Merry Christmas

I have made it a point to say Merry Christmas this year even though that is frowned on by the very large politically correct company I work for. What do you know I have not had one complaint or bad reaction out of the hundreds of people I've told that. I do have a few tell me "Happy Holidays" back but that's ok with me. It's good to see some of the stores getting back to acknowledging Christmas again and not selling "Holiday Trees". Even the Disney channel has some of the cartoon characters saying Merry Christmas. It's a step in the right direction. If only everyone understood that Christmas is not only about the birth of Jesus but the incarnation of God becoming man to save us from our sins. I have in the past few years dreaded Christmas because of the hustle and bustle. Who would we make mad by not going to this or that Christmas party. I've really focused in on what Christmas really means this year. That's not to say I haven't got caught up a little bit in the commercial side of it. That's almost impossible to escape in our society but I've done a better job this year. I'm very excited for Christmas this year. It's also wonderful to look at Christmas through your kid's eyes. The challenge is teaching them the true meaning of Christmas. Collin really seems to be getting it now. We must be doing something right. Thanks for reading my ramblings this year.

Being a Dad!

I absolutely love the editing job that Kendra Cable did on this photo. My wife was the photographer so I have to give her credit too. I am very much in love with my family. My beautiful wife is such a blessing. She really keeps me sane and grounded in these insane times. My kids are just awesome. Sometimes I wish I could take all their struggles and hurt on myself. Other times I just want to hurt them! LOL The joys of parenthood are wonderful. I take my role as a father (aka daddy or dad) very seriously or as seriously as my silly personality will let me. I didn't have a good rollmodel growing up to show me what fatherhood should look like but I've borrowed from some other fathers (thanks Tim, Jim, Jay, and others) and most of all my heavenly Father. I guess I'm saying that fathers need to be there for their children and family. I know the world isn't ideal but I'm blessed that God has put me in a position to be a father and husband. I just hope that I point the way to Jesus.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)

Here's a pic of my beautiful kids at the pumpkin patch!
They were actually peacefully co-existing.

Well I'm done with my New Testament class. I learned so much and I've never been this excited about reading the Word. These past few weeks haven't been very conducive to reading or studying though. My Nana passed away and went to be with the Lord about a week and a half ago. The same week I thought I had a heart attack (probably gall bladder according to my doctor) and passed out at work a few days later. I didn't just black out a little bit. I hit the floor and threw papers in the air in the middle of the bank. They took me by ambulance to the hospital and 6 hours later told me I was perfectly healthy. Still don't know what caused that but things are finally settling back down.

God has been so good through these difficult times. I've been in the waiting for what seems like ages now and have been relying more and more on my own strength. God officially got my attention. Revival services are this week and I've really felt a personal revival. During the services I am getting a sense (could be the Holy Spirit) that God's getting ready to shake our situation up. I've given up my control and I feel like He's getting ready to move in a big way. Maybe it's my misguided intuition but I don't think so. Lori didn't disagree which she usually does if she thinks I'm off base. Time will tell. I'll just be ready when he tells me to go!

Too many things to talk about at such a late hour!

Well First off Collin is back in school in 1st grade. He has a wonderful teacher which is a big relief. He's really growing up. From what little I can glean from him things are going well (I hope!). I was really worrying about the new school year and had to give that to God. It was keeping me up at night. I still worry a little from time to time but I know that God has Collin's beautiful 6 year old life in His hands.
I also just started Ministry Prep Classes through Nazarene Bible College online. Very scary and exciting all at the same time. The first few weeks are just an orientation getting to know all the technology and how the classes work. I'm finding that school gets scarier and harder as I'm getting older. I was a whiz in my younger days but I'm convinced my kids have drained all my brain cells some how. I'm really praying that God will bring me closer to full time ministry through these courses. Well I'm off to bed for a good night's sleep...hopefully!

Back to the Blog

Sorry It's been so long as if anyone is actually reading. Things have been really stagnant this summer. Still waiting to see if our district is going on a missions trip. We think it might be to India which would be awesome but no final word yet. We've had some great times with the kids outside playing and we went to lake Michigan to the beach for a few days which was a lot of fun. On the missionary front all is quiet. We are definitely in the waiting. I've been feeling more and more restless with work and with everything lately. We seem to be stuck in the this endless cycle and not moving any closer to our calling. On top of that both Lori and I seem called back to school to be more usefull in the field. She would like to finish her teaching license and I'm torn between a few things. I've always just seen myself as administrative behind the scenes guy in the mission field. I seem to have this gentle nudge at this point to seminary that I can't seem to shake (despite my best efforts). The problem is finances. There is no extra money at the end of the month and we don't spend on any extras now. Paying for even one of us to go back seems impossible. I came across this verse on Facebook of all places. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. I'm holding on the that verse! Until next time.

Prayer!

I sometimes take for granted that all churches pray like ours does. I know that's not always the case. The power of prayer still amazes me. I'm amazed that God covets our prayers and uses them to do His will. We had a good "old fashioned" prayer meeting tonight. Lori and I sang in the choir during the first half while Collin sat out with a friend. I was proud that he was so good. It must be that superb parenting! ;-) The congregation was given some suggestions of things to pray for and asked to pray on their own or in groups as the spirit led. Lori, Collin, and I went into the back row (in case we had to make a quick getaway with a restless 6 year old) to pray. We a had a wonderful time of family prayer. Collin thanked God for his cool toys! We did leave a little early. There's only so much prayer time Collin could take. Don't worry Maiya was in the nursery having a fun time.

In my missionary walk God has been showing me to take the uncertainty in stride. I know that's even more difficult for Lori. She likes things planned out way in advance. Giving everything up to God seems to come in stages for me. Just as I think God has everything, He points out something else in my life I'm holding on to. Our financial situation from some past mistakes is precarious at best but I have such a peace about it. I do still get that panicked feeling occasionally when sending out bills but it's only temporary now. Things are slowly working themselves out. Now Lori and I are feeling that we are being led to take some additional schooling. Again finances seem pretty impossible for even one of us to go to college. Lori is 1-2 years from a teaching degree. It seems teachers are in high demand in the field. I have been struggling with how God wants to use me on the mission field since I was called. My logical self came up with getting an MBA and using my administrative talents to some extent. I've had a gentle leading that I've been trying to ignore the past month that I may be going to seminary. This terrifies me much more than going to a strange country where I don't know the language or culture. I've always felt inadequate in my knowledge of the Bible. Some of the kids at church seem to have a better understanding than I do. I'm continuing to fast and pray about this one. God always wins these one sided arguments though.

Changing Course

Sorry it's been a while for an update (if there's anyone actually reading!). God changed our course slightly today. It seemed that Satan was throwing obstacles up to Lori and I going on this mission trip to Guatemala. My cautious and ever diligent wife was feeling the timing might not be right. My idealistic self was going to beat back anything Satan threw at us to go on this trip. This past week I started to feel like maybe God was trying to tell us it wasn't the right trip. We have been praying along with some friends for some insight. I felt really impressed to pray at my late lunch this afternoon for guidance. A short time later my wife talked to the missions president for our church. Our district is going abroad for a Work and Witness trip in January. They were excited that we may be able to go with this trip instead. OK now I get it! I'm learning to listen more to my wife. The Holy Spirit often speaks to me through her. I'm not sure if I've told her that but I need to. I'm off to bed.

No Guy Time Today!

So I'm a little disappointed today. My wife and some of her lady friends went out to go shopping at a huge stretch of rummage sales today (scary I know!). Well I was going to take the kids to a friend's house to play while we did guy stuff. Mostly cooking on the grill and watching sports and maybe spitting and scratching ourselves. OK probably not the last two but you get the picture. I do get the #1 parent award today. Collin wouldn't eat breakfast saying he wasn't hungry. Being the responsible parent I made him eat some toast and apple slices with the whole "breakfast is the most important meal of the day speech". About half way through his toast, back up it came all over the kitchen floor! It took a good 15 minutes to clean him and the kitchen up while keeping my 2 year old out of the mess. Needless to say there will be no guy time! It's times like these that I remind myself what a gift from God they are. I wouldn't trade them for the world!

A closing thought. Collin just blurted out a scripture reference this morning 1 John 5:11. He didn't know what verse went along with it but just in case you're wondering "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." What a great assurance we have in Jesus but we aren't just waiting for Heaven to get here. Matthew 28:19 tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. God is teaching me to get past my intraverted nature so I can share Jesus with others.

Faith Promise Weekend

Last night was the "International Dinner" pitch in. My favorite international cuisine had to be the white castle hamburgers! A missionary family that ministers in Muslim areas were the guest speakers. Dan and his wife had a wonderful story to tell. Areas that have traditionally been closed to the gospel are seeing a large movement to Jesus! In one community the mosques were closed and converted to churches. It's so exciting that Lori and I will somehow be a part of spreading the gospel in another country. On the other hand I've been feeling that it's been a year since we were called and we haven't gotten any closer to being sent. I realize that it's Satan trying to discourage me. God really has done a lot in a year. I take comfort that somewhere God is preparing a place where we will serve. He's also been preparing us even in the mundane day to day. It's amazing thinking of all that He orchestrates behind the scenes.

Memory Verse

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Philippians 4:8 I'm trying to memorize this verse along with my 5th graders. I bet they are doing better than I am. I get the whatevers mixed up. Whether or not I get it right, the verse is really speaking to me this week. I've been praying that the Holy Spirit take captive my thoughts. What you let sit in the mind too long can make it's way to your heart. I've been really challenged to "think about such things" this week.

Dirt and Rocks

Hello again and welcome back to my ramblings. Not much to report today. My son and I had one of those fun playing in the dirt guy times after work. We have what I guess can be explained as a large ditch about a football field's length from our house. It's got rocks and dirt and bugs and fun things like that. Collin and I found 2 golf balls and some pretty cool rocks. I don't think my wife was impressed with the treasures we brought back. It was fun bonding time all the same. Collin's 6th birthday is tomorrow. I can't believe he's made it this far! ;-) Collin is going to do awesome things for the Lord. He has such sweet spirit and a heart for God in a six year old sort of way. He can infuriate me at times but it is nothing compared to the joy he brings. Well it's off to bed. Plus I have to check in on Dancing with the Stars!

Sunny Days

It was one of those Sesame Street looking days today. Not too hot and not too cold with a few white fluffy clouds in the sky. The grass is green and the trees are getting their leaves. I took a walk down to a retention pond on my lunch break and just watched the fish swimming by in the calm water(Wish I had a fishing pole!). God's creation is truly awesome. I've really been learning that God is also in the gray rainy days as well. God has been the potter shaping and molding me through the trials I've experienced. I was quickly brought down off of the high about our mission trip to Guatemala last night. I got the message that oh by the way we need a hefty down payment like last week since you joined a little late. That panic and worry set in but God is in control and he'll take care of this "small" detail as well.

1st Blog!

Well this is my first blog posting. I hope to keep everyone updated on our progress to the mission field and everything in between. A little background info. Lori and I were called to serve as missionaries about 1 year ago on our churches (AndersonNazarene.com) faith promise Sunday. It's a Sunday where we make monetary pledges to support missions for the Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Chuck Gailey was the speaker and I'll forever be grateful that God used him to speak to me. The call was as clear as me and you talking to each other. Dr Gailey was explaining what it meant to be a missionary and God said "I want you to do that". Well here we are a year later and Lori and I have been to Cross Cultural Orientation training and are planning to go on a Work and Witness trip to Guatemala in October. We will have to leave our 2 kids (Collin and Maiya) with family during that 9 day trip which has been difficult to accept.

As far as today goes, church was good as usual. The atmosphere was a little somber for some reason in the service today (might have been my mood). The 5th graders in Sunday school had the giggles as 5th graders sometimes do. Collin was crashing from his big 6th birthday party yesterday so was pretty grumpy at church. Everyone is taking their Nazarene nap as I'm typing this. I need to mow the lawn for the 1st time this season or I'm going to have a hard time getting the mower through it next week.