Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
December Newsletter Article
Let's Hope So.
Having a baby changes everything. How quickly you realize this when your child needs nearly everything done for it. They are helpless and in need of food, warmth, shelter, love, burped, changed, food, burped, changed...you get the picture. They are one of the most helpless species when they are born. They can't walk, they don't see very good and they have no teeth (good thing) or defenses. Kate has been a blessing and it is still amazing to just look at her and be awestruck at the miracle of life.
This is why it is such a paradox that we find Jesus coming to Earth in this manner. The Son of God, coming from Heaven to Earth not with might and strength. Not with majesty or fanfare. Not with an Army to overthrow or a delegation to persuade. When he came he couldn't even speak. Couldn't eat by himself. How much did he love us to come like this for a people who where not getting it? How much grace did the Father give us, a people who were still sinners, by sending Jesus to us? I think that the Christmas Carol, "O Holy Night" says what Christmas is all about in a few short lines.
Having a baby changes everything. How quickly you realize this when your child needs nearly everything done for it. They are helpless and in need of food, warmth, shelter, love, burped, changed, food, burped, changed...you get the picture. They are one of the most helpless species when they are born. They can't walk, they don't see very good and they have no teeth (good thing) or defenses. Kate has been a blessing and it is still amazing to just look at her and be awestruck at the miracle of life.
This is why it is such a paradox that we find Jesus coming to Earth in this manner. The Son of God, coming from Heaven to Earth not with might and strength. Not with majesty or fanfare. Not with an Army to overthrow or a delegation to persuade. When he came he couldn't even speak. Couldn't eat by himself. How much did he love us to come like this for a people who where not getting it? How much grace did the Father give us, a people who were still sinners, by sending Jesus to us? I think that the Christmas Carol, "O Holy Night" says what Christmas is all about in a few short lines.
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease. "
-Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease. "
-Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure
It had been a long time since God created the world and a long time since Adam and Eve broke the bond that was created in the Garden of Eden. God had seen enough to know that we needed a Savior. One that could give us what we so desperately needed: hope! We needed a hope that all the things that enslave us and hold us down could be broken. We needed a hope that our relationship with the Creator of the universe could be restored in a deeper manner than a simple blood offering. We needed a hope that came in a helpless baby to a hopeless world that was searching for something better.
This world will make you feel that things are hopeless. All the voices in our world would like to tell you to panic and you need to worry about this or that. That things look bleak. However, this Christmas season, for those who know Christ and the power of His resurrection, we are not hopeless. We are not helpless. We have a hope and a future. We have someone who is our advocate with the Father. Our hope came in the form of a little baby, without much fanfare, without a bed, without his family nearby, without much money, without many visitors and without much comfort.
So this Christmas season, may you come to see that wherever this year finds you, in good circumstances or some tough ones, that there was a very holy night that brought us a "Thrill of Hope!" May you come to see that even though you may be weary and bound by chains of sin or worry or guilt, you have a chance for hope. May you come near to the heart of Jesus this Christmas season and come close to the only one who can give us the hope that we need!
-Hebrews 10:23
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jellyland update 11.13.09
Hey all...things have been busy the last few weeks. They are about to get much busier too. I hope this update on our family finds you and your family doing well and counting your blessings!
10. IU's season starts tonight at 8pm against Howard University. How excited am I about the start of this season? Well, after last years 6-26 season, let's just say I am geeked. I am really excited to see what the 7 new players will bring (6 Freshman, 1 Transfer) I have my IU gear on, Kate will be wearing her IU gear today and we'll be watching our first IU game together tonight after...
9. Kate is going to her favorite dairy farm tonight for a while so Mommy and Daddy can go have a date night and celebrate their 4th anniversary! Seriously, it has been an amazing 4 years and so much has changed and we've both grown in love and understanding. I am so thankful that God has brought us together and that I get to spend my days and nights with such an amazing friend and wife.
8. We had a cavalcade of visitors last week/weekend. My mom came up Thursday night and stayed through Friday afternoon. It was good to see her and have her around for a bit. Then on Saturday, Steve and Marilyn (Sarah's Dad and Step-Mom) came up in the early afternoon and we went out to eat with them and they got to see Kate. Then on Sunday, my Aunt Lana, Uncle Terry and Grandma Martha came to church to hear me preach and we had lunch together. It was the first time that my Grandma had heard me preach in person. It was a great week and it was so nice to see family.
7. Man, what is it in formula that makes it SO expensive? Seriously, they have a monopoly on the stuff. Whatchagonnado though because you have to buy it if you have to buy it. It is crazy making a bottle because I am trying to be so careful and not spill any of the powder (which is hard to do because it is like a clingy powder) some of which inevitably falls out on the counter. Oh well. Diapers are crazy too. Riddle me this...for the new born diapers that we have there is this yellow line that lets you know if it is wet or dirty...then after the newborn stage that line disappears. Why? Wouldn't it be much easier to tell with a universal yellow line rather than pulling the diaper back and hoping you come away with a clean finger? I mean COME ON! :)
6. How 'bout them Colts. 17 regular season games in a row. Wow. I have a bad feeling about this weekend's game against the New England Patriots. Just don't feel too confident with all the injuries. Oh well...it's only one game either way. My pick: Indy 27 New England 17
5. Reality Check: Survivor...I love Russell! At first he was kinda mean and all that, but seriously, finding two hidden immunity idols without any clues? He is becoming one of my favorites of all time...top 5 at least...no one touches Rupert though! Amazing Race: I am rooting for the Globetrotters. It feels like most of the teams are teaming up against them. I like them and I like the Father/Son team (Gary and ____)...see how much I like them? Biggest Loser: I am rooting for (in order) Rudy, Allen, and Danny. I keep wondering why Rudy wears a towel around his neck, under his shirt at everything physical. Is it to sweat more? IDK...anyways...Rudy...Rudy...Rudy! who do you root for?
4. God is always faithful isn't He? I mean c'mon, when has there been a time when we were going through something that God wasn't right there using His Spirit to tell us, "Trust me. I got it covered." We thought we were going to have to pay nearly $3000 for all the baby bills when it was all said and done. It turned out to be about a 1/4 of that. God is good even when we don't see it. Our lack of sight doesn't diminish anything about Him.
3. Sarah is heading back to work this Monday. YIKES! She is ready and not ready at the same time. There will be a lot of emotions and changes that she will go through and it will be tough at first. However, she is a great mom and she will do great at the transition. Please pray for me too...as I will be taking care of Kate on the days she works. :)
2. On a really sad note: We are getting rid of our two dogs, Lex and Flash. We had thought about it and decided to wait and see how they adjusted and they are doing ok. However, we just feel like we don't have the time to spend with them as we should or did before. We are also unsure of how Lex would have done with Kate once she starts crawling and grabbing at things. So, we are reluctantly giving them up to a family member that was looking for a dog and is getting two! We know he will take great care of them and that they will be loved.
1. Kate is doing really well. At last weigh in she was 9lbs 2 oz. She is gaining what she needs to. A funny note. The Dr. has this scale and if Kate keeps growing like she is, she will only be 5ft 2-3in! LOL...she'll grow...or be a circus clown! I have begun stretching her...not really. She is smiling and talking more and more. She loves taking naps with Mommy and Daddy. She still has red hair and blue eyes. Go figure.
Thanks for reading. May you know that you have been blessed. You can read, breathe and use your fingers...you just proved it! :)
10. IU's season starts tonight at 8pm against Howard University. How excited am I about the start of this season? Well, after last years 6-26 season, let's just say I am geeked. I am really excited to see what the 7 new players will bring (6 Freshman, 1 Transfer) I have my IU gear on, Kate will be wearing her IU gear today and we'll be watching our first IU game together tonight after...
9. Kate is going to her favorite dairy farm tonight for a while so Mommy and Daddy can go have a date night and celebrate their 4th anniversary! Seriously, it has been an amazing 4 years and so much has changed and we've both grown in love and understanding. I am so thankful that God has brought us together and that I get to spend my days and nights with such an amazing friend and wife.
8. We had a cavalcade of visitors last week/weekend. My mom came up Thursday night and stayed through Friday afternoon. It was good to see her and have her around for a bit. Then on Saturday, Steve and Marilyn (Sarah's Dad and Step-Mom) came up in the early afternoon and we went out to eat with them and they got to see Kate. Then on Sunday, my Aunt Lana, Uncle Terry and Grandma Martha came to church to hear me preach and we had lunch together. It was the first time that my Grandma had heard me preach in person. It was a great week and it was so nice to see family.
7. Man, what is it in formula that makes it SO expensive? Seriously, they have a monopoly on the stuff. Whatchagonnado though because you have to buy it if you have to buy it. It is crazy making a bottle because I am trying to be so careful and not spill any of the powder (which is hard to do because it is like a clingy powder) some of which inevitably falls out on the counter. Oh well. Diapers are crazy too. Riddle me this...for the new born diapers that we have there is this yellow line that lets you know if it is wet or dirty...then after the newborn stage that line disappears. Why? Wouldn't it be much easier to tell with a universal yellow line rather than pulling the diaper back and hoping you come away with a clean finger? I mean COME ON! :)
6. How 'bout them Colts. 17 regular season games in a row. Wow. I have a bad feeling about this weekend's game against the New England Patriots. Just don't feel too confident with all the injuries. Oh well...it's only one game either way. My pick: Indy 27 New England 17
5. Reality Check: Survivor...I love Russell! At first he was kinda mean and all that, but seriously, finding two hidden immunity idols without any clues? He is becoming one of my favorites of all time...top 5 at least...no one touches Rupert though! Amazing Race: I am rooting for the Globetrotters. It feels like most of the teams are teaming up against them. I like them and I like the Father/Son team (Gary and ____)...see how much I like them? Biggest Loser: I am rooting for (in order) Rudy, Allen, and Danny. I keep wondering why Rudy wears a towel around his neck, under his shirt at everything physical. Is it to sweat more? IDK...anyways...Rudy...Rudy...Rudy! who do you root for?
4. God is always faithful isn't He? I mean c'mon, when has there been a time when we were going through something that God wasn't right there using His Spirit to tell us, "Trust me. I got it covered." We thought we were going to have to pay nearly $3000 for all the baby bills when it was all said and done. It turned out to be about a 1/4 of that. God is good even when we don't see it. Our lack of sight doesn't diminish anything about Him.
3. Sarah is heading back to work this Monday. YIKES! She is ready and not ready at the same time. There will be a lot of emotions and changes that she will go through and it will be tough at first. However, she is a great mom and she will do great at the transition. Please pray for me too...as I will be taking care of Kate on the days she works. :)
2. On a really sad note: We are getting rid of our two dogs, Lex and Flash. We had thought about it and decided to wait and see how they adjusted and they are doing ok. However, we just feel like we don't have the time to spend with them as we should or did before. We are also unsure of how Lex would have done with Kate once she starts crawling and grabbing at things. So, we are reluctantly giving them up to a family member that was looking for a dog and is getting two! We know he will take great care of them and that they will be loved.
1. Kate is doing really well. At last weigh in she was 9lbs 2 oz. She is gaining what she needs to. A funny note. The Dr. has this scale and if Kate keeps growing like she is, she will only be 5ft 2-3in! LOL...she'll grow...or be a circus clown! I have begun stretching her...not really. She is smiling and talking more and more. She loves taking naps with Mommy and Daddy. She still has red hair and blue eyes. Go figure.
Thanks for reading. May you know that you have been blessed. You can read, breathe and use your fingers...you just proved it! :)
Monday, November 02, 2009
prayer request
my brother robbie has dealt with severe seizures for most of his life. This has put him in group homes and left him to get around in a wheel chair. this wednesday, they are going to do a surgery to implant something in his brain that will, in essence, catch the seizure before it happens. It is supposed to intercept the action between the brain and muscles. I am not sure of all the details but he is pretty scared about it. So I am asking you to call on God to be with the Doctors, be with the nurses and to be with Robbie. God is a merciful and just God and some things we just have to live with. Then there are times when God heals us and heals our bodies...just pray that God's will would be done with this surgery and that God would be ever so close to Robbie this Wednesday. Thanks.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Needtobreathe-Stones Under Rushing Water (Acoustic)
I listened to this song a lot after GPA Andy passed...this version is amazing. Makes me appreciate today...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jellyland Update 10.20.09
Hey everyone! I hope things are going well for you and that you know that you are loved by those around you and that God loves you! Here's an update:
10. It has been nearly a month since my Grandpa Andy passed away. While there are days that are getting better, there are still times when I think about him while holding Kate and am deeply saddened. I think this is something that will probably never go away. Grandpa lived a good life. He knew he was loved. Grandma Martha took great care of him and he had some amazing kids.
9. It has turned to Fall and I LOVE it...It is almost like we skipped fall and went straight to Winter. I love Fall/Winter for many things which include: swiss miss hot chocolate, hoodies, snow, IU basketball, tuesday night basketball, the leaves changing color, being able to see your breath, post-season baseball, and the holidays where you get to see your family and friends. It IS the most wonderful time of the year!
8. I am uber excited about getting to go to Anderson this weekend for a bit. I miss my Sped boys. I wish I were closer to them or they were closer to me. I get to spend some quality time with mom and she gets to see Kate too! There is just something about spending time with your closest friends...it is like wearing your favorite sweatshirt and stretching after a long nap...there is nothing like it!
7. I worked out a few weeks ago with a personal trainer and have been doing the workouts 3-4 times a week. I love it and finally have the "want to" to go work out. Plus, tuesday night basketball started so I will get some exercise there too!
6. Sarah and I joined Sam's Club yesterday. I think that this is a right of passage for parents. There were a ton of parents with their kids in there. We bought our first (of MANY) cans of formula last night...OUCH! Seriously, does it need to be THAT expensive? I mean come on...seriously!?!?
5. Our Wednesday night bible study is going really well. We have been studying James and the kids, while at times don't seem to be paying much attention, are surprising me with how much they are retaining...that is God's work not mine. One of them described it as a competitive Bible study because we give out Gold stars for certain answers. :) Imagine that...something I am in charge of being labeled competitive...
4. I am SO SICK AND TIRED of hearing about the H1N1 flu. Seriously, I hate paranoia and all that it brings. If you get the stinking virus, take the medicine. If you don't, good for you. Seriously, wash your hands in public, don't drink after others, don't sit near people that appear to be sick...I mean really?
3. Sarah is MAKING me get a flu shot. I don't ever remember getting one and I don't get sick...hardly ever. What sealed the deal after weeks and weeks of pleading and begging to my stonewalled face and spirit was when Sarah said, "Get it for our daughter this year because she is too young to get it for herself." So that is the plan, get it this year and never have to worry about it (until we have another kid RIGHT BEFORE FLU SEASON HITS) again!
2. I just got done listening to Perry Noble's message at Unleash '09 and he was talking about the church and how it needs to reach out. His first point was that the church must be willing to embrace change. He knocked it out of the park when he said that if people would value the church and it's mission as much as they value their money we will begin to change. He said that when the stock markets crashed and burnt that people were saying we need to do something else with the money...well, how long has your church been in decline and crashing around you yet we fail to change the things we need to change to bring about the things that Christ wants for His church??? hmmm...Is it worth it???
1. Kate is doing really well. She is up to 8lbs as of yesterday. On track. She is cooing and kicking her feet like crazy. I just love being a Dad and know how much I love her and can't imagine how much God loves me to send His son to die so that I could have a relationship with Him. Wow! Anyways, her eyes are still blue and her hair is still red...that is what sarah calls her, Red...among many other things!
May you know that God loves you deeply and passionately and wants the best for your life today and will give you the strength to live today (Ez. 36:26).
10. It has been nearly a month since my Grandpa Andy passed away. While there are days that are getting better, there are still times when I think about him while holding Kate and am deeply saddened. I think this is something that will probably never go away. Grandpa lived a good life. He knew he was loved. Grandma Martha took great care of him and he had some amazing kids.
9. It has turned to Fall and I LOVE it...It is almost like we skipped fall and went straight to Winter. I love Fall/Winter for many things which include: swiss miss hot chocolate, hoodies, snow, IU basketball, tuesday night basketball, the leaves changing color, being able to see your breath, post-season baseball, and the holidays where you get to see your family and friends. It IS the most wonderful time of the year!
8. I am uber excited about getting to go to Anderson this weekend for a bit. I miss my Sped boys. I wish I were closer to them or they were closer to me. I get to spend some quality time with mom and she gets to see Kate too! There is just something about spending time with your closest friends...it is like wearing your favorite sweatshirt and stretching after a long nap...there is nothing like it!
7. I worked out a few weeks ago with a personal trainer and have been doing the workouts 3-4 times a week. I love it and finally have the "want to" to go work out. Plus, tuesday night basketball started so I will get some exercise there too!
6. Sarah and I joined Sam's Club yesterday. I think that this is a right of passage for parents. There were a ton of parents with their kids in there. We bought our first (of MANY) cans of formula last night...OUCH! Seriously, does it need to be THAT expensive? I mean come on...seriously!?!?
5. Our Wednesday night bible study is going really well. We have been studying James and the kids, while at times don't seem to be paying much attention, are surprising me with how much they are retaining...that is God's work not mine. One of them described it as a competitive Bible study because we give out Gold stars for certain answers. :) Imagine that...something I am in charge of being labeled competitive...
4. I am SO SICK AND TIRED of hearing about the H1N1 flu. Seriously, I hate paranoia and all that it brings. If you get the stinking virus, take the medicine. If you don't, good for you. Seriously, wash your hands in public, don't drink after others, don't sit near people that appear to be sick...I mean really?
3. Sarah is MAKING me get a flu shot. I don't ever remember getting one and I don't get sick...hardly ever. What sealed the deal after weeks and weeks of pleading and begging to my stonewalled face and spirit was when Sarah said, "Get it for our daughter this year because she is too young to get it for herself." So that is the plan, get it this year and never have to worry about it (until we have another kid RIGHT BEFORE FLU SEASON HITS) again!
2. I just got done listening to Perry Noble's message at Unleash '09 and he was talking about the church and how it needs to reach out. His first point was that the church must be willing to embrace change. He knocked it out of the park when he said that if people would value the church and it's mission as much as they value their money we will begin to change. He said that when the stock markets crashed and burnt that people were saying we need to do something else with the money...well, how long has your church been in decline and crashing around you yet we fail to change the things we need to change to bring about the things that Christ wants for His church??? hmmm...Is it worth it???
1. Kate is doing really well. She is up to 8lbs as of yesterday. On track. She is cooing and kicking her feet like crazy. I just love being a Dad and know how much I love her and can't imagine how much God loves me to send His son to die so that I could have a relationship with Him. Wow! Anyways, her eyes are still blue and her hair is still red...that is what sarah calls her, Red...among many other things!
May you know that God loves you deeply and passionately and wants the best for your life today and will give you the strength to live today (Ez. 36:26).
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
It's almost time...
time to get out the Hoosiers DVD...Hoosier Hysteria is this Friday night
and IU's first exhibition game is November 4th!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Jellyland Update October
There have been a lot of things going on lately. Too many if you ask me. Things are swirling around with new life and all that entails. Things are swirling around with the ending of life and all the emotions that comes with that. Here is an update of life as I know it:
10. I recently joined a Madden league here in town. I love being able to get out and do something that is with people that are not attending Shiloh. Sometimes as ministers, we get caught living in circles that only include the people that go to the church we are at. This league is a great "out" for me. Plus, I love playing Madden and putting a whoopin' on some foo's...I won my last game 42-6.
9. Basketball started last Tuesday night! I hate running but I will run if it is playing basketball. I tend to get more active in the winter months because of Tuesday nights alone...
8. Kate is doing really good. She is changing so fast. The level of attention has changed in a matter of days. She just will sit there and watch you...there are no words to express the emotions that you feel when you are holding your kid and you look down and they are looking straight into your eyes. I love being a Dad.
7. We laid my Grandpa Christian to rest two weeks ago today. It feels like forever ago. It doesn't seem real either. Being around family and saying our goodbyes to Grandpa really made me think about where I was in life and if what I held dear and important were as dear and important as I thought they were. It made me miss being around family and people you knew had your back.
6. This past weekend, the girls and I took a quick trip to Nashville to see the cousins from South Carolina that we go vacationing with each June and Sarah's Mom. It was a great time. Too quick. We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory...I was one happy man!
5. Our fall Kick-Off went well. We had some gross times with happy shakes, steal the bacon in what turned out to be essentially puke, some great worship with Terry and Trevor and a lot of the students responding to the message.
4. I love this weather! I just love being able to throw on a hoodie and flip flops. My favorite time of year is when it is cold. Sorry for all of you who hate the cold. I think if I lived in Florida I would come to Indiana for the Winter! haha
3. IU basketball is getting ready to start and I can't wait. The Yankees are in the ALCS in baseball and I am hoping that they win a World Series for the first time since 2000. The Colts have won 13 regular season games in a row, that is 3 months and a week of football and are looking amazing. My sports world is in a good spot right now. :)
2. The youth group had a company design cards for us that were discount cards back in April. We started selling them in May and the kids weren't selling them. We had a ton of cards left so we had to do a contest for an iPod touch and that picked up the selling a little bit. What is it with fundraisers that make me want to puke?! Or is it that kids today don't want to work for what they get, generally speaking? I don't know but I don't have an long term plans for fund raising after this!
1. Did I mention that I love being a Dad? Kate is such a blessing and I am so proud and amazed at her mother. Sarah has dealt with all of this really well considering it is her first time. She hasn't put Kate in bubble wrap yet or a giant bubble so that is a win. Kate is learning slowly to sleep throughout the Colts games so that when IU season rolls around all the yelling should be soothing to her ears! I watched the Colts game last night with her on my chest/lap and Sarah snoozing in the lounge chair. Not too much to yell at last night but she did get startled a few times. I have to thank God for blessing me with a wife of infinite worth and a beautiful child that is loved so much by her dad and mom that it is disgusting!
Have a great day...
10. I recently joined a Madden league here in town. I love being able to get out and do something that is with people that are not attending Shiloh. Sometimes as ministers, we get caught living in circles that only include the people that go to the church we are at. This league is a great "out" for me. Plus, I love playing Madden and putting a whoopin' on some foo's...I won my last game 42-6.
9. Basketball started last Tuesday night! I hate running but I will run if it is playing basketball. I tend to get more active in the winter months because of Tuesday nights alone...
8. Kate is doing really good. She is changing so fast. The level of attention has changed in a matter of days. She just will sit there and watch you...there are no words to express the emotions that you feel when you are holding your kid and you look down and they are looking straight into your eyes. I love being a Dad.
7. We laid my Grandpa Christian to rest two weeks ago today. It feels like forever ago. It doesn't seem real either. Being around family and saying our goodbyes to Grandpa really made me think about where I was in life and if what I held dear and important were as dear and important as I thought they were. It made me miss being around family and people you knew had your back.
6. This past weekend, the girls and I took a quick trip to Nashville to see the cousins from South Carolina that we go vacationing with each June and Sarah's Mom. It was a great time. Too quick. We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory...I was one happy man!
5. Our fall Kick-Off went well. We had some gross times with happy shakes, steal the bacon in what turned out to be essentially puke, some great worship with Terry and Trevor and a lot of the students responding to the message.
4. I love this weather! I just love being able to throw on a hoodie and flip flops. My favorite time of year is when it is cold. Sorry for all of you who hate the cold. I think if I lived in Florida I would come to Indiana for the Winter! haha
3. IU basketball is getting ready to start and I can't wait. The Yankees are in the ALCS in baseball and I am hoping that they win a World Series for the first time since 2000. The Colts have won 13 regular season games in a row, that is 3 months and a week of football and are looking amazing. My sports world is in a good spot right now. :)
2. The youth group had a company design cards for us that were discount cards back in April. We started selling them in May and the kids weren't selling them. We had a ton of cards left so we had to do a contest for an iPod touch and that picked up the selling a little bit. What is it with fundraisers that make me want to puke?! Or is it that kids today don't want to work for what they get, generally speaking? I don't know but I don't have an long term plans for fund raising after this!
1. Did I mention that I love being a Dad? Kate is such a blessing and I am so proud and amazed at her mother. Sarah has dealt with all of this really well considering it is her first time. She hasn't put Kate in bubble wrap yet or a giant bubble so that is a win. Kate is learning slowly to sleep throughout the Colts games so that when IU season rolls around all the yelling should be soothing to her ears! I watched the Colts game last night with her on my chest/lap and Sarah snoozing in the lounge chair. Not too much to yell at last night but she did get startled a few times. I have to thank God for blessing me with a wife of infinite worth and a beautiful child that is loved so much by her dad and mom that it is disgusting!
Have a great day...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
October Newsletter article
"There's a peace I've come to know
though my heart and flesh may fail.
There's an anchor for my soul, and I can say, "It is well"!
Through tear filled eyes,
Pastor Andy
Monday, September 21, 2009
Encouraging words for Monday morning!
'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God!
Ezekiel 36:26 (The Message)
Ezekiel 36:26 (The Message)
Jellyland update 9.21.09
10. The delivery came and not much went as planned. We went in Wednesday night at 730p and they started Sarah on some medicine to help things along. It started contractions but not much else. The following day the contractions stopped and they said we would try again Thursday night. Sarah decided to take some medicine to help her sleep at around 1130p and her water broke at 1245am on Friday the 4th. They started with the Petocin but not a lot of movement was happening. Around 430-5am Sarah's contractions were getting crazy strong but the baby's heart rate was dropping each time...so...that meant a C-section. Baby Kate was born at 6:11am Friday September 4th!
9. Sarah is doing really good. She is not in much pain (unless she over does it...she is a Jellison remember!). Everything is going as it should. We went for Kate's 1 week check and they said that they thought she had a heart murmur so we had to take her for a EKG last Wednesday. That really scared us and put us on edge. We found out last Thursday that it was so small that they couldn't see it! It will heal up on its own. Praise God for that.
8. Sleep has been the biggest hurdle thus far. In the hospital over those two days Sarah got 4 hours out of 48...I got 5-6 out of 48! Kate came home and had her days and nights messed up. Things are getting better now. It is just an adjustment. But well worth it.
7. On Wednesday nights starting last week we have started a bible study. No frills, no illustrations, no games. Just us and the bible. It went really well last week and I am super excited about it and getting these kids in the word and applying it to their lives and mine!
6. We have been blessed to have so many of our family and friends to come and visit us and Kate. We had the mom's for the first two weeks and that was such a huge help. My brother Kerry has been up twice already to see Kate and you can tell how much he is excited to see her and be a part of her life. We are blessed to have such great families and friends.
5. We had our kick off last night for the youth group. It was NASTY. I made a "stew" of old ragu sauce, vanilla pudding, pistachio pudding, chocolate pudding, rolled oats, marshmallows, peanuts, crackers, syrup, salad dressing, lard and flour and the kids played steal the bacon in it. It was disgusting. We had some gross food comps too. The Happy shakes were sick...but worth it...
I will post some pics as soon as I get them. We had a hair challenge...my hair and some others for one of our student leaders hair. I still have my hair. :) It was a great time. Terry and Trevor did a great job with the worship and 24 kids responded to making God's heart their heart (Ez. 36:26)!
4. Going into parenthood, I was just unsure what it would be like. There are so many unknowns. But you know what? It has been so easy and natural. The diaper changing has been interesting. I have already been peed on. It is an amazing time that I am not taking for granted. There is something so Godly about waking up in the morning, getting out of your bed and seeing your wife and baby laying side by side (with the baby in the bassinet of course)...laying the same direction and both covered up! I love my little family!
3. I have 19 things so far on my bucket list. I will post it once I get to like 25 or something. Watch for that soon.
2. Football season started and I am loving it. The Patriots, Steelers, Titans, and Chargers all lose this week...now we just need to Colts to win tonight and it will be a perfect week 2. I am a little concerned with the Colts after last week. Just wondering what they will play like on a week by week basis. That's why they play the games!
1. Yesterday morning, we were woken up (again..after being up 2-3 times with Kate) by a phone call saying that my Grandpa Andy had suffered a heart attack. We drove over to Ohio and were there for a while. When we got there he was pretty drugged up and not responding to much. By the time we left, he was squeezing our hands and responded to questions. Mom called this morning and said that the ventilator is out and he is talking and doing much better. He did have congestive heart failure and they are not sure what kind of damage was done as of yet. But he is doing better and we are going over Thursday with Kate so he can see her.
We left here at 7am got there at 10am stayed until 1230p...left to come home got here at 330pm...started setting up for the youth kick-off at 4p and from 5-8p held the kick off...it was an insane day filled with tears and uncertainty and some kids committing to allowing God to give them forgiveness and a new start. Talk about the full range of emotions...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday's Fave Five
Hey...I am borrowing this idea from a friend. I am going to TRY to post five of my favorite things from this past week each and every Friday. Here it goes:
5. Leading worship. Since I taught myself to play the guitar, I have loved each and every time I get to lead worship (save the one time when I couldn't remember how Agnus Dei went in the Sunday A.M. service..lol). What hit me this past Sunday night...was the impact of having live worship in the youth has accomplished. There are at least 4 students that are playing instruments along with me on Sunday nights and sometimes on Sunday mornings! It is crazy how God works sometimes.
4. The MLB Network. Seriously, I love baseball. I love watching it and taking a nap. Watching it and being captivated by each pitch come October. The MLB Network has enhanced the viewing experience. Instead of having to pay hundreds of dollars to have a TV package that shows every MLB game, this network takes you live to games to see things that are happening. I have watched a no-hitter and a couple of walk-off hits this season. The insight into the game that they give is priceless and amazing!
3. My students. This past Wednesday we played a game called Buzz/Fizz...it is a counting game where you replace multiples of 5 with the word buzz and multiples of 7 with the word fizz. Our group couldn't do it...I couldn't stop laughing and we will definitely do this again. I love the group of kids we have. They are so unique and I feel blessed to have them in my life.
2. Music. The new Mat Kearney and Needtobreathe album's are amazing and remind me how blessed we are as a civilization to have such ability to play instruments that make such beautiful noises. And...the ability to sing. To make a joyful noise...I just love music...making it, listening to it...feeling it! There is not much more satisfying than rolling the windows down, opening my sunroof and jamming away to some great tunes.
1. Sarah. I am so glad that I have found the love of my life. Watching her go through this whole experience of being unable to conceive, then seeing the relief/excitement/shock/love in her eyes when we found out she was pregnant, to watching her be such an amazing woman under this stress has made my love grow so much deeper than before. There is a song that goes, "and I thought I loved you then..." and I am so thankful that God has given me the chance to live this life with the most wonderful friend and wife that I could have ever found. I can't believe that I get to wake up each day and find her right there beside me. Our child is already blessed to have Sarah as their mother. She is a Proverbs 31 kind of wife!
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. " -Proverbs 31:10,(The Message)
5. Leading worship. Since I taught myself to play the guitar, I have loved each and every time I get to lead worship (save the one time when I couldn't remember how Agnus Dei went in the Sunday A.M. service..lol). What hit me this past Sunday night...was the impact of having live worship in the youth has accomplished. There are at least 4 students that are playing instruments along with me on Sunday nights and sometimes on Sunday mornings! It is crazy how God works sometimes.
4. The MLB Network. Seriously, I love baseball. I love watching it and taking a nap. Watching it and being captivated by each pitch come October. The MLB Network has enhanced the viewing experience. Instead of having to pay hundreds of dollars to have a TV package that shows every MLB game, this network takes you live to games to see things that are happening. I have watched a no-hitter and a couple of walk-off hits this season. The insight into the game that they give is priceless and amazing!
3. My students. This past Wednesday we played a game called Buzz/Fizz...it is a counting game where you replace multiples of 5 with the word buzz and multiples of 7 with the word fizz. Our group couldn't do it...I couldn't stop laughing and we will definitely do this again. I love the group of kids we have. They are so unique and I feel blessed to have them in my life.
2. Music. The new Mat Kearney and Needtobreathe album's are amazing and remind me how blessed we are as a civilization to have such ability to play instruments that make such beautiful noises. And...the ability to sing. To make a joyful noise...I just love music...making it, listening to it...feeling it! There is not much more satisfying than rolling the windows down, opening my sunroof and jamming away to some great tunes.
1. Sarah. I am so glad that I have found the love of my life. Watching her go through this whole experience of being unable to conceive, then seeing the relief/excitement/shock/love in her eyes when we found out she was pregnant, to watching her be such an amazing woman under this stress has made my love grow so much deeper than before. There is a song that goes, "and I thought I loved you then..." and I am so thankful that God has given me the chance to live this life with the most wonderful friend and wife that I could have ever found. I can't believe that I get to wake up each day and find her right there beside me. Our child is already blessed to have Sarah as their mother. She is a Proverbs 31 kind of wife!
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. " -Proverbs 31:10,(The Message)
Encouragement for a Friday Morning...
-I Corinthians 4:7-8
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Jellyland update 8.25.09
Hey everyone! Thought I'd give you an update on this beautiful Tuesday morning. I hope this finds you strong in your faith as we all learn to lean.
10. I am loving the "Summer" of 09. It hasn't really been hot at all. I am ready for the cool breezes and leaf changing of Fall and the bone-chilling, snow falling coldness of Winter. I know people really don't like the Winter but just think how boring it would be if the weather was the same all year round? I mean, it would be like Florida. I guess I'll have to retire somewhere else.
9. Sarah watched HG TV a lot. So that means I get to watch it too. I have grown accustomed to shows about people buying their first house or getting a new one and I've come to one conclusion: People are crazy. It is funny to see how people walk into a room and within 3-5 seconds have made up their minds about the room. I can't stand it when people go in and say something about the paint or wallpaper and let that be a deciding factor. That is like a lot of us who make some of our decisions based on absurd guidelines or standards. I am just saying...
8. Someone updated their status on Facebook the other day in the morning and said something about how frustrating life is and the usual tag lines that go with those words. Then later on in the day, the same person said that things worked out and that God was good. It made me kinda feel guilty because I do the same thing. I am reminded of the southern Gospel song (I know right...childhood memories are like Jiffy mix...they just seem to stick around) that goes "the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times" and how human we are to doubt and sulk and stomp around when things are going wrong. (read my blog from yesterday for more about that)
7. As I am compiling my bucket list, a wave of sadness I guess you could call it, swept over me. If I could map out all the places that I have been over my 27 years of existence on this planet, my map wouldn't be that big. The middle of Indiana from Anderson to Plymouth would be covered with lines. I have been to New York, Washington D.C., along the eastern seaboard but much past Indiana to the West and the lines are few (Arkansas is as far west as I have ever been). That is sad. I am trying to talk Sarah into renting an RV-type thing and taking a road trip out west...however, it would take some BA Baracus type sedatives for Sarah to let me drive her and the kiddos in something like that! :) A man's gotta try right?
6. Speaking of bucket lists...what is on your bucket list? Do you even have one? I don't know why this has come to the forefront but I find myself thinking about this list more and more often. It is probably because I want Baby Jelly to see some incredible things when she gets here. But what is on your list? I've only got one thing for sure on my list so far. Help a brother out!
5. I am not a parent yet...so though...but not yet. It is frustrating to see parents with young kids (3-5) out in public like the scene yesterday in a local establishment. This lady was speaking VERY loudly to her son. She didn't do it once or twice...it was like every two or three minutes yelling about this or that. It drove me bonkers. Her's why: trying to reason with a toddler seems like trying to reason with our two Boston Terriers. They understand some things but you can't get into deep conversations as to why they shouldn't throw food and hit the old guy in the next booth. Oh, my kids will behave...Sarah was already practicing her mean face during lunch yesterday, and there will be times when I get frustrated with them and try to reason with them...but Lex and Flash are dogs...so I treat them like a dog...a child is a child and we should treat them like a child and not an adult. I know, I am not a parent...I know I know...but we can all have our pet peeves can't we?
4. Football season is just days away...I am ready for some gridiron goodness. I am also ready for Sports Illustrated to send me my Madden 10 game already! There is a new store here in Plymouth that is going to have a Madden league. Dude...I played in some leagues during my days at IWU but nothing since. This is one happy fella'! I need some male bonding over a good game of Madden. I know, I am a geek...but I fully embrace my Geekness. Deal with it...
3. Images have more power over us than we know. Point in hand, since Sarah has been pregnant, and since Sarah watching any show that deals with cake (seriously, you should see our DVR) every time she watches a show I will hear at least once, "OH...I want some cake." Has she went and made any? Nope...every time we get near the cake isle I say something and she doesnt want it then. However, if I get my way, last night during the "Andy, I am in bed and I can't get comfortable and fall asleep so you can't sleep either" stage of our evening, she was watching a show about Rice Krispy treats...and I think we (and by we I mean me) just might be scoring some ooey gooey marshmallowy goodness today. But seriously, we must be careful what goes before our eyes...it has more power than we think.
2. So every year we have a youth kick-off. Every year I challenge the kids to get a certain number. Each year I have some unsuspecting target that I get to offer up their hair for mine. This year, things kind of spiraled. At first it was my hair for one of the student leaders hair...simple. Now it has turned into a gigantic hair affair. It is the students hair vs. my hair, another sponsor hair and 'stache, another students hair AND eyebrows (I always try to get people's eyebrows...lol) and finally another sponsors CHEST HAIR! Seriously...Sarah is super worried because she rags on how big my head is all the time...we've measured our heads and I do have a large melon (25 inches! Size 8 fitted hat) and she thinks I am going to look crazy...I will keep you updated...it is September 20th...pics to follow!
1. Finally, baby update. Sarah has had some issues with some blood pressure and them thinking she has pre-ecclampsia. We went to the hospital sunday morning and missed church because the Dr. wanted her to come in and get monitored. The BP went down and everything looks fine. She is having some contractions here and there but nothing steady whatsoever. We are taking long walks and doing our part. Pray for her comfort the last few days as she is uber-uncomfortable right now and sleeping is an adventure. Baby Jelly is due this Thursday (August 27th) so hopefully we have some new family pics soon!
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life." -Eph. 6:13-16 (The Message)
10. I am loving the "Summer" of 09. It hasn't really been hot at all. I am ready for the cool breezes and leaf changing of Fall and the bone-chilling, snow falling coldness of Winter. I know people really don't like the Winter but just think how boring it would be if the weather was the same all year round? I mean, it would be like Florida. I guess I'll have to retire somewhere else.
9. Sarah watched HG TV a lot. So that means I get to watch it too. I have grown accustomed to shows about people buying their first house or getting a new one and I've come to one conclusion: People are crazy. It is funny to see how people walk into a room and within 3-5 seconds have made up their minds about the room. I can't stand it when people go in and say something about the paint or wallpaper and let that be a deciding factor. That is like a lot of us who make some of our decisions based on absurd guidelines or standards. I am just saying...
8. Someone updated their status on Facebook the other day in the morning and said something about how frustrating life is and the usual tag lines that go with those words. Then later on in the day, the same person said that things worked out and that God was good. It made me kinda feel guilty because I do the same thing. I am reminded of the southern Gospel song (I know right...childhood memories are like Jiffy mix...they just seem to stick around) that goes "the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times" and how human we are to doubt and sulk and stomp around when things are going wrong. (read my blog from yesterday for more about that)
7. As I am compiling my bucket list, a wave of sadness I guess you could call it, swept over me. If I could map out all the places that I have been over my 27 years of existence on this planet, my map wouldn't be that big. The middle of Indiana from Anderson to Plymouth would be covered with lines. I have been to New York, Washington D.C., along the eastern seaboard but much past Indiana to the West and the lines are few (Arkansas is as far west as I have ever been). That is sad. I am trying to talk Sarah into renting an RV-type thing and taking a road trip out west...however, it would take some BA Baracus type sedatives for Sarah to let me drive her and the kiddos in something like that! :) A man's gotta try right?
6. Speaking of bucket lists...what is on your bucket list? Do you even have one? I don't know why this has come to the forefront but I find myself thinking about this list more and more often. It is probably because I want Baby Jelly to see some incredible things when she gets here. But what is on your list? I've only got one thing for sure on my list so far. Help a brother out!
5. I am not a parent yet...so though...but not yet. It is frustrating to see parents with young kids (3-5) out in public like the scene yesterday in a local establishment. This lady was speaking VERY loudly to her son. She didn't do it once or twice...it was like every two or three minutes yelling about this or that. It drove me bonkers. Her's why: trying to reason with a toddler seems like trying to reason with our two Boston Terriers. They understand some things but you can't get into deep conversations as to why they shouldn't throw food and hit the old guy in the next booth. Oh, my kids will behave...Sarah was already practicing her mean face during lunch yesterday, and there will be times when I get frustrated with them and try to reason with them...but Lex and Flash are dogs...so I treat them like a dog...a child is a child and we should treat them like a child and not an adult. I know, I am not a parent...I know I know...but we can all have our pet peeves can't we?
4. Football season is just days away...I am ready for some gridiron goodness. I am also ready for Sports Illustrated to send me my Madden 10 game already! There is a new store here in Plymouth that is going to have a Madden league. Dude...I played in some leagues during my days at IWU but nothing since. This is one happy fella'! I need some male bonding over a good game of Madden. I know, I am a geek...but I fully embrace my Geekness. Deal with it...
3. Images have more power over us than we know. Point in hand, since Sarah has been pregnant, and since Sarah watching any show that deals with cake (seriously, you should see our DVR) every time she watches a show I will hear at least once, "OH...I want some cake." Has she went and made any? Nope...every time we get near the cake isle I say something and she doesnt want it then. However, if I get my way, last night during the "Andy, I am in bed and I can't get comfortable and fall asleep so you can't sleep either" stage of our evening, she was watching a show about Rice Krispy treats...and I think we (and by we I mean me) just might be scoring some ooey gooey marshmallowy goodness today. But seriously, we must be careful what goes before our eyes...it has more power than we think.
2. So every year we have a youth kick-off. Every year I challenge the kids to get a certain number. Each year I have some unsuspecting target that I get to offer up their hair for mine. This year, things kind of spiraled. At first it was my hair for one of the student leaders hair...simple. Now it has turned into a gigantic hair affair. It is the students hair vs. my hair, another sponsor hair and 'stache, another students hair AND eyebrows (I always try to get people's eyebrows...lol) and finally another sponsors CHEST HAIR! Seriously...Sarah is super worried because she rags on how big my head is all the time...we've measured our heads and I do have a large melon (25 inches! Size 8 fitted hat) and she thinks I am going to look crazy...I will keep you updated...it is September 20th...pics to follow!
1. Finally, baby update. Sarah has had some issues with some blood pressure and them thinking she has pre-ecclampsia. We went to the hospital sunday morning and missed church because the Dr. wanted her to come in and get monitored. The BP went down and everything looks fine. She is having some contractions here and there but nothing steady whatsoever. We are taking long walks and doing our part. Pray for her comfort the last few days as she is uber-uncomfortable right now and sleeping is an adventure. Baby Jelly is due this Thursday (August 27th) so hopefully we have some new family pics soon!
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life." -Eph. 6:13-16 (The Message)
Monday, August 24, 2009
September Newsletter article
Do you smell that?
I am different. Some maybe even think I am weird. I am picky about the food I eat and I like certain drinks in certain glasses. Weird, I know, but that is who I am. We all have weird things that we do or don't do. One of the semi-weird things that I do is burn candles. I don't know many guys that like to burn candles as much as I do. I really enjoy this one candle that is cinnamon and clove scented, it sets off a festival in my nose! It is a package of awesomeness that is rarely matched aromatically. In my office, I have a candle burner with four different candles that I rotate. So what you ask? Well there are two things I want to remind you of.
One, whenever I leave a certain candle burning in the office for an extended period of time, after a while I can no longer smell it. If I pull the candle up to my nose, then the scent is there. But overall, the scent is missing even though the candle is burning. How many times in our lives do we just do things because that is the way we've always done them? I mean random things like cook a certain food or watch a certain news channel. Things we do without even really thinking about why we are doing them. Things that we don't miss until we can't do them anymore. I love traditions. I love having the warmth of the familiar in my life. I love even more knowing why we do what we do. More importantly, what it means for me to take part in this tradition or that act. It is of vital importance to, as Hebrews 10:25 says, to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." However, it seems to me that a lot of Christians have become Spiritual Bulimics. They come sunday mornings, maybe sunday night, definitely not Wednesdays and get their fill of everything God. They serve, teach a class, fill this spot or attend a bible study and then do nothing to advance their relationship with God the other days. They binge on the spiritual and starve themselves the rest of the week. This should not be so. Being a follower of Christ is a daily thing. Jesus said that we must take up our cross DAILY. Sunday morning for too long has been seen as the "filling station" to get you through the week. It should be seen as the celebration station where we come together and share our victories and our defeats. Our joys and our sorrows. Each day we should seek the strength for that day.
Secondly, every candle smells different. II Corinthians 2 talks about how we are all a fragrance to God. So, what do you smell like? Now I know that there are times in everyone's life that we go through tough spells. Times where things just aren't going right and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We all will have our bad days. However, for some it seems like they are having a bad month or year or ... What I am saying is that we simply need to be aware of how we are "smelling". How do we react when things don't go our way? How do we respond to those tough days? How do we relate to those around us when we aren't in the best of moods? We only get today once. There are no do-overs. So if you are a mother...be the best mother and wife and daughter and sister that you can be today. If you are a father...be the best father, husband or son that you can be today. No one else can fill those roles for you. You will be the only father, husband, wife or mother to who God has gifted you with. Don't come out smelling like a black licorice candle when you could smell like...well...roses!
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln
I am different. Some maybe even think I am weird. I am picky about the food I eat and I like certain drinks in certain glasses. Weird, I know, but that is who I am. We all have weird things that we do or don't do. One of the semi-weird things that I do is burn candles. I don't know many guys that like to burn candles as much as I do. I really enjoy this one candle that is cinnamon and clove scented, it sets off a festival in my nose! It is a package of awesomeness that is rarely matched aromatically. In my office, I have a candle burner with four different candles that I rotate. So what you ask? Well there are two things I want to remind you of.
One, whenever I leave a certain candle burning in the office for an extended period of time, after a while I can no longer smell it. If I pull the candle up to my nose, then the scent is there. But overall, the scent is missing even though the candle is burning. How many times in our lives do we just do things because that is the way we've always done them? I mean random things like cook a certain food or watch a certain news channel. Things we do without even really thinking about why we are doing them. Things that we don't miss until we can't do them anymore. I love traditions. I love having the warmth of the familiar in my life. I love even more knowing why we do what we do. More importantly, what it means for me to take part in this tradition or that act. It is of vital importance to, as Hebrews 10:25 says, to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." However, it seems to me that a lot of Christians have become Spiritual Bulimics. They come sunday mornings, maybe sunday night, definitely not Wednesdays and get their fill of everything God. They serve, teach a class, fill this spot or attend a bible study and then do nothing to advance their relationship with God the other days. They binge on the spiritual and starve themselves the rest of the week. This should not be so. Being a follower of Christ is a daily thing. Jesus said that we must take up our cross DAILY. Sunday morning for too long has been seen as the "filling station" to get you through the week. It should be seen as the celebration station where we come together and share our victories and our defeats. Our joys and our sorrows. Each day we should seek the strength for that day.
Secondly, every candle smells different. II Corinthians 2 talks about how we are all a fragrance to God. So, what do you smell like? Now I know that there are times in everyone's life that we go through tough spells. Times where things just aren't going right and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We all will have our bad days. However, for some it seems like they are having a bad month or year or ... What I am saying is that we simply need to be aware of how we are "smelling". How do we react when things don't go our way? How do we respond to those tough days? How do we relate to those around us when we aren't in the best of moods? We only get today once. There are no do-overs. So if you are a mother...be the best mother and wife and daughter and sister that you can be today. If you are a father...be the best father, husband or son that you can be today. No one else can fill those roles for you. You will be the only father, husband, wife or mother to who God has gifted you with. Don't come out smelling like a black licorice candle when you could smell like...well...roses!
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln
Friday, August 14, 2009
Baby update
Hey everyone...
We went to the Dr. yesterday for Sarah's week 38 appointment. The heartbeat sounded great and Sarah hasn't been feeling too bad. However, Sarah's blood pressure was higher than it has been throughout the pregnancy. She has been having headaches and some swelling. The Dr was worried a little about it being preeclampsia. So that is causing some major concern for Sarah. She just wants everything to be good and for baby and herself to be healthy. We are trusting God that He is in control and it would be silly to stop trusting Him now after He has brought us to where we are now!
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." I Samuel 7:12
We went to the Dr. yesterday for Sarah's week 38 appointment. The heartbeat sounded great and Sarah hasn't been feeling too bad. However, Sarah's blood pressure was higher than it has been throughout the pregnancy. She has been having headaches and some swelling. The Dr was worried a little about it being preeclampsia. So that is causing some major concern for Sarah. She just wants everything to be good and for baby and herself to be healthy. We are trusting God that He is in control and it would be silly to stop trusting Him now after He has brought us to where we are now!
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." I Samuel 7:12
Monday, August 10, 2009
How do you build a church?
So I got to thinking yesterday about this. How do we build a church? Christ's Church? I know there are some people who have come to the conclusion that you can live a life that causes you to become more like Christ every day without being involved in a group of "Christians". I believe that everyone needs to be involved with a group of believers, urging each other on towards shared goals and lifting each other up through Scripture, music and fellowship. I believe that when people are not in a group that has the same shared goals, our priorities get out of whack and we start moving away from the model of Christ and start losing communion with His spirit. You can feel free to disagree with me but that is not what this post is about. That was just to say this: I think that the Church is worth it. The Church has its flaws. The Church , or any "church", has never wronged anyone. As Rob Bell said, "Churches don't wrong people. People wrong people". So with that said, how do we build a church? How do we attract those who need Christ to come into our group or any group of believers?
Is it with guilt? Do we go after them and tell them that if they don't "turn" that they'll "burn"? I've heard that one.
Is it with our services? Does that bring people in? Can they just not wait to worship together with other believers and feel God's presence?
Is it with our small groups? Do we grow our churches through spending personal time with people in small groups, house groups, pods, or whatever the new buzz word is?
Is it with more church plants? Do we grow the larger Church by creating new churches that are more flexible and thus able to do the things that are reaching new generations of believers who have for decades been leaving the church? The numbers are staggering.
Is it with mega-churches? Online services?
I don't know exactly what works for you. However, I have this uneasiness in my spirit that the church ,as it stands today, is too rigid and its traditions too powerful that it is causing us not to be able to reach today's young generations. Church members who "pay the bills" feel threatened if things change and they feel as though they might get pushed out. Is that biblical? Isn't being apart of the body about sharing what Christ did, and is doing in us , with those around us? Change is scary. Taking risks and failing are heart wrenching. Still, if we are not trying to do things that reach those who don't know love, who don't know Christ, who don't know the warmth and love that a community of believers can offer...whats more heart wrenching? Being comfortable now...and watching those people get bitter and move farther away from love? Or sacrificing some of our ways and opinions and traditions for the sake of reaching a base of people who need to know that they are loved by Jesus? I vote for number two. But maybe that is just me.
What is your church doing?
Is it with guilt? Do we go after them and tell them that if they don't "turn" that they'll "burn"? I've heard that one.
Is it with our services? Does that bring people in? Can they just not wait to worship together with other believers and feel God's presence?
Is it with our small groups? Do we grow our churches through spending personal time with people in small groups, house groups, pods, or whatever the new buzz word is?
Is it with more church plants? Do we grow the larger Church by creating new churches that are more flexible and thus able to do the things that are reaching new generations of believers who have for decades been leaving the church? The numbers are staggering.
Is it with mega-churches? Online services?
I don't know exactly what works for you. However, I have this uneasiness in my spirit that the church ,as it stands today, is too rigid and its traditions too powerful that it is causing us not to be able to reach today's young generations. Church members who "pay the bills" feel threatened if things change and they feel as though they might get pushed out. Is that biblical? Isn't being apart of the body about sharing what Christ did, and is doing in us , with those around us? Change is scary. Taking risks and failing are heart wrenching. Still, if we are not trying to do things that reach those who don't know love, who don't know Christ, who don't know the warmth and love that a community of believers can offer...whats more heart wrenching? Being comfortable now...and watching those people get bitter and move farther away from love? Or sacrificing some of our ways and opinions and traditions for the sake of reaching a base of people who need to know that they are loved by Jesus? I vote for number two. But maybe that is just me.
What is your church doing?
Friday, August 07, 2009
Jellyland update 8.07.09
10. I love fishing. We took the youth group fishing last Wednesday and had a blast. It is always better when you go fishing and actually catch some fish! I caught a couple nice bass and a few other fish. It is fun until you get them up on shore and have to take them off. I hate getting stuck by those spiky fins. But then again, if someone had a piece of metal in my lip, I probably wouldn't go quietly either.
9. Our softball season ended last Saturday in grand fashion. We were down by 3 heading into the last inning where we scored 2 runs, got two outs then had a man on second when one of our guys hit a two run home run! We led by 1 heading into the bottom of the inning. We quickly got two outs, they got a runner on and we got two strikes on the next guy. Now if you hit a two strike pitch foul in our league you are out, the guy hits it down the line and it HITS THE LINE! They score two runs and win the game. Wow...it is no fun to lose but I would rather have lost that way than most other ways. It was a fun season.
8. We go for our baby "birthing" class tomorrow. I will probably have a few new life experiences to share with you! :)
7. Due to some oddities in the schedule, I have been able to preach a lot more on Sunday mornings lately and I am loving it! There is just something about being able to speak into peoples lives and have God speak through me that revs my engine! Is it weird that I almost find the giving of a sermon fun? If so, I am weird!
6. I am ready for some fantasy football! It is my second favorite fantasy sport to play (I only have two of them so...). If you want to join in on the action, there are a couple of leagues to join. One, the Monsters of the Ministry league on Facebook. The second is the Indiana North Youth Leaders league on Yahoo. Or the third league is for all my old friends who used to play in the Cabbage Bowl on New Years Day forever ago, it is on Yahoo as well. Let me know soon if you are interested. Spots are filling up fast.
5. I think my favorite TV show is Big Brother. I love the dynamics of the game and watching the different people interact is incredible. It makes me wonder a lot about how we take things and actions by others in real life. To constantly know that you are being watched changes people in the house and they can't be who they are in real life. Plus, I like to root for anything...I am just that competitive. Any other Big Brother fans out there?
4. I am curious today. Who reads my updates? However, I don't know who they are. Would you do me a favor and comment me if you read this...just this one time...I am just curious who is reading my ramblings. Thanks.
3. Do you go through musical stages? I find that throughout the years, my taste for types of music has changed. Growing up, it was strictly Southern Gospel with a slim dose of country (thats why I can sing most every Garth Brooks song). The first non country song I can remember liking was Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You" and Bryan Adams (thanks Kerry). Then the 90's hit...from Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey (before she went all nasty), and others to the explosion of Christian Contempory...DC TALK (SPEDS 4 LIFE), Audio Adreniline and Third Day. Then came my season of Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Josh Groban (thanks IWU and Jones). Then during college John Mayer hit me hard, I liked a lot more diverse music than before. Then after college ended and I started playing guitar, I tend to favor music that has a strong guitar influence to it. NOW, being married to Sarah, and her taking control of the air waves, country music has started to fill my brain cavity. Not the George Strait/Toby (Goatman) Keith/Kenny Chesney country. The Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Darius "Hootie" Rucker type country. The stories are where you are at and if you can get past one of the most annoying instruments in the world (the steel guitar) it is some good stuff. Anyways, how about you...do you go through stages? Does it change monthly, yearly, seasonally?
2. We feel very blessed to have so many family and friends support us with the 4 showers that we've had. We know that you will all continue to pray for us and baby jelly in the coming days and months. Pray that she says daddy before mommy for me will ya? Just kidding...pray for health and wisdom...for happiness and safety...for wishes granted and dreams realized. 20 days to go...maybe less because:
1. Sarah is about to POP! She had three people tell her yesterday that she doesn't even really know, that she won't make it to the August 27th due date. She is going to go sooner...she wants it, I want it and the Blueberry Festival Blueberry Donut makers want it! Thats right, if she comes earlier, we can DEFINITELY make the Blueberry Festival over Labor Day weekend. If you've never been, you are missing quite possibly Indiana's best fireworks display, wonderful food...crap booths (I mean craft booths) galore...and did I mention Blueberry donuts?! Anyways, we have everything we need to get started with baby other than a years supply of diapers. :) We can't wait!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
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