Pics from McPherson Christmas Ball 2007

I can't believe that it has already come and gone. But last friday was our big party. And we really had a blast. Here are a few pics from the night.

Zoe Grace's Freestyling

I love to watch her do her thing. She doesn't enjoy so much being told how to dance, where to go and what comes next. She prefers to freestyle. There is something to learn from this.

Christmas Parties

This was the week for Christmas Parties. Jen and I host the McPherson Christmas Ball, which, we hope, is becoming a Mena tradition. Last year we decided since we already have done much of the work, why not let the kids host a party as well the next night. So this year, again we threw two huge parties. When we got back from Atlanta the preparation started in earnest and soon all the furniture was moved and we were string lights from the ceiling. Within a few days the living room was transformed into a party pad. All in all around 90 people through the house in two days. But it was so cool.

Our party was fun, lots of people dressed up, some of us danced and we generally had a few laughs. Not the least of which centered around a "Naughty" Book purchased at Old Navy for a gag. You can only imagine where all that went. Good times.

The kids on the other hand, really knew how to break it down as you will see in this video. We only had two major injuries. One boy broke out his front teeth on the concrete floor and another little girl got her glasses smashed. Both are o.k. and I don't believe any lawsuits are pending.

Thanksgiving in ATL

We absolutely love being able to go to my home town and stay with my mom and dad. It was great to be home for a short time around Thanksgiving. For us it is so relaxing and fun to be able to hit our favorite shopping places, music stores, and motorcycle shops, as well as our usual restaurants. Plus, there is always something to do.

This particular trip was very full because Jen and I attended the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Conference at the World Congress Center. It was great as usual. We came away relaxed, very happy to be married to each other and oh yeah, inspired.

Then we had Thanksgiving with the families and really enjoyed ourselves. It's hard because you don't know how much you miss people many times until you are face to face. I need to do a much better job keeping in closer contact with my extended family. We enjoy being together so much, It's sad that we can't more often.

We were strangely attacked by a weird stomach virus after midnight on the night before we left. So with little sleep and "varmitting" kids we took off for Arkansas long before daylight. We made it with no major problems and were excited to be home.

Fun with Friends

God has blessed us with some great friends all around the country. Many of our crew, we can pick up with just like we have never said goodbye and carry on just like old times. For Jen and I, richness of life comes from the experiences you have and the people you love. Our family and friends are dear to us, so we try to make choices accordingly. November was an especially great month with some good memories. One more word on friends, we're real thankful for friends that you can go out with or hang around with and feel comfortable, but probably more important than even that is that you can laugh together. On a night in November, I laughed so hard my face started to ache.

Here are some pics of hanging out with friends and family recently.

2007 Family Highlights

I realize that 2007 is far from over and that we still have quite a few things planned for the next few months, namely, going to Atlanta, Christmas Parties, the big Christmas play and lots and lots of football on the T.V. But I wanted to try to capture just what an amazing year it has been.

As Jennifer and I sat in Huatusco, Mexico back in October of 2006, we discussed what the next year would look like. We already knew some of the travel that lay in front of us and some of the challenges that loomed ahead. We were praying hard about Zeke going to public school and all that this decision would change. It was in these moments that we decided to attempt the big Disney excursion. From there the plan grew and we ended up getting to have an incredible time there during one of our trips to Florida.

When you watch this video of all the places that we have been and all the fun that we had, please know that we give God thanks profusely for all that He has done for us, and for giving us such a blessed year.

CMA Youth Movement in Mexico

Jennifer and I have had the privilege to drive to be with some great students in Huatusco Mexico, both last year and this. It was very cool to be back with them. We are always amazed at their love for Christ and with their hospitality. As I have blogged already, the ride down was long but exciting and rewarding. We stayed at Hotel Los Cocuyos, and again completely enjoyed ourselves. We also had a really fun time wandering around the small city, tramping through the marketplace and drinking some of the best coffee you can find anywhere.

Here are some pics from our trip to Mexico.

Changing of the Colors Rally 2007

Our biggest rally of the year was just a few weeks ago. It was really an awesome experience and we are so glad that so many of our leaders and friends from around the country and world could come by for a while. We had some crazy youth services and some pretty intense times of worship. Here are a few pics, more to follow and videos as soon as I can edit them.

Here are a few pics of the kids that we took just before the craziness of the Rally. They are growing up very fast and we couldn't be any happier with them.

Blogging from the motorcycle

Tonight finds me near the Mexico border in south-south Texas. We are on the CMA Evangelist team building mission trip to assist CMA Mexico...translation: 4 days on Suzuki from Mena, Arkansas to Huatusco, Vera Cruz, Mexico.

This morning when I woke up in Waco, it was pouring rain. So I spent the first half of the day, complaining to myself and being scared. (I hate riding on the highway in the rain). White knuckles doesn't begin to describe it. But as life would seem to teach me, it doesn't always rain. And sure enough, around lunch it stopped. I don't think I can remember a time when I was so glad to see the sun. As I was thanking God for the rain subsiding, I began to shiver. Here I was, ripping down the highway in South Texas, and I am absolutely freezing. The gloves weren't exactly waterproof and wet hands with even the littlest cool temperature make for uncomfortable riding.

The rest of the day went very well, except for a minor arguement between us and our GPS units. We made it into Harlingen, TX really close to the Mexican border and we are spending the night and getting an early jump on it tomorrow. I am so glad to be on the way to Mexico again, even though I am still totally shot from the leadership conference and the Colors Rally. I am also already missing the kids and hate to be away from them. However, Jen and I are looking forward to spending some moments together in Huatusco and Vera Cruz, Mexico.

CMA Youth Movement Summer Fun 2007

Here is a quick video from some of the fun we had this summer with students in the CMA Youth Movement. Changing of the Colors is starting this weekend and we are very excited about alot of friends coming in for the event.

McPherson Clan Alive and Well

Despite all the rumors our clan is still kicking. In fact, kicking hard. God has helped us through a very busy month and blessed us with some really cool moments along the way. We have been heavily involved with school, dance, football, church and oh yeah, work. Still September brought more than a few smiles and good times. The band has been very busy and is playing 6 times this month so we are really enjoying that. We took some pub photos the other week. (real rock stars right?) Here are some pics from recent weeks.

Still on the road and having a great time. Here are some shots from Chicago, Michigan State Rally and a brief stay in Iowa. The funny stories behind some of these pictures are too funny and best told in person. Heading to Tennessee to the CMA National East Rally tommorrow and then off to Atlanta for a quick visit.

Fun in South Dakota

Here are a few quick pics from South Dakota. We are having an amazing time on our way to the next CMA rally. Mount Rushmore was very cool.

We are finishing up two weeks in Central Washington State. The CMA National West Rally was a huge success and we had a wonderful time in ministry to students and hanging out with friends. On Sunday we took a beautiful ride up to Grand Coulee Dam. It was really fun and we learned alot. There was a Laser Show at night (didn't hold a candle to Stone Mountain!) and then as we drove back to Moses Lake, the moon was shining brightly on the lakes. It was a sight that I won't soon forget. Here are some pics from the past few weeks. We are really enjoying our time on the road and the kids are having a great time. Getting to swim most days and hanging out with friends in CMA.

Pictures from Haiti and Dominican Republic

Here are a few quick pics from the recent CMA Youth Movement Mission Trip to Dominican Republic and Haiti. It was an incredible week and we absolutely enjoyed it. There was so much to do and see and so many people to interact with.

Zeke is very sick. He seems to have caught something there in Haiti. (Some of the children that we played with were sick.) We are praying for him and believing that He will get better really soon.

Kids in Lake Greeson

Kids in Lake Greeson
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson

Had a really good time today at Lake Greeson for Memorial Day. It was a perfect afternoon and we rented a big party barge. Did a little fishing and did a little swimming, but mainly just had a great time on the water all together.

Recent Video Projects

Been really busy with the video editor recently. Check out some of the videos that I have been working on here at my youtube page. Psalm 136 is a Scripture project that we did at church. No video project would be complete without it's funny out takes. Jennifer and I have gotten involved with Abby's Dance Studio and have put together some videos for their recital this weekend. Below are some videos from that project. Abby is in Jazz 1 and Zoe is in Preballet

Slideshow of latest Photos

Here are a few of my latest photos from the past month...

The Passing of Carl Sumler

Carl Sumler - Sterling College April 2007
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

It is with great sadness that I mention the passing of a new friend. Carl Sumler was a student at Sterling College, where CMA has begun a ministry to the college campus. Carl is a young man that I met on my last visit in April. He was exciting and preparing his life for ministry. He had become involved in CMA and had big plans for helping with the ministry on campus.

He was involved in a tragic accident that killed both he and his parents and his young nephew. My prayers for those touched most by the tragedy is that God will comfort and supply peace to help them in this most difficult moment.

Zeke and Kye

Zeke and Kye
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

This past month has really been great. At the start of the month we had the chance to be with Lavon and Sandra at the completely renovated Mercy and Grace Worship Center in Fouke Arkansas for a youth revival. The whole week kicked-off with a youth day at the lake, which we enjoyed so much. The day was perfect. Great weather, water, volleyball...it was very fun. Here are a few of the pics from that day.



It was really great to be with family and friends. The services went well and I especially enjoyed playing music with my old band mates, Jeff Douglas, George Miller and Doug Elison. We had such a good time that we felt the same sadness that we felt when we left for CMA all over again.

Your Forgiveness

This song was written by my friend Jeremiah Brewer. It is beautifully simple and yet we have all been going around singing it for weeks. We decided to throw some images at it and this video is what came out. Check out Jeremiah's My Space here.

Treasure Hunt

We have had a very busy few weeks since our trip to Disney World but it has been very exciting. We have been to two weddings and the corresponding parties. Had one of our Kin Thegither Weekend (Which we all enjoy so much) and even DJ'ed the adult prom of Mena. You all know that we like to try to do some creative thinks with the kids, and maybe some of you have seen last years "Wake Up Call", but this year we tried something a little more complex (and a lot more slapstick). Here is the first edit of "Treasure Hunt" (McPherson Family Video March 2007)

Disney World Trip

Disney World 07 036
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

What can you say about a trip that you have been planning for so long and expectations were so high on? Nothing but...absolutely awesome! We completely blew the doors off Disney World. We started early each day and took in everything. Using our little guide book and a little Disney know-how, we managed to hit most everything right on, didn't have to wait in many lines at all and rode the best rides over and over again. We really made some cool memories. The families favorites for the week would have had to have been: Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom); Mission Space (Epcot); and Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom), but there were so many it is hard to narrow it down. We really enjoyed Finding Nemo the Musical which was a full-scale broadway type show. Please click on the pic and see some the pictures from the trip. We are making a video highlighting the trip and will get it posted soon. Thank God for such a cool opportunity. One day (out there in the future) we want to go back, with some of our friends and families and make some more memories.

Florida State Rally

Florida State Rally 07 031
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

Rick and Angie Smith are the CMA Youth Movement Leaders for the State of Florida. I can't say enough about what a great job that they are doing with students and with the ministry at MX tracks. We appreciate them so much. It was great to be at the rally with so many students. This year for the first time we had a off-road riding opportunity for students at the State Rally (Thanks to Rick). By the way, be sure to check out the new look of CMA's website: www.cmausa.org We also had the chance to spend some time with Jeremy and Josiah. (Whom the kids call "Si" as per his wishes.) They were doing good so it was great to see them.

CMA Fastlane Booth at ATL IMS

CMA Fastlane Booth at ATL IMS
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

This weekend we were in Atlanta to work the Cycle World's International Motorcycle Show. CMA Fastlane had a booth at the show and it was a great success. We had many opportunities to talk to people and made some really good contacts. Check out www.cyclespace.com. It was fun to hang with John and Randal, and Mom and Dad brought Zeke and Abby over on Saturday. Lifelong friend Clay came by as well. It was really good to see him too. Only bad thing was that Zoe and Joby were sick, we are praying that they get well real soon.

Zoe Collage

zoe collage small
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

Joby (age 10) took these photos of his sister Zoe (age 4) in the car the other day. He did a great job on getting his model to work with him. We photoshoped on them and this is what fell out.

As we leave home today, we are very excited about these next 3 weeks. There is much CMA work ahead but we will get to spend some short time with my parents in ATL and we have some excitement planned in FL with a few days at Disney. Jennifer and I have been planning this for quite some time so we can't wait!

Jason and Dawn's Wedding Pics

Jason and Dawn's Wedding Pics
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

Good friends Jason and Dawn tied the knot today in Mena at Jansen park. I was honored to be the officiating minister and photographer. We are so happy for them and ask for God to bless their family. Short and sweet, but beautiful none the less. I can't help but remember how wonderful our wedding day was and what a blessing my wife has been over the past 14 years. So to Jason and Dawn..."You are in for an awesome ride...it gets better and better."

New York International Motorcycle Show

January '06 221
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

CMA is involved at the International Motorcycle Show across the country, and this past weekend, we helped out the Manhattan CMA chapter as they worked this event. As with the other few times that we have worked at the IMS, the show was awesome, it is really cool to be in the middle of all those bikes and accessories. NYC was awesome, but again I could only think about the family, who did not get to come with. We hit the midweek prayer service at Times Square Church, traveled by Subway and Taxi and generally had a New York Weekend. Can't wait to go back, next time with Jennifer.

Stunt Wars - Lakeland Florida

EPV0484
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

Back in the old college town of Lakeland for ministry at the 2006 Stunt Wars. This was an unbelievable event with the best stunters in the world in competition. We had some really exciting opportunities at this event and met alot of the riders. CMA had a huge presence at this event and definitely seems to be making an impact in this area. I got to visit with friends in youth ministry from Deland, Florida and with Jennifer's uncle from Tampa. All in all a very exciting trip, only problem was that I had to do it without the family, who would have loved Florida.

My Girls

January '06 071
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

How blessed can one person be? You know I can hardly believe that my little ones are this old. It was a beautiful holiday with lots of time to be together. This shot is one that I will cherish for a long time.

Christmas in Atlanta

January '06 127
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

We were very privileged to get to spend the Christmas holidays with my parents in Atlanta. We always have such a good time when we are there. This particular photo was taken on Christmas day at Grandpa's with everyone there but my brother and his family.