From Clifford to Classics

Clifford the Big Red Dog was one of my kids' favorite book series and TV Cartoons in the late 90's and early 00's. The stories taught values of friendship, loyalty, the love of pets, family ties, and honoring your word. My son will be graduating high school in a few months, and he will have traveled from Clifford to Potter to Tolkein to the classics he will read in college. I pray that he develops habits much better than he has shown in high school. There will be reading beyond what he has ever faced. God, give him wisdom and determination to do what it takes to get it done.

Youth Camp 2013!!

Youth Camp 2013 June 24-28

Remiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind Meeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

My song!! So on fire and so in love, that look in your eyes I miss so much!!! Great line!!!

Rediscovering the Joy of Coloring

“Christianity is not about learning how to live within the lines; Christianity is about the joy of coloring.” ― Mike Yaconelli, Dangerous Wonder

He was right. We strive so hard in trying to do life just right. Attempting to appease our kids, parents, pastors, church leaders, teachers, mentors, friends, family, and then ourselves. We at some point color outside the line and we all gasp at our messiness and disorder. When really, just loving to color is the key! Such wisdom from one who loved to color, and color outside the lines. So, today.. I'm going to enjoy the crayons and love life!!

Why Can't We Be Friends?

The struggle is implied in the title; can single men and women truly "be friends?" I have been gifted to work well with women (haha), with the ability to understand them better than some men do. That's where the tension arises, when my emotional connection goes over the line of friendship, even if its unexpressed and unexplored. I have spoken to several single friends about this and most believe that it's impossible for men and women to close friends. I think it's possible, but with parameters: First, honest communication about the man's intentions, up front and center. Which means both parties must first be honest with themselves. I like this quote:(thedatingblook.wordpress.com)

"The guy has to decide, if he's going to be her friend, then he's choosing not to date her. If he is choosing to date her, he's choosing not to be her friend."

This sounds tough, but it keeps the boundaries clear and manageable. Friendship can be built early and established within the relationship. Second, be careful if you spend any time alone. This has the potential to heighten sexual tension and increase expectations (especially for men). Third, having an opposite sex BFF is not a good choice for women or men. Best friends of women need to be women and best friends of men, need to be men. It assists in keeping healthy distance and maintaining good boundaries. These are some thoughts I have regarding opposite sex friendships, gathered over the past few years, mostly from painful experience and unpleasant conversations.

Where's the Beef??

Looking for my killer instinct, dominant gene, my whatever-it-takes resolve!! I seem to have lost it somewhere along the way to gentleness, kindness, and learning to be content in all situations. I need to keep moving forward in my life. I have done well in healing from divorce, restoring broken relationships, being an involved and loving Dad, and accepting God's restoration back to ministry. But, I still lack the something to push faster, higher, and overcome some obstacles. God, give me the vision, strength, and stamina to make it happen.

Hope Beyond the Shattered Life

I was chatting with a friend this weekend, who has gone through a painful experience. They are trying, really trying to overcome the sadness, bitterness, and muddy waters of a shattered life. I encouraged them to keep looking and moving forward. God is in the midst of the mess. You may not see him, but he promised he would be there.. always. I am living proof of one who saw no light, no hope, no future in 2008. Yet, today I'm awake and alive!!

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.." - Psalm 33:18

MLB Hall of Fame Needs An Overhaul

With first-timers Clemens, Bonds, Piazza, Sosa, and Shilling joining holdovers Palmeiro, Bagwell, Morris, Murphy, Raines, and Trammel; they voted no one in, such a tragedy. If we don't recognize, nor penalize (no awards, titles, rings, records, or championships have been removed by MLB) them, then we must put them in their rightful place as being some of the best players of all time. It's time MLB looks at the voting process and reason for having a hall of fame, and make some serious changes. It started wrong in the first place by allowing them in 1936 to vote in Ruth, Wagner, Cobb, Matthewson, and Johnson without any of them getting 100% vote. Are you serious?? Come on, baseball world. Let's get this thing corrected and made into a great process of honoring the best players we have ever seen.