Every year our church does a fundraising campaign called “Be Rich“. The term “Be Rich” comes from 1 Timothy 6:18 – “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Its one of my favorite things our church does each year. Continue reading Be Rich: Volunteering at North Fulton Community Charities
All posts by Anthony Berg
Test Pits and Soil Tests
My wife and I are capturing the steps involved in building a custom home. Test pits and soil tests are not the most glamorous or interesting steps to write about but they are both important steps in reducing risks by understanding the reality of the build site.
During the purchase of the land we performed a level 3 soil study and validated that the property could support a septic system for a six bedroom home. The soil tests showed that we may require a more expensive septic system (one with an aerobic treatment unit) if more suitable soil could not be located on the property. We probably should have dug test pits at that time but we liked the property so much that we knew we would proceed with the purchase regardless of any potential test pit results . The perc test passed and we were willing to give up a basement if required so we concluded the due diligence process and proceeded with the land purchase. We decided to postpone test pits until we were closer to the actual build. Continue reading Test Pits and Soil Tests
Introducing Gideon Stanley
Please welcome our son, Gideon Stanley, to this wonderful world! Gideon was born on November 23, 2013 at 10:25 PM (the same birthday as my Dad and Grandpa Jeff :-)). At birth he weighed 8 lbs and 14.5 ounces and was 21.25 inches long. Mommy and baby are both doing well! Continue reading Introducing Gideon Stanley
Children are a Blessing…Yes, Even the 6th Child!
I remember distinctly the first time we found out we were pregnant. We were so excited and I remember the people around me communicating similar excitement. When I shared the news with friends, family, and even strangers, their immediate response was either “Congratulations!” or “How exciting!”…something like that. Based on that first experience I assumed that was the way people always respond when someone announces a new life will be joining this world. When I made that announcement my new baby was just an “it”…an unknown person, unknown sex and I had no idea what ‘it” would be like. Today, that little baby is my 16-year-old daughter, Mannah. Continue reading Children are a Blessing…Yes, Even the 6th Child!
The Emery Fit Program
I have been slowly developing a gut for many years….the first time I realized I had a problem was while flipping through some photos from a vacation to Mexico back in 2004. I wish I could say I took immediate action and got back in shape but I’ve pretty much added a pound or two every year since. Sure, I’ve tried dieting. Over the last 10 years I have collected 21 different sets of my “before” pictures for Body for Life, P90X, and others…..but, so far, no “after” photos. I have tried the Atkins Diet, the Hallelujah Diet, the Abs Diet, and a dozen others, but I was not successful with any of them. They were either too complicated, there was no variety in the foods, the foods were too limiting, or they required more discipline than I could muster up.
There is only one time I experienced both significant and lasting results – The Emery Fit program. I only stuck with it for a short time but I managed to lose 17 pounds and it took about a year to put it all back on (instead of the typical 2 weeks). I only made it about a third of the way to my goal weight and then things got crazy at work and I abandoned the program. Continue reading The Emery Fit Program
Lucky to be in Love with My Best Friend
I have heard plenty of women talk about their spouses as if they can’t stand them. They go on and on about this or that shortcoming. They fantasize about time spent away from them. They speak about them with disrespect, disregard, and sometimes even disgust. They talk about how they wish their husband was more this or more that. They idealize other women’s husbands as so much more upright, handsome, successful, thoughtful, funny, hard-working, romantic, and witty.
I have a confession to make. I feel extremely guilty and uncomfortable when caught in the middle of one of these conversations. Continue reading Lucky to be in Love with My Best Friend
Blessed to be in Love with My Best Friend
This post is in response to my wife’s post called “Lucky to be in Love with My Best Friend“. I was a little caught off guard when I read her post today as it is not our anniversary or Valentine’s day or some other occasion when you might expect some type of romantic message from your spouse. It happens to be my 39th birthday today but that’s not really cause for such kind words from my Sweetie. So I’m not really sure what the catalyst was for her post but I do appreciate it and I hope that some day I will live up to the picture she painted. 
I confess that I felt honored but I also felt slightly embarrassed that she shared such intimate words with the world. Continue reading Blessed to be in Love with My Best Friend
We selected a surveyor: TerraMark Land Surveying
When we purchased our lot we were provided with the plat information, elevation information, and other survey type information so I wasn’t sure if we would need a surveyor for our construction project. After reviewing the requirements specified by the Homeowner’s Association it was clear we were going to need some help to produce the required documentation. Beyond needing to submit the floor plans, exterior elevations, and examples of the materials we will be using, we also have to submit documentation related to the survey of the land, including: Continue reading We selected a surveyor: TerraMark Land Surveying
globalx trip to San Salvador, El Salvador PICTURES!
Thanks to everyone that supported Mannah with donations and prayers! She was able to raise all of the money needed for the globalX trip to San Salvador and the departure date has finally arrived! I dropped Mannah off at the Atlanta airport this morning at 7:00 for her trip to El Salvador! I am so excited to hear about her trip and see some pictures. I only have pictures from this morning at the airport so far but I will upload more pictures soon. Please continue praying for Mannah and her team that they will have a safe trip and that they will be used by God in a mighty way. Continue reading globalx trip to San Salvador, El Salvador PICTURES!
Ultrasound…it’s a boy!
We had an ultrasound a few weeks back and the technician said she was pretty sure we are having a boy but today she confirmed that November’s blessing will definitely be a boy. We decided to bring all of the kids with us to the appointment so they could be part of the experience. I’m so glad we did! They were perfectly behaved and we all got to see his little arms and legs, his alien shaped face, and most importantly, his beating heart. We were able to listen to the baby’s 135 beats per minute heart and watch as the technician pointed out each of the 4 chambers. Everything checked out and all signs are that the baby is healthy and growing well. Please keep Bethany and the baby in your prayers. Bethany still has 5 months to go so your prayers are appreciated. Continue reading Ultrasound…it’s a boy!