Busy, Busy

What a day! I started today off by hopping out of bed and cutting the grass. I had to make yard look nice for the big party. Some of our team came over for some tennis, pool and lounging around. Thanks to everybody that came over.

A big thanks goes to Jessie for staying after and watching Savannah Grace and Rylee. Anita and I had an Africa team meeting tonight. More on that in a minute. When we got home, not only were the girls both asleep but the kitchen was clean and the trash was taken out. Jessie, you are too much! And on top of all that, she wouldn’t let us pay her. I believe her quote was, “please let me serve you.” That’s exactly what you did tonight Jessie. You served us well. I hope my girls grow up with that kind of heart.

As for our Africa team, we met at Dave Lewis’s house tonight. We met Curt and Martha who we will be serving with as we go to Kenya at the end of August. We spent some time praying and eating together. Carol makes a mean spaghetti pie. That’s right, spaghetti pie. We went over some great information about the trip, asked some questions and watched Ben’s video on Youtube. Ben Bahati is the Director of Global Field Evangelism in Kenya. From what I can tell so far, he’s an incredible man. I can’t wait to get there!! I am so thankful that God is giving us the chance to serve Him in this way. There’s still a lot to do and coordinate but I know God is going to piece it together little by little.

I’m To Gangsta

Apparently I have a menacing look about me. Today Anita and I went to BJ’s Wholesale to get some party supplies for Friday. We’re having a little get together for the Middle School Staff and Interns.

As we were leaving I helped Anita put the girls and the groceries in the truck and then walked across the parking lot to my car. (I met them there on my way home from work) On my way to my car I noticed that a car parked near mine was running with no one in the driver’s seat. I then noticed a passenger in the car. An older lady waiting on her husband or friend I’m sure. Anyway, as I walked by I heard the unmistakable sound of the electronic door locks. Now either way I’m amused. Either I’m a rough looking character and she feared for her safety or I’m extremely attractive to older women. I would put my money on the first scenario.

This little experience threw me into a sociological retrospect. (I don’t really know what that means) I got to thinking about the automatic distrust that seems to be present in most people in most situations. You know, “in my day we didn’t even lock our front door.” I tend to be a little optimistic and overly trusting. It’s not often that I lock my car doors even when I go to stores. Mostly, I figure if someone’s going to steal a car it probably won’t be a 97 Saturn. I don’t have any spiritual reflection on this one just something I couldn’t get out of my head tonight.

So, sorry lady in the car at BJ’s. I guess I’ll start trying to look less “gangsta” and more like Wayne Brady because everyone loves Wayne Brady. (Sorry, we’re watching “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.”)

French Tulips

Just another reason not to be a Calvinist. Did you know John Calvin was French? I’ve got this widget that gives me interesting facts about “This day in history.” Today happens to be John Calvin’s birthday. He was born today in France in 1509. By the way, a widget is a great little Mac gizmo. I use a Mac because I’m a Christian.

Rylee’s Big News

After celebrating Anita’s birthday with family today, Rylee decided to steal the show. As we were getting ready to go to the pool, I was playing with Rylee in the floor at Chris’s house. She was standing up, clapping and then sitting down again as she usually does. She was standing when I thought I saw her pivot on her foot and almost take a step. I thought we might have an opportunity.

Rylee stood again and I scooted back a foot or two. That’s when it happened. She took two solid steps on her own. Of course I went crazy and started screaming for everyone to come see. Anita got in the room and Rylee stood and took another step. After a few tries, she got her consecutive total up to four. I know she’s not officially walking but it’s so exciting to see a child experience something for the very first time. She was laughing and smiling the whole time. I couldn’t tell if she was excited about walking or just laughing at how ridiculous I must have looked and sounded.

Anyway, our world has once again shifted as Rylee begins walking. Thank you God for the wonderful, beautiful, and healthy little girls you have blessed us with.

Video Rental Store Guy

A few days ago my niece Rachel and I went to a video rental store to get a couple of movies. The experience was blog-worthy. Rachel and I go to the counter, hand over the movies (“The Fountain,” and “Stomp the Yard”) with the expectation of a normal rental process. The following ensues:

Clerk: (as he tosses “The Fountain” back across the counter at us) “You don’t want that!”

Rachel: “What’s it about?”

Clerk: “Absolutely nothing!”

Rachel: “Well we want it anyway.”

Clerk: (finishing the transaction) “So just the one movie then?”

Rachel: “No, both of them.”

Clerk: “Well I hope you find a way to enjoy your movies.”

Now first off I don’t know the circumstances of the clerk’s day. What I do know is that I’m glad there are people like him in the world. By that I mean he is passionate about what he does. I hope I’m like him in some respects and I know I’ve been like him in others. We applaud people who care a great deal about their particular choice of vocation. What is weird about this situation is that he is a video store clerk. He loves what he does and is very knowledgeable about his product. I would say that most people never get to get paid to do something they are passionate about.

On the other side of this thing is his action. I gladly welcome advice and guidance from people who are smarter and more informed than me. The problem arises in how the information is given and how it is received. There is a much better way to tell me that the movie I selected was no good. He could have asked if he could give his opinion for starters.

The people many consider to be wise not only have a lot of information and knowledge but they also know how and when to give advice. This is where my problem has been and most of us probably for that matter. I have had the unfortunate problem of sharing my opinion with people who not only didn’t ask, but also didn’t need any advice. On many such occasions I have also been misinformed on whatever it happened to be I was voluntarily enlightening others on.

With all that said, here’s what I’ve been trying to do lately. Seek out more advice than I give. Ask for permission before giving advice. Don’t assume I know every detail. Give the benefit of the doubt. Speak everything in love with the hope of building others up. We can have a greater influence for Christ with others if we have a spirit of humility and service.

Happy Birthday Anita!

So the shots weren’t so bad. For that matter, the Health Clinic wasn’t so bad either. I was however amazed by the amount of cabs being used in Gainesville, Georgia. It does mess with your head a little to allow someone to actually inject a vaccine into your body so you don’t get a disease that may kill you. How very morbid this whole thing seems at times.

In other news, today is my wonderful wife’s birthday. Yes, she scheduled our first round of inoculations on her birthday. HOW COMMITTED IS SHE?!?! After our shots we went and had a nice little lunch at one of our favorite places in the world. Yep, yep… Chick-fil-a! You gotta love free milkshake coupons. We then went and saw Fantastic 4. (Thanks Chris and Rachel for watching the girls) The movie was pretty decent but after seeing Transformers on Wednesday, my expectations were high. Is it bad that I’m trying to justify buying new Transformer toys for my nephew just so I can play with them? I say no.

I asked Anita if she thought she would be a stay-at-home mom with two girls at this point in her life. She said yes. What a feeling to be exactly where you know God wants you.

Anita, I know this year hasn’t been easy but you have handled it with grace and poise. You are an incredible wife and amazing mother. I’m challenged by your passionate pursuit of Christ. I can’t wait until Florida! Thanks for loving me so much. And thank you God for knitting us together!

Can You Say, “OUCH?”

Anita and I are off to the Health clinic this morning to get our first round of inoculations for our trip to Africa. The word “ouch” comes to mind. I’m sure I will have some fun observations to share after this morning. Thanks to everyone who has supported us financially so far. God has provided about $2700 of the $8000 we need. We also were able to get Anita’s passport. God is confirming this trip daily and has provided exactly what we need when we need it.

As for other news, we had a wonderful fourth and I’m enjoying some much-needed time with the family away from work. Anita and I headed to Florida for a week next Sunday. This marks the first time we have taken a vacation without them for this long. Big plans of sleeping in and reading books on the beach are on the schedule.

I’m sure I’ll be posting again today so I’ll leave you with that for now.

The Last Decade

Today is my younger daughter’s first birthday. Happy birthday Rylee!! I am blessed to say the least. Here’s why…

• A year ago I was praying for the safe delivery of our new baby and I was wishing I could have a job I am not ready or made for.

• Two years ago I was praying for a raise so we could get a little breathing room financially.

• Three years ago I was praying that we could find a place to live and for the health of my new little girl.

• Four years ago God was teaching me humility and obedience.

• Five years ago I was praying for direction on where to move and work.

• Six years ago I was praying for a job after a big move to Georgia.

• Seven years ago I was praying that God would help me graduate college.

• Eight years ago I was praying that God would get me through our wedding ceremony.

• Nine years ago I was praying that God would make her say, “Yes!”

• Ten years ago I was praying that God would show her to me.

Today I am a husband to an amazing wife, father to two beautiful and intelligent daughters, the owner of a great house and a member of the most incredible church staff I’ve ever come into contact with. Most importantly, I am more in love with and amazed by my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so happy to be where I am today. Thank you to all of you who have challenged, encouraged, and prayed for my family and me over the years. Thank you God for never giving up on me.

Selfish

Yesterday I spoke on selfishness. I realize this isn’t considered a “real” sermon to some because it wasn’t expository but with only five Sundays left with sixth grade separate I felt like this topic needed to be addressed.

We approached the subject from a “Realizing everything belongs to and is because of God will keep us from being selfish” angle. I feel like this is one of those things that students need to know but don’t care that they don’t know it. The thing in my house right now that makes this so difficult is that I’m trying to teach my older daughter to share all the time while at the same time trying to help her understand that she needs to leave her little sister’s things alone. At first glance, this is a huge contradiction. But I have to remind myself that teaching ownership is part of generosity. (By the way, I just tried unsuccessfully to spell “generosity” four different ways before running spell check on it.)

If you’ve ever been through Crown Financial Bible studies, you know that one of the first principles is acknowledging God’s ownership of your possessions and finances. This is a very behavioral legalistic step, but a necessary one nonetheless. I want my girls growing up with generous hearts and actions. A lot of people talk about doing for and giving to others but very few actually follow through. And even fewer make it a regular part of life. The majority of people, myself included, usually take a “check it off” attitude to giving and serving.

I’m not saying we all have to sell our possessions and move to India, but I really want to model and train my family react first with hearts of service. I want to move past the “I really should do more for others” step. I hope that we can get to a place where giving and serving is as routine as brushing teeth. Anyone have any great ideas to teach young children about this concept? I’m all ears.