12, 12, 9, 7, 21
60 seconds of rest
OK, so I made it one more day...still not positive I will make it through the week...
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Read a blog post a few days ago that suggested that the best way to prepare to talk with your kids about handling social networking sites like Facebook is to get your own account and start using it. So, I took the leap. I now have a Facebook account. Not sure what that will mean, but, it will be interesting to see if I keep it up or not...it is just another place to add stuff and to try to keep up with folks and so forth...and I already fall behind with my older avenues of communication...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Update time....
So, I haven't had too many posts of late...but that doesn't mean things haven't been going on. I just haven't done a great job keeping up during the busyness...
Had family visiting...so you saw at least one post during my family's visit. It was nice to have them here and even though I was working, I did get to spend time talking and playing cards. It was also great that they got to be here during Jude's dedication.
We have Kristen's little sister here for the summer (total time TBD) and everyone is adjusting to having her around. The boys are very excited to have another playmate around and though we are still getting comfortable with her handling Jude, she is a big helper to Kristen already.
Jude's dedication was a great milestone and we were happy that Jude is a happy and healthy little man.
Summer has definately gotten here and it was been warm and humid. We are emptying our de-humidifier everyday...but that is the climate we live in so....can't say much about that :)
Work is work and I am happy that at this point the company still pays me and wants me to stick around.
We are going on vacation for a few days down to the cape next week, so we are really looking forward to that.
OK....so that is a few things and I am sure there is much more...but for now....
Had family visiting...so you saw at least one post during my family's visit. It was nice to have them here and even though I was working, I did get to spend time talking and playing cards. It was also great that they got to be here during Jude's dedication.
We have Kristen's little sister here for the summer (total time TBD) and everyone is adjusting to having her around. The boys are very excited to have another playmate around and though we are still getting comfortable with her handling Jude, she is a big helper to Kristen already.
Jude's dedication was a great milestone and we were happy that Jude is a happy and healthy little man.
Summer has definately gotten here and it was been warm and humid. We are emptying our de-humidifier everyday...but that is the climate we live in so....can't say much about that :)
Work is work and I am happy that at this point the company still pays me and wants me to stick around.
We are going on vacation for a few days down to the cape next week, so we are really looking forward to that.
OK....so that is a few things and I am sure there is much more...but for now....
Week 1, Day 3
15, 13, 10, 10, 17
with 60 seconds of rest between sets
I haven't looked at week 2...but I am in big trouble already :)
with 60 seconds of rest between sets
I haven't looked at week 2...but I am in big trouble already :)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Week 1, Day 2
12, 12, 10, 10, 18
60 seconds of rest.
don't see how I am getting to 100...but, I am through 2 days thus far
60 seconds of rest.
don't see how I am getting to 100...but, I am through 2 days thus far
Monday, June 23, 2008
Book Reading
Just looked back at the first half of the year and found that I got through 15 books during the first 6 months. Not too bad...especially since only a couple of them were novels. I always seem to fly through novels, but I definately take a lot longer to read non-fiction stuff. Of the 8 novels, I think I spent about only 1 month on all of them...so, I suppose if I get the rest of Peretti and Dekker's novels and concentrate on them for the rest of the year it would be a pretty good number :) I don't think I would make the 50 that Sarah's attacking...but it would be up there.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
90 Minutes in Heaven
90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life by Don PiperMy review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting quick read from a minister who had a car crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. This book, despite the title, really is about the way the accident changed him as he had to work through an incredibly painful recovery period and how that process has made him a great asset to others who have had traumatic experiences.
I think the target audience for this is right on from the back cover. For those recovering from serious injuries and those dealing with the loss of a loved one.
It is a great testimony to the reality of the recovery process and how his experience strengthened his relationship and perception of God.
If you are looking for meat on whether or not his experience matches with the Bible,there didn't seem to me to be enough to go on, nor is that the point of the book. He is not trying to prove that Heaven exists. He knows that it does from his experience and that is how he approaches it.
I did really enjoy some of the snippets on prayer and the impact it had on him, his situations and his life. I think this is just another place where you can start to recognize how powerful and important prayer truly is and Don Piper certainly recognized that through his situation and portrays that in the book as well.
View all my reviews.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
New Gym
Kristen and I signed up for a new gym last week and today the whole family went for the first time. It was nice to go, work up a sweat and to have the time with Kristen. The boys had a good time in the kids area and Elizabeth enjoyed going to the teen center that they have there. Hopefully, we can continue to make it a priority for us to get there over the summer.
Friday, June 20, 2008
100 pushups
So I happened upon an interesting website the other day...I hesitate to even mention it, cause then I am on the hook :)
That being said...http://hundredpushups.com/index.html is a site that is 'pushing' people to do push ups...and they claim that you can get to 100 pushups in 6 weeks. So, I did the initial test (29) since you are wondering...and I think I will plan for 8 weeks rather than 6...but, I am going to give it a go. I think that 100 pushups is a good goal and I have been thinking about goals lately anyway. This can be one of my physical goals.
Do you have any interesting goals to share?
That being said...http://hundredpushups.com/index.html is a site that is 'pushing' people to do push ups...and they claim that you can get to 100 pushups in 6 weeks. So, I did the initial test (29) since you are wondering...and I think I will plan for 8 weeks rather than 6...but, I am going to give it a go. I think that 100 pushups is a good goal and I have been thinking about goals lately anyway. This can be one of my physical goals.
Do you have any interesting goals to share?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Prayer with Jaden
I have wanted to post this for awhile and just hadn't gotten to it. This is more just for me to remember and have record of it...
When you think of prayer you tend to think of being on your knees, or having your hands clasped head bowed down, etc. I don't know exactly how Jaden decided to do this, but as we have had our prayer time at night, he stopped holding my hands and started grabbing me in basically a hug as we prayed. There is something especially awesome about praying and hugging at the same time and I have him to thank for it. It is a neat thing that I love and will always remember.
When you think of prayer you tend to think of being on your knees, or having your hands clasped head bowed down, etc. I don't know exactly how Jaden decided to do this, but as we have had our prayer time at night, he stopped holding my hands and started grabbing me in basically a hug as we prayed. There is something especially awesome about praying and hugging at the same time and I have him to thank for it. It is a neat thing that I love and will always remember.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Family on way home
We miss you already Dad, Linda and Jasmine. It was wonderful to have you out here and we hope that you enjoyed your time as much as we did. Hopefully, you will be able to come out again and see some of the other states and sites that are only hops away as well.
Of course, I have to say that it is sad that you have problably seen more of the "sites" than we have so far....but that is for another post and another day....
You are on a plane now, so, here is praying that it is a smooth trip and that you all get home safely.
Of course, I have to say that it is sad that you have problably seen more of the "sites" than we have so far....but that is for another post and another day....
You are on a plane now, so, here is praying that it is a smooth trip and that you all get home safely.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
ecotarium
We all went to the Ecotarium today. This was everyone heading out for a quick tour on the train that goes through the park.
Reaching for the Invisible God
Yancy speaks of our growth as maturation from child to adult to parent.
within being an adult, he talks about training...
"For twenty years I have run, biked, or done other aerobic conditioning at least three times a week. I do so not because someone forces me, and surely not because it feels good - it seldom does - but rather because of what it allows me to enjoy. I can climb mountains and ski the Rockies without gasping for breath or pulling muscles. That is the reward for physical discipline."
Obviously, he leads then into a need for spiritual discipline and the analogies to running a race that Paul describes in the New Testament.
Do you have spiritual discipline so that you can enjoy the fruits of that effort? Do you pray, read the bible, go to church, small group, etc? Do you do these things regularly?
I know my exercise routine over the last several years has been really poor. And that I stop and start and stop and start and then do it again. Each time I start...it is a bear to get going. It is always easy to quit. But, I haven't been sticking it out long enough to reap the rewards...I haven't established a discipline in my routine so that I will continue and I haven't done it long enough to see the rewards that will show up elsewhere.
Likewise with bible reading, prayer or anything else...start and stop and you will not see the benefits that you will once you have established discipline in your walk.
within being an adult, he talks about training...
"For twenty years I have run, biked, or done other aerobic conditioning at least three times a week. I do so not because someone forces me, and surely not because it feels good - it seldom does - but rather because of what it allows me to enjoy. I can climb mountains and ski the Rockies without gasping for breath or pulling muscles. That is the reward for physical discipline."
Obviously, he leads then into a need for spiritual discipline and the analogies to running a race that Paul describes in the New Testament.
Do you have spiritual discipline so that you can enjoy the fruits of that effort? Do you pray, read the bible, go to church, small group, etc? Do you do these things regularly?
I know my exercise routine over the last several years has been really poor. And that I stop and start and stop and start and then do it again. Each time I start...it is a bear to get going. It is always easy to quit. But, I haven't been sticking it out long enough to reap the rewards...I haven't established a discipline in my routine so that I will continue and I haven't done it long enough to see the rewards that will show up elsewhere.
Likewise with bible reading, prayer or anything else...start and stop and you will not see the benefits that you will once you have established discipline in your walk.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Reaching for the Invisible God
Jesus is the Rosetta stone of God...I love this thought.
Indulge me with a somewhat lengthy passage...
"I cannot learn from Jesus why bad things occur-why an avalanche or flood decimates one town and not its neighbor, why leukemia strikes one child and not another-but I can surely learn how God feels about such tragedies. I simply look at how Jesus responds to the sisters of his good friend Lazarus, to a widow who has just lost her son, or a leprosy victim banned outside the town gates. Jesus gives God a face, and that face is streaked with tears.
In a fine analogy, H.Richard Niebuhr likened the revelation of God in Christ to the Rosetta stone. Before its discovery Egyptologists could only guess at the meaning of hieroglyphics. One unforgettable day they uncovered a dark stone that rendered the same text in Greek, ordinary Egyptian script, and previously undecipherable hieroglyphics. By comparing the translations side by side, they mastered hieroglyphics and could now see clearly into a world they had known only in a fog. Niebuhr goes on to say that Jesus allows us to "reconstruct out faith" We can trust God because we can trust Jesus If we doubt God, or find him incomprehensible, unknowable, the very best cure is to gaze steadily at Jesus, the Rosetta stone of faith."
Good advice....gaze steadily at Jesus. That always changes my perspective too.
Indulge me with a somewhat lengthy passage...
"I cannot learn from Jesus why bad things occur-why an avalanche or flood decimates one town and not its neighbor, why leukemia strikes one child and not another-but I can surely learn how God feels about such tragedies. I simply look at how Jesus responds to the sisters of his good friend Lazarus, to a widow who has just lost her son, or a leprosy victim banned outside the town gates. Jesus gives God a face, and that face is streaked with tears.
In a fine analogy, H.Richard Niebuhr likened the revelation of God in Christ to the Rosetta stone. Before its discovery Egyptologists could only guess at the meaning of hieroglyphics. One unforgettable day they uncovered a dark stone that rendered the same text in Greek, ordinary Egyptian script, and previously undecipherable hieroglyphics. By comparing the translations side by side, they mastered hieroglyphics and could now see clearly into a world they had known only in a fog. Niebuhr goes on to say that Jesus allows us to "reconstruct out faith" We can trust God because we can trust Jesus If we doubt God, or find him incomprehensible, unknowable, the very best cure is to gaze steadily at Jesus, the Rosetta stone of faith."
Good advice....gaze steadily at Jesus. That always changes my perspective too.
Reaching for the Invisible God
"Love tend to decrease as power increases...The same power that repeatedly overwhelmed the Israelites made it difficult for them to perceive God's love."
Does that stop you in your tracks as a parent? As a boss? Does it resonate at all?
I certainly see some truth to that statement. I know that if I stand over my kids that they have to look WAY up to see me and that I am WAY bigger than they are. I intimidate them from that stance. Are they really seeing my love at that point?
I also pull back though and think of this from a different perspective that tells me that God knew that the Israelites would have this difficulty. And yet He still chose to engage them in this manner.
1. It is effective. How many times directly after God showing himself, His wrath, etc do the Israelites repent and turn towards God?
2. God needed to show us all of His character...the tough side and the loving side
Think about it...just like with two parents at home, kids know that one is easier than the other and gravitate towards the easy one to get out of the punishment. If the parents are not united in their efforts, the kids will divide and conquer.
If God just showed us forgiveness through Jesus Christ without the just anger and the consequences that are exhibited in the Old Testament would it mean as much? Or would we take it for granted? We really need to see both sides to understand and God was gracious enough to give us both views in His Word.
Does that stop you in your tracks as a parent? As a boss? Does it resonate at all?
I certainly see some truth to that statement. I know that if I stand over my kids that they have to look WAY up to see me and that I am WAY bigger than they are. I intimidate them from that stance. Are they really seeing my love at that point?
I also pull back though and think of this from a different perspective that tells me that God knew that the Israelites would have this difficulty. And yet He still chose to engage them in this manner.
1. It is effective. How many times directly after God showing himself, His wrath, etc do the Israelites repent and turn towards God?
2. God needed to show us all of His character...the tough side and the loving side
Think about it...just like with two parents at home, kids know that one is easier than the other and gravitate towards the easy one to get out of the punishment. If the parents are not united in their efforts, the kids will divide and conquer.
If God just showed us forgiveness through Jesus Christ without the just anger and the consequences that are exhibited in the Old Testament would it mean as much? Or would we take it for granted? We really need to see both sides to understand and God was gracious enough to give us both views in His Word.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Reaching for the Invisible God
Yancey has a quote from Ron Hansen in this book...
"God gives us just enough to seek him, and never enough to fully find him. To do more would inhibit our freedom, and our freedom is very dear to God."
What do you think of that quote?
I get the freedom part and I completely agree that freedom is a dear privalege that God bestows on us. Without free will / freedom, there is no real love.
And I understand that there is an element of faith to our relationship with God, thus the "never enough to fully find him" thing as well...
however...the part about "giving us just enough to seek him" WITH "and never enough to fully find him" strikes me as too "gamey". Like we are in a cosmic game of hide and seek. It's probably just me being too tired but that was the thought that just came to me anyway.
I don't think God plays hide and seek and really think that our sinful nature makes us turn away from what is fully apparent. It might not be God standing in a white robe with his foot resting across the entire breadth of the US just to make sure we realize He is there...cause I do think God wants us to seek Him...but, I don't think that he is cloaking Himself to us.
Wait you will say, you are being foolish cause God is invisible, so of course He is hiding himself. However, I would just as easily give you this example.
I had a college roommate that was a morning person and did crew. He would be up at a silly hour in the morning and go to bed very early. He had the top bunk, so I couldn't always see if he was in his bed or not. There could be weeks or more where we would not see each other at all, however, that never changed my belief that he existed. There was order to his stuff. There were changes that came about in the room and other signs that told me he had been around, even if I didn't physically see him. He wasn't hiding, I just didn't see him.
That is how I think of my ability to see God. I may not physically see Him, but I have no doubt that He is around.
"God gives us just enough to seek him, and never enough to fully find him. To do more would inhibit our freedom, and our freedom is very dear to God."
What do you think of that quote?
I get the freedom part and I completely agree that freedom is a dear privalege that God bestows on us. Without free will / freedom, there is no real love.
And I understand that there is an element of faith to our relationship with God, thus the "never enough to fully find him" thing as well...
however...the part about "giving us just enough to seek him" WITH "and never enough to fully find him" strikes me as too "gamey". Like we are in a cosmic game of hide and seek. It's probably just me being too tired but that was the thought that just came to me anyway.
I don't think God plays hide and seek and really think that our sinful nature makes us turn away from what is fully apparent. It might not be God standing in a white robe with his foot resting across the entire breadth of the US just to make sure we realize He is there...cause I do think God wants us to seek Him...but, I don't think that he is cloaking Himself to us.
Wait you will say, you are being foolish cause God is invisible, so of course He is hiding himself. However, I would just as easily give you this example.
I had a college roommate that was a morning person and did crew. He would be up at a silly hour in the morning and go to bed very early. He had the top bunk, so I couldn't always see if he was in his bed or not. There could be weeks or more where we would not see each other at all, however, that never changed my belief that he existed. There was order to his stuff. There were changes that came about in the room and other signs that told me he had been around, even if I didn't physically see him. He wasn't hiding, I just didn't see him.
That is how I think of my ability to see God. I may not physically see Him, but I have no doubt that He is around.
Piercing the Darkness
Just finished this book by Frank Peretti. It was a continuation of the storyline in the book I read just a short bit ago called This Present Darkness. Enjoyed this one as much as the first. I hope that I can keep the presence of mind that I got from this book about how important prayer is to the spiritual warfare that is waged all around us even though we can not see it. I don't know if Peretti's interpretation of prayer is close to what is truly there, but I know that if it is important enough to God and Jesus to be throughout the Bible, then it should be even more important to me than what I currently show it to be through my actions.
Father's Day
Thank you to my wife, kids and family for a very nice Father's Day. After church we were able to enjoy some quiet time when I was able to finish my book and we gave a couple of gifts to my Dad. I also received some nice gifts and cards from my kids and wife. (Jeans as my wife always believes I need another pair, a nice shirt and a couple more books that I look forward to reading (90 Minutes in Heaven and Leadership Gold)). Now, I am enjoying watching the US Open where Tiger Woods is currently leading on the back 9 by 1 with 7 to play. I might even let myself spend even more time on the TV and watch the Celtics and Lakers play game 5 tonight...
Jude's Dedication
We had Jude's dedication today as part of the Father's Day service. We were the only family in first service and we dedicated Jude with my Dad, Linda, Jasmine, Elizabeth and the boys up in front of the congregation with us. Several members came up to the front as well and Pastor Mike prayed for us and the boys as well. I am so thankful that the dates worked out so that family could be out during this time.
As far as the dedication, it was short, but each time we have done this with one of the boys it has been meaningful. I know that it is more for us than for him since he is only 6 months old, but it nice to go through the process and remember how important it is for Kristn and I to be intentional with what we say, do and how we are parenting everyday to raise our kids the way we want to, with the values we want instilled in them.
We may not know for 20+ years how we did, but hopefully we will be able to report back with the success of our boys lives as evidence of how it went.
As far as the dedication, it was short, but each time we have done this with one of the boys it has been meaningful. I know that it is more for us than for him since he is only 6 months old, but it nice to go through the process and remember how important it is for Kristn and I to be intentional with what we say, do and how we are parenting everyday to raise our kids the way we want to, with the values we want instilled in them.
We may not know for 20+ years how we did, but hopefully we will be able to report back with the success of our boys lives as evidence of how it went.
Reaching for the Invisible God
'"I have many successful relationships with other people. I can see them, touch them, hear them. But when I try to relate to an invisible God, nothing happens. I never have that sense that God is even there" I do not discount such an objection, because at times in my life I have wondered the same thing. Even now, my relationship with God rests or falls on faith...'
He then goes on to draw the analogy of our relationship to God as that of man to a dog, also saying that it is kind to humans in comparison.
While I understand the reason he says that...after all an infinite and all-powerful God versus us, tells us that it is a somewhat kind analogy, however, isn't it awfully detrimental as well to us since He says we are made in His image?
Anyway, based on these comments, does it make you think that a close, personal relationship with God is possible in the same way as with a person?
Since He is invisible and doesn't relate to us in the same way...?
I certainly know that a relationship with God is different...it is with God and even if he was right in front of me physically, it would be different. However, it does raise interesting questions on how we engage with God and how we know that we are knowing God better, getting closer to Him and so forth...
How do you gauge your relationship with God?
He then goes on to draw the analogy of our relationship to God as that of man to a dog, also saying that it is kind to humans in comparison.
While I understand the reason he says that...after all an infinite and all-powerful God versus us, tells us that it is a somewhat kind analogy, however, isn't it awfully detrimental as well to us since He says we are made in His image?
Anyway, based on these comments, does it make you think that a close, personal relationship with God is possible in the same way as with a person?
Since He is invisible and doesn't relate to us in the same way...?
I certainly know that a relationship with God is different...it is with God and even if he was right in front of me physically, it would be different. However, it does raise interesting questions on how we engage with God and how we know that we are knowing God better, getting closer to Him and so forth...
How do you gauge your relationship with God?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Book Crazy
Despite joining the http://www.paperbackswap.com site, and probably somewhat because of it as well, I have been just gorging myself picking up books I am wanting to read. I was having a conversation with my Dad about how many books my cousin is trying to read (50 over the year...go girl) and realized that:
1. He has almost read that many over the last 8-9 months (nice schedule for that Dad)
2. At 13 books so far this year, I have probably the rest of the year stacked up on my floor now.
I guess I need to stop looking at all these excellent books that are coming out...I get book envy WAY TOO easily :)
1. He has almost read that many over the last 8-9 months (nice schedule for that Dad)
2. At 13 books so far this year, I have probably the rest of the year stacked up on my floor now.
I guess I need to stop looking at all these excellent books that are coming out...I get book envy WAY TOO easily :)
Walking with God
Enoch was the first man in the Bible who walked with God:
After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:22–24).
This is pretty interesting. Considering how often our relationship with God is talked in metaphor as a walk, it makes me wonder what this means that Enoch is the first man who is specifically referenced as 'walking with God'.
What should we learn from this reference?
How close was Enoch's relationship after 300 years of walking with God?
I know I will be thinking on this a little bit over the next
After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:22–24).
This is pretty interesting. Considering how often our relationship with God is talked in metaphor as a walk, it makes me wonder what this means that Enoch is the first man who is specifically referenced as 'walking with God'.
What should we learn from this reference?
How close was Enoch's relationship after 300 years of walking with God?
I know I will be thinking on this a little bit over the next
Friday, June 13, 2008
Interesting Blog Posting...
Pastor Lee McFarland says...
"One of my pastor friends is Mark Batterson (evotional.com). I love reading his blog because he always challenges me, gives me new ideas, and introduces me to fun new phrases. He recently used a phrase while we were panelists at Saddleback - he said something had spread by "word of mouse." Well, Mark, maybe I can return the favor. I got a phrase for ya.
Several months ago, he took a "lion chaser" step, and his church opened a coffee shop, "Ebenezers." It has quickly become "the place" in the D.C. area. Most of us would be happy about a coffee shop slash ministry outlet that was a hoppin' place. But Mark is now taking it another step, and hopes to franchise the coffee shop across the country. I love it. Maybe Surprise, AZ should be a new location.
It reminds me of an old article I read some time ago in Inc.Com by Rod Kurtz about the expansion of Aaron Kennedy's restaurant, "Noodles and Company." He explores the decision process related to franchising, and talks about ways to make a franchise successful. My favorite was their approach to assign any new franchisee a "Noodles Buddy" - a seasoned corporate manager who serves as a mentor. "They won't be successful if we just mail them a binder," Kennedy says.
We have come to the same conclusion when it comes to discipleship in our church. It doesn't happen with just a notebook, a class, or a binder. For a Christian to grow, you need a "Noodles Buddy." Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." (NLT)
Who is your "Noodle Buddy?" "
Do you have a Noodle Buddy? I know I struggle with an accountability partner. I don't really have anyone keeping me honest with respect to my spiritual growth and my practices on a regular basis.
"One of my pastor friends is Mark Batterson (evotional.com). I love reading his blog because he always challenges me, gives me new ideas, and introduces me to fun new phrases. He recently used a phrase while we were panelists at Saddleback - he said something had spread by "word of mouse." Well, Mark, maybe I can return the favor. I got a phrase for ya.
Several months ago, he took a "lion chaser" step, and his church opened a coffee shop, "Ebenezers." It has quickly become "the place" in the D.C. area. Most of us would be happy about a coffee shop slash ministry outlet that was a hoppin' place. But Mark is now taking it another step, and hopes to franchise the coffee shop across the country. I love it. Maybe Surprise, AZ should be a new location.
It reminds me of an old article I read some time ago in Inc.Com by Rod Kurtz about the expansion of Aaron Kennedy's restaurant, "Noodles and Company." He explores the decision process related to franchising, and talks about ways to make a franchise successful. My favorite was their approach to assign any new franchisee a "Noodles Buddy" - a seasoned corporate manager who serves as a mentor. "They won't be successful if we just mail them a binder," Kennedy says.
We have come to the same conclusion when it comes to discipleship in our church. It doesn't happen with just a notebook, a class, or a binder. For a Christian to grow, you need a "Noodles Buddy." Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." (NLT)
Who is your "Noodle Buddy?" "
Do you have a Noodle Buddy? I know I struggle with an accountability partner. I don't really have anyone keeping me honest with respect to my spiritual growth and my practices on a regular basis.
Awesome Quote
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love.
Reinhold Niebuhr
Reinhold Niebuhr
Thursday, June 12, 2008
busy, busy, busy
Been so busy lately that I have not blogged at all. Not good for me, as my memory only lasts a day or tweo anymore...
So, anything I should update everyone on...? Jacob was diagnosed with chickenpox, again yesterday at the doctors...now we have to wait it out to see if they are right or not.
Jaden is in class today for his last day of Kindergarten!
Dad, Linda, Jasmine and Elizabeth went to New York and wandered around like tourists for two days. They had a great time and came back to our house with sore feet.
I have started a New Testament reading challenge with my Friday morning men's group...we will be reading the New Testament over the next 90 days. And yes, I am already behind.
So, anything I should update everyone on...? Jacob was diagnosed with chickenpox, again yesterday at the doctors...now we have to wait it out to see if they are right or not.
Jaden is in class today for his last day of Kindergarten!
Dad, Linda, Jasmine and Elizabeth went to New York and wandered around like tourists for two days. They had a great time and came back to our house with sore feet.
I have started a New Testament reading challenge with my Friday morning men's group...we will be reading the New Testament over the next 90 days. And yes, I am already behind.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Family is here!
Today was a fun and full day. We now have Kristen's sister staying with us from Colorado. We also have my Dad, Linda and Jasmine here as well. That is almost doubling the normal number of people that are in our house! We are looking forward to this time with them and it was an enjoyable evening of just catching up and playing cards tonight.
Unlimiting God
Unlimiting God: Increasing Your Capacity to Experience the Divine by Richard BlackabyMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsBlackaby has some great insights that I really enjoyed reading throughout this book. I wrote tons of notes in the margins as so many aspects applied to my life. The reality of this book and much of what is contained within is in the line that says "Since God is constant, the difference [in our relationship, engagement, connectedness to God] always lies with his people." [my added comments to understand the context]
This was also pretty challenging in recognizing that it really is up to me to take the steps necessary to gain the closer relationship with God...and that no one but me can do it. God wants it and is waiting for me...am I willing to do it, or will I be appeased with the current relationship I have?
View all my reviews.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Jaden's Birthday Party
Had a ton of fun today with Jaden and his friends as we played outside in beautiful, sunny weather for his birthday party. Jaden and his friends had water cannons, a wading pool and a slip and slide to entertain them during the 2.5 hour party. And yes, I think we realized how long 2.5 hours can be! I did get involved in the party outside of doing the grilling and trying to keep order and I will post a picture tomorrow. I will say this much about it...1 Dad with a hose versus 10 kids and I don't think I won :)
BTW, Kristen planned the party, prepared for it and really did all the work for it and I think she did an awesome job. I am sure that Jaden appreciated it and he certainly had a good time. I am sure in the next day or so, her blog will have some pictures up from the event.
BTW, Kristen planned the party, prepared for it and really did all the work for it and I think she did an awesome job. I am sure that Jaden appreciated it and he certainly had a good time. I am sure in the next day or so, her blog will have some pictures up from the event.
This Present Darkness
This Present Darkness by Frank E. PerettiMy review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book. Really enjoy getting a perspective like this on spiritual warfare and how important prayer is in our lives. We live in a world that is defined by what we see, but God tells us there is another world that we do not see. What an awesome interpretation and story that Frank P tells in this book. I am looking forward to reading more of Frank P's works.
View all my reviews.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Complacency
How do you not get complacent in things? Complacency is such a terrible disease that can affect absolutely everything in your life...marriage, job, parenting...everything. I know that I oscillate between complacency and having a drive to do something or a discipline to continue to do something even when I don't feel like doing it, but it really came upon me last night and this morning as I hear about difficulties with friends and family around me. How easy is it to say that things as they stand are good enough and not put the work into it? Or how easy is it to rest on the work we have done up to now and not continue to put in the effort? I think complacency is one of the worst diseases we have in the US because of how blessed we are materially...certainly our growing complacent generally will not impact whether or not we get to eat or even to buy the latest and greatest toys. We grow complacent in so many areas and are not appreciative of what we have or of each other.
Proverbs 1:32 says that the complacency of fools will destroy them. I know I will be thinking on that verse the next time I really don't want to do something I know I should.
Proverbs 1:32 says that the complacency of fools will destroy them. I know I will be thinking on that verse the next time I really don't want to do something I know I should.
Monday, June 2, 2008
This Present Darkness
Linda had told me about this book and I had enjoyed the co-authored book he did with Ted Dekker, so I read this one while on my flight today. What an awesome book. It really makes you think about spiritual warfare, our place in it, and the importance of prayer. Sometimes it takes reading something like this to wake you up to the calling we all have to be vigilent in our prayer lives. Not only is it amazing that God allows us to be part of His plan, but we have critical roles to fill...so, pray for your kids, your family, your friends. Pray for your church, community, country and anything else that the Holy Spirit prompts you on. You might never know the impact you had, but don't let it convince you that there wasn't one.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Travel again
Headed to San Jose in the morning. Early start since the flight leaves at 8am. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Bowling with the boys
The boys and I got to go to the bowling alley together for a fun outing. Just thought I would share some pictures and stuff from the day:
Vegas visitor
Yes, this is a week late, but that is how far behind I am in my blogging...
My first flight out of Vegas was cancelled, so I was sitting around for a number of hours waiting for my next flight. Found a spot to eat and watch a bit of the Celtics and Pistons game when who should stroll in front of me...the pastor from our church. Now, I know that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" but it was pretty random and had to be shared. He sat down, ordered, watched the game and we had a very nice conversation. One of the great things about Mike is that he is no different in front of the congregation than in front of you. The fact that he knows my name or anything about us is great to start, but beyond that, he cared enough to stop and say hi and spend some time while he was on his layover from California.
My first flight out of Vegas was cancelled, so I was sitting around for a number of hours waiting for my next flight. Found a spot to eat and watch a bit of the Celtics and Pistons game when who should stroll in front of me...the pastor from our church. Now, I know that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" but it was pretty random and had to be shared. He sat down, ordered, watched the game and we had a very nice conversation. One of the great things about Mike is that he is no different in front of the congregation than in front of you. The fact that he knows my name or anything about us is great to start, but beyond that, he cared enough to stop and say hi and spend some time while he was on his layover from California.
Jaden's latest picture
This was a connect-the-dots exercise that he then colored on his own. Biggest thing was that he wanted to have something of his own on the computer since I posted something of Jacob’s just the other day….
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)