John graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Th.M. from seminary Saturday (120 graduate credit hours!).  I am so proud of him; not only did he graduate with high honors (his wonderful thesis advisor, Dr. Horrell, raved about his A+ work!), he also contributed greatly to the seminary during his time as a student, directing the web development department & building the online education program from 0 to over 1,000 students.  With JD's awesome coding & management skills (about which you probably don't know because of his humility), Chinese pastors are now able to take theology courses in Chinese!  But that isn't the best part.  JD has also been an incredible husband, son, brother, friend, and encourager to others over the years that he's directed a seminary department full-time, studied in grad school full-time, and ran his own business full-time.  John has served his wife, his church, and his community with everything from playing Mr. Fix-It around the house, to leading our small group Bible study, to teaching 3 year olds at church, to leading retreats, to teaching Church History, to mentoring college guys, to helping his wife throw huge parties for friends, to loving our neighbors, to enabling his wife to work on her Ph.D. and soon-to-be motherhood by providing for us financially, to loving his family well as the oldest son, to making every person in his presence feel like he/she is the most important person in the room.  Yes, JD is "that guy"-- the one who always makes you laugh and feel good.  Only Shakespeare's Sonnet #29 describes what it is to be married to this amazing human being:

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Here we are with Dr. Horrell, JD's Thesis Advisor, at Graduation Chapel

With the Family After Graduation

Our good friends, John and Kristina, who are one trimester ahead of us!

We are so thankful to announce that our first precious little child is due to be born November 4th, 2008. Here is a short preview of the little squirmer:

This video requires Adobe Flash player

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

Thanks Wes and Christy for hosting a great party!

Here are all the pictures from Brad and Mel's wedding:

• John and Amber's (73 MB)
• Gordners' (97 MB)
• Dick's (27 MB)
• Mel's (52 MB)
• Grandparents' (192 MB)

Part of my job is to send out emails about DTS students and alumni. Here's a neat one about a student who has a huge college ministry down at my alma mater, Texas A&M: