OK, so it's been a while.  I guess I have been busy.  Plus I am on Facebook more than Xanga.  Thought I would post a few pics from the past week.

Michael

Gary missing his tooth

Thomas being a ham

Thanksgiving was also Thomas' birthday

Playing soccer outside on Thanksgiving

Tommy got tired of playing soccer so he took a break

Michael wanted to pose for every picture

36 ways to reduce stress

Pray

Go to bed on time.

Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

Say "No," to projects/activities that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

Delegate tasks to capable others.

Simplify and un-clutter your life.

Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

Take one day at a time.

Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

Live within your budget.

Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

K. M. S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

Get enough exercise.

Eat right.

Get organized so everything has its place.

Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

Write thoughts and inspirations down.

Everyday, find time to be alone.

Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to go to bed to try and pray.

Make friends with Godly people.

Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus!"

Laugh.

Laugh some more!

Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.

Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

Sit on your ego.

Talk less; listen more.

Slow down.

Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

Salvation Army gets new leaders
7/4/2008 1:19 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend


By RACHEL JOHNSON
Staff writer
The Aiken Salvation Army welcomes Captains David and Angela Repass.
In late spring, the Aiken Salvation Army received reassignment orders and Captain Luis Viera and his wife Lucy said goodbye to the community. Last week their replacements arrived and are currently enjoying familiarizing themselves with the Aiken community. The Repasses spent the last two and a half years serving in Winston-Salem, N.C., where they became an important part of the community and are looking forward to doing the same here.
Both of the Repasses are ordained ministers. In fact they met and fell in love while in seminary. David's father served in the Salvation Army, and when David grew up, he also felt the calling to serve. Similarly Angela grew up attending services at the local Salvation Army and felt God's calling on her life.
Since becoming ordained, the Repasses have served in Virginia, North Carolina and Mexico. While South Carolina is a new adventure for them, they are looking forward to it.
Already they have a few ideas to enhance activities at the Boys & Girls Club with the addition of a brass band and music classes. They hope to have a visit later this summer from their Winston-Salem friends who are currently involved in a brass band.
The Repasses enjoy playing musical instruments and have toured extensively with a brass band. While they were on a tour in Mexico, they received the orders to come to Aiken.
The foremost concern for the captains is to educate the community about the various services offered by the Salvation Army.
"We are looking forward to getting into the community and teaching more people about what the Salvation Army does. Every day we provide housing, we have children and teens coming in and getting off the streets," said Angela.
"Our No. 1 mission is the vision of the Salvation Army to preach the gospel and meet human needs," said David. "We want to see the programs that are already here improve and grow."
The transition for the Repasses has been quite easy due to the staff at the main office in Aiken.
"We are so happy there is such a knowledgeable and experienced staff here; they have really been helping us out," the couple agreed. "We are still landing, but we are happy to be here. We believe God brought us here to serve the community and be a part of what's happening. We are available to answer any questions and we would love to meet with the people in the community."
The Repasses invite anyone who wants to know more about the Salvation Army or about them or to simply say hello to call them at 648-0461.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com