The Browning's

It is the moment that has resonated with me for over two decades.  It became paramount the moment that my father and I experienced it for the first time together.  The jubilation, the pageantry, and the enormity of the moment captured my adolescent heart so greatly that I have become an immoveable object of gusto.
 
There have been moments that I’ve questioned my fervor, especially in those desperate days of mediocrity, but the man that fathered me taught me to be a loyal man whose word means commitment and follow-through.  I have no other choice but to be diligent, optimistic, unswerving, and ardent.
 
Today is special because I get to pass the same zeal onto my children.  I will arouse their passion with stories of legendary, demonstrations of prominence, and moments of glory.  Tonight, I will unify my family with one single war cry:  GO COCKS!

It is finally here—Football Season!!!

Many of you know that Jedidiah was born with a heart condition, which caused his heart to have a fused valve.  Each year he has gone to a pediatric cardiologist to see how his heart is developing.  Today was his two-year-old appointment.  We have asked many of you to pray that Jed’s heart would defuse.  Well, if you have been a part of that prayer team we wanted you to know that as of today Jed’s heart is completely healthy!

 

The doctor told us that everything in Jed’s heart looks great and that we would no longer need to see the cardiologist.  Many kids live with a bicuspid aortic valve, but most of them face a heart surgery at a very young age.  Many others are restricted from playing some sports to ensure that too much strain is not placed on the child’s heart.  Jed is very fortunate.  He will be able to live an active and healthy life and his future dream of being a South Carolina Gamecock linebacker is still in tact.  Okay that is dad’s future dream but it is now a possibility. 

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This week was a milestone for Piper and I.  We went to camp together.  Earlier this year, I was asked to speak at a girls camp and I agreed as long as I was able to bring Piper with me.  The camp director was kind enough to oblige, so this Monday we left for Camp LaVida.  Me and 120 girls!

Piper had a blast.  She told me on the ride home that all the girls wanted me to be their daddy because I was so cool.  Not hard to be cool when you are the only man for miles, right?  Piper said, “He is my dad and he is marvelous!”  That one comment, no matter how sincere, made the bugs, the heat, the constant questions, and the camp food all worthwhile. 

Piper did great.  She made several friends; never got homesick; camped outside; and learned a ton about God, missions, and loving people.  I am very proud of her.  She is a great little girl who, even at my displeasure, is quickly becoming a young lady.

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Many of you who keep up with our family are friends that we don’t see all that often because life has moved us apart.  When we talk, I always get the question, “How are the kids doing?”  I probably should do a better job at keeping you all posted on our three kids.

Piper, our oldest is now eight.  She is starting 2nd grade this fall and is a great student.  Piper has picked up reading very quickly but she is not an avid reader, yet.  Her teachers have expressed to us that she has a special knack for mathematics.  Her newest joy is gymnastics.  She is constantly doing cartwheels, round-offs, and backbends around our house.  Right now she is in the beginner class, but her coaches say that she will soon be moved up to a more advanced group.  Piper likes to ask deep questions about the Lord.  She has a tendency to want to please people to ensure their love.  Coupled with the fact that she is a very beautiful little girl, I would ask for your prayers.  She is going to break her daddy’s heart, I’m afraid.

Ethan, our middle child, is now six.  He is going into 1st grade.  He is a little more timid in the classroom but has quickly made several friends.  Ethan is a happy-go-lucky child.  Most of his days are made up of playing with his younger brother and sister or one of the neighborhood friends.  He just finished his second year of baseball and is showing signs of great potential.  He likes baseball but he is eager to get a chance at playing football.  Both Mom and Dad are holding the reigns back on this one for right now.  Ethan is not overly concerned with too much, this may cause him to struggle with academics.  Ethan loves to help his dad with church work.  We call him the associate pastor.  Ethan is learning how to pray.  Pray for him that he will meet Jesus in a real and authentic way.

Jedidiah, the youngest is now two.  He is a handful.  He is full of life and always into some mischief.  Pray for Tarah, she is constantly by his side, pulling him out of dangerous situation.  Jed has no fear.  He loves adventure and he is a thrill-seeker at any cost.  He is beginning to learn how to put sentences together.  He has a few passions in this world.  Number one is Baby Einstein videos followed closely by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Third place would be awarded to Eliana, the apple of his eye.  She doesn’t seem to share the same interest though, but Jed is persistent.  Even though most of the daily stress is at his beckoning, he makes up for it with his willingness to be affectionate.

Tarah and I are doing well.  We are trying to keep a balance in life.  Pray for all of us, we love you and thanks, for all that you do on our behalf.