Christmas musings...
Thinking on my own children being born, where was Joseph during the birth?
When the Baby was born, did everything in the stable stop or did the animals carry on with business as usual?
How can the creator of the universe step into His own creation and only a handful of people notice?
Was anyone else staying in the stable because there was no room in the inn?
When did the star appear?
How much more grateful will I be when I, one day, can fully grasp the implications of what Emmanuel ("God with us") really means?
Peace.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Angels
We (Rachel and I) had a conversation the other day about the angels that announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
LUKE 2:9-14
So, we were talking about how the multitude of angels made their appearance. If you see this scene in a movie, the angels are usually lined up like a choir according to height and whether they sing bass or tenor. It is a nice little arrangement of heavenly hosts.
What if it wasn't so neatly packaged? What if the sky lit up around the shepherds like they were in a planetarium? Did the angels really come out in formation or did they appear all over the sky like so many stars?
These questions are not really all that important compared to the message that they were delivering, but I do wonder if their appearance was much bigger than we typically imagine. Kind of how we think about God.
Just something to think about.
Peace.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
LUKE 2:9-14
So, we were talking about how the multitude of angels made their appearance. If you see this scene in a movie, the angels are usually lined up like a choir according to height and whether they sing bass or tenor. It is a nice little arrangement of heavenly hosts.
What if it wasn't so neatly packaged? What if the sky lit up around the shepherds like they were in a planetarium? Did the angels really come out in formation or did they appear all over the sky like so many stars?
These questions are not really all that important compared to the message that they were delivering, but I do wonder if their appearance was much bigger than we typically imagine. Kind of how we think about God.
Just something to think about.
Peace.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Home for the Holidays
We made it.
18.5 hours.
7 states.
1100 miles.
20 Chicken McNuggets.
9 movies.
1 bajillion radio stations scanned. (I have trouble settling.)
10 separate naps. (None of them mine.)
2 accidents passed.
3 excited kids.
4 Bionicle Happy Meal toys. 2 Little Ponies.
10,00 variations of the question "Are we there yet?".
2 sets of concerned grandparents.
27 degrees when we arrived
1 tired dad.
Peace.
18.5 hours.
7 states.
1100 miles.
20 Chicken McNuggets.
9 movies.
1 bajillion radio stations scanned. (I have trouble settling.)
10 separate naps. (None of them mine.)
2 accidents passed.
3 excited kids.
4 Bionicle Happy Meal toys. 2 Little Ponies.
10,00 variations of the question "Are we there yet?".
2 sets of concerned grandparents.
27 degrees when we arrived
1 tired dad.
Peace.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Well Diggers
Just checked weather.com for the temp in Columbia, Missouri, where we are headed for Christmas. I was just curious. I shouldn't have looked.
The temperature right now in Wilmington, NC (where I am) is 60 degrees. If you factor in the wind chill, it feels like 60 degrees when you step outside. (Did I mention it is 10 PM?) In Columbia, the temp right now is 13. It feels like 1. Those are not good numbers when it comes to comfort levels. I can't wait to see family and friends there, but I am not looking forward to the cold. Looks like I will only be warm when I am in a scalding hot shower this holiday season. Ho, ho, ho.
Peace.
The temperature right now in Wilmington, NC (where I am) is 60 degrees. If you factor in the wind chill, it feels like 60 degrees when you step outside. (Did I mention it is 10 PM?) In Columbia, the temp right now is 13. It feels like 1. Those are not good numbers when it comes to comfort levels. I can't wait to see family and friends there, but I am not looking forward to the cold. Looks like I will only be warm when I am in a scalding hot shower this holiday season. Ho, ho, ho.
Peace.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Weekend That Was
What did you do with your weekend? I know that it is now Tuesday but it has taken this long to sit down and write a little bit.
I'll start with Friday. Declan carried on the streak of Lademann children going under general anaesthetic for some kind of medical procedure. He had surgery on his, um..., "man parts". One of his boys had gone out for a bit and had not come home, so to speak. The doctor went in and brought the rogue back and tied him down. Jett now has what has been referred to as a "bobber" dangling from his under carriage until Friday. He is doing well now and we are struggling to keep him from being his regular active self while he continues to recover.
On Saturday, Brady and I traveled to Mt. Olive, North Carolina so he could play in an indoor soccer tournament. The Port City Storm Black team went 3-0 in group play and earned a spot in the U10 Championship game. It was a tough game against a good Real Raleigh team but Port City prevailed 2-1 in the end. The unique first place prize, because we were just a few miles from the Mt. Olive Pickle factory, was a jar of Mt. Olive Pickle Spears and a Mt. Olive College Soccer t-shirt. We had a great time and it was nice to spend a day with my oldest son.
Saturday also had Rachel doing her first official Gracie Girls Boutique home party. She and her business partner packed up their bows, bags and accessories for little girls and headed out to make a little money. They sold quite a bit of their inventory and left their customers very happy.
Sunday really was a day of needed rest and recovery for all of us. Church was good and it was nice to just chill for a minute. I love our life but down time occasionally is a good thing.
Peace.
I'll start with Friday. Declan carried on the streak of Lademann children going under general anaesthetic for some kind of medical procedure. He had surgery on his, um..., "man parts". One of his boys had gone out for a bit and had not come home, so to speak. The doctor went in and brought the rogue back and tied him down. Jett now has what has been referred to as a "bobber" dangling from his under carriage until Friday. He is doing well now and we are struggling to keep him from being his regular active self while he continues to recover.
On Saturday, Brady and I traveled to Mt. Olive, North Carolina so he could play in an indoor soccer tournament. The Port City Storm Black team went 3-0 in group play and earned a spot in the U10 Championship game. It was a tough game against a good Real Raleigh team but Port City prevailed 2-1 in the end. The unique first place prize, because we were just a few miles from the Mt. Olive Pickle factory, was a jar of Mt. Olive Pickle Spears and a Mt. Olive College Soccer t-shirt. We had a great time and it was nice to spend a day with my oldest son.
Saturday also had Rachel doing her first official Gracie Girls Boutique home party. She and her business partner packed up their bows, bags and accessories for little girls and headed out to make a little money. They sold quite a bit of their inventory and left their customers very happy.
Sunday really was a day of needed rest and recovery for all of us. Church was good and it was nice to just chill for a minute. I love our life but down time occasionally is a good thing.
Peace.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What did she know?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
Youve kissed the face of god.
--Mark Lowry
Peace.
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
Youve kissed the face of god.
--Mark Lowry
Peace.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Random
A few thoughts with no connection at all.
--Thanksgiving weekend was very good. Lots of family time and lots of friends around as well. Got the Christmas tree up and the holiday music blaring. My favorite time of year.
--Brady has a soccer tourney next weekend in Mt. Olive, NC, the home of Mt. Olive Pickles. Looking forward to it.
--Rachel has a Gracie Girls Boutique party on Saturday. She is liking having a little business and we are both ready for a few extra dollars around the house. Check out http://www.graciegirlsboutique.com
--Finishing up reading Eugene Peterson's book "Subversive Spirituality". A nice collection of essays and articles on the subtle nature of following Jesus.
--Hoping for a Mizzou victory on Saturday against the Sooners. Not real confident but I have to hope.
--Excited about going home (Missouri) for Christmas. I'd like to have a little snow there if someone could work that out for me. Thanks.
Peace.
--Thanksgiving weekend was very good. Lots of family time and lots of friends around as well. Got the Christmas tree up and the holiday music blaring. My favorite time of year.
--Brady has a soccer tourney next weekend in Mt. Olive, NC, the home of Mt. Olive Pickles. Looking forward to it.
--Rachel has a Gracie Girls Boutique party on Saturday. She is liking having a little business and we are both ready for a few extra dollars around the house. Check out http://www.graciegirlsboutique.com
--Finishing up reading Eugene Peterson's book "Subversive Spirituality". A nice collection of essays and articles on the subtle nature of following Jesus.
--Hoping for a Mizzou victory on Saturday against the Sooners. Not real confident but I have to hope.
--Excited about going home (Missouri) for Christmas. I'd like to have a little snow there if someone could work that out for me. Thanks.
Peace.
Friday, November 28, 2008
The Red Rubber Ball at Work
When was the last time you played at work? Ponder this.
"By the time we enter the workplace, we have effectively relegated play to weekends and vacations. Worse still, competition and deadlines further stifle our ability to exercise many of the productive instincts that play stimulates, such as creativity and imagination. How sad that as adults we push play to the margins of our lives, forgetting that play is not frivolous at all, but highly productive."
In Kevin Carroll's new book, The Red Rubber Ball at Work, he takes his penchant for play as a catalyst into the workplace. The five chapters in this compact, playful book are on Innovation, Results, Teamwork, Leadership and Curiosity. Far from being a how to book, Kevin engages us with real-life examples of those who have taken the lessons learned from childhood play and translated them into workplace success. From authors and engineers to actors and surgeons, he encourages us to continue to play at work in order to increase our creativity and productivity.
One of my favorite features of the book is the end of each chapter. The chapters finish with sections called Look, Read and Do. Look has various websites to check out for further ideas or inspiration. Read lists additional books that may be helpful on the topic of the chapter. Do is about taking action and doing something with the information you have gathered.
I would highly recommend The Red Rubber Ball at Work for everyone. If you are a playful, creative person, you will love it. If you are a serious, no-nonsense person, you need it.
Peace.
"By the time we enter the workplace, we have effectively relegated play to weekends and vacations. Worse still, competition and deadlines further stifle our ability to exercise many of the productive instincts that play stimulates, such as creativity and imagination. How sad that as adults we push play to the margins of our lives, forgetting that play is not frivolous at all, but highly productive."
In Kevin Carroll's new book, The Red Rubber Ball at Work, he takes his penchant for play as a catalyst into the workplace. The five chapters in this compact, playful book are on Innovation, Results, Teamwork, Leadership and Curiosity. Far from being a how to book, Kevin engages us with real-life examples of those who have taken the lessons learned from childhood play and translated them into workplace success. From authors and engineers to actors and surgeons, he encourages us to continue to play at work in order to increase our creativity and productivity.
One of my favorite features of the book is the end of each chapter. The chapters finish with sections called Look, Read and Do. Look has various websites to check out for further ideas or inspiration. Read lists additional books that may be helpful on the topic of the chapter. Do is about taking action and doing something with the information you have gathered.
I would highly recommend The Red Rubber Ball at Work for everyone. If you are a playful, creative person, you will love it. If you are a serious, no-nonsense person, you need it.
Peace.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Grateful
I'm grateful...
...for Rachel, Brady, Kendall and Declan. What would my life be without them?
...for parents who have prepared the path in more ways than they could know.
..for sisters who have become some of my greatest friends over the years.
...for friends. You know who you are.
...for health, a job, the good fortune to have been born in this country.
This could be a very long post, but it won't be. What it all comes down to is a thankfulness to God. Without Him, I have nothing in my life. It is through His grace in Christ that I do anything.
Peace.
...for Rachel, Brady, Kendall and Declan. What would my life be without them?
...for parents who have prepared the path in more ways than they could know.
..for sisters who have become some of my greatest friends over the years.
...for friends. You know who you are.
...for health, a job, the good fortune to have been born in this country.
This could be a very long post, but it won't be. What it all comes down to is a thankfulness to God. Without Him, I have nothing in my life. It is through His grace in Christ that I do anything.
Peace.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Moments
Life is made up of moments. How many of those moments can you clearly recall? I had a moment this weekend. When I tell you what it was, you may not think it was much of a thing to even register in one's mind. Stay with me.
My daughter, Kendall, age seven, was in a local production of "The Nutcracker" ballet. She was a polichinelle, which I think is some kind of a clown. (Actually, I think the term is "buffoon" but I can't write that about my princess!) Out of a nearly two hour performance, she is on stage for a total of about two minutes so I got a little added culture while waiting for her to appear. Anyway, she came out, did her thing and was exiting stage right. That's when she saw Rachel and me. We were in the third row and our eyes definitely met. Her stage smile got a little bigger and a little more real. After the show, she said "I saw you when I was walking off". I said "I thought you did". There was a connection that goes beyond words. It cannot be explained. It was a moment.
I recognize it makes me sound like I am prone to maudlin sentimentality, which I may be, but I think we miss too many small moments in our rush to get to the next big thing. We gloss over seemingly insignificant times because they don't affect the course of our life. I know that my moment with Kendall will not make me or break me, but if I can learn to see those moments and really be there, the moments will add up over time. Over time the moments become a life.
Do you look for the moments in your life? They may not be what you think.
Peace.
My daughter, Kendall, age seven, was in a local production of "The Nutcracker" ballet. She was a polichinelle, which I think is some kind of a clown. (Actually, I think the term is "buffoon" but I can't write that about my princess!) Out of a nearly two hour performance, she is on stage for a total of about two minutes so I got a little added culture while waiting for her to appear. Anyway, she came out, did her thing and was exiting stage right. That's when she saw Rachel and me. We were in the third row and our eyes definitely met. Her stage smile got a little bigger and a little more real. After the show, she said "I saw you when I was walking off". I said "I thought you did". There was a connection that goes beyond words. It cannot be explained. It was a moment.
I recognize it makes me sound like I am prone to maudlin sentimentality, which I may be, but I think we miss too many small moments in our rush to get to the next big thing. We gloss over seemingly insignificant times because they don't affect the course of our life. I know that my moment with Kendall will not make me or break me, but if I can learn to see those moments and really be there, the moments will add up over time. Over time the moments become a life.
Do you look for the moments in your life? They may not be what you think.
Peace.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Focus
How is this space going to best be used? That is the question that, at the moment, is worth about sixty-four cents. Is it going to be an outlet for writing? Maybe it will be a place for venting emotions? I know, it should be a place for friends everywhere to keep up with my life. It should be serious. It should be funny. Everything done here should have a point. Right? Um...sure.
I recognize that it should be narrowed down to something more focused than its current state. Right now, it reflects a little of how my brain is these days. I have so much pinging around inside my cranial cavity that some days it is all I can do to keep all of those super-bounce balls under wraps. Here is what I will attempt to do with all of that activity.
The title of this blog is "in over my head". I came up with that in a moment of clarity and I am going to stick with it. In so many ways, I am in over my head. I am way out of my depth in planting a church. My job has put me in a place where I am stretched every day. I am a husband and a father, need I say more?
Having said that, I am going to focus on three areas while I try to keep my head above water. The bulk of the posts will have to do with family, dreams and inspiration and our church plant. You may read some posts and wonder how a post may fit into one of those categories but let me say, I can be very creative when I need to be. I am not going to limit myself to only those three but the majority of posts will fall there.
Happy reading.
Peace.
I recognize that it should be narrowed down to something more focused than its current state. Right now, it reflects a little of how my brain is these days. I have so much pinging around inside my cranial cavity that some days it is all I can do to keep all of those super-bounce balls under wraps. Here is what I will attempt to do with all of that activity.
The title of this blog is "in over my head". I came up with that in a moment of clarity and I am going to stick with it. In so many ways, I am in over my head. I am way out of my depth in planting a church. My job has put me in a place where I am stretched every day. I am a husband and a father, need I say more?
Having said that, I am going to focus on three areas while I try to keep my head above water. The bulk of the posts will have to do with family, dreams and inspiration and our church plant. You may read some posts and wonder how a post may fit into one of those categories but let me say, I can be very creative when I need to be. I am not going to limit myself to only those three but the majority of posts will fall there.
Happy reading.
Peace.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Short post
Made a few changes to the look of the blog. Let me know what you think. Also added a few links of blogs that I follow. Check them out.
I am in the middle of a book called "The Red Rubber Ball at Work" by Kevin Carroll. I'll post a review soon.
Life is good. Kendall makes her debut in "The Nutcracker" ballet tomorrow. She is going to be brilliant. I can't wait to see her.
Peace.
I am in the middle of a book called "The Red Rubber Ball at Work" by Kevin Carroll. I'll post a review soon.
Life is good. Kendall makes her debut in "The Nutcracker" ballet tomorrow. She is going to be brilliant. I can't wait to see her.
Peace.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Church
Just a quick update on church.
We are now officially Wilmington Community Church. We got our articles of incorporation late last week. We have opened a checking account under the church name and we are working on at least a web presence if not a full scale web site. We have 11 adults coming regularly when we gather on Sunday nights. Not much, but more than what we have had.
It has been an incredible journey even to get to this point. To think that five years ago a seed of a thought was planted to start a church in a mid-size town on the coast of North Carolina is amazing. Here we are, not done yet by any stretch, witnessing the faithfulness of God and believing that He will finish what He started.
Peace.
We are now officially Wilmington Community Church. We got our articles of incorporation late last week. We have opened a checking account under the church name and we are working on at least a web presence if not a full scale web site. We have 11 adults coming regularly when we gather on Sunday nights. Not much, but more than what we have had.
It has been an incredible journey even to get to this point. To think that five years ago a seed of a thought was planted to start a church in a mid-size town on the coast of North Carolina is amazing. Here we are, not done yet by any stretch, witnessing the faithfulness of God and believing that He will finish what He started.
Peace.
More Fun
I run an after school program for middle school kids in downtown Wilmington, NC. We have a fairly strong academic focus and we hope to raise grades and End of Grade test scores. We also run other programs that teach dance, photography, science, fitness, golf and other things. We have about 30-35 kids that come consistently, so it isn't like we aren't doing anything.
We need to have more fun though. There needs to be more play. I had a crazy idea tonight that I am going to pursue and I will let you know how it goes. I have been reading and thinking about the idea of play lately. It is an important part of life and especially so for kids. I need to do everything that I can to make these programs educational but more fun at the same time.
Play more.
Peace.
We need to have more fun though. There needs to be more play. I had a crazy idea tonight that I am going to pursue and I will let you know how it goes. I have been reading and thinking about the idea of play lately. It is an important part of life and especially so for kids. I need to do everything that I can to make these programs educational but more fun at the same time.
Play more.
Peace.
Friday, November 14, 2008
writing
One of my reasons for starting this blog was for me to have an outlet to write. Not so very deep down inside of me, there is a writer trying to claw his way to the surface and take over my life. Now, with a wife, three kids, a new church, a demanding job and more, the writer will have a helluva time taking over when he escapes.
In the spirit of trying to help that writer struggling to see the light of day, I will occasionally post a short writing exercise. I have come across multiple sources on "how to be creative" so I should be a genius in that area now. Alas, I am not. I will give it my best shot though and maybe someday the writer will manifest and take over. When that happens, I will send you an update from my secluded cabin located in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. After a couple of bestsellers of course. Or maybe winning the lottery. We'll see.
Peace.
In the spirit of trying to help that writer struggling to see the light of day, I will occasionally post a short writing exercise. I have come across multiple sources on "how to be creative" so I should be a genius in that area now. Alas, I am not. I will give it my best shot though and maybe someday the writer will manifest and take over. When that happens, I will send you an update from my secluded cabin located in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. After a couple of bestsellers of course. Or maybe winning the lottery. We'll see.
Peace.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Significance
I'm pretty sure that most people want to do something or be someone who is significant. It may be in different areas of life, maybe sports or medicine or education, but, in the words of the Counting Crows, "we all want to be big stars". I am not equating significant with famous. Those are two separate ideas. I am talking about really making a difference and doing what it takes to make this world a better place.
I am also pretty sure that a lot of those ideas of significance remain just that, ideas. They are never put into practice or they never make it out of our heads, even into spoken or written words. Why is that? I have only one guess. It is really, really hard.
The hard work and the dedication that is required to become significant is often overwhelming. It is easy to have a one time encounter and inspire someone. It is much harder to live out what you believe in front of people on an ongoing basis. To continue to give of yourself and not stumble or quit is very difficult. To truly be significant, we have to lay down our life in some ways.
What is that thing of significance that is lying dormant in your life? What is that idea that you had when you were young that never made it out into the open? What if you went back to that and did something with it?
Peace.
I am also pretty sure that a lot of those ideas of significance remain just that, ideas. They are never put into practice or they never make it out of our heads, even into spoken or written words. Why is that? I have only one guess. It is really, really hard.
The hard work and the dedication that is required to become significant is often overwhelming. It is easy to have a one time encounter and inspire someone. It is much harder to live out what you believe in front of people on an ongoing basis. To continue to give of yourself and not stumble or quit is very difficult. To truly be significant, we have to lay down our life in some ways.
What is that thing of significance that is lying dormant in your life? What is that idea that you had when you were young that never made it out into the open? What if you went back to that and did something with it?
Peace.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Random
Too much in my head to do anything too coherent. A bit of an ADD day for me. Here's a glimpse.
Thinking about a program for middle and high school students that will inspire them to dream, to discover the gifts they have been given and then use those gifts throughout their life. Just a thought.
Loving the group of people that God is shaping into a church here in Carolina.
Looking for people to come speak to our after school kids to keep them in school. Someone to give them something to strive for.
Looking forward to the Big 12 football championship game. Hoping that my Missouri Tigers can make it there and pound whoever they end up playing.
Happy to have a day off tomorrow.
Watching the Cardinals and the 49ers play on Monday Night Football. Two teams that I have no connection to, but it is sports so it is on.
Hoping that Rachel's business takes off. Have I mentioned http://graciegirlsboutique.com/ ?
Reading Under the Unpredictable Plant by Eugene Peterson. Read it before. It's still good.
Can't wait for Christmas. It will be on top of us soon you know.
Peace.
Thinking about a program for middle and high school students that will inspire them to dream, to discover the gifts they have been given and then use those gifts throughout their life. Just a thought.
Loving the group of people that God is shaping into a church here in Carolina.
Looking for people to come speak to our after school kids to keep them in school. Someone to give them something to strive for.
Looking forward to the Big 12 football championship game. Hoping that my Missouri Tigers can make it there and pound whoever they end up playing.
Happy to have a day off tomorrow.
Watching the Cardinals and the 49ers play on Monday Night Football. Two teams that I have no connection to, but it is sports so it is on.
Hoping that Rachel's business takes off. Have I mentioned http://graciegirlsboutique.com/ ?
Reading Under the Unpredictable Plant by Eugene Peterson. Read it before. It's still good.
Can't wait for Christmas. It will be on top of us soon you know.
Peace.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Soccer
Another day spent at the local soccer fields. I love it.
For the past three months, we have had three practices a week and three games every Saturday. All three kids, ages 9, 7, and 4, have experienced the beauty that is the game of soccer. Of course, they don't see it that way. They see it as spending time with friends, having fun playing a game and getting snacks after every match. Either way, we all win.
They have learned that the game is about more than just their own desires. They have learned that the best way to accomplish something is to work together. They have learned that you don't always win. They have learned that you can come back and win the next one. They have learned that it isn't over until the final whistle blows. They have learned that there are people who know more than they do and that sometimes, they should listen. They won't tell you that this is what they learned, but it is true. And the process was fun.
How much of what my kids learned playing a game can you use everyday?
Peace.
For the past three months, we have had three practices a week and three games every Saturday. All three kids, ages 9, 7, and 4, have experienced the beauty that is the game of soccer. Of course, they don't see it that way. They see it as spending time with friends, having fun playing a game and getting snacks after every match. Either way, we all win.
They have learned that the game is about more than just their own desires. They have learned that the best way to accomplish something is to work together. They have learned that you don't always win. They have learned that you can come back and win the next one. They have learned that it isn't over until the final whistle blows. They have learned that there are people who know more than they do and that sometimes, they should listen. They won't tell you that this is what they learned, but it is true. And the process was fun.
How much of what my kids learned playing a game can you use everyday?
Peace.
Friday, November 7, 2008
What if...?
Yeah, soooo...It's been a little while. Let's try this again.
I am sitting in my living room, the kids are in bed (mostly), the wife is out getting ready for her first day of business tomorrow (check out http://graciegirlsboutique.com/), Delirious is on the CD player (can you say "old school"?) and I am putting off doing small domestic-type chores to help out a bit. I know, you are thinking to yourself that I am livin' the life. Don't let that little green eyed monster of jealousy overtake you.
I have been thinking lately (seriously!) about what the role of play is in our lives. Research tells us that, in children, play is some serious business. It is how they learn how things work, how to solve problems, how to develop relationships, how to get along in life and so much more. As we grow up, play stays in the realm of childhood. We have to become serious, focused and responsible. A lot of times, growing up sucks the life right out of us.
What if we didn't lose that bit of play that seems to be innately in us? I understand that we do need to grow up and there are things in life that do demand our serious attention. I fully agree that we need to step into responsibility that life sends our way. But what if we approached all of life with a sense of play?
What if we enjoyed our work? What if we got down on the floor and played with our kids? What if our marriages retained the life of our dating era? What if we joined a kickball league? What if we splashed in the puddles in the rain? What if...?
I have been reading the blog of Kevin Carroll for a couple of years now and I love what he has to say about play. He has taken play to the place of not only being serious business in the lives of children, but being serious business in the lives of adults. Play can be used in the corporate world to enhance creativity and teamwork as well as to bring social change to third world countries. Play is an amazing opportunity to see the world around us a little differently and open up the possibilities of life and what we can do with it. Check out Kevin's blog at http://www.kevincarrollkatalyst.com/ .
Play a little tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. Let me know how it works out for you.
Peace.
I am sitting in my living room, the kids are in bed (mostly), the wife is out getting ready for her first day of business tomorrow (check out http://graciegirlsboutique.com/), Delirious is on the CD player (can you say "old school"?) and I am putting off doing small domestic-type chores to help out a bit. I know, you are thinking to yourself that I am livin' the life. Don't let that little green eyed monster of jealousy overtake you.
I have been thinking lately (seriously!) about what the role of play is in our lives. Research tells us that, in children, play is some serious business. It is how they learn how things work, how to solve problems, how to develop relationships, how to get along in life and so much more. As we grow up, play stays in the realm of childhood. We have to become serious, focused and responsible. A lot of times, growing up sucks the life right out of us.
What if we didn't lose that bit of play that seems to be innately in us? I understand that we do need to grow up and there are things in life that do demand our serious attention. I fully agree that we need to step into responsibility that life sends our way. But what if we approached all of life with a sense of play?
What if we enjoyed our work? What if we got down on the floor and played with our kids? What if our marriages retained the life of our dating era? What if we joined a kickball league? What if we splashed in the puddles in the rain? What if...?
I have been reading the blog of Kevin Carroll for a couple of years now and I love what he has to say about play. He has taken play to the place of not only being serious business in the lives of children, but being serious business in the lives of adults. Play can be used in the corporate world to enhance creativity and teamwork as well as to bring social change to third world countries. Play is an amazing opportunity to see the world around us a little differently and open up the possibilities of life and what we can do with it. Check out Kevin's blog at http://www.kevincarrollkatalyst.com/ .
Play a little tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. Let me know how it works out for you.
Peace.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What if...?
What if Swiss Cake Rolls and Chips Ahoy were good for you and broccoli and cauliflower made you, ahem, fill out? I'm just asking. Personally, if that were the case, I would be the fittest person ever.
What if...?
What if your actions really matched up with what you believe?
Is that even possible? Think about all you would have to change in your life. I am making a huge assumption that you are like me in that the actions and the beliefs don't always match. I would have to adjust a large chunk of how I live my life.
I believe that it is good to have dreams and to pursue them with your life. If I actually went after the things that I have inside me, I mean, really did something to make the dreams reality, I would spend a lot less time sitting around watching sports on TV. Hmm, maybe that isn't such a bad thing.
I believe that we are supposed to become more like Jesus as we follow Him. The way I act sometimes you would think that I am trying to make Him become more like me. What if I acted on the thoughts of compassion and service and love and grace instead of being content to just think them and then assume that the thought is really all that God is looking for?
I believe that this life is to be lived and enjoyed as much as possible in any of our given circumstances. Lately, things have been hard and I have been the crankiest man on the planet. I still have things to be grateful for so, in some ways, I need to get over myself and look at the good in my life.
I could go on for hours, but you get the point, don't you? This question can go to any area of our life that we choose to apply it. I think a lot of us live in the place of thinking one way but, for whatever reasons, acting another way. I am going to try to make a concious effort, with God's help, to have my outward actions line up, as closely as possible, with my inward being.
Walk with me.
Peace.
Is that even possible? Think about all you would have to change in your life. I am making a huge assumption that you are like me in that the actions and the beliefs don't always match. I would have to adjust a large chunk of how I live my life.
I believe that it is good to have dreams and to pursue them with your life. If I actually went after the things that I have inside me, I mean, really did something to make the dreams reality, I would spend a lot less time sitting around watching sports on TV. Hmm, maybe that isn't such a bad thing.
I believe that we are supposed to become more like Jesus as we follow Him. The way I act sometimes you would think that I am trying to make Him become more like me. What if I acted on the thoughts of compassion and service and love and grace instead of being content to just think them and then assume that the thought is really all that God is looking for?
I believe that this life is to be lived and enjoyed as much as possible in any of our given circumstances. Lately, things have been hard and I have been the crankiest man on the planet. I still have things to be grateful for so, in some ways, I need to get over myself and look at the good in my life.
I could go on for hours, but you get the point, don't you? This question can go to any area of our life that we choose to apply it. I think a lot of us live in the place of thinking one way but, for whatever reasons, acting another way. I am going to try to make a concious effort, with God's help, to have my outward actions line up, as closely as possible, with my inward being.
Walk with me.
Peace.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
What if...?
I have been rolling this around in my head for a few days now. From the date of the last post, you would think that I have been rolling lots of things in my head or nothing at all, depending on how you look at it.
Anyway, I have been thinking about the question of "What if...?". It is so wide open and full of possibility; vague and yet able to be narrowed down very quickly. I like that it gives room to dream and hope. It can be used to put on the brakes if need be. It is both a wonderful and scary question. Kind of like life, isn't it?
Over the next few weeks I would like to post on this question. It will be regarding things that I have been pondering, some serious and some frivolous. I would welcome comments and conversation, as well as your own "What if...?" questions. Let's see what we can dream up.
Peace.
Anyway, I have been thinking about the question of "What if...?". It is so wide open and full of possibility; vague and yet able to be narrowed down very quickly. I like that it gives room to dream and hope. It can be used to put on the brakes if need be. It is both a wonderful and scary question. Kind of like life, isn't it?
Over the next few weeks I would like to post on this question. It will be regarding things that I have been pondering, some serious and some frivolous. I would welcome comments and conversation, as well as your own "What if...?" questions. Let's see what we can dream up.
Peace.
Monday, June 2, 2008
WCWS
I got sucked into this last year around this time. I chalked it up to being in a new city and not knowing anyone, therefore, I had nothing better to do. Well, here we are again in late May and early June and it has happened again. I can't turn the TV off. I am sure you all know that I am talking about the Women's College World Series.
All weekend we watched the girls from Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Arizona, Arizona State and a few others battle it out on the softball diamond. Rachel thought it was just a tad bizarre that I was getting into women's softball. This year, though, she is right there with me. Last night, as we watched the Texas A&M Aggies (Go Big 12!) eke out a 1-0, extra inning win over the Florida Gators, I finally figured out what the draw is for me.
This is a pure game. These girls are not going to turn professional, though some may get a look from the Olympic or the National teams. They are not hoping to get noticed so they can make obscene amounts of money. They probably won't ever have a shoe deal. But they play the game so hard. They are playing because they love to compete and it is FUN.
There are cheesy signs and chants in the stands. The infielders come in to give the pitcher a high-five after a strike out. The players are genuinely excited when they do something well. It is eighteen semi-adult women playing a kids game and loving every minute of it. And their moms and dads are wearing hoky shirts in the stands, screaming their heads off and loving every minute of it. It just seems to me to be pure sport with no other agenda than to do your best and enjoy yourself.
If only we could live our life like that. Maybe we can. Maybe I'll try. Except for the semi-adult woman part.
Peace.
P.S. If you get a chance to check out any of the championship series, Texas A&M vs. Arizona State, it will be worth your time. Check your local ESPN listings, as they say.
All weekend we watched the girls from Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Arizona, Arizona State and a few others battle it out on the softball diamond. Rachel thought it was just a tad bizarre that I was getting into women's softball. This year, though, she is right there with me. Last night, as we watched the Texas A&M Aggies (Go Big 12!) eke out a 1-0, extra inning win over the Florida Gators, I finally figured out what the draw is for me.
This is a pure game. These girls are not going to turn professional, though some may get a look from the Olympic or the National teams. They are not hoping to get noticed so they can make obscene amounts of money. They probably won't ever have a shoe deal. But they play the game so hard. They are playing because they love to compete and it is FUN.
There are cheesy signs and chants in the stands. The infielders come in to give the pitcher a high-five after a strike out. The players are genuinely excited when they do something well. It is eighteen semi-adult women playing a kids game and loving every minute of it. And their moms and dads are wearing hoky shirts in the stands, screaming their heads off and loving every minute of it. It just seems to me to be pure sport with no other agenda than to do your best and enjoy yourself.
If only we could live our life like that. Maybe we can. Maybe I'll try. Except for the semi-adult woman part.
Peace.
P.S. If you get a chance to check out any of the championship series, Texas A&M vs. Arizona State, it will be worth your time. Check your local ESPN listings, as they say.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Artists
My kids may be artists. Brady loves to draw. Kendall loves to dance. Declan loves to...make messes. Maybe he is into abstract art.
I realize that they are young and things can change but there may be something there. Brady informed us at dinner that he wants to go to East Carolina University which is located in Greenville, NC. He has a friend whose Mom is an artist and she went to ECU. She told Brady that they have a good art program. He told me tonight that he is glad that he can draw. Kendall cannot help but dance. She walks about 20% of the time. The rest of the time it is a twirl or a leap and there is always arm action involved.
As one who is not an artist but who sees the value of the arts, I want to encourage them as much as possible. I don't know that I have much to offer other than to help steer them to use the gifts that God has given them.
Having been an athlete most of my life, it would be a little ironic if my children end up in the art world.
Peace.
I realize that they are young and things can change but there may be something there. Brady informed us at dinner that he wants to go to East Carolina University which is located in Greenville, NC. He has a friend whose Mom is an artist and she went to ECU. She told Brady that they have a good art program. He told me tonight that he is glad that he can draw. Kendall cannot help but dance. She walks about 20% of the time. The rest of the time it is a twirl or a leap and there is always arm action involved.
As one who is not an artist but who sees the value of the arts, I want to encourage them as much as possible. I don't know that I have much to offer other than to help steer them to use the gifts that God has given them.
Having been an athlete most of my life, it would be a little ironic if my children end up in the art world.
Peace.
Runnin' Down a Dream
Runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery
Goin' wherever it leads.
-Tom Petty
Keep runnin'.
Peace.
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery
Goin' wherever it leads.
-Tom Petty
Keep runnin'.
Peace.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Creativity and schools
I have passed on this video to several people and I have watched it about 8 or 10 times. I love what Sir Ken Robinson has to say about creativity and its importance in our everyday life. Take the 20 minutes and watch it. Let me know what you think.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/66
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/66
Monday, May 26, 2008
Good Day
Memorial Day 2008, come and gone. We started out with an early trip to Wrightsville Beach this morning. We wanted to get there before nine o'clock in order to beat the crowds. We beat them. Barely. I had to stand in line for twenty minutes just to pay for parking. When we left to come home, the traffic was backed up for at least two miles to get to the beach.
We met the Bouls there and spent a relaxing three hours digging holes in the sand, playing in the water and soaking up the sun. What a great way to start a holiday. We then had about 18 people to our house later in the afternoon for a barbecue. Did I mention that ten of those eighteen people are under the age of 10? Good times.
I'm grateful for the people around me, both old friends and new. I don't know what I would do or where I would be without them.
Peace.
We met the Bouls there and spent a relaxing three hours digging holes in the sand, playing in the water and soaking up the sun. What a great way to start a holiday. We then had about 18 people to our house later in the afternoon for a barbecue. Did I mention that ten of those eighteen people are under the age of 10? Good times.
I'm grateful for the people around me, both old friends and new. I don't know what I would do or where I would be without them.
Peace.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stripped
Stripped
Such a vulgar word.
So final.
Whatever was there is gone.
Nothing is left.
Naked.
Barren.
Desolate.
All so cold and lifeless.
Nobody wants to live there.
What if we are supposed to live there?
At least for a little while.
What if that is where we find God?
We think we see Him in the easy life.
We think we see Him in the blessings.
He is there.
We don’t need Him there though.
So we think.
If everything is grand, who needs God?
I don’t.
But when I am naked; stripped…
I need him a lot.
Everyday
Minute to minute.
Totally dependent.
Nothing else to lean on.
It’s hard, no doubt.
My stomach hurts all the time.
I question Him regularly.
I complain a lot.
But He is here.
Walking with me.
Preparing the way.
Building my trust.
I don’t like the process.
But I am believing.
Trusting.
Knowing.
Our relationship will be stronger.
I will know Him more.
He will get me where I need to be.
Where He wants me to be.
I don’t want to say it.
But I will say it.
Lord, strip me.
And help me know you there.
Peace.
Such a vulgar word.
So final.
Whatever was there is gone.
Nothing is left.
Naked.
Barren.
Desolate.
All so cold and lifeless.
Nobody wants to live there.
What if we are supposed to live there?
At least for a little while.
What if that is where we find God?
We think we see Him in the easy life.
We think we see Him in the blessings.
He is there.
We don’t need Him there though.
So we think.
If everything is grand, who needs God?
I don’t.
But when I am naked; stripped…
I need him a lot.
Everyday
Minute to minute.
Totally dependent.
Nothing else to lean on.
It’s hard, no doubt.
My stomach hurts all the time.
I question Him regularly.
I complain a lot.
But He is here.
Walking with me.
Preparing the way.
Building my trust.
I don’t like the process.
But I am believing.
Trusting.
Knowing.
Our relationship will be stronger.
I will know Him more.
He will get me where I need to be.
Where He wants me to be.
I don’t want to say it.
But I will say it.
Lord, strip me.
And help me know you there.
Peace.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Perspective
There is nothing like the ocean to give you a little glimpse of where we fit in this life. I went down to the beach this morning around 7:30 (early for me) and, while I was walking, saw a couple of dolphins. One of them was only about 30 feet out in the water. It just made me think about how much is going on in the world that I am normally so unaware of.
I, like most people, tend to focus intently on what is happening in my little corner. How is my marriage? How are my kids? Can someone please give me a job? Those kinds of thoughts dominate my mind. Oh, occasionally something will catch me and make me pause to ponder the rest of the world, but only for a moment. If it doesn't affect me directly, I probably don't give it five minutes.
Standing next to the ocean makes me realize that life is much bigger than me and my little issues. They may be big issues to me, but from the perspective of the world as a whole, they are not as big as I make them.
Take a moment today to say a prayer for the people in China dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake that has killed 51,000 people. Pray for those in Myanmar still reeling from a killer cyclone. Pray for the guy you work with who is going through a nasty divorce. Step out of your own shoes and into those of someone else and take a walk in them for awhile.
Plato said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle". We are all in this life together. If we can step out of our self and love our neighbor, we might be surprised at the difference that makes.
Peace.
I, like most people, tend to focus intently on what is happening in my little corner. How is my marriage? How are my kids? Can someone please give me a job? Those kinds of thoughts dominate my mind. Oh, occasionally something will catch me and make me pause to ponder the rest of the world, but only for a moment. If it doesn't affect me directly, I probably don't give it five minutes.
Standing next to the ocean makes me realize that life is much bigger than me and my little issues. They may be big issues to me, but from the perspective of the world as a whole, they are not as big as I make them.
Take a moment today to say a prayer for the people in China dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake that has killed 51,000 people. Pray for those in Myanmar still reeling from a killer cyclone. Pray for the guy you work with who is going through a nasty divorce. Step out of your own shoes and into those of someone else and take a walk in them for awhile.
Plato said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle". We are all in this life together. If we can step out of our self and love our neighbor, we might be surprised at the difference that makes.
Peace.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Shack
Last night I finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. It is the fictional story of a man who has lost his young daughter and has lived in what he calls "the Great Sadness" for the last four years. He gets a note that is apparently from God asking him to meet at a remote shack. The story is his encounter with the Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I won't go into the details here and I won't discuss the things that may be a bit controversial. I will say that I did not agree with everything that the story suggests and I can see where some people may get bent out of shape. I think that it needs to be read as a story though. It is a fictional piece written about a subject that we will not understand fully in this life. I don't believe that it was intended to be read as a great work of theology.
Having said all that, I really liked the book. I liked that the author wrote that life is about relationship, both with God and with men. The whole reason for Jesus becoming a man and dying is so that we can have access to God and know His love for us. I liked that the author approached the difficult questions and didn't give pat answers. I may not have agreed with the answers, but I appreciate that he didn't back away from the questions.
I would recommend reading the book, but I would suggest reading it with someone else or with a group. Discuss it. Throw out your own questions. Go to your Bible and search out what is in there. I think that this is a good book to stir us to think about things and, maybe, re-think some things.
Peace.
I won't go into the details here and I won't discuss the things that may be a bit controversial. I will say that I did not agree with everything that the story suggests and I can see where some people may get bent out of shape. I think that it needs to be read as a story though. It is a fictional piece written about a subject that we will not understand fully in this life. I don't believe that it was intended to be read as a great work of theology.
Having said all that, I really liked the book. I liked that the author wrote that life is about relationship, both with God and with men. The whole reason for Jesus becoming a man and dying is so that we can have access to God and know His love for us. I liked that the author approached the difficult questions and didn't give pat answers. I may not have agreed with the answers, but I appreciate that he didn't back away from the questions.
I would recommend reading the book, but I would suggest reading it with someone else or with a group. Discuss it. Throw out your own questions. Go to your Bible and search out what is in there. I think that this is a good book to stir us to think about things and, maybe, re-think some things.
Peace.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Procrastination
So, my statement in the First Post about trying to post something everyday has not started out so well. There is really no excuse other than my amazing ability to procrastinate. I can even put off things that I want to do, much less all the things that I need to do.
That said, we did have a somewhat busy weekend. Saturday had Kendall at ballet rehearsal most of the afternoon and Brady at a friend's house. Saturday night we went to our first Wilmington Hammerheads soccer game of this season. We went to most of the matches last year and loved it. The kids get to run around at the stadium, Rachel gets to chat with friends, and I get to watch some soccer. It's great.
Sunday afternoon I was surrounded by fairies and princesses as I watched Kendall in the Wilmington School of Ballet production of Sleeping Beauty (Rach was helping backstage). Kendall was a Carabosse attendant or, as she put it, a mean cat. She was awesome of course.
I have started reading The Shack by William Young. It has created quite a stir in evangelical circles, both very positive and very negative. I'll let you know what I think.
Maybe I will post a couple of things over the next few days to make up for my lack over the last several.
Peace.
That said, we did have a somewhat busy weekend. Saturday had Kendall at ballet rehearsal most of the afternoon and Brady at a friend's house. Saturday night we went to our first Wilmington Hammerheads soccer game of this season. We went to most of the matches last year and loved it. The kids get to run around at the stadium, Rachel gets to chat with friends, and I get to watch some soccer. It's great.
Sunday afternoon I was surrounded by fairies and princesses as I watched Kendall in the Wilmington School of Ballet production of Sleeping Beauty (Rach was helping backstage). Kendall was a Carabosse attendant or, as she put it, a mean cat. She was awesome of course.
I have started reading The Shack by William Young. It has created quite a stir in evangelical circles, both very positive and very negative. I'll let you know what I think.
Maybe I will post a couple of things over the next few days to make up for my lack over the last several.
Peace.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
First Post
The first post should probably set the tone for everything else that will come along in this space, shouldn't it? It should be brilliant and deep. It should contain some kind of revelatory information. It should be about something that will make the reader lie awake at night and ponder the meaning of life, the universe and everything (to steal a line from Douglas Adams).
My first post, however, will be nothing of the sort. It will be neither brilliant nor deep. There will be no revelation proclaimed here. And nothing here will make you ponder anything in the slightest.
I will let you know a bit of what may come as we go along.
I really am starting this mostly for my own outlet to write. The plan is to post a little something every day. It may just be something that my kids said that day. Things like Jett telling Bug that the fluid that was drained from my ankle looked like Mountain Dew Jelly. It may be things that I have been wrestling with in this crazy life of trying to follow Jesus. I might write about sports, ranging from amateurs playing for fun to the pros who make way too much money. You might get my thoughts on this culture that we live in. I have been on a kick lately that has to do with creativity and how do we unleash that in people. Maybe I will unleash some of my own creativity here.
I need to stop. I may actually write something meaningful in this first post and I don't want to do that. Anyway, the topics will be many and the thoughts very random at times. I do hope that somewhere along the line, I can write some things that will make people think and perhaps write something helpful to someone out there.
Check back often to find out what this space may become.
Peace.
My first post, however, will be nothing of the sort. It will be neither brilliant nor deep. There will be no revelation proclaimed here. And nothing here will make you ponder anything in the slightest.
I will let you know a bit of what may come as we go along.
I really am starting this mostly for my own outlet to write. The plan is to post a little something every day. It may just be something that my kids said that day. Things like Jett telling Bug that the fluid that was drained from my ankle looked like Mountain Dew Jelly. It may be things that I have been wrestling with in this crazy life of trying to follow Jesus. I might write about sports, ranging from amateurs playing for fun to the pros who make way too much money. You might get my thoughts on this culture that we live in. I have been on a kick lately that has to do with creativity and how do we unleash that in people. Maybe I will unleash some of my own creativity here.
I need to stop. I may actually write something meaningful in this first post and I don't want to do that. Anyway, the topics will be many and the thoughts very random at times. I do hope that somewhere along the line, I can write some things that will make people think and perhaps write something helpful to someone out there.
Check back often to find out what this space may become.
Peace.
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