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posted by Daniel on 01/4/10

I don’t think our family has ever had a more exciting New Years celebration! Nearing the end of our Florida trip, December 31 found us at the Neely household – experienced hosts indeed! You should have been there. We fit everything you can think of into that all-too-short two-night stay: Dutch Blitz, Settlers of Catan, Kings and Peasants, Occupations, pruning trees, transplanting blueberries, jumping on the trampoline, singing and making music together, and taking the infamous ride down their front hill in the “Red Mule.” Even Duck Duck Goose! We also had a great time laughing around their dinner table, sharing life’s most embarrassing moments , and enjoying their constant supply of delectable food.

Perhaps the most memorable event of all was blowing up their gingerbread house. Wild? Maybe. But a blast none the less! The pyrotechnicians in the family had discovered that you could create quite an explosion by combining balls  of foil with a special cleaning agent in a plastic bottle. All we had to do was take the experiment one step farther – why not place the bottle inside the gingerbread house! (It was no longer edible anyway. Otherwise it probably would have met a different fate… ) I personally was rather skeptical, thinking it would probably give a little pop and roll over. No way! It shot gingerbread, icing, and candy over 10 feet away!

Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our visit. Thank you Neely Team for opening up your home and taking the time out of your full schedule to  encourage us with your gracious southern hospitality! You launched 2010 off to a thrilling beginning!

10 Comments » | posted in The Bright Side

posted by Daniel on 12/28/09

You know something’s wrong when everyone walking to the beach has their hands in their pockets wishing they had umbrellas. It was also a little disconcerting when we suddenly realized we were the only ones headed TO the beach – everyone else was going the opposite way! (We passed one lady wearing shorts, a  t-shirt, and a scarf!) But determined we were. Finally we got to the almost-vacant beach, only to find out a Nurse Shark (the kind that bite and suck) had been spotted just a few feet out from the shore! After a good laugh at ourselves, Dad suggested trying a different beach.

Later we saw how God was working it all out for good. Because we began swimming after it had started to sprinkle, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves. Then the sun came out, we had a blast riding the waves, and we were ready to head home just as all the crowds started pouring onto the  beach. And now we can all say we went swimming—on Christmas Day!

4 Comments » | posted in The Bright Side

posted by Daniel on 11/14/09

“Daniel Staddon! You may step forward and recite Psalm 145.” Amidst roaring applause and flashing lights, the moderator’s voice boomed out over the loudspeakers of the spectacular Ball Room at the J. W. Marriott, where the final three contestants in the Senior group of the 2009 National Bible Bee were embroiled in a grueling tie-breaker for the first place prize of  $100,000. There I stood. I cannot explain the excitement, intensity, and suspense that rushed over me as the reality of the situation broke upon me. My mind was still a little confused over the rushed events of the past few days, making all the weeks and months I had spent preparing seem like a dream. A dream waiting for this very moment.

This was when it was so helpful to remember where the Lord had led me to place my focus months earlier! When I began preparing, I had carefully calculated exactly how much memorization and study needed to be done every day in order to master all the content and be 100% ready for the Local and National Contests. But alas! I found myself constantly getting farther behind schedule. If I wanted to be totally prepared, I was going to have to begin sacrificing time with the Lord and the rest of the family. They wouldn’t mind if I skipped a few family nights, would they? Jonathan and David can do a few things without me for a while. My morning prayer time isn’t that important, is it? But then the Lord stopped me short, “Daniel, which is higher priority – people or the prize?” After thinking long and hard over this, I replied, “Lord, I’m not going to be able to prepare like I had planned. But I purpose to put my relationships with You and others above winning. I’m going to do my best, but if you want me to win, it’s really going to have to be a miracle of your doing.”

From then on, it was up to Him!

And it was an exciting ride.

13 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Daniel on 08/7/09

As I started getting older, a strange phenomenon occurred. (And I am sure I am the only one that has experienced this.) People began asking me bewildering questions, such as “What are you going to do after you finish high school?” or “What do you plan to do with your life?” What?! How did they expect me to know!? At first it was irritating because it seemed everyone assumed I had my entire life planned out, until I understood the following distinction.

This is what I shared last Saturday, when friends and family gathered at our home to celebrate my high school graduation. I can hardly imagine the day being more perfect!Everyone was so generous and encouraging. I came away with a new excitement and passion to continue running the race of life and enjoy all that God has in store for the years ahead.

The excitement comes from understanding the difference between long-term and short-term goals. God may not tell me exactly what the rest of my life is going to look like. However, he has given me the key to understanding my basic purpose for existence on this earth (see Revelation 4:11 and Matthew 22:36-40). Once I have the finish line in view I am free to concentrate all my energies on the very next step (Psalm 119:105).

The most immediate next step I see ahead for me is preparing for this year’s National Bible Bee Competition. Also on the horizon may be serving at the IBLP Headquarters in the Finance Department to get more experience with the details of accounting. Farther down the road, if we ever decide it would be necessary for met to get a degree, I would like to bypass the traditional college route if it all possible and explore pursuing a degree through other options such as Verity or Accelerated Distance Learning.

“But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…” (I Corinthians 2:9-10)

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Daniel on 07/22/09

Hurrah! Everyone’s gone! Think of all the time I’ll have! No interruptions! As many fish sticks as I like! No one I have to share dessert with! No stacks of used cups by the fridge! Won’t this be great…

The whole house changed when David, Jonathan, Esther, and Michael left to help with OEI Virginia, leaving only Dad, Mom, and I at home. But being an “only child” has not turned out as I expected it to. What fun is dessert without a dispute on how to divide it equally with Jonathan and David? How different the dinner table feels with only the three of us huddled at one end. I’ve caught up some on my studies, but how I miss the interruptions! The house is so quiet, and there is nothing like silence to sharpen the cruelty of loneliness. The ripple of Esther’s cheerful, contagious laugh…no more. Jonathan to talk with as we get ready for bed at night…no more. David faithfully checking me out on my verses each evening…no more. Michael’s hearty, wholesome breakfasts to wake up to…no more.

How I long for their return! How insignificant the small things I complained about before now seem!

Don’t take your family relationships for granted. Take the time to appreciate those who are around you!

8 Comments » | posted in Family News