it has been so much fun to be outside. Here Sarah Wynn poses for a photo on the top deck of the play fort/swing/slide. Watching her play is amazing. I just love a 4 year old's imagination. When do we lose that?

North Georgia College and State University

This is a view from the south side of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, GA. Established in 1873, the school has a rich history as well as stunning natural beauty surrounding it. Due to the Hope Scholarship in Georgia, high school residents of Georgia who maintain a B average can attend a state college for free, including NGCSU. Not a bad place to hang out for 4 years... or 5. By the way, the dome on the central building is plated in pure gold, mined from this area in the 19th century. There is still a major gold vein that runs through this area, but only one mine is still operable (there used to be dozens!). The old courthouse (built in 1836) is in the center of the square and is now host to the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which chronicles the history of the mining industry in the area. Interestingly, I met a guy a few months ago who has panned several thousand dollars worth of gold from the creeks. Hmmm... might run by Wal-Mart this afternoon and pick up a pan. :0)

Gracie Turns Two

Our dog, Gracie, turns two around this time of year, although we are not sure of her exact birth date. You see, Gracie was an orphaned mutt (Lab mix) who was found by our children on the steps of the church in Greenwood during Vacation Bible School in early June of 2006. She was cute, but a mess (worms and everything)- so I resisted keeping her. But Ann Ferris had been praying for a dog and believed that Jesus had answered her prayer. I had no choice. We named her Gracie because we didn't have to keep her, but we did. Worms and all, our children loved her. So she got grace, and it became her name. There's an illustration there somewhere.

Cure for Depression

Ann Ferris has discovered the cure for depression. See the video below.

Soccer Update

Schaeffer played two games this past weekend. In the second game he scored his team's two goals for a 2-1 victory. He had one goal called back and a beautiful assist for a goal that was called back due to an offsides call. The first game was a defensive battle, and ended in a 0-0 tie. The picture to the left is of Sarah Wynn sporting her new shades and "warming up" on the playground before she heads to the sidelines to cheer for "Brother." :0)

Excursion and Picnic at Amicalola

Friday afternoon we took off for Amicalola Falls State Park (45 miles north of our house) for an excursion and picnic. Here are some highlights.

This picture was taken at the top of the falls (this time I cheated and drove us to the top- the hike is far too strenuous for Sarah Wynn... and too strenuous for me to carry her on my back!). Just beyond the wooden rail is the 729 foot drop (the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River). It is a beautiful overlook.

Ann Ferris spotted this snake (about 2 1/2 feet long) in the creek that feeds the falls, only about 15 feet from the drop. Obviously, this snake is not poisonous. But can you guess what kind it is?

On a felled tree over the creek.

The "big two" making a dam in the creek with rocks.

At the nature center, which has a fantastic display of live reptiles, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, king snakes, corn snakes and others. And yes, there are black bears in the mountains (as well as in the swamp in south Georgia).

Plan Your Vacation to the Mountains of North Georgia

This afternoon (after Kristy's "ladies lunch" with area church planter's wives) we are heading for an excursion and picnic to Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, one of the many mountain parks in our area. (I promised Schaeffer we'd go catch crawdads today, and so we're making a day of it.)

Anyway, if you are looking for a spring or summer (or fall) getaway, please consider the North Georgia mountains. We'd love to come visit you! Check out http://gastateparks.org/ (or just click here) for a list and description of the parks. Below I've highlighted some that are within easy driving distance of our house and have excellent lodges (in addition to RV and tent camping). I'll probably post pics from today's excursion tomorrow, but for a link to my latest visit to Amicalola (with some pictures), click here. Also, for link to the parks listed below, just click on the bold type.

This is Vogel State Park. We can't wait to visit in May when the mountain wildflowers are in peak bloom.

This is Unicoi State Park. I visited this park about six weeks ago. The hike around the lake is beautiful, with a small mountain stream feeding it. There is also a smaller pond with a trail to it which provides a very peaceful, easy hike. Of course, if you are looking for a more strenuous hike, each park offers multi-mile wilderness hiking (including sections of the Appalachian Trail).

Below is Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge (near the alpine village of Helen), which is home to Georgia's premier mountain trout stream, Dukes Creek. It also has miles of hiking and biking trails (as do most of the other parks), and hosts various hunts throughout the year. We were planning on going to Smithgall today, but a turkey hunt has most of the park closed to non-hunters. Also, I understand the lodge is particularly excellent, and is great for a "romantic" weekend getaway.

Fly-fishing on Dukes Creek at Smithgall Woods.

Below are scenes from Fort Mountain State Park.

Sunday Afternoon with Friends

This past Sunday afternoon we enjoyed lunch, music, a play, and lots of hang-time with our friends, the Hightowers. Vicky and Jay have 7 children: six girls, and the youngest, a boy (Sarah Wynn's buddy, Caleb). Here are the highlights...

Ann Ferris gets ready to ride the "Zip Line."

Jay leads us in singing worship songs. Back in the 70s he was the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band, Amethyst.

The "cast members" for the afternoon play.

Birthday Girl

Today is Kristy's birthday! She has already had breakfast in bed, a family serenade and gifts- and it is only 9:50 a.m. But she is worthy of so much more. To show our love and appreciation for such a world-class wife and mother, we're taking her out for brunch a little later and I have a special date planned for this evening. Another year... more wisdom, more beauty, more grace.

First Digital Picture

This picture was taken in December of 2001 (when we lived in Tupelo, MS), and is the first digital picture I ever took. It was taken using the self-portrait/timer function. Back then, Schaeffer had a thing about holding his nose for pictures! He was 3 and Ann Ferris was 5. Wow, who put life on warp speed? Somebody slow this thing down!

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 3

Okay, here are the people pics from our Monteagle trip this week.

Here is the whole crew (minus Gracie) standing in front of The Blue Chair Bakery and Coffee Shop in Sewanee. The best oatmeal on the planet!

When Sarah Wynn saw Schaeffer out on this rock, she said, "Wow. That rock look's safe." This is because she had fallen in the creek earlier while walking on small stones. Reminded me of Psalm 40:2, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

Sarah Wynn. Rock hoppin' in the creek.

Sarah Wynn, Ann Ferris, Gracie, and Schaeffer on a bridge with the creek rippling below.

After enjoying the playground (in the background).

Kristy took this great pic of our resident animal/insect/bird/etc. lover, Schaeffer, looking at a butterfly. That's me in the background playing tennis with Ann Ferris.

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 2

QUOTEABLE: On the drive back from Monteagle, Sarah Wynn began to get a bit queasy in the stomach, and feeling like she might throw up in the van, said to Kristy, "Hurry, Mommy! Give me the hand gel." This was a strange request, so Kristy asked, "Why, Sweetie?" Sarah Wynn replied, matter of factly, "So that I will not get sick."

The punch line explained: Before meals out or after activities in fun, germ infested places like the mall, Kristy will "pass around" the hand gel, so that we "will not get sick." Now you get it!

Source: Sept. 6, 2005 sciencedaily.com reported, "Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel significantly reduces the spread of gastrointestinal infections in the home." All you OCD fans out there are feeling pretty justified about now, aren't you? :0)

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 1

We just got back from a 4 day, 3 night spring trip to Monteagle, TN, which was beginning to bloom with color. The mountain is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall. Here are a few highlights. I'll put the "people pictures" up tomorrow.

FYI: That is Sarah Wynn in the faded background walking by the creek. Eventually, she got in! But you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see that action. :0)

Turban Head

Sarah Wynn was so proud of her "towel wrap" the other night after her bath. No, she had some help with it. Nonetheless, isn't is great how such small things can brighten the heart of a 4-year old. Watch your kids, and learn.

Monday's Meal

Check out this meal we had on Monday night. Creole chicken with grits and mixed greens (with iced tea on the side). And notice that the grits are in a mold (this one is a gorilla). Each Caston had a different animal shape for his/her grits. How creative is that?! And SO GOOD, too! Way to go, Kristy!

Help Us Name Our Snake

At the top right of the page is a poll where you can cast your vote toward the naming of our new snake. We'd love for you to join in the fun. And you can vote for more than one! Thanks for your help.

Looking Under Rocks

Scheaffer spends lots of his day (even before the snake) picking up one of the hundreds of rocks around our house and looking for the variety of creatures that call that dark, muddy habitat home. It is not unusual for me to hear a loud cry of "Daddy, come here!" from outside, such as in this picture. Here he found a snail. Sometimes its a worm, a spider, centipede, rolly-polly or such. It is so great to have stones for a boy to look under!

Meet Our New Diadophis Punctatus

Meet the Caston's new Diadophis Punctatus, better known as a Ringneck Snake. Yesterday, Schaeffer discovered him (or her?) in the driveway. He now lives in captivity, calling a small Tupperware canister home. It comes complete with a soil bed, leaves and a shell to hold his water. Although his diet consists mainly of worms, we're hoping to include a variety of insects soon. And though he is only about 5 inches long, he should grow to between 10 and 30 inches long as a mature adult. Soon we'll be posting a poll to take your vote on his new name. Check back soon and cast your vote!

Here is the little fella is in the driveway before the capture.

Here is a view inside his new Tupperware domicile.

Welcome to Moe's

Today, after I preached for Christ Community Church in Acworth/Kennesaw, GA, we met the worship leader, Steven Wooddell, his wife, Joy, and their 3 children for lunch at Moe's Southwest Grill. They introduced us to Moe's the last time I preached there on Dec. 30, 2007. Since then, our family has become a big fan of the place where the staff hospitably greets each guest with a hearty "Welcome to Moe's!" The pic below is of Steven getting his kids buckled up and ready for their trip back to his hometown of Roanoke, VA. Steven and Joy both attended Sewanee (The University of the South), just 6 miles down the road from our favorite "get-away" spot in Monteagle, TN.

Final Four

I'm in my home study trying to finish my sermon for tomorrow (preaching at Christ Community Church, Acworth, GA), but am being distracted by thoughts of tonight's games, especially Memphis vs. UCLA. As a Memphis native, I'm pulling big-time for the Tigers. Whatever happens, it should be a great Final Four, with all number one seeds present and accounted for. Tip off is at 6:07, so I've got to get back to work!

Home Group Bible Study

Here is our Home Group that began in January '08. We meet at our house for hang time and Bible study each Thursday night. So far we've been through Jonah and presently are cruising through Ephesians. Getting together with these great folks is definitely a highlight of our week.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

From left: Brian Lee, Amy Lee, Joe McDonald, Brittany McDonald, Russell Pate, Rachel Pate, Patrick Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, McKay Caston, Kristy Caston, Julie Melendez, Chris Melendez, John Blount, and Andrea Blount. Not pictured: 23 children!

Bedroom Door Posters

Not too long ago, Ann Ferris drew each Caston child a personalized, customized, hand-made bedroom door poster. Nice job AFC. What creativity!

Johnny's Pizza Celebration

Schaeffer won first place in the Classical Conversation's Egg Drop Competition. No, it was not a soup contest, but an exercise in engineering a device that could keep an egg from cracking when dropped. Ann Ferris won second place in the Bridge Building Competition. No, not a contest in personal relationship development, but building a literal bridge upon which books were placed to determine which one had the strongest framework. I hope to have a picture soon. But until then, just know that Kristy took the kids to celebrate (while I was at my guy's study) at Johnny's Pizza-a worthy celebration feast indeed! Wish you (and I!) could have been there. :0)