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posted by Donald on 07/1/10

“The chief aim of all investigation of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God.” –Johann Kepler

4 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by James on 06/27/10

Though most visitors to staddonfamily.com have already heard about Lenspiration from one source or another, I felt it obligatory to officially announce it’s introduction into cyberspace!

Lenspiraion: giving the inspiration of the Creator
through the lens of a camera. This sums up the purpose behind the formation of Lenspiration.

About a year ago, I began to accomplish this by showcasing my favorite pictures online on a simple website. Now, due to developments from the past few weeks, it has expanded into a full fledge portfolio, complete with a blog for interactive discussions on photography and the ability to purchase both prints and downloads!

Of course, there is much expansion envisioned for Lenspiration. New pictures are added continually and the current appearance will be updated as development continues. For now, stop by for a visit: there is much to explore at www.lenspiration.com!

2 Comments » | posted in Family News, Photography, Tidbits

posted by Robert on 04/25/10

I still remember my very first Chick-fil-A sandwich. I was sitting on a stone wall with a group of friends in Knoxville, TN. Someone provided lunch and I opened my bag to see a genuine Chick-fil-A sandwich. It only took one bite. Despite the fact that we were in a hurry and I was absolutely famished, I savored every last bit of the tasty hot chicken nestled inside that fresh crispy bun. Everyone else was impatiently moving on when I finished, but I looked around. Couldn’t I have just one more?

Life led me to Chicago and one day I end up craving a chicken sandwich. I hop on my computer and start searching for the nearest Chick-fil-A. To my utter disappointment, I discovered that the nearest location was across the border in Wisconsin, over an hour away! What a letdown. If time had allowed, I just might have traveled the entire distance . . . .

Imagine my excitement when I found out last week that Chick-fil-A was coming to Chicago! On top of that, my connections with a friend in Chicago allowed me to be part of their VIP gathering last Tuesday night! Important business leaders from all over Chicago were there, including many government officials. That didn’t stop Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy from being open and honest about how his business is based on the Bible and the wise advice that Solomon gives in Proverbs: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

I was honored to receive my own personal copy of Mr. Truett Cathy’s book, “How did you do it, Truett?” It’s a quick and fun read. By the time you get to the end of the book, you realize that he didn’t do it and his statement in the preface rings true, “Truett, you didn’t do it. God did it, along with high-quality people at Chick-fil-A who have great ideas and work extremely hard to make the business successful, and our loyal fans, who are just as important to our success.” (Loyal fans? That includes me!)

eHow claims that “of all the fast food restaurants out there, Chick-fil-A is one of the easiest places to eat healthy at.” And, sure enough, Yahoo! Health gives them the highest grade of any other fast-food restaurant with the statement that “Chick-fil-A excels in every category we tested for.” Even better than that, though, is the healthy, friendly, wholesome atmosphere I’ve experienced every time I’ve walked into one of their stores.

What really impresses me about Chick-fil-A is their commitment to Biblical principles. And they don’t hide it, either. Can you think of any other multibillion-dollar restaurant chain that is closed on Sundays so that their employees can “spend time with family or friends, or in a place of worship”? Here is the official Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose:

To glorify God by being a faithful
steward of all that is entrusted to us.

To have a positive influence on all
who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.

Now that’s a purpose worth living for.

Eat mor chikin!

10 Comments » | posted in Family News, Tidbits

posted by Donald on 03/15/10

Surprise! From the oldest of the Staddon sons to the youngest of Staddon sons: a proclamation: to recognize the anchor-position you have in our family David!

Believe it or not, one of those things that the oldest in the family worries about is whether or not the younger ones will always follow his good example, if you know what I mean. The first time that I was away for longer than a month you were only one and I missed you a lot. At that time I knew that Michael and Robert were strong though and it was encouraging to think of them “holding the fort”. Now years later it’s amazing to see that God has given us strength, as a family, right to the very end of our “school years”. With Michael and Jonathan, it has been great to hold the fort with you while Robert, Esther, James and Daniel are away.

In thirteen years, God has had us out on many different missions, adventures, and battlefields hasn’t he? I am grateful for the times God gives us to work and learn as a family. As you’ve gone from boyhood to manhood I see that you are choosing to trust God to be your Teacher and Leader. Now I feel like saying what it says in III John: “I have  no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”. It has encouraged me a lot and I wanted to let you know that it is one of the single most significant factors that has freed me to “go and make disciples” outside our family too. And guess what!? You will probably end up being an even better example for others really than I was!

4 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Robert on 01/24/10

We just received a wonderful call from our good friends the Bates in Tennessee. We rejoiced with them when we heard the news: their 18th child is on the way!

The love that Gil & Kelly Bates have for children is reflected in the love that each of their children have for each other. May the Lord bless them with many more! “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).

18 Comments » | posted in Tidbits