If you see a letter listed in front of a Journal post below – this is what it stands for…
A=Attitude, B=Behavior, K=Knowledge, P=Priorities, R=Relationships
My Journal is something I try to do at least once a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I’m pretty honest with myself and that is reflected here.
If you have never tried (or have failed in the past) at journaling, use this as an example.
If you feel like leaving a comment, go to my About tab. All comments left here will be deleted.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Church was good today, really reminded me about being free from debt. I was encouraged since we have done well regarding this, but we have been challenged to seek an even better savings plan. God really showed me this last week that sin is the tool of Satan, and that is why I should be repulsed by it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
My son worked it out to make me a special surprise breakfast this morning. Bread and marshmallows. Mommy gave him the idea to add some peanut butter to the bread so the marshmallows would stick. Pretty good! But not eggs and bacon :) Interesting how with the Colts game going late, and the holiday week ahead, I chose to sleep in instead of my usual get up at 6am or so. Lucky choice, or maybe God knew a little angel named Camden had something planned.
R-Camden, I need to continue to “get over” his 5 year old antics.
A-I need to look at the world with a renewed attitude. Being quick to anger is NOT an admirable trait.
P-God, Family, Self, this is falling into place.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Well, I have successfully gotten my son and I way too interesting in an old computer game called Roller Coaster Tycoon. It’s fun, but when 2 hours fly by in the blink of an eye while playing, something is wrong. I will add a timer to the room, this will curb the insanity. Camden continued his VERY giving and merciful behavior yesterday, I pray this continues! I held my anger in check all day!
R-An amazing day with Camden, thank you God.
A-My controlled attitude and BEHAVIOR paid off
K-I have enjoyed conversing via my blog with a gentleman from the other side of the world who practices Hinduism.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Well, Thanskgiving is upon us and I have to not eat too much. With vacation looming (not a bad thing) I would prefer my clothes be comfortable. The timer worked with regards to playing games. Camden actually helped me with chores for several hours as well, WOW.
R-Accountability was good as well.
P & B-It’s amazing how a good day can come from hard work. Priorities are a good thing.
A-Camden is progressing at learning to obey ever since I quit arguing with him.
K-It seems lately people enjoy using my blogs as stepping stones so they can tell how ignorant I am. I’m just excited how God is placing links to my blog all over the place. Bring ‘em in God, use me to share the truth!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Success, we ate a meal well after my normal lunch time, so for dinner I ate just a piece of wonderful apple pie and lots of veggies and dip. Downside, was that our son was sick and my wife stayed home so I could spend time with my family. We had to shift Thanksgiving over to my mom’s house instead of ours, but it all worked out. Thanks Mom! Thanks wifey!
Yesterday, I had some good realization regarding selfishness. Selfishness is a major source of stress if one let’s it run their life!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Well the shopping craze has started and I can’t say that I am crazy about it. I do enjoy the cheap purchases that can go toward helping people in this coming winter season. Menards was selling blankets for $1.98 a piece (limit 10). Get some and share with someone who needs it! I do indulge a little, the free stuff is right up my alley.
P & R-I stayed home Friday and cared for our son (who is feeling much better now), the wife was out with her yearly ’shop like crazy with mom’ event. Good times for them!
B-It can be tough leaving your child to figure things out on their own, but we need to do it so they learn. What am I talking about? Tying shoes! Our son tied both of his shoes all by himself for the first time yesterday.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
We made it back from Disney World safely, a little delayed, but safe! I admit I’m still a failure at sticking with my Bible reading and prayer times while on vacation. It also didn’t help that I thought my wife packed our travel Bible and she thought I packed my little Bible!
I can get back on schedule this week!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Today, I slept in a bit to help combat the cold bug that is pervading our home. Camden is sick again and coughing. I had a good prayer time over breakfast this morning. Today is catch up day for laundry and attempting to clean the house up a bit. Isn’t it fun coming home from vacation?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Head back to the 8th real quick. I called the doc for Camden since he started complaining about his ear hurting. This was at 3:33pm….so no hope for an appointment. God had other plans…I got him in at 4pm, now THAT is a miracle, right? Today, he is doing much better and actually went to school. Antibiotics are good.
I slept late again, but had a short prayer time and Bible reading this morning before Camden awoke.
P-I busted my rear today getting big and little things done around the house. I also rewarded myself with an hour of Roller Coaster Tycoon with my son. He twisted my arm.
R-Camden is asleep on the couch at 6pm, he’s an angel to watch.
A-My vacation attitude is finally subsiding, WOW, that can be detrimental to being a functional and efficient person.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I was able to get back onto my morning schedule today. Up early, pray, eat and read the Bible, write a post here. I’ve also been having another nice discussion with an teen Atheist whom I met commenting on another blog. Hopefully, God will allow him some time to figure things out.
Camden couldn’t go to school since he had a ferverlast night, but was back to himself today. He helped me with Christmas cards and we played a bit today. Of course, he’s still not 100%, so his whining has tested my patience and helped me dig for some empathy.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
This was a good but challenging day. IT started well, great prayer time, Bible reading. Answered some emails from an Atheist, wrote in the blog, responded to some good comments. Camdenmade it to his last day of school. We had some fun at the bank, we turned in some rolled pennies for a $2 bill, some Eisenhower $1 coins and some of the new Presidential $1 gold coins. We then went and spent them at Chick-fil-a! Camden wasn’t as engaged as I hoped he would be, but that will some. I was challenged as Camden progressively got more and more out of control yesterday. I lost my temper a couple of times. Definitely one of the most challenging days I’ve had with him in a very long time. My wife is also sick with the flu, so I was trying to care for her as well.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wow, I got away from the blog for a while. I did spend time answering some comments and emails stemming from my work on this site. Camden continues to be a real challenge. He seems to have a goal to do nothing that I ask of him even if he wants to do it. This attitude is hard for me to deal with much of the time. If anything, it makes things very inefficient and I have always had some patience issues. Wah, Wah, Wah, Boo Hoo. Camden is out of school so the morning routine is changing. I’m thinking Bible reading time may start occurring mid-afternoon.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Well, I’ve been a little sick and the Season has gotten me all busy. No excuse for NOT journaling! I’m a bit tired and honestly sick of having to run to the bathroom at all hours especially from 1am to 6am recently. I was able to take part in an early gift of going to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at Conseco Fieldhouse. What a show! My attitudes and behavior have been okay, but I am continually challenged in my relationship with my son. His disrespectful 5 year old attitude is very old and I do hope it adjusts somewhat SOON. His seemingly constant desire for conflict is disturbing.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Healthy and having a good week. My wife is home this week too. Camden is learning fast this week that whining and the tantrums will be more under control or there are ramifications he doesn’t like. As for me, I really need a break from cookies!
K- Berean Christian Bookstore was going out of business so we picked up several Bible studies as well as some other books and cheap stuff.
R- The family is together this week so we are having quality time and a bit of normalcy that has been absent for a while.
Saturday, January 3, 2009!
The new year has me thinking. Let’s see…
Nov 2002, I am deeply challenged to consider quitting my job to stay at home and do ministry work or something else. We are also trying to have a baby now and considering downsizing our home.
Mar 2003, Lots of things happen this time of 2003. I head to Cuba on a prayer mission trip, I learn we are expecting a baby in October and I return from Cuba knowing that I am to quit my job, immediately. We are able to refinance our home. We end up refinancing again, and accept that we are not supposed to sell it. The rates kept dropping, and no one showed any interest in buying it over the next few months.
April 2003, I officially quit working full time and learn the ropes of staying at home.
May 2003, My wife and I go on a road trip to South Dakota.
June 2003, My wife goes on bedrest. I’m home and can take care of her, I’m comfortable at home by this time and it’s great!
Over the next couple years, our church needs a volunteer youth director, and working with the youth had been my calling for many years. At the end of this work, we ended up at a new church 5 minutes from our home. You have to understand that one of the main reason we were considering moving before was so we could be closer to the church we attended at the time.
Job, Baby, House, Bedrest, Church…
Can you see God’s plan? It’s amazing how it works out.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Wow, today’s sermon was right up my alley. I prefer a sermon that dives into why Jesus really came, and I got it. It’s always good to be reminded of sin, what it is, why we need Jesus, and what Jesus did. I pray many people were fed spiritually today.
I’ve had a good week, the family is doing well. My attitude has been good except for a couple of mild arguments that were resolved lovingly. I feel my priorities have been good (they are not perfect) and these last several days have allowed me to rebuild some relationships. I’m currently trying to build some friend relationships. I need to pray about this. It seems everyone is too busy to have friends.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Another good sermon today…but I want to share that this week had been a good week. I wish I had read more of the Bible, but family time good. Camden continues to be a challenge, but I set up some “House Rules” that have helped us out a bit. I even had a day that started out a bit badly. We left the garage open all night and it got down to -10. The sink in the garage froze, but it thawed out just fine. Then, while doing laundry, the washer drained and the drain pipe had shifted up which allowed for a few gallons of water to run over onto the floor. In the end, it was a good way to get the laundry room floor cleaned. I also found that I needed to add some foam insulation around the laundry room water faucets and drain that are mounted in the wall. AND…I also sealed the hole in the floor where the water softener line comes up from the basement! Fun times! All things work for good for those who love God!
Okay, I’m caught up changing how my Journal tab looks! No more date headlines in the text.
This past week was both good and bad. It surrounds the fact that this time of the year it always hard on my wife (need warmth and sun – pleeeaasssee!). I get cranky a bit too, and then this siphons down to Camden getting cranky. How nice. So, petty arguments, bad choices and LOTS of forgiveness (that’s the good part of the week). I did prepare my first non-recipe lasagna last Friday. Ground Pork, Ricotta cheese, lots of other white cheese, mmmmmm, yum. It was nice and thick. Not a hard job, just prepared “right”!
I’m challenged to complete work on what is called a “Personal Life and Growth Plan”. A friend of mine and I decided it’s a must in order to be truly accountable to each other. We must have a plan, and it must be measurable. Our church provides great leadership regarding developing your “faith and life” together and this “Foundational” tool is a part of that.
Now I’m reading a leadership book that at first made me want to gag. Hey, I’m being honest! Leadership books must be dry, right? Well, no. So far it’s very engaging and appears that it will be a good balance of challenge and analysis with a bit of encouragement. The book? Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton.
At home I’ve been dealing with anger issues, maybe stemming from having a 5 year old button pusher only child! I love him, but I have my days…Wintertime brings a little more inside time that allows for us all to become more annoyed with each other. But…playing in the foot of snow was and still is fun. I was able to create a winter wonderland of snow sledding hills in the front yard.
Well, personally, this has been an overall good week. Today was trying. It started well, but my wife and I haven’t been communicating well of late and the day took a turn before we left for church. It got worse as the day went on, but after some hard work putting away Christmas decorations (we leave them up through Jan) things had settled down. I’m tired and my wife is dealing with the blah season (depression etc). Nothing like brown grass and gray trees to lift our spirits! We miss the snow.
Camden is on a kick where he is telling everyone that he loves them!
Something I’ve been working on for a while….A Personal Life and Growth Plan. Stage 4 is my Core Values:
Obedience – It’s something I expect from my child, so I should expect myself to obey the law and God’s law.
o Attend church
o Read the Bible
o Review God’s laws and advice
o Honor my Parents
Personal Relationships – Friends and Family are a priority in my life that are nurtured and loved.
o Communicate regularly
o Have regular dates with my wife
o Travel someplace new with Camden once a month
o Visit or travel with a friend once a year
Joy/Fun – Life is a waste without the enjoyment of laughter, silliness and sharing these experiences. I won’t ever be serious all the time.
o Play games regularly
o Write a funny post once a month
o Break up a serious moment with a joke often
Learning – I will never stop learning and I will learn new and thought provoking ideas.
o Study the Bible
o Attend two (2) classes a year at The Creek
o Research details on taking college classes through The Creek
Teaching – I will impart good advice and wisdom as I attain it.
o Continue supporting the Foundations Ministry
o Consider teaching a class at The Creek
o Consider working with the youth at The Creek
o Help Camden develop school skills at home
Effort – I will not be lazy, but I will allow others to help me out if needed or offered.
o Ignore your blog and games at least two (2) days a week
o Accept help at least once a month
o Continue expanding your skills at homemaking
Well, back from vacation and the blog has been put on hold a while. The last week or so have been great. I’ve turned over a new leaf in interacting with my son and he is responding very well. I just hope I can keep adapting as he gets older and his attitudes change. My wife and I are doing well, work for her has been stressful, but I’ve been doing much better at home with my renewed desire to be the best stay-at-home dad I can be. Hopefully, that helps her come home to a stress-free environment!
Stage five of the Personal Life and Growth Plan:
Spiritual Formation and Assessment
My spiritual maturity is all over the map. My faith is at an all time high I would say. I love God greatly and continue to seek ways to better build my foundation to better see, understand and feel how God views my sin. I hear the Holy Spirit callings, warnings and I do see the “way out” when tempted just about all the time. I wonder if I “put on” Jesus everyday. I know Jesus, I understand the sacrifice, I see the need, but I am hit or miss when it comes to being a mature Christian everyday.
I see a lack of talking to God as a factor in my lack of maturity. In my heart I vividly recall all the great times I’ve had while reading through the Bible, yet I seem to easily dismiss this simple activity. Prayer time has been good in the past, but has never been what I had hoped. At this moment my commitment to basic disciplines is poor. I do know that as I become more involved in my church, these disciplines seem to be easier to do. One area that I am strong in through various media is Bible study. I thirst for it. Silence and Solitude is important and I can do a better job of forming this discipline into a habit. Fasting is not a part of my spiritual walk.
My goals are:
1) Read through the Bible in a year.
2) Spend time in prayer most mornings first thing.
3) Obey the Holy Spirit
Wow, the week flew by…I’ve had an overall good week! I’ve been enjoying a class a church that’s enlightened me a bit regarding alternate ways of studying God’s Word. Home life has been well too. Camden and I are seemingly on the same page now since I essentially eliminated much of my negative feedback and loud discipline. Love, Love, Love like my last name. Makes a big difference.
Camden and I started watching the original 3 Star Wars movies. (IV, V & VI) for you young ones reading this. I’ve enjoyed sharing my old Star Wars toys with Camden. He stood and clapped at the end of Star Wars IV, A New Hope. That’s my boy.
Chris and I are definitely dealing with parent-itis. We’ve had a semi-difficult time adjusting our married life to parenthood. It’s a healthy challenge we are running into together head-on and it hurts sometimes.
This has been a good week except for one day. I’ll mark that as an anomaly. The religion class at church has been very good and the ministry I’m involved in is getting ready to take off. This is an exciting time, as well as a time of temptation as Satan had no desire for me to move forward in my Walk with Christ. How will I respond?
Well, I’m still reading the Bible plan every morning and praying every morning!
I arranged to have several family members meet at a BW3’s to watch the opening round of NCAA b-ball games. Camden attended and did VERY well. Sometime during the Purdue game my lower back popped and I was in a bunch of pain the rest of the day. I rested, rested and did more rest. I let Christy take care of things and the next morning my back was still bad, but much better. She left for work and I hobbled out of bed to check on Camden. He proceeded to vomit on his bed and floor. Did I mention that I’m reading the book of Job currently?
Well, long story short, the car was being worked on at Honda, Camden was vomiting every hour and couldn’t keep down water, my dad came by to help for a little while and my wife came home from work to take care of both of her boyz… :) Yes, I can still smile. On top of all this, my NCAA bracket prediction is, shall we say, keeping in line with every other calamity. Alas, I still have a God who loves me and I’m doing well. Last night before falling asleep, I was praying with my eyes closed and had a flash of light right after I asked to be healed. I was kind of freaking out…my back did feel better and I was able to sleep for 11 hours with no pain. My back isn’t completely healed, but it is pretty much better.
I have nothing to complain about.
I had a nice Spring Break in the Florida Pan Handle with family, so I missed updating the blog for several weeks. My laptop also “died” on me, so I just finished getting it all reloaded and up to snuff. I must say I am doing a little better regarding computer problems. I used to get way too worked up. My family may feel I still get too worked up, but I KNOW I’m better!
I was able to keep up with my bible reading while on vacation and was able to find a nice contemporary service to head to on the one Sunday I was not in a car driving. :)
I really enjoy visiting other churches. People are always nice and it’s a healthy change of pace hearing a sermon from a different preacher. God speaks through many people and I think many people get caught up in “their” pastor and they miss out on a lot.
Camden is now going through a new “testing his limits” stage and I don’t miss it. He sure knows how to push buttons! I sure DON’T know how to not let them be pushed!
Well, things are going well overall, that’s all I have to say for now.
A new ministry at church was launched today which I’ve been a part of for maybe a year now in the planning stages…we are coaching Christians on a short term basis to help encourage those who wish to have help regarding learning to study the Bible or pray or journal etc. There is a strong desire to engage the congregation to Go Deeper and not be a “Sunday” Christian.
Life is good. Between yard work and other duties, things are going well. Camden had his very first soccer game ever and has turned out to be quite the defensive commando. If you try to score a goal, watch out!
I’m still on track reading through the Bible. I’m reading through Daniel and Revelation at this time. Good stuff.
I’m letting go of a few things that have been brought to my attention: Nagging Camden about eating/trying food and encouraging him to go to the bathroom on my timetable. He’s five and I need to let this go before it damages our relationship.
Have a blessed week!
It’s been a good week. Chris and I had a great date night (See Rabbit Hole post on Home tab) and Camden is enjoying playing in the nice weather. Not sure why it seems that it rains on Tuesday’s for his soccer practice (they need practice since it’s their first time playing!) but so be it. Supposed to rain tomorrow too. I’m doing a good job of following my personal life and growth plan and bible reading and prayer have been good this week! Even had a friend over and we watched the latest Indiana Jones movie on Friday.
Whoops, I missed a week!
Things have been good and bad. I’ll explain. As a good friend of mine declared, “We must be doing things right because Satan appears to be trying to mess everything up!”
Of late, my wife’s job has been a bit stressful AND I have been getting more heavily involved in ministry at church. As my involvement has increased, so has the stress from her work. This stress spills over to home life and we have “dysfunction!” We catch our breath and we realize that the difficulties are just a challenge for us to overcome. The KEY is that we are to overcome them by coming to the Lord. If we try to do it ourselves we WILL fail eventually. This describes the last fews weeks in a nutshell! Plus, our washing machine went to the washing machine graveyard.
Oh my, I missed a week!!!!
This has been a pretty good week. Considering my back has been keeping me down for the last week, that’s probably why I missed doing my last journal. It’s back to about 90% I’d say.
Honestly, it’s been a challenge controlling my eyes of late. You may not know what I mean, but if you are a guy, you understand. Those eyes, the windows to my soul, have been tempted too often, and I haven’t done as good a job as usual NOT looking. My prayer life has dropped off a bit too. It occurs, it’s just inconsistent.
The good news is that my Bible reading has been very intriguing of late. I’m in a “deep study” mode and I like it. As I read through the Bible in a year, this time, I just can’t simply read it. I’m pulled to really READ it….slowly….deeply….looking up details….figuring out historical consistencies within various Biblical books…etc. It’s fun!
I’m also helping with a class Sunday morning at church. This too is fulfilling.
As a Foundation Coach, I’ve been coaching a few individuals and couples the last few weeks. Fulfilling yet again. Thank you God.
Wow, do I ever understand Paul’s words about “Why do I do the things I don’t want to do, when I know I should not do them…!” Don’t we all?
Overall, this week was very good. As usual, I’m not perfect, yet again. One of the questions my pastor is covering during his current sermon series is something like, “Does God ever get tired of forgiving us?” I feel like I’m a walking “sin and repent” machine sometimes!
Lord help me through another week and bless my wife as she is working in England till Thursday. Help VBS be a special memory for Camden and for me to take ahold of the “thorns” in my side and deal with them accordingly.
This has been a great week, ending on a high note. I have placed some good boundaries in my life to help me in various ways in dealing with temptation as well. Bible reading was consistent and interesting. The book of Jeremiah isn’t as easy to read as some of the other OT books. I am enjoying Matthew though. My wife made it back from England and Camden completed VBS this past week!
As far as ministry at church, we just finished teaching a class and the next round starts next week!
On the homefront, I finished the planting landscaping around the mailbox and waterfall in the backyard. Now, I just need to get some haydite rock to complete to look.
Okay, I’m late since I forgot about my journal after the awesome weekend to remember conf we went to.
I’m a bit behind on my Bible reading plan, but have been reading none the less! I’ll catch up soon enough. I had a root canal to rid me of pain from a recent crown that irritated my root. Then I had to deal with readjusting the bite. So, most of the pain is gone now!
I can’t say enough about the Weekend to Remember marriage conference. What a blessing.
Chris’ work is still nuts.
A=Attitude, B=Behavior, K=Knowledge, P=Priorities, R=Relationships
It’s been a while since I used these reminders. So here goes.
A – Over the last few months, my attitude has been one I would describe as maturing. Maturing in my faith and my role as a stay-at-home-dad.
B – I’ve been reconfiguring my day to better include Camden in what I’m doing
K – I have continually been studying the Bible as well as other fields of interest.
P – God, wife, child, me. I think “me” slips into the first 3 spots often still. However, I’m enjoying honoring my parents and trying to be there for my wife. Waterfall, landscaping, love.
R – The marriage conference with my wife was much needed and a blessing. Camden and I have a guys trip planned as well!
Wow, vacation was great! Camden and I had some good father son time and we only had one “bad” day out of the 4 days on our own.
The week also entailed going through some of Uncle Kenny’s workshop and organizing and measuring equipment to see how it will fit in my future workshop in the basement…long road ahead, but my dream of more detailed woodworking will become a reality eventually, God willing. Miss you Ken.
Needless to say, with vacation, my Bible reading got way behind. Hopefully, I can catch back up, or maybe I’ll read the Bible in a year and a month!
Chris and I have had some very good time to talk get on track with each other of late. This has been much needed!
Yes, reading the whole Bible through a second time will happen when it happens. No use beating myself up for falling behnd a bit :)
Prayer time was inconsistent for a week or so, but I am concentrating on his discipline now.
Life is good, and cannot complain about anything. God’s provision is glady accepted as so many around the world are going without. Use me, Lord, to do better each day to help those in need.
I’m looking forward to a family reunion we are having this coming weekend at our home!
Well, I missed another week! How do I do that?
Life is pretty good on many fronts. One of the most important fronts at home is a bit stressful for us. We are trying to discern what God would have us do regarding job situation, roles and other big picture life items. So, please pray for us if you read this!
We have so gotten used to “security” on all fronts of life that we need to know what God IS telling us versus what we think God is telling us.
My Bible reading has been a bit sporadic as well as my prayer time. I need to shore this up.
I need to invest in some Silence and Solitude to help clear my mind and hear God’s calling.
As I write this today, we have been in a perpetual Severe Thunderstorm since around 10am. Hence, the shower I was going to take has been put on hold due to all the lightning….so why not keep on writing! I’ve decided to start putting some of my memories into my blog as autobiographical snippets of my life. Right now, I’m recording everything having to do with football. See my Home page and look for “Knocked Down and Definitely Out”. I’m writing it in loose chapters.
Outside of this work, I’m working hard with Camden on getting his overly unruly attitude in check. He starts school soon and this phase will just make his life difficult in school. Teaching about respect and trying not to be an angry parent are the topics of prayers that I need pointed in my direction. I’m working so hard on being consistent, but it’s difficult given my nature. It’s so important though.
We had a successful disciplinary session this morning. He was so mad he was hitting my chair and I stayed calm. He went to his room on his own to cool off. He had disobeyed me by questioning everything I asked him to do this morning, as well as defiantly telling me NO at just about every turn. It came to a head when he lost his temper and started beating on his crayons at his desk. He was mad because he didn’t want to do his summer homework and when his crayon box tipped over he lost it. Needless to say, the trip to the Children’s Museum was canceled and then postponed indefinitely. That’s what led to his trip to his room to cool down. After that, we had a good talk and went over the rules again and what is expected of him.
All’s well in Love land again.
On a personal front, Chris and I are now praying together before bed most nights. I’m also doing a devotional each night and am reading The Shack. I love you God.
My lovely wife is off work this week!
We’ve had some good family time, and went to the pool at the Y today. I’ve been reading The Shack, and its really shown me a different perspective on God and the Trinity that I find intriguing. I have a new way of combating some Atheistic views of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Church this week was also very challenging. I must not be fearful of entering into a conversation about my Lord and Savior! Not long ago, I wouldn’t let anything stop me, and over time I have fallen out of the habit of sharing and boldly noting WHY I have the hope that I have. God promises to give me the words that I am to say in times of conversation, and I need to trust in that promise. If I don’t trust, I WILL fail.
I’m one week away from the next Building A Foundation class at church. I’m excited how God will use this class, and how he will shape me during the six weeks of teaching.
Camden starts kindergarten! Lord help me make choices that are wise.
This past week has been full of intrigue. I now have a schedule starting to play out again (P). With Camden now back in school daily, my wife working on a new morning routine, and me doing my thing, days are running more smoothly. I’m blessed to have been led to lead a class at church that takes place on Wed nights. I’m excited about this opportunity to encourage and touch lives. (A, R). My new schedule also enables me more dedicated time for reading the Bible and developing other Spiritual Disciplines (K, P, B)!
Facebook has also lifted my spirits as I have been able to have more direct adult contact on a daily basis (R, A).
On a health note, I’m dedicated to playing basketball each Friday as well as working out most days of the week. (B)
Prayer time has been pretty consistent with my wife and as I have gotten more involved at church, the enemy, has most definitely taken notice. Satan will not prevail, and I place my faith in Jesus for all things. (K, A, R)
This has been another good week. PTL!
I get to teach again tonight and I look forward to that opportunity to be used by God. Worship has been deep and my relationship with Camden has been memorable, especially yesterday as we tossed football and he finally learned to swing on his own! “That was Fun!!!!”, he said.
Everyday it seems I have a moment of clarity while watching Camden do something. I see God looking at me and shaking his head about some failure or rejoicing about some baby step I’ve taken. Those times I can almost really feel the love of Christ upon me as it swells up inside of me directed at my son.
Remember how I noted that Satan would begin his petty yet painful attacks now that I’m working in a ministry and leading another one? Well, the AC went out and will need replaced or repaired at high cost and a dear friend and his family are having marital difficulties.
The good is that the weather is wonderful and no need for AC and that my friend’s family (at least part of it) is going back to church.
I’ve been a bit frustrated this week. A good friend walked out on his wife and 4 kids with no warning to his accountability partners (me and another friend). I struggle with how someone can make such a big decision without talking things through with the guys he’s opened his heart to over the last 3 years. It’s obvious he knows he’s wrong, why else not broach the subject with us? I haven’t been able to have a conversation with him yet, although he did try to call me once and he has talked with the other accountability partner. How can someone truly feel it’s better for the kids to leave than to stay and be an example of showing how you work things out? It’s simply an example of showing your kids that if you can’t handle it, leave. Reminds me of “John and Kate plus 8″, and the sad excuse I hear over and over, “It’s better for us to separate since seeing us arguing all the time is bad for the kids.” NO, you need to be adults and learn to compromise and love each other for who you are, not just walk out and make yourself feel good with this flawed logic…you need to present the correct way to end an argument, since arguing is going to happen even in the best of relationships! Needless to say, this situation is on my mind a lot.
The past week or so has been pretty good. I’ve prayed a lot, in bursts, however my Bible time has been lacking. Technically, I did journaling at church last Sunday, as it was part of the service. I really get a lot out of the new EPIC service at my church. It’s geared toward mature Christians and it’s very challenging. The goal is to be more than “just a Christian”, the challenge is to live like it intentionally.
I’m still trying to save a marriage, my friend’s marriage, but things aren’t looking good. I leave it in God’s capable hands. Even though I cannot see any good right now, surely the good will present itself eventually.
Camden road his bike for the first time, through the yard several times (no training wheels). The joy in his face, and our celebration brought tears to my eyes as I recalled the milestone in bed last night.
Well, the class I was teaching has finished and another one is on the horizon. I’ve also been able to get out of my bible reading rut. Jeremiah had me stuck for a while…not sure why. Fall is upon us and I usually start getting in super good moods as the temps decrease. God made me for 60-70 degrees!
My left knee is nagging me, and I’m trying to lose a bit of weight and change my shooting technique in basketball to also help save my knee.
My friend’s marriage seems all but lost, but we’ve had some good discussion nonetheless. I pray for a miracle to occur.
This past week has brought much to think about and discern. I had a good talk with a peer at church and got some very good advice on how best to lead my family through our current life situation dilemma.
I was also invited to a “Christian men only” study that at first I felt I was unable to attend. It takes place on Thursday nights and that is typically “date night”…a convenient excuse, however an important one. The following day I happened to sit down next to a lady at church to read my Answers magazine while waiting for Camden’s choir practice to finish. A mutual friend came up and started talking to her (thanks Dorothy)…needless to say, I joined the conversation and it led to how her husband was dedicated to the “Race of a Lifetime” ministry/boot camp. She described how his Walk with Christ changed dramatically through this “Boot camp”. It all reminded me of how my Walk to Emmaus and mission trip to Cuba changed me. Needless to say, the nudge of the Holy Spirit was clearly telling me to go!
THEN, I forgot. Typical guy, eh? My wife remembered that I mentioned wanting to go. She got home from work and asked, “Aren’t you going to church???”. I was like – -AHHHHHH! I knew I was forgetting something!!! Satan would not win this one. The meeting didn’t start till 7pm (I thought it was 6pm), so I had time to clean up, finish making dinner, eat and get to the meeting! Thank you God! It was a powerful first meeting. One man was even baptized!
I started teaching a new Building a Foundation class as well as taken on some additional duties in our Foundation Coaching ministry. I’m excited about all this. I can feel God strongly on Sunday’s and as the week goes by, I long for Sunday to come again. Why can’t I seem to keep God close by all week long?
The week has been good…but I’ve been sick, so going out in the chilly weather to do yard-work hasn’t been a priority. I must say though that being sick has made me desire to cook soup and chili, so that has been yummy.
Bible time has existed, and I’ve been hit with several things to write about in this blog. I got on of them out today, the “Open Letter to the Christian”. It stems from the sermon I heard on Sunday.
Hey, I’m healthy again! I had a very interesting experience on Monday helping out some people living out of a hotel. We drove them around to help them take care of some Social Security needs and visit some other government offices. We feed them lunch since they hadn’t eaten anything of substance for several days. It was a reminder that most people in this world can’t just eat when they want to nor simply DO what they want to. I’m spoiled, anyone reading this is most likely spoiled (since you have access to a computer). I’m trying to discern what God would have me to specifically do regarding the hotel situation so many people find themselves stuck in currently. Many have no transportation, so going to food pantries or distribution centers is not an option…I learned that is doesn’t take much to go from a stable situation to almost on the street.
Well, I’ve been challenged in several ways recently. Whether it’s 3 or more things going wrong all at the same time, or not handling my son pushing my buttons at times, I’ve been able to see how I SHOULD have responded in the end. I been able to talk to my son and explain how I was wrong and what I should have done.
In the end, blessed be the name of the Lord in GOOD times and in BAD.
On another note…we will always have the poor, at what level does God expect me to help? I could spend all I have, or feed someone a meal, what would you have me do Lord?
I feel good. I’m not perfect but I feel good. This week has had it’s ups and downs, but one positive I thank God for is my desire and tenacity toward losing weight. I’ve lost over 7 lbs the last 18 days! On my mind is my wife and her dealing with work stress. I’m not sure what more I can do to help be supportive. When I’ve spent time in the Bible its been deep and meaningful. Prayer has been short and less meaningful. Time with Camden has been a blessing. I made some conscience decisions this past week or so that were much better ways of handling recurring life with a 6 year old. :)
I’ve had a pretty good week. Our small group is meeting again and this Christian interaction will only benefit the whole family as well as the others in the group. I’m wrapping up a couple of task this week. The class I was teaching on Sunday’s is over and the Mens group on Thursdays wraps up this week. Both have been a blessing. A good friend lost one of their twins due to premature labor. My heart is saddened for the grief they must deal with but is glad in knowing this little one, Matthew, is with the Lord.