UNBELIEVABLE...Freedom of Religion?

This article was in the San Diego news...It's scary to me that their local government would even try this!

SAN DIEGO --A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold bible studies in their home, 10News reported. Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife. Broyles said, "The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'

The county employee notified the couple that the small bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of county regulations, according to Broyles. Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed "unlawful use of land" and told them to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit" -- a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars."For churches and religious assemblies there's big parking concerns, there's environmental impact concerns when you have hundreds or thousands of people gathering. But this is a different situation, and we believe that the application of the religious assembly principles to this bible study is certainly misplaced," said Broyles. News of the case has rapidly spread across Internet blogs and has spurred various reactions. Broyles said his clients have asked to stay anonymous until they give the county a demand letter that states by enforcing this regulation the county is violating their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion. Broyles also said this case has broader implications." If the county thinks they can shut down groups of 10 or 15 Christians meeting in a home, what about people who meet regularly at home for poker night? What about people who meet for Tupperware parties? What about people who are meeting to watch baseball games on a regular basis and support the Chargers?" said Broyles. Broyles and his clients plan to give the county their demand letter this week. If the county refuses to release the pastor and his wife from obtaining the permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.

What do you think? I'd love for you to leave comments...also, if you want to go to the AFA site that will link you to the original article and allow you to sign a petition to the local government on behalf of this pastor, you will find the link here.

Caleb's Joyland Graduation

Well, it is official...Caleb has graduated from Joyland Christian Preschool! He had such a wonderful year with incredible teachers. We are so grateful for a wonderful first school experience for him. They not only taught him a lot to help prepare him for kindergarten, but also taught him so much about the Bible and God. We are super proud of our precious Caleb and can hardly believe that he will be starting kindergarten in the fall! Ge, Natiley, Nanny and Aunt Michele were there to help cheer on our little graduate and celebrate with us afterward! Thanks for being there!

Happy Birthday, Nanny!

We had a fun time celebrating Nanny's birthday at Patti's on May 2. Aunt Beverly and Uncle Ferrell even met us there for the surprise! It was so much fun, and the boys really enjoyed walking around, seeing the animals, driving the boats....and we ALL enjoyed the wonderful food! I'm so grateful for a wonderful mother-in-law! God has truly blessed us with you!

FBC Centerville Homecoming

On April 26, Corey had the honor of preaching at FBC Centerville for their homecoming service. This church and its people have such a special place in our hearts! This was the first church in which we served after we were married, and we had such an amazing group of youth! We poured our lives into them, so it was such a blessing for us to see some of those same youth leading in the church now! Some have moved away, but were back for this particular Sunday...thank you for making the extra special effort! Here is a picture of us with several of our "kids"! It is hard to believe that many of them are married and some even have children now! We had such a wonderful time and were so blessed to spend this special day with all of you!

Fun at the Fish Fry!

Well, let me start by saying, we absolutely love the Fish Fry! This is our third year to enjoy its festivities...it's always so much fun, AND it marks the anniversary of us moving to Paris (what were we thinking moving in on Fish Fry parade day?!?) Corey and I took the boys to the fair Thursday night after one of Caleb's t-ball games...they rode rides with their buddies Hunter and Kyleigh. Each of the past three years, family has joined us in the fun for the parade on Friday. This year Ge and Natiley came and I can truthfully say that we got the most out of every minute! As has been the custom, we enjoyed the parade and snacks at Karen's house...thanks so much Karen...it's always so much fun! Since the boys were old enough to really have fun on the rides, we got them wristbands (Ge felt sorry for me and got me one, too! Thanks, mom!) We rode from12-5 with a short break around 3 to eat "lunch" at the fish tent! By the end of the day, we were filthy, sun-burnt, worn out...and we can't wait until the Fish Fry next year!

Last Story Hour and Two New Pets...keep reading

A couple weeks ago Bennett had his last story hour of the year. It was Fish Fry week, so the theme was about fish, ponds, ducks and frogs! As part of the fun, Mrs. Donna, Mrs. Mary Lynn and Mrs. Pam had little minnows there for the children to see and touch. At the end of our class, they offered to let all the children take one home! Yeah! Bennett was very excited, so I couldn't say no (also, the other moms were letting their children, so I caved...thanks girls!) The boys wanted to keep them as pets, but I told them we had to find them a home somewhere outside! Corey called Mr. Steve who arranged a home for them in his pond...here the boys are just before they put the little minnows in the water. The boys are hoping that the fish are enjoying their new home...I'm wondering how long they made it (the minute we walked up 10 turtles scurried into the water!)

T-Ball Time in Tennessee!

Well, Caleb has officially begun T-ball! It is hard to believe that he is almost five, getting ready to graduate from preschool and playing ball already! He loves it and has had only 2 games so far (a few have been canceled due to rain). Here are a few pics from practice and his first full game! He is hitting really well, too! He definitely gets his athletic ability from his dad!

Loving Father

During my quiet time today, there was an overwhelming theme of God's mercy, love and forgiveness. I don't usually just quote lots of scripture on here, but felt compelled to share God's beautiful, loving thoughts on mercy and forgiveness. I'm not sure exactly who it is needing to hear this, but if you are struggling with this today, I pray that God's Word will give you peace!

"Though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I must endure the Lord's rage until He argues my case and establishes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His salvation." Micah 7:8-9...even when the struggles we face are due to our own sin, He will save and restore us!

"Who is a God like You, removing iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love. He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7: 18-19

"The Lord helps all who fall...All eyes look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His acts. The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him in integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love Him." Psalm 145:14-20