Hot off the press….we got a LOGO!

We’re on our way..

M

Posted: July 29th, 2008 under Church info.
Comments: 1

Just got back from a family vacation in NJ. We went and visited our parents and did a bunch of day trips around the area. For the sake not to bore you with the details (like the 14 hour drive with 3 kids in the car), I’ll give you the highlights:

Dutch Wonderland:

Never did I think I would revisit a park of my childhood, but lo and behold, I’m back with my own kids. Granted this place is located in Lancaster, Pa, known for the Amish community (hence the word “Dutch” I think?) and this park is right smack in the middle of it. We did the cut out photo as if we were an Amish family (thanks Aadyn for scratching your eye right at the time the photo was taken, MAN)…I guess Marlee will be played by the dog? This park was nowhere near on the scale of like Disney World or even a Six Flags park, but the kids didn’t know and we saved the dough. BOOK IT!

Ocean City, NJ:

You got to walk the famed NJ boardwalks…only because the NJ water is scary. Most of the Jersey shore is filled with floating surprises or dead Soprano guys. It’s best to enjoy the Jersey shore from the boardwalk. You gots to have a pizza from Mack and Manco’s. Man, it’s one of the best…LeeAnn and I were able to check that off of our NJ food checklist.

And what day at the beach would be complete without hitting the rides. I bet you thought Moby Dick was a whale…. nope, it’s a ride in NJ. Only the best…

Wildwood, NJ

We did actually go on the beach…although no dead Italians washed up on shore. Got to build a sandcastle with my son.

That was a cool experience even though the castle wasn’t that big or cool. The kids thought it was and it reminded LeeAnn and I of our days growing up as kids on the beach. It felt good to spend this time with the family and to get sunburned at the same time.

Driving back to TN, it was nice to be together as a family and experience memories together. One of the biggest things God has shown me is the importance of family. Honestly, I’m not sure how far I could go without them. They are my world, my legacy and my joy. It also helps to have a wife that you still find beautiful and enjoy being with. We truly have fun together and that helps on those days when you kind of want to leave the kids at the mall by themselves and run away (That has never happened, ok…JOKE). I know, going into this next phase of our lives, this family God has so blessed me with, is going to be the glue that holds us all together.

My challenge to you, get out and enjoy your family. Whether you are married with kids, married with none, single or still living with your parents, give your loved ones a call and go spend time with them. You never know when that will end, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.

M

Posted: July 29th, 2008 under Family, Trips.
Comments: none

Wow…It’s kind of strange welcoming myself to my own blog, but hey, if it gets things started, then COME ON NOW!

My wife LeeAnn asked me why anybody would want to read somebody else’s blog. She is really confused as to why I spend time reading other people’s blogs. I mean, if you think about it, it’s kind of like somebody reading your diary…although, if you think about it that way, it makes it a little more exciting!!

I’ve gotten into reading blogs a little while ago and have learned quite a bit from them. I’ve come up with small group topics/sermons and even useless facts to amaze my friends. I’ve stumbled across some great bands/musicians and even found stupid pictures/videos to forward to people. Blogs even have a way to connect friends and family together. I’m sure one day, people will find their husband/wife on blogs or even adopt children…. Maybe get saved?

Anyway, I’ve come up with some “reasons” for my blog. Maybe this post is just for my wife’s purpose, so she can see why I’m wasting my time typing away every week (remember this is the same lady who just got into “emailing” only about a year ago). I also will use this post as a guideline for my future posts. Nobody wants to read somebody’s page that has no purpose….right?

So here we go…

“MY TOP 5 REASONS TO DO WWW.MARKRAMPULLA.COM“

1. To GROW - Many of the bloggers before me have stated how writing in this forum has developed them as better speakers, ministers, authors, communicators, etc. Hey, I want to be better at all of those things. Maybe this goal is a selfish goal, but once again, this is my site and I can be a little selfish. Right?
2. To INFORM - LeeAnn and I feel God has called us into fulltime ministry. Not just any ministry, but one that is powerful and effective in our sphere of influence. With that said, we need a base where people can go to get info on what’s happening, when it’s happening, why it’s happening…and , well you get the picture from there. I’ll call this site the “command center” for us. Time to get the word out.
3. To SHARE - I’ve learned so much from people by hearing their stories and sharing in their victories and defeats. Think about your life and how much someone’s story or struggle has helped you along the way. Plus, who doesn’t like a good story? I stress the word “GOOD”. I know nobody wants to hear about my struggle with the lawnmower or how my daughter threw up on me. Some stories are best left unspoken.
4. To HONOR - I’m where I’m at today in life because of some great people that have spent time with me to help make me who I am. From my parents, pastors, teachers, musicians, authors, friends, etc. they have all helped shape my life. I want to honor them here. Hey, if they’ve helped me, they might even help you. You never know…
5. To MINISTER - I think this it really the most important. This is the true goal of our lives as Christians. The Great Commission is why we do what we do. If people can’t walk away from my life and see/sense/feel/touch Christ, then I need to refocus my life. Ministry comes in all shapes and sizes. From my ministry at home (with my family), to my friends, to neighbors and people that I don’t know (yet), I need to be ready, in and out of season, to share Christ. Truly He is the only REAL purpose for this blog. My prayer is that He shines through when you link to this page.

I know some of you are wondering and waiting on pins and needles to see what I will post next. I can tell you this; I’ve got a lot to say. My wife will TRULY testify to that….so let the BLOGGING BEGIN!

M

Posted: July 10th, 2008 under Church info.
Comments: 2