A Very Long Week

Blogging will be very spuratic if at all this week folks. Sorry, I’m speaking at a camp in Marrietta, South Carolina. Yep, there’s a Marrietta, South Carolina. In order to get phone service, I have to drive down the mountain about five miles. Luckily, I found a wonderfully kind woman at the Hampton Inn in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, that let me get on the WiFi in their lobby. In the mean time I’ll just say two things.

Yesterday was a very draining day. I walked into the church tired at around 7:00 a.m. There are some frustrations going on personally and some very stressful situations at work that just hit me as I walked through the doors. Before things got started my good friend Mickey Velasquez asked how I was doing. He could see the stress on my face. I’ve never been good about hiding my feelings. Mickey pulled me aside and prayed for me. I realized that I haven’t been prayed over in some time. I mean specifically prayed over. I know my family prays for me but there is something about having someone laying their hands on you and asking God to protect and refuel you. Thank you so much Mickey.

Secondly, Anita and I are about to send out our Africa letter. She’s posted it here. I know God is going to do great things with our team. Please pray for us in our preparations. And pray that Anita’s passport comes through.

Boot Camp is in less than two weeks and I’m out of the office all week speaking at this camp. Thanks to my teammates back in Alpharetta. I know you guys are working hard to make this an unbelievable experience for our Middle Schoolers.

That’s all for now. Talk to you in a few days I’m sure. Check out some of the blog links in my absence; they’re really good!

A Mini-Fridge and Other Stuff

For the second time this year I’m about to leave my family for an entire week. Along with the regular preparations of packing I find myself needing to get enough hugs and laughs from my girls to last me the week. This is proving to be a futile task. I’m going to miss them like crazy. My wonderful wife creates such a relaxing and fun atmosphere at home that any time I’m away it’s exhausting.

Along with the emotional preparations I’m trying to make, I have to make some extra plans to survive the week. I’m going to speak at a camp location where the food is… well awful. I sure hope the old Saturn can fit a mini-fridge and all my stuff.

This got me thinking about preparations in life. We all have experiences or seasons that we know will be exhausting. Whether it’s a trip or visiting with family or a busy time at work, we all need to prepare ourselves to persevere. Perseverance isn’t often talked about and even less often celebrated. However, James has some great explanation and encouragement on perseverance. I think too often we’re looking for a way to win or conquer our circumstances. Some times God is honored when we simply rely on Him to see us through. This is why regular time with God is important. We each have to make preparations for the journey. Only He knows what we really need to pack.

Don’t Assume Anything!

Anita officially became a “Soccer Mom” today. Savannah Grace went to her first soccer practice. As the proud and a tad overkill father that I am, I went out last night and got SG her first pair of Adidas cleats. I must say they are very cute and she took them like a duck to water. I realize that I’m going to have to watch myself at her practices given that the coach in me is fighting a little to “help.”

I loved seeing these little boys and girls experience something for the first time. I also enjoyed observing the intentional coaching by Coach T and Coach Corey. I thought they did a great job of mixing teaching with fun. The question that came to my mind is how intentional are we both at church and at home. I know I’ve spoke on this subject before in relation to worship, but think about how many times you were frustrated growing up because people just expected you to catch up and figure it out. I felt that way with sports. Many people have experienced this in school. I’m guilty of doing this to SG in regards to behavior and I think we (“church people”) are all guilty of this with children and student’s behavior at church.

For the small group leaders that read this blog, please be intentional and patient with these middle school students. These years will shape their faith in tremendous ways. Here’s a rule I try to live by from a communicator standpoint: Don’t assume they know anything.

By the way, is it terrible that I was proud that my daughter was the only one in soccer shoes on the first day of practice? I’m such a prideful jerk.

I Love Duck!!

On Tuesday Anita and I will celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary. In honor of the incredible wife she is I decided to take her to a show. If you have cable or satellite then you’ve probably never watched much Georgia Public Broadcasting. To us however, GPB is our Disney, History, Discovery and Biography channels. Every once in a while GPB had played “Celtic Woman.” Just think the music from Riverdance and you’re close.

We went to see “Celtic Woman” at the Fox Theatre last night. We didn’t make any dinner reservations but planned on finding something once we got downtown. I didn’t think about the fact that the show was sold out and it was Saturday night in downtown Atlanta. Peachtree Street was hopping. We walked into a restaurant and got a table in about five minutes or less. Our server was great. He recommended the special and we took it. It was a mixed grill of sorts. Filet, chicken, pork chop, sausage, and duck. Let me tell you right now…I love duck!! The meal was great. Big props to Enoteca.

How was the show you ask? Only the best thing I believe I’ve ever seen. “Celtic Woman” is possibly the perfect blend of Anita’s passion for classical vocal performance and my passion about my Irish heritage. If you have a chance to go see these talented girls, you have to go. We had a truly wonderful evening. Thanks Lauren for watching the girls.

Anita, I love you. Thank you for eight amazing years of marriage and ten years of friendship. It’s been a wonderful journey so far and can’t wait to see what God has in store.