[ The Cannons' Canon ]*

[ Back to the Beach ]*

2011-08-14T20:26:00.003-04:00

****I drafted this post over a month ago**** Okay, before I share YET ANOTHER batch of beach photos, I feel like I use share a few disclaimers. We take a lot of long weekend trips rather than longer trips. That way we are able to spread out vacation time which keeps us from getting burned out at work or burned out on the beach too. :) Also, we have a lot of generous friends who invite us stay

[ Trusting, Though We Don't Understand ]*

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

"It seems more difficult to trust God than to obey Him. The moral will of God given to us in the Bible is rational and reasonable. The circumstances in which we must trust God often appear irrational and inexplicable. The law of God is readily recognized to be good for us, even when we don't want to obey it. Yet the circumstances of our lives frequently appear to be dreadful and grim, or

[Vacation :: Day 4]*

2011-07-18T17:45:00.000-04:00

After our trip to St. George Island with the Gilberts, we headed to Rosemary Beach to spend a week with our good friends, the Nash's, Mulkey's and Hancocks. ************************* By Day 4 there was a serious battle between my skin and the UV rays. And my skin was losing. Horribly, by the way. In Alys Beach there is a darling (yes, dah-ling) little coffee shop called the Fonville Press:

[Vacation :: Day 3]*

2011-07-18T17:30:00.000-04:00

I'm going cray-cray. Since I started posting about our trip to St. George a few weeks ago (only got through day 2), we have gone on two more beach trips and are headed out on another one this weekend... Yikes. Also, one of our memory cards is MIA. Thank the LORD that it did not have any client photos on it, but a big chunk of our trip photos are temporarily (hopefully) misplaced.

[ Tucker + Sadie Hill ]*

2011-06-29T13:36:00.001-04:00

Our friend, Christy Segars, texted this pict to me while we were out of town. It is a photo of two of her kids, Tucker and Sadie-Hill, who wanted to raise money to help provide a home for our friends in India. So they set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. A few days later and still wanting to do more, Sadie-Hill decided to bake cookies and sell them at a local baseball game. Seeing

[ Quote of the Day ]*

2011-06-28T17:03:00.000-04:00

"And then there is the two of you. . . The two most random and rambunctious people I have ever known." -Justin Melton, co-worker/ friend/ future rockstar

[ The Girls ]*

2011-06-25T13:15:00.000-04:00

Edwin, the pastor caring for the kids in India, sent this to us last week. The two girls standing are the two that are probably coming to live with us. Edwin has applied for birth certificates for them; (Most children in the poorest parts of India are not documented). And will begin the rest of the paperwork after those are obtained. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare our hearts and

[ Hook'em Horns - Baseball Hall of Fame Edition ]*

2011-06-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

David recently went fishing with MLB's Hall of Fame member, Phil Neikro. Whom he asked for a hook'em horns photo for my blog. And this is what Phil gave him instead: (Edited for decency's sake.) Perhaps he was saying, "Texas is number 1!" ? Loran Smith, Larry Munson's sidekick for the GA Bulldogs, also went with them. Both of these men were kind enough to sign a boatload of memorabilia

[ Quote of the Day ]*

2011-06-22T08:01:00.000-04:00

"The world is too lostandGod is too richfor us to not be generous."-Dr. Kenneth Hemphill

Lessons Learned [ Vacation :: Day 2 ]*

2011-06-21T07:53:00.001-04:00

Things I learned today: 1. It is good to surround yourself with people who do not judge you when you eat multiple lunches. It is great to surround yourself with people who tell you, "Those aren't lunches; A hamburger, baked beans and tater tots is a snack." 2. I had many "snacks" today. It boosts my metabolism, right? Eating three lunches should cause me to lose weight. I may be coming back

[ Vacation :: Day 1 cont. ]*

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so there was one perk to taking backroads through middle Georgia. We accidentally stumbled upon the Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliet, GA. You know...from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. (Sorry for the quality of the pictures-we were completely addicted to the iced tea and couldn't tear ourselves away from it long enough to get a camera out of the car.) (Best Country Fried Steak that I have

[ Vacation :: Day 1 ]*

2011-06-15T10:20:00.000-04:00

Day 1: Travel to St. George Island to stay with our friends, Ryan and Lindsay and Lindsay's family. We were supposed to leave at 5 pm on Wednesday night. By the time we finally pulled out of the driveway at 9:27 am on Thursday. David insisted on backroads. He gawked at "these beeeauuuutiful views, steph". I pouted and said, at least--oh I don't know--a trillion times that we should have

[ Bollywood, Here I Come ]*

2011-06-09T10:09:00.002-04:00

Sunday morning we had the privilege of sharing with our home church about India. If you'd like to see part of it and have almost an hour, brew you some Chai tea and take a gander at the video below. **Please note, I do not normally talk with my head in my shoulder. I was so worried about my voice reaching the lapel mic. When I wasn't worrying about that, I felt like a pop-star.

[ Oh! The Places We Have Been! ]*

2011-06-08T16:52:00.001-04:00

Hey little chickadees. I don't know why I said that. Maybe a lack of blogging has left me blogally-awkward. Speaking of awkward, I get more and more socially awkward the older I get. Most of my conversations with strangers these days start with, "I know this may be awkward, but..." And end with anything from, "You look like Tom Cruise; will you do hook'em horns with me for a photo for my

[ David's Story ]*

2011-06-07T08:59:00.001-04:00

This one is by David: When I first graduated college I really came out into the professional world with a lot of ambitious intentions. My dad is a great Christian man and very successful by the world's standards, as well. People have always said that we have similar personalities, so the assumption was that I'd follow in his footsteps and use my business degree much in the same way he has. As

[ Hook'em Horns - Political Edition

2011-06-07T06:55:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled across this Hook'em photo from 2005 when David interned at the Capital for Governor Sonny Perdue.

[ Crushin' ]*

2011-06-05T18:50:00.000-04:00

We were told this week by one of our co-workers that his twenty-something daughter had a friend-crush on the dynamic Cannon duo. (That would be us, by the way.) Double-point and wink. Which got me thinking about my crushes, which are legendary round these parts. Why legendary? Well, for starters, they are intense. They are diverse. And most would say borderline creepy. So without further

[ Don't Lose Your Head ]*

2011-05-24T21:57:00.001-04:00

I came across these photos tonight. They are from our Boston trip with the Keelings a few years ago. I thought other people should get a glimpse of everyday life for me and Kristen. Yes, this is a pathetic ploy for sympathy.

[ Be there or Be Square ]*

2011-05-24T17:06:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars! (Do people still use calendars??) Is saying "mark your calendar" sort of like saying "roll up your window?" Focus, Steph. On Sunday, June 5th, David and I would love, love, love to have you join us at FBC Loganville (our home church) where we will be sharing about what God is allowing us to do in India. We would be HONORED to have you there to hear more from our hearts.

[ comfort & growth ]*

2011-05-24T07:02:00.000-04:00

[ Beauty in the Pain ]*

2011-04-25T17:08:00.003-04:00

[ Before you read this post, I would ask you to please scroll down and watch the video below and then read David's last post. So that this post will make more sense. ] When I shared the John Piper video on Thursday morning, I had no idea what the next 24 hours would hold. But the Lord knew. Perhaps He was preparing our hearts for all that we were about to see? Or maybe He just wanted to

Please Pray

2011-04-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

We just found out that some friends of ours who are expecting twins (a boy and a girl) in 12 weeks are facing a really tough battle right now. Last night, she started showing signs that she was going into labor three months early. It appears that our friend has an infection that has gotten into her blood and they have induced labor. The evidence says that these babies now have no chance, but we

[ John Piper on the "Prosperity Gospel" ]*

2011-04-21T11:33:00.002-04:00

[ things you are DYING to know ]*

2011-04-18T17:23:00.000-04:00

This is what David wakes up to each morning. Eat your hearts out, fellas: This is one of the items that Santa left in my stocking this year: And this is what I stumbled upon wintry evening, as I made my way to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Yes, that is David warming himself by the computer: And, for the record, in case any thieves read this blog, please be warned that the beautiful piece

[ Hook'em Horns - Diaper Edition ]*

2011-04-16T14:48:00.001-04:00

We think Carson (Hil's son) might be a Longhorn in Training. Hook'em!

[ My Heart is in India ]*

2011-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

I walked in our keeping room yesterday evening and David was just staring at a photo of him and Anjali. I sat down with him and he told me that he is trying to go nonstop everyday so that he can keep his mind off of her, but the second he stops, he feels like he is there. It would be real easy for me to get jealous of that. Or to be hurt by it. Or feel that I am somehow inadequate. Or to not

[ Hook'em Horns - Easter Edition ]*

2011-04-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

*Please note: I am actually not on drugs, despite what this photo might indicate. Also, my zipper is not down either.

[ Maybe he was having a crappy day? ]*

2011-04-13T12:54:00.000-04:00

I just received the email below from my friend, Angela. Oh, how I love the randomness of my day: Um, yesterday someone delivered printers to our office. The landlord just informed us that the delivery man POOPED in the janitors closet while he was here. HE POOPED IN THE JANITOR’s CLOSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!They have him on security cameras!!!!!!! Angela PastoreService Representative

[ გმადლობთ ]*

2011-04-12T17:05:00.003-04:00

One of the big obstacles has been our inability to find a way to learn to speak Telugu, so that we can talk one-on-one with the kids in India. Telugu is the 15th most spoken language in the world, BUT it is spoken in one of the poorest regions in the world. (ie: no need for most foreigners to learn it). We have been searching everywhere for classes, online training, books, etc. with no luck.

[ Fluff ]*

2011-04-11T17:31:00.004-04:00

Last night we had a special service at church where we shared about our experiences in India and Ghana. Beforehand, I met with Joseph to put together some photos in a movie to run in the background while people were talking. (Joseph was our team leader and is from Ghana. Obviously, he is the non-pasty one in the photo below.) As we were scrolling through the pictures, choosing which ones to

[ Hook'em Horns - African Edition ]*

2011-04-08T08:21:00.000-04:00

[ About us ]*

2011-04-06T19:32:00.001-04:00

Honestly, I'm not sure if I ever mentioned that we started a photography business last year. . .but just in case I haven't, we did. There, I said it. Now you know. Anyways, a friend hired us to shoot a b-day party in April and then BOOM! (<--That was business. Get it? Business boomed.) So yeah, boom! and we were not at all prepared. We were still working our full-time jobs and pouring in (

[ Cape Coast Slave Castle ]*

2011-04-04T21:38:00.004-04:00

While in Africa, we had the opportunity to visit Cape Coast Slave Castle. And I have to tell you, it was one of the best and worst places I have ever visited. "Best", because I love learning about and visiting historical places. Actually, David and I both love history. Well, David has grown to love history. When we first met in college, I wouldn't say he loved it. Have you heard him tell

[ Quote of the Day ]*

2011-04-04T16:47:00.000-04:00

"Your blog is like a Chicken Soup for the Soul bookmeets addictive sitcom(only better because the characters are real)"-Melissa Music

[ Birthday Blessing ]*

2011-04-02T17:12:00.000-04:00

Late last night, David and I were in bed when his phone rang. He and I gathered around the speaker phone and listened as 27 orphans sang me happy birthday in broken English. Goodness gracious; My heart felt so full. Then each child got on the phone and individually said, "Happy Birthday, Stephini Auntie!" {And I knew Anjali's voice immediately.} Edwin, their caregiver, told me that he knew

[ NKOTB ]*

2011-04-01T10:19:00.001-04:00

Speaking of New Kids on the Block . . . In June of 2008, I sent the following email to my girlfriends: I only have a few regrets from my childhood. I regret trying to start a fist fight with a GUY in middle school. I regret not wearing my retainers (or the rubberbands on my braces for that matter). I regret playing “I will always love you” over the phone to a boy who I “went out with”

[ Old Woman Hil ]*

2011-03-31T22:44:00.000-04:00

When I got home from Ghana, I called my bff to see what I had missed while I was gone. Normally before either of us share major news, we sort of mentally prepare the other one first. Like with this whole adoption thing, I called her a few days ahead of time and told her that I needed to talk to her about something important. "You and David are leaving the country, aren't you?" Once I reassured

[ Letter from Brazil ]*

2011-03-31T17:52:00.000-04:00

When I was pulling the photos for the last post, I came across this letter from one of the Brazilian campers: I've always cherished letters from people that I've met in other countries. And I especially love this one because Rafael mentioned Wagner. Every time I read the line that says that Wagner just doesn't understand why we had to leave, it just pierces my heart. I want to be able to

[ The Beginning - When God Spoke to My Heart about Adoption ]*

2011-03-30T19:49:00.000-04:00

The journal excerpts below are from 2000, less than 2 months after my high school graduation. I was preparing for, and then participating in, my first international mission trip. [ 7.1.2000 ] In exactly one week, I will be in Brazil serving the God that I love. The nervousness is slowly sneaking up on me. More than anything, I am afraid that I am not prepared. I pray that I am at a point

[ India ]*

2011-03-29T17:35:00.000-04:00

Wow! You people are AMAZING!! It has been such a blessing to see people get so excited about what God is doing in India! The feedback has been such affirmation for us and a true faith-builder revealing even further God's people's hearts for those who cannot help themselves. Let me fill you in on some details of what we hope to accomplish in India: [ Goal 1 ]: Build a home (or buy a home) for

[ When God Speaks, We Listen ]*

2011-03-24T15:12:00.001-04:00

Preface: Deep inhale. Even deeper exhale. Let me set the stage for you. I am sitting at my laptop, I hit New Post and I instantly start crying. And we are not talking about a pretty cry. Sobbing. Snot rivers flowing down my face. And I can't breathe. So here I am, fingers have not even touched the keys and I'm already broken. Hence starting off with a collective breathing exercise. Maybe

[ Passion ]*

2011-03-24T07:02:00.000-04:00

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Monday ]*

2011-03-20T10:00:00.001-04:00

[ Monday, March 21st ] What we will be doing: Heading home! Here are our flight details:Delta Flight 167: LV ACCRA @ 8:50 AM; AR NYC-KENNEDY @ 4:45 PM (EST)Delta Flight 679: LV NYC @ 7:10 PM; AR ATL @ 10:05 PM How you can pray: Ask God will help us understand all we have seen and to give us boldness in continuing to tell others about what He has done. Pray Psalm 145:5-7

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Sunday ]*

2011-03-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

[ Sunday, March 20th ] What we will be doing: Preaching at Faith Gospel Church in Kumasi How you can pray: “Pray that [our] partnership with [them] in the faith may be effective in deepening [our] understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. [And that our] love [will give them] great joy and encouragement, because [we might] refresh the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Thursday through Saturday ]*

2011-03-16T10:11:00.002-04:00

[ Thursday, March 17th –Saturday, March 19th ] What we will be doing: For the next three days, we will be leading open-air crusades in villages outside of the city of Kumasi. How you can pray: Pray that we will clearly communicate the restorative work of Jesus Christ and the truth that “therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Wednesday ]*

2011-03-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

[ Wednesday, March 16th ] What we will be doing: Today we will travel to the Western Region of the country, where we will share the gospel with unbelieving tribes. We will each speak to large groups about the gospel and will show The Passion of the Christ. How you can pray: Pray 1 Peter 4:11 over us: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves,

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Tuesday ]*

2011-03-14T12:00:00.002-04:00

[ Tuesday, March 15th ] What we will be doing: Traveling from Accra to Kumasi. How you can pray: Pray for safe travel and continued unity within our team. Ask that we will each “live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received, [that we will] be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [That we will] make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit

[ Sunday services in Ghana ]*

2011-03-13T17:41:00.000-04:00

Theresa, me, Joseph, little Michael and Braxton. The church members asked if Braxton was a giant. We have the same hair style. Twinsies. This woman is the bomb. She was all over that sanctuary dancing. After I shared a message, she came up to me and said, "I think I love you!" And I said, "I think I love you too!" I wish I had a hint of her enthusiasm! (Hint?? AM I making up words?

[ Mama got her hair did ]*

2011-03-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

I became good friends with Joseph's younger sister, Theresa, almost immediately. She is 26 and has been such a blessing to me already on this trip. We room together and she does not let me know out of her sight. Yesterday she said she needed to go get her hair put into a ponytail at a salon. (If anyone is as ignorant as me, it is a 2 hour ordeal with relaxer, etc.) Of course, I followed her

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Monday ]*

2011-03-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

[ Monday, March 14th ] What we will be doing: Visiting the Cape Coast Slave Castle How you can pray: Pray that we will reflect on the fact that we too were once slaves to sin, but because of the glorious work of God we are now slaves to righteousness. Pray for opportunities for us to share stories of our freedom with others. Romans 6:6-23:“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Sunday ]*

2011-03-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

[ Sunday, March 13th ] What we will be doing: Preaching at Faith Gospel Church and spending time with others. How you can pray: Pray that we will recognize the grace God gave [us] to minister to the people of Ghana and that it is He who gives us the “duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that [they] might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” and that we will “

[ Meet Anjali ]*

2011-03-12T12:48:00.001-05:00

Hey Stephanie Cannon fans. Sorry to disappoint but this is her worser-half, David. As you all know, Steph is in Africa and I just returned from India where I spent a couple of weeks. While there this time, I was able to spend a lot of time with the orphan children there that Pastor Edwin and his wife, Bujji, care for. On my first trip there, many of you know that I was extremely sick (H1N1)

[ Out of Africa ]*

2011-03-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

I’ll try to add details later, but all you really need to know is we made it to Accra, Ghana, West Africa and the internet, like the water, and electricity are slightly unpredictable, so it takes a while to get any info out. But as I can, I will. We led a worship service last night. Ever been to an African American church in the U.S.? Put that on steroids and throw in

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Saturday ]*

2011-03-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

[ Saturday, March 12th ] What we will be doing: Visiting an orphanage in Accra where we will share God’s Word with the children, encourage them and show them the love of their heavenly Father. How you can pray: Pray that we will be able to show the orphans the love of God, who is “the helper to the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14) and their sustainer (Psalm 146:9); and that the kids will trust in the

[ Ghana Prayer Guide - Friday ]*

2011-03-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

[ Friday, March 11th ] What we will be doing: Arriving in Accra, Ghana. We’ll travel to the church that is hosting us and then return later for an all-night prayer service, where each of us with share from God’s Word and encourage and challenge the believers. How you can pray:Pray that, “the Lord [will] be gracious to us; [that we will] long for [Him] and that [He will] be our strength” (Isaiah

[ Ghana Prayer Guide ]*

2011-03-09T22:57:00.001-05:00

Missionaries: Braxton Roberts, Joseph Manu, and Stephanie Cannon**Through Saturday, March 12th we will be 5 hours ahead of EST. After the 12th we will be 4 hours ahead** [ Thursday, March 10th ] What we will be doing today: Traveling. If you would like to pray with us before we leave, you can join us at First Baptist Church Loganville @ 11:30 am or 6:30 pm. We will leave

[ Emails from my father-in-law ]*

2011-03-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

From: James CannonDate: March 4, 2011 11:17:39 PM ESTTo: Stephanie CannonSubject: The Most Fun I've Had in Days/ Maybe Even Weeks Just read the Blog about the ziploc dime bags. hillary ous. i laughed til i cried, then realized it was written by "Garland", then I cried because of sentimentality. you made my night!!! ************************************** From: James

[ Unwholesome Speech ]*

2011-03-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

Our friend, Patty, is a very talented (and successful) professional writer. Today she wrote a devotional that spoke directly to my heart. I think it is because we are spending a lot of time in prayer right now about important decisions. Or maybe it is because God is leading us to DO MORE and TALK LESS. Or maybe it is because I am anxiety over how people will respond to our decisions and what

[ Dear Dave, 2.28.2011 ]*

2011-02-28T07:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave, While you have been gone, I've started using your deodorant. The minty-manly tube. And, umm. I love it. {Sorry, Dove, your powdery freshness just wasn't cutting it anymore.} Sometimes when I walk outside and a gust of wind hits me, I think, "Wow, some man smells amazing" and then I realize it is me. I hope that is not a problem when you get back. Yes, I do smell like a man. That

[ Let's Pray ]*

2011-02-26T20:59:00.001-05:00

Random/ vague request. We check the stats on this blog and, well, over 3000 unique visitors (people) visit our site every day. HUH??? I don't know who, and I DEFINITELY don't know why!!?!? Come on, people! What I do know is that I am about to take TOTAL ADVANTAGE of you, whoever you are and whyever (new word) you are here. :) If you are reading this, would you stop and spend a minute or two

[ Dear Dave, 2.22.2011 #4 ]*

2011-02-23T21:15:00.002-05:00

Dear Dave, Mom came over for a slumber party tonight. We curled up in the bed with hibachi chicken, volcano rolls and American Idol. I'm thinking it should be a weekly tradition. Her commentary on the contestants is quite entertaining. She gives the contestants nicknames like: Little Fat Boy, Meth Head, Big Ears and The White One. Her labels weren't just politically incorrect; they were

[ Dear Dave, 2.22.2011 #3 ]*

2011-02-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave, Want to know how I spent my workday? I listened to Ronnie talk about his enlarged prostate and spastic colon. See what fun you are missing? I'm scarred for life. -Steph

[ Dear Dave, 2.22.2011 #2 ]*

2011-02-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave, There was a minor misunderstanding today between the Walton County Police Department and yours truly. While attempting to pay for my lunch (with my ziploc bags of coins, of course), I asked Keith to hold my dime bag. Apparently "dime bag" does not mean "ziploc full of change" in some circles. -Steph

[ Dear Dave, 2.22.2011 ]*

2011-02-23T12:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave, I learned today that my name means Crown, which can also be interpreted as. . . GARLAND!!!!! We were so meant to be. Love, Garland

[ Quote of the Day ]*

2011-02-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

“Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did.Know when to let go and when to hold on tight.Stop rushing.Don't be intimidated to say it like it is.Stop apologizing all the time.Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph.Spend time with the friends who lift you up,and cut loose the ones who bring you down.Stop giving your power away.Be more concerned with being

[ Dear Dave, 2.21.2011 ]*

2011-02-22T17:15:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave, 2 1/2 days down. 11 1/2 to go. And your wife is already losing her mind. Last night it was imperative that I roll coins. Not sure where this urge came from, but I sat down and sorted every coin that I could find in your giant Coca Cola bank and in your (clean) truck. Every piece is either rolled or organized by type into labeled Ziploc baggies. Then, it seemed only rational that

[ Dear Dave: 2.21.11 #2 ]*

2011-02-21T18:26:00.001-05:00

Dear Dave, I JUST found a knife in your bedside table. Really? You are out of control. -Steph

[ Dear Dave, 2.20.2011 ]*

2011-02-21T14:15:00.001-05:00

Dear Dave, Right now you are probably in Paris waiting for your next flight to Mumbai, listening to people talk about their le bicycles, le mustaches, and le baguettes. Wee? Hopefully, you have not discussed le government or le French wussies with any fellow travelers. I’d hate to be watching le television tonight and see YOU leading some sort of national uprising. There are a few things that I

[ Our Cast ]*

2011-02-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

So.... Our 9-5 work is never dull. Which has made us wonder if we should start a reality show. So far, this is the cast: Our intern, Matt Meade: . . .will be played by Jeffrey Dahmer: **************************************************************** Justin, our Worship Leader, who strolls the hallways strumming his guitar & singing throughout the day: . . .will be played by: ********

[ David's going to INDIA (again!) ]*

2011-02-11T07:49:00.000-05:00

David will be traveling to India soon on a mission trip. I'll let him fill you in on the good stuff, but I just wanted to ask you for prayer for his team and the people they will meet while they are there. Also, please pray for their families who will remain back home. Here are the guys that are going: I'm praying that God will do a huge work in Dave, as well, so if you want to join me in

[ Cheeps & Quarters ]*

2011-02-10T07:33:00.000-05:00

An email we received from our friend, Dale, who we have not seen enough of lately. Please be sure to read his subject as well. From: Dale BradfordSubject: May the Lord bless you w/ many cheeeps, unless of course you believe only in science, then you may only enjoy a corn on a stickDate: February 9, 2011 10:04:00 AM ESTTo: David Cannon, Stephanie Cannon I would enjoy it if

[ Living Horizontally ]*

2011-02-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

I read this recently (in regards to a conference I will be attending in April for work) and, well, I just liked the philosophy behind it, so I thought I'd share: Creativity is not the invention of something new, rather it is the connection of two things that already exist but no one has connected. Our general tendency is to live "vertically," which means we dig deeper into our field of ministry,

[ It's a VISA ]*

2011-02-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

My convo last night with the clerk at the RiteAid Photo Center: Me: "Hi. I need to get a photo for my Visa." Clerk: "Uhhhhh. . .You mean that you need a photo for your passport." (She is not asking if maybe I meant passport. She is telling me that I meant passport.) Me: "Nope, actually I have my passport. I need a photo for my visa." Clerk: "Are you sure?" I nod slowly. I'm thinking, "Is

[ Is it really the thought that counts? ]*

2011-02-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

Before noon today I had already been given two, ehhhhh, interesting gifts. The first came from a co-worker/friend Chet. Can I give a quick backstory on Chet? Last week we were at a retirement party for our friend Marie: (Don't I look like a monster about to eat her? When did I morph into this looming creature?? Rrrraaaauuuurrrrrr! I will devour you, you tiny, tiny woman! Rrrraaaauuuurrrrrr!!

[ It's a Brown Sweater!! ]*

2011-02-01T19:36:00.002-05:00

Since I've got opposites on the brain, I'd like to share a mindless video with you that never fails to bring me the hardest, deep-from-the-gut laugh every time I see it. It's a scene from a Seinfeld episode. Perhaps it is funny to me because it so closely parallels the differences between my Type A personality and my husband's personality, which could best be summed up as Type Zzz. Honest to

[ Risk ]*

2011-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:00

David and I are total opposites in lots of ways. Have I mentioned that once before? (Or a million-gazillion times?) A few months ago, we took photos of these cuties: And they told me that the word "google" means "a really, really big number". If that is true, then I've said that Dave and I are opposites at least a google times. Today was a perfect example of that oppositeness. We met

[ Fail ]*

2011-01-31T17:37:00.000-05:00

I have failed you as a blogger. I'm the "New Coke" of blogging. Epic failure. And I could feed you a heart-wrenching story about how busy we have been, but it would just sound like Charlie Brown's teacher in your ears. We have been busy. Busy even by my standards. So busy that (awkward throat clearing) I am still settling from our move. Our move which was a YEAR ago. Blogging failure.

[ Christmas on Walton Street ]*

2011-01-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

[Totally unimportant caption: See the 7-ft white Christmas tree in our living room window? I spotted it in a thrift store in June and {insert dramatic pause} needed it. I drug that bad boy through the aisles store like a lion after a kill. And when I got to the cash register, it turns out it was on sale because, and I quote, "We didn't think anyone would buy it otherwise"...which I hear

[ We're Oldies but Goodies ]*

2011-01-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

2010 was definitely the year that David and I turned OLD. January 2010: Dave kicked off the year by destroying his knee. (I still need to tell that story--oh, it is a doozie.) Next came the stroke brace for his paralyzed foot. Both resulted in his first patches of grey hair. He's my silver fox. Grrr . . . March 2010: A whisker started growing out of my cheek. Not a rouge hair. A white

[ Crack Attack ]*

2011-01-13T14:13:00.001-05:00

We have a neighbor who is just about the nicest man you will ever meet. He was born and raised in this small Georgia town and returned to his hometown to serve as an attorney. He is old Southern through and through. He has the most beautiful, refined accent. He is always in a suit (except when he is headed to the gym). He uses grammar precisely. His home is decorated to the finest detail of

[ From a Stranger ]*

2011-01-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

Want to talk about being humbled? How about receiving the following letter from a complete stranger: (I removed his name to protect his privacy): Hello Stephanie, My name is ___. I had the great joy of fishing with your husband David on Thursday of this week. He is a good, gentle, instructive and forgiving soul much like the One sent by the Father to teach us. You are a blessed woman to be

[ Who We Are ]*

2010-12-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

[ Happy Thanksgiving! ]*

2010-11-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from us and our family! Here is a glimpse into our celebration, as well as our attempt at a family photo. Yes, our [future] children will be receiving a double-dip from the crazy gene pool. ...And we are so thankful for that! We love these people so much and are so grateful to have been surrounded by such fun-loving people our entire lives!

[ A letter from home ]*

2010-10-20T22:23:00.002-04:00

Hi blog-readers, I am Steph & Dave's house. And I am kind of a big deal. Maybe you saw the article about architectural history in this week's Walton Tribune? Notice that white hot cutie in the photograph? I know, I know...With looks and charm like that, it is hard not to notice. Did you miss it by some chance? You can still check me out here >> And I do mean CHECK ME OUT. Oh yeah. S & D

[ The Rest of our Anniversary ]*

2010-10-15T11:27:00.001-04:00

Can I just tell you that I married a guy with a heart bigger than Texas? He's just plain sweet. I came home from work on our anniversary to beautiful sunflowers and yellow roses. And the silliest/romantic "us" card you can imagine. Then he whisked (what a great word-whisk!), he whisked me off to a surprise getaway in the mountains. (Right near where we were married. See, I told you he was

[ David's "But God" Story ]*

2010-10-14T14:41:00.003-04:00

Here is the story that David contributed to the blog I mentioned in the last post: I had lost my job a little over two years ago and was dealing with a lot of guilt and feelings of worthlessness - even to the point that I had almost completely stopped eating for nearly five months - when God blessed me with the opportunity to go on my first foreign mission trip to India. Even up until the day

[ But God. . . ]*

2010-10-13T12:31:00.001-04:00

There was a biography written about my life many years ago. The opening words were rather bleak: She was dead. Ouch. Not really how I thought this would start. Three words and the author has already sent chills down my spine. Not because the author's words are hurtful, but because I know how true they are. I was DEAD. My eyes stopped on that one word and could not move past it. DEAD. When my

[ Hook 'em Horns: Football Edition ]*

2010-10-12T05:48:00.000-04:00

Maybe you remember Hook'em Horns: Dave Ramsey Edition (in honor of my father-in-law, a TX longhorn)? It's baaaaaaaaaccccckkkkkkkkkkkkk!! I convinced David Greene (former UGA quarterback) and Derek Rackley (of the Atl Falcons & Seattle Seahawks and host of SportsNite) to betray their loyalty and hook'em with me. They did, but I think it was largely a result of the crazed look I had in my eyes.

[ Celebrating 4 years ]*

2010-10-07T17:27:00.000-04:00

October 7, 2006:

[ Sweet Start to our Anniversary ]*

2010-10-07T07:22:00.002-04:00

My sweet husband of four years (today) woke me up at midnight to tell me Happy Anniversary with a fresh-from-the-oven homemade chocolate soufflé. I actually woke up for work and could not figure out if it was actually a dream . . . until I noticed a mound of crumbs in the sheets where I had obviously devoured it!

[ Sunset through our kitchen window ]*

2010-10-06T17:35:00.000-04:00

[ Walton Street ]*

2010-10-04T23:21:00.001-04:00

Picked up a brochure about historic places in our town and the first paragraph was actually about the street we live on! Thought those of you who haven't been here yet might like to know what others say about it. I agree with it completely. :) "Walton Street Neighborhood - One of downtown Monroe's oldest neighborhoods. Known for its grand homes and beautifully landscaped lawns. A stroll down

Dear Blank, Sincerely Blank

2010-09-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

Dear 5th Dentist,Please consider actually agreeing with the research for once.Sincerely, the other 4 out of 5 Dentists. ___________ Dear Pot,It's because I'm black isn't it?Sincerely, Kettle.___________ Dear British humour,Teach us.Sincerely, American humor.

[ A few reasons I respect you }*

2010-09-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

The following is a list that I must have started for David (almost a year ago). Figured I'd share it now since I am baring everything else: Why I Respect You: You have always encouraged me to do what I think will help the most people. Since before we were ever married, you would constantly tell me that you think I can really do something incredible in this world and that

[ Contents of my purse ]*

2010-09-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

I'm going to warn you. The posts over the next week might be totally random based on what else I find on this computer. You have been warned. Why I would type up the contents of items in my purse on July 8, 2009, I cannot be sure. Why I feel the need to share it with the world, even foggier. Purse Contents: 1. 1. my keys2. 2. a picture of the kid we sponsor in Honduras3. 3. a

[ Bucket List 2008 ]*

2010-09-18T22:12:00.002-04:00

I've been cleaning off my computer for the past 2 days. Ugh. But it has been funny uncovering blasts from the past. Tonight I found the bucket list that David and I made in August of 2008. Thought I'd share. Our bucket list:Write a song for George Strait Learn Italian Spend at least 2 weeks in Italy Be a parent Become photographers Be published Stay in a

[ Hil had a baby! ]*

2010-09-10T18:17:00.000-04:00

My very best friend and her husband had a baby. He is absolutely beautiful. Beautiful and massive. (9 lbs. 10 oz.) No c-section. Take that in for a minute. 2 bags of sugar. Yeah. Hil instantly won the respect of everyone in that hospital with that one. Word of her big baby and delivery have spread across the ward and nurses made trips to visit their to "see this huge baby that everyone is

[ Ewwwww ]*

2010-09-09T23:11:00.000-04:00

From our friend, Jessica: "The first photo is for your blog! I thought of you while on my trip... The second one is deceiving. It may appear that this young man is enjoying his time in the water relaxing and just kept his shirt on so he wouldn't get burned: The third one proves the afore mentioned theory wrong! Just a good ol redneck enjoying his fishing in the ocean working on his

[ For the love of mules & donkes ]*

2010-08-29T20:05:00.001-04:00

Our friend, Keith is the children's pastor at our church. Often times he will have the kids write notes to God. Their simplicity and honesty is refreshing and eye-opening. There have been many times when he has shared an anonymous note with me that leaves me completely humbled and with a clearer understanding of why Christ said we should come to him like the children do. And then--

[ Monroe Author Pens Renowned Fishing Book ]*

2010-08-20T19:09:00.000-04:00

Check out the article about David that recently ran in our local paper »