Josh Sarah and Kelsey Cox

Kelsey's 1 Year Old Pictures

2009-10-26T10:29:00.009-04:00

First Fall Pictures

2009-10-08T13:09:00.007-04:00

Too much stuff to look at so we never did get her to look at the camera!! Maybe next time...

Love that smile....

2009-10-08T13:02:00.007-04:00

Kelsey - July 2009

2009-08-19T08:14:00.012-04:00

Just a few pictures from this past month...can't believe how fast she is growing!

Like Father, Like Daughter...

Kelsey's 9 Month Pictures

2009-08-03T09:09:00.007-04:00

Pigeon Forge

2009-07-09T09:19:00.019-04:00

We took a trip to Pigeon Forge with Josh's parents over the July 4th holiday and had a great time! Here are few pictures of our trip...

These next pictures are from Hollywood Museum of Wax. It was so much fun!
Josh with Forrest GumpKelsey with Forrest Gump
Michael who?Sarah and Lucy...this is from one of my favorite episodes of the I Love Lucy show! Josh and the Men in BlackJust having a chat with Donald Trump
Kelsey and the Wizard of Oz gang
This was taken on our way to Cades Cove where we saw 3 bears and 48 deer!
Happy 4th of July!

6 MONTHS!!

2009-05-02T12:53:00.009-04:00

Well, our little baby girl is 6 months old already...I can't believe how time flies by! We went today to get a family picture and her 6 month pictures. Kelsey did such a good job! We ended up spending a lot more than we had planned since there were so many that we liked. Here are a "few" of our favorites.

Easter 2009

2009-04-15T17:31:00.007-04:00

SNOW DAY!

2009-03-02T17:22:00.003-05:00

Today was a snow day for our whole family. Here in NC, everything shuts down over a couple of inches of snow. I'm not complaining. Kelsey got to "play" in the snow for the first time in her life. She wore her killer zebra-print snow boots too! LOL.

Kelsey is really developing a personality. I know you're amazed...I mean, her mother and I are both so introverted. She is laughing a lot; sometimes she gets choked when she laughs too hard.

We are so thankful that God has given us such an amazing daughter! I feel so blessed that God has given Sarah and I the responsibility of raising such a beautiful little girl.

Also, look out for a personal blog for me (Josh). This blog will remain a family blog. My new blog will be more of opinions (political, spiritual, sports, etc...) As soon as Ben hooks me up with a killer design, I'll be posting away! Quick commercial: If your church needs a functional website that has great design elements, feel free to contact Ben. He is very reasonably-priced, and enjoys designing church sites through Wordpress.

Inspiring Song

2009-02-18T17:25:00.002-05:00

I usually don't post music lyrics on here, but this song has such a powerful message. It's a song entitled What Faith Does by Legacy Five off of their God's Been Good CD. Here's the audio and lyrics as well. It's amazing what our simple faith has the power to do.

"You ask me why I believe like I do

Why I'm so convinced that the Bible is true.

I'm here to tell you, it's only because

I've come through enough to see what faith does.

Faith sees the invisible, believes the impossible

Receives the incredible, no matter what was.

Faith moves the unmovable, proves the unprovable

For anyone willing to trust.

Believe and you'll see what faith does.

If there's a mountain that stands in your way

From all you can see, it will be there to stay.

God said with the faith of a small mustard seed

That mountain will move, believe and you'll see.

Faith sees the invisible, believes the impossible

Receives the incredible, no matter what was.

Faith moves the unmovable, proves the unprovable

For anyone willing to trust.

Believe and you'll see what faith does."

Great Valentines Surprise

2009-02-18T10:02:00.001-05:00

Sarah and Kelsey surprised me with this beautiful picture for Valentines Day! She is the cutest little girl! She laughed out loud (LOL) for the first time yesterday! We are loving it!

Borrowed Faith?

2009-02-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

Our high school principal preached this past Sunday evening in church about Borrowed Faith. I believe many second generation Christians, like myself, have lived far too long off of the faith of our parents and/or church ministries. Now don't get me wrong; I'm all about having good influences in life. I enjoy having that Cabinet of people there to answer questions that I may have. But one day, the person or place you have been borrowing your beliefs and/or faith from is either going to die or change. It is at that moment that your true beliefs and faith will be revealed. It's sad to say, but many of my good friends growing up have completely ruined their lives after they removed themselves from that "umbrella" of their parents or church.

I guess what I'm challenging my generation (especially the second generation Christians) to do is to search out the Bible. Fervently seek God. Figure out just what all this stuff is all about. When you have become self-starting and self-sufficient spiritually, then others will borrow from YOUR faith until they can get on their spiritual feet.

This is just a tiny segment of what I wanted to write, but it will have to do for now.

Pictures of the Angel

2009-02-13T11:04:00.005-05:00

Quote of the Next Eight Years:

2009-02-11T15:48:00.001-05:00

I received this quote via email earlier today. I think this pretty much sums it up. Why can't you Obama people figure this out?

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

-Dr. Adrian Rogers

Duke Basketball: When Will it Change?

2009-02-07T10:09:00.006-05:00

I got home from church and choir practice Wednesday night, and saw that my beloved Blue Devils were down double-digits in the first half to the Clemson Tigers. A couple of things crossed my mind, and that's what I want to share with you.

1. Clemson has size, speed, and strength. Duke only has speed. Clemson throws Lorenzo Booker and Raymond Sykes at Kyle Singler and Brian Zoubek. Something doesn't add up here. You have big and strong against slow and white. LOL. Until Mike Krzyzewski decides to recruit a different type of basketball player, Duke will continue to lose to teams that are big, strong, and physical. Unfortunately, I do not think Coach K wants to change. In the early 90's, Christian Laettner was a formidable big man, but things have changed 17 years later. The best two Duke teams since 1992 had Elton Brand ('99) and Carlos Boozer ('01) in the post, both of which are strong, physical, and offensive-minded. From '92 to '98, we had no inside presence. From '01 until this team, we have not had an offensive inside presence. Shelden Williams was far from offensive-minded. While he was an EXCELLENT defensive player, he just did not look to assert himself offensively. JJ Redick was going to take every possible meaningful shot on those teams. What I am saying is the we MUST begin recruiting bigs that are strong, physical, and offensive-minded. While I love Kyle Singler, he's a natural 3.

2. In the past few years, we have put together excellent regular seasons. Our obvious infatuation with the outside shot would finally catch up with us in the post season. Everyone saw it coming every year. This is what is bad...this year, we have been exposed before the half-way mark of the ACC season. If we don't change our offensive philosophy, we will begin a downward spiral in the entire program.

I trust that Coach K will be willing to evolve in his coaching philosophy. I hope he is not too set in his ways. James Johnson, Lorenzo Booker, Blake Griffin, DeJuan Blair, Tyler Hansbrough, Luke Harangody, Deion Thompson, and Ed Davis are proving what a good big man can do for a team. Unfortunately, Brian Zoubek's name will never be on this list.

ESPN ran a stat a couple of weeks ago that said of the last 20 national champions, 60% of their offense was from their front court, with only 40% from their back court. Duke is a long way from that stat.

So, I am a die-hard Duke fan that is calling for a change. Sure, I've been spoiled by the best coach in college basketball. Sure, I want a national title every year. Sure, I want perfection. That's what made Duke basketball so great.

Christmas and into January pics

2009-01-19T13:04:00.002-05:00

Here are some updated pictures of the little beauty queen:

"...In Jesus' Name, Amen."

2008-12-31T13:54:00.003-05:00

It seems that the media will once again try to skew the minds of the American people in regards to Pastor Rick Warren's prayer at the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. It seems that the media is ready to pounce on Warren if (and I'm assuming he will) he prays "in Jesus' name." This is further proof that you can talk about God all you want, but if you mention the name of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, then you have offended people. Funny that those same members of the media do not protest a movie that uses the term "Jesus Christ" in a derogatory way or in disgust. Mr. Warren, please unashamedly stand up for your beliefs and mention the name of Jesus as many times as you possibly can during your prayer.

The following is the Yahoo! article about this issue:

Warren's inauguration prayer could draw more ire.

President-elect Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation drew one kind of protest. Whether the evangelical pastor offers the prayer in the name of Jesus may draw another. At George W. Bush's 2001 swearing-in, the Revs. Franklin Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell were criticized for invoking Christ. The distinctly Christian reference at a national civic event offended some, and even prompted a lawsuit.

Warren did not answer directly when asked whether he would dedicate his prayer to Jesus. In a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press, Warren would say only that, "I'm a Christian pastor so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray."

"Prayers are not to be sermons, speeches, position statements nor political posturing. They are humble, personal appeals to God," Warren wrote. His spokesman would not elaborate.

Evangelicals generally expect their clergymen to use Jesus' name whenever and wherever they lead prayer. Many conservative Christians say cultural sensitivity goes way too far if it requires religious leaders to hide their beliefs.

Recession? WHAT recession?

2008-12-29T14:41:00.006-05:00

I have never claimed to have economic wisdom or prowess. I feel like I possess a logical brain that can make simple decisions. I will admit to the reader that I do not fully understand the stock market, its workings, its rates and kickbacks. I just recently opened a money market account, and I felt so "wise." Ha ha.

The news media has a tremendous effect on how Main Street America thinks. If the media portrays something or someone negatively, then the majority of Americans will react to that person negatively. The news media allowed Barack Obama, with all his scandalous past life, to win this election. If you don't believe me, read my post on How Obama Got Elected. The media has reported this horrible status on our economy. Now, before you close your mind to what I am going to say, please do me this favor: read the entire article before you write me off.

Let me begin by saying that I know many people have been effected by layoffs and downsizing. I do not wish that on anyone. I have nothing but sympathy for those people. I hate it that they will struggle for a little while until they land on their feet. But let's be really honest, layoffs have been happening for years...especially around the holiday seasons. Work picks back up after the new year. There is a reason behind these corporations having to let people go. I believe these issues can be simplified into two main causes. 1. Politicians like Barack like to tickle the ears of the lower class by saying that they will NOT give tax breaks to big corporations or even small businesses. That SOUNDS good. However, my friend, if a small business would get a tax break, they would be able to afford to hire more employees. Give the money break to those at the top, and it will trickle down to those at the bottom. It won't trickle from the bottom to the top. I doesn't work that way. 2. Corporate America has been frivolously hiring people that they don't really need, blowing money they have no business blowing, and paying employees infinitely more than they're worth. My wife's employer will send people on a business trip, and their sponsor will spend a bottomless supply of money on four-star hotels, elegant meals, and air-fare. The funny thing about it is that the business trip could have taken place via video conferencing....for nothing. Recession? Yeah right! Tell Johnson and Johnson that!

I traveled to Ohio for this Christmas break. We had free tickets from United (don't fly them if you can help it) because they over-booked one of our flights on the way back from Hawaii. We had a layover this past Tuesday at the Washington-Dulles airport. I sat there for two hours and watched THOUSANDS of people travel the friendly skies. I don't know if you've paid any attention to the airline industry, but it's not cheap to fly anymore...unless it's Southwest (my current favorite business in the country.) I'm talking about THOUSANDS of people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on airline tickets! Recession? Yeah right! Don't tell holiday travelers that!

Just today, I went to Olive Garden for lunch with my wife's family. Boy, that minestrone soup is excellent. We waited for over 30 minutes for our table. We parked seemingly a quarter of a mile from the restaurant. There were people everywhere! And they weren't ordering water and eating free breadsticks either! Recession? Yeah right! Don't tell food consumers that!

I guess what I am trying to say is that we may be in a cycle of our economy where things are a little slow. Ok. Fine. So stop wasting money on luxuries (ie Starbucks....I know that will make people mad.) Just tighten your budget up a little bit. Don't believe the lie that the economy is just down-right horrible! I mean, did we really think the economy would stay where it was in the late nineties? It was ridiculous! There was no way it could continue. We had to come back to earth at some point and time. Builders and developers have over-built and over-spent, auto makers have wasted money,and homeowners have received loans they had no business applying for! It was asinine to believe that things would keep skyrocketing.

So, Americans, tighten up a little. Work hard. Get into an industry that is a "need" industry as opposed to a "want" or "luxury" industry. Don't follow our government's example of debt. Only spend what you have. If that means that you don't drive a Yukon Denali then so be it. If it means you drive a 5 or 6 year old car with no payment, then you'll be far better off. Don't despair, people. Things will be just fine. And if things don't work out in our economy, then we are on a slick road for Christ's return. The anti-Christ will have the economic "answer." We believers will be out of here!

The Reason for the Season

2008-12-24T20:10:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow the world will stop and focus on gifts, giving, and family. I am happy that, for at least one day a year, this world gets over their selfishness and focuses on others. That, however, is not the reason we celebrate Christmas. While I am all for family times (I'm at my in-law's now) many Christians simply treat Christmas as a time to spend with family. So many folks neglect the true reason for this special day.

You see, a perfect and holy God was born into this sin-filled world as a man. I don't think I can thoroughly wrap my brain around that thought. How amazing that He would be willing to humble Himself and fall under the same temptations as you and me, yet He did not one time give in to those temptations. This King of Kings was born in a stable, not a palace; in a manger, not a royal bed; in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem. What a mighty God we serve.

Let me BEG you to spend a significant amount of time in thanks to Jesus Christ our Saviour this Christmas. It is the day we set aside as His birthday. Let's not ignore him. Here is the Christmas story for you to read straight from the Word of God. You should consider reading it with your family this year.

Luke 2

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Kelsey's got skills!

2008-12-24T10:31:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

God's opinion on "spreading the wealth."

2008-12-15T12:37:00.005-05:00

During the Presidential campaign, President-elect Barack Obama said these famous words to Joe the Plumber as he was walking in an Ohio town: "Joe, you know we need to spread the wealth around a little." Doesn't that sound wonderful?!?! I mean, we can take from those who have worked for their money or made wise investments, and we will give some of their money to the poor, lazy, and unemployed. That, my friend, is socialism in America. I like to call it Obamunism.

I began thinking about what the Bible says about giving to the poor. I know that there are many verses that tell an INDIVIDUAL to PERSONALLY give to the poor and needy. I have never, however, found where government or ruler should mandate money taken from one person and given to another. The best Scripture reference I could find was in Matthew 25. The Bible gives us specific instructions on how the master should deal with those he entrusts money to. I understand that this is written for the master to be the Lord Himself. I would like to take the secular view and make the master a combination of the government and a boss. Here is the passage:

" 14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."

Funny, isn't it? God believes the exact opposite about spreading the wealth. Barack Obama, John McCain, George W Bush....God disagrees with you. 90% of American voters....God disagrees with you.

God rewards the two men that worked hard, took a risk, traded, and made a 100% increase. The Bible says "well done" to those two men. The man who didn't have much money but was scared to invest and work with what he DID have, the Bible calls him a "wicked and slothful servant." Hmm...so if you do not work, you are wicked and slothful. In fact, if you are not willing to trade and profit with your money, the Bible calls you wicked and slothful.

But that is not the best part....here's God's "spread the wealth" plan. The man with one talent ends up getting his talent taken from him and given, not to someone with no talents, but to the man with the 10 talents! Wow! The Bible teaches that the poor will be servant to the rich. The man that is unwise in his money will end up giving what he does have to a man that HAS been wise in his money! Take from the poor and give to the rich! Interesting! Is that not the exact opposite of the way our tax system is set up in America? The more money you make, the higher percentage you pay in taxes! How unbiblical.

In today's society, I would liken this to a tenant and a landlord. You have the man who has been wise in his investments that owns the property. You then have the man, for whatever reason, that has not traded and invested enough to own a house. He takes the amount that he has, and pays that rich, wise landlord every month...just to stay in the house.

I guess this all comes down to personal responsibility. The individual is responsible for taking care of himself. It is not the government's job nor anyone else's job. If you don't make the money, then you just don't have the money. That's it....plain and simple.

In closing...those that rely on the government to give you breaks because you are not wise enough to handle your money....grow up. Get a good job. Save money. Invest wisely. Take a risk or two. Until you do those things, you will always be the man with only one talent, and there will be plenty of landlords waiting to take your money.

Family Pictures

2008-12-08T10:05:00.006-05:00

Ok. After looking at these pictures, I have finally decided one thing......I'm getting enormous. After viewing this, I am determined to go on a diet and eat healthy. I cannot afford to buy new clothes to fit my fat self. Please pray for me as you know how much I love chips and salsa and other main food groups. I am going to start by cutting out all soft drinks and sweet tea. I will also try to not eat after 6 pm. Wow! This is going to be life-changing.

Christmas Portraits

2008-12-01T20:25:00.004-05:00

We took Kelsey for her first pictures! She did such a good job. She was asleep at the beginning, but she woke up in time for some great shots! She's got her mother's eyes. Here are a few of the pics, and here is the entire album on Facebook.

How Obama Got Elected

2008-11-28T08:54:00.003-05:00

I found this video from the website www.howobamagotelected.com. This is, once again, another form of proof at the ignorance of the Obama voters. It's amazing how the one young girl thinks her ignorance is so humorous. John Ziegler is producing a documentary entitled: Media Malpractice...How Obama Got Elected. I encourage everyone to watch this, visit his website, and also watch his interview on Hannity and Colmes.

Check out these ignorant fools that elected our new President:

Stop and Thank

2008-11-26T19:46:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to stop and thank God for everything He has done in my life. Not only has He saved me, but he allowed me to grow up in a great pastor's home. I am so thankful for my godly parents. He also let me marry the love of my life! Sarah is my perfect match, and I thank God for placing us together. And then there's that miracle of birth! How can you not acknowledge God in His own creation of human life? Kelsey has already, just in this first month, been an amazing blessing to our lives. I cannot imagine life without her!

Make sure you stop and thank God during this busy time. It is the reason we have this holiday, you know.