january

Florida.
83 degrees.
Fun 'n sun.
Hours in the pool.

Buffalo.
12 degrees.
Snow 'n wind.
Hours of shoveling.


Any questions?

arrgghh!!!

Last Saturday, my nephew Patrick and I didn't do anything, we just stayed at home and lied around. And if you ask us to do anything, we don't do anything.

Actually, we enjoyed the latest Veggie Tales feature based on a Silly Song from Larry. Our friends Pa Grape as George, Mr. Lunt as Sedgewick and Larry as Elliott entertained and educated us. When I asked my almost 6 year old nephew, "what did you like best about the movie?" He answered "the whole thing!!!" (even the angry cheese curls)

The pirates did actually do something for 90 minutes. In famous Veggie Tales silliness, we learned a lesson that laziness gets in the way of being the hero that the King wants us to be.

The movie was a ton of fun. Go see it with a kindergartener or a friend or a friend that's a kindergartener or acts like one. You'll be humming the song "Rock Monster" for days :)

website: http://veggiepirates.com/

YHWH

a prayer for the new year...

Take these shoes... Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes... And make them fit
Take this shirt... Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt... And make it clean, clean
Take this soul... Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul... And make it sing
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn
Take these hands Teach them what to carry
Take these hands Don't make a fist
Take this mouth So quick to criticize
Take this mouth Give it a kiss
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn
Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
His love is like a drop in the ocean
His love is like a drop in the ocean
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, tell me now
Why the dark before the dawn?
Take this city A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city If it be Your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart Take this heart Take this heart
And make it break
- U2

the best of...

"That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun." Ecc 1:9

Every year about this time, there are the lists. Lists of the best. Lists of the worst. Lists of lists listing the lists of lists. Every year there is the best of this and the worst of that. The top 100. The bottom 3. What's number 1? Who's the worst? The winners. The losers. Every year there's the best/worst newstories, quotes, commercials, celebrities, people, tv, movies, music, sports, books, cars, toys, games, photos, fashion, food, techology, gadgets, etc, etc, etc.

Today 2007 enters the history books. Tomorrow begins 2008, a new year with hope of new opportunities and new blessings. But just like any year, we will witness the best. And the worst. Joy and sorrow. Excitement and dissappointment. Success and failure.

Yet, it's not about making man's list. But making God's list. The best will come and the worst will go. Always God remains. His desire for us. His love. His grace. His forgiveness. Never will we fully know what the best can be until we surrender the worst to Him.

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all." Ecc 12:13

it's not easy being green

Today I passed my certification exam for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design www.usgbc.org)
I am now an AP (Accredited Professional) adding to my (PE) Professional Engineering License (PE)... the alphabet soup of letters after my name. This job requirement expands our company's engineering offering in energy savings and conserving the environment in building green buildings.
Kermit the frog would be proud :)

merry CHRISTmas

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

what Christmas is all about

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men." Luke 2:8-14

you'll shoot your eye out

On Christmas morning, every kid wants their version of an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle". When I was young, I always wanted something Star Wars or something Lego. Today, it's the "Red Ryder" ipod or lastest video game. The nostalgia of "A Christmas Story" movie reminds us how we saw Christmas as a child. Maybe we didn't grow up in the 1940's or "triple dog dare" a friend to stick his toungue on a frozen flagpole, but we can relate to Ralphie.

Ralpie knew what he wanted. Specifically. An "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle". We all did this as children - focused on that one thing. It was simple, uncomplicated, naive. Our enthusiasm and excitement would sometimes overwhelmed us, but as a child it just seemed right. But, we do grow up... sorta.

Even as adults, we sometimes focus on that "one thing". Sometimes, we learn what Ralphie learned almost immediately, that a "Red Ryder" has consequences. How many times have you "shot your eye out" thinking Christmas would be just perfect if you had this or that? In our commercial world, the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the "get" and the holiday sales. Sometimes we forget or ignore the consequences. Selfishness. Materialism. Debt. Danger. Disappointment. Delusion. Distraction.

Distraction from the CHRIST in Christmas. Yeah, I know this argument is fought every year, a news story about someone offended by a nativity in public or saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". The consequences become significant, personal, important.

In the end, when the turkey has been eaten by the dogs and Ralphie put down his "Red Ryder", the family sits down in a quiet Chinese restuarant, laughs at what could have been, and sings along with the waiters, a Christmas carol. The consequences have lead to a special moment shared with family and confirming the love that is Christmas.

On December 24th, TBS is broadcasting A Christmas Story 24 hour marathon... I can't wait.

pointing in the right direction

The Chronicles of Narnia continues with Prince Caspian coming to theaters May 16, 2008. The movie trailer was just released this week.

I know it's 5+ months away, but Walden Media's adaptation of CS Lewis's classic story is important to promote in contrast to all the hype this week regarding another "children's story" The Golden Compass movie (based on book trilogy written by professed atheist Pullman).

Both Narnia and Compass stories include main characters of children and talking animals. However, the ideology is very different. CS Lewis painted a picture of moral absolutes and clear Christian allegory within a fantastic children's adventure. Pullman's His Dark Materials Compass points in the wrong direction, slowly removing moral absolutes, vilifying the church and eventually killing God in the end. The new movie will sanitize much of the religious overtones, but the books tell the real ideological bankruptcy of Pullman's atheistic worldview. And it's the marketing of these books to kids that is the real crime. Parents beware.

For more information
http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005672.cfm
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003536.cfm
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/12/perspectives_in_what_direction.php

Watch the Prince Caspian trailer and promote the spiritual truths… it's an exciting story to tell



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BHva_cPpCE

psalm 37:3-7

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him..."

if you're happy and you know it...

It's easy to be happy when life's circumstances are good. Things like health, job and relationships effect our mood and effect our happiness. If things are going well or as expected, sometimes by an arbitrary standard or a changing tolerance, we like to say we are happy. It's socially acceptable to not be sad... no one likes a whinner. But, we recognize in ourselves that if things changes for the worse, our ability to express happiness is not easy. So what is real biblical happiness? And how do we rest there no matter what?

"...there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Three questions define happiness:

• something to do... "how am I serving Him today?"
• someone to love... "who have I shown kindness, forgiveness?"
• something to hope for... "where do I place my faith and trust?"

We recognize that our real happiness is defined by our relationship to God. Our choices regarding the qualities of life including "the where" (environment), "the what" (opportunities), "the why" (purpose) and "the how" (contentment) will determine if we are happy and know it. And only a life lived in love with Him will bring happiness, no matter what.

"You will make known to me the path of life. In your Presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Psalm 16:11

Choose joy. Choose Him. Be happy :)

thanksgiving

"...put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." - Colossians 3:12-17

thankful

I know the road is long from the ground to glory
But a boy can hope he's getting some place
But you see, I'm running from the very clothes I'm wearing
And dressed like this I'm fit for the chase

'Cause no, there is none righteous
Not one who understands
There is none who seek God
No not one, I said no not one

So I am thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own...

Caedmon's Call – Thankful

13 years

Do you remember 13 years ago? 1994. A lot has changed since then. Somethings have not. In 1994, I graduated college and started my first professional job, the same job I hold today. The same job!? Amazing? Not really. Different and usual? Maybe, especially compared to many friends and relatives. Many have had changed jobs or started entirely new careers. Some have moved across town or across the country. Think of all the decisions we make in life. What we will do? Where we will live? Who we will marry? These questions don't always have obvious answers. Sometimes we do what we are supposed to do. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we are faithful and trust in God's providence. Other times we make rash decisions based on selfish wants or bad information. Each time we learn there are consequences to the choices we make. Some good. Some bad. All of them change us.

We read throughout scripture of people making choices to either follow God or go against His will. In the end, those are really the only choices we can make. To follow Him or not. Each day is a result of the choices we made the day before. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Trust Him. Ask Him. Seek Him. Know Him. Align yourself in His Will. And He will make your decisions right. A perfect promise. Yet, we struggle. Struggle to believe the promise. Struggle in our sin nature to place our faith completely in Him.

Read Genesis 16 & 17. Abraham struggled for 13 years with the consequences of a fateful decision. In chapter 12, God commanded Abram to leave and go in faith, establishing the covenant (a promise) of a great nation. By chapter 16, impatient and lacking faith, Abram decided to not trust in God's promise and tried to do it on his own. Impatient and lacking faith? Sound familiar? Chapter 17 begins 13 years later with God, always faithful, reminding the rebellious Abram of His promise. God never changed. God did not forget. God always had a plan. Yet, Abram needed to learn the consequences of not trusting the Lord with all his heart.

As I reflect on my past 13 years, I recognize God's faithfulness in spite of me. I am blessed developing a career here in WNY with the opportunity to stay close to family and the familiar. I have grown up in a healthy church ministry serving Him in a fun and creative way. My home has provide both financial structure and a place to build relationships with fun gatherings and neighborhood activity. Yet I continue make some bad decisions, deal with the consequences and anxiety and conflict. But through it all, I see God working in my life. Sometimes my expectations do not match up. And sometimes I am surprised with blessing. I learn, sometimes late, that God is always, has been always and will be always in control of my path… along this 7 mile journey… a faith walk with Him… 13 years, 13 days, 13 minutes, 13 seconds from my last decision.

I pray. I hope. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

hail to the leafs

On this election day 2007, the ice and snow is falling. It's cold and wintery outside… brrrrr. Some leaves are still on the trees, but the weather has made the turn. Grab your parka, lace up the boots and put on your toques (for our French Canadian fans)

Our "let it snow" poll was unanimous for Christmas Eve. Sorry, this November 6, 2007 will be the first official snow of the season.

I hope you got out the vote today. Pray for those elected to office. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" 1 Timothy 2:1-3

game on

I had a great weekend of games with friends this weekend...

Saturday morning was another perfect Fall day of football in the warm sun... in November!? We had a great effort in a tough loss :(

In the evening, I hosted a fun game night with alot of laughs and great competition... "Last Word, Pictionary, Moods, Apples-to-Apples, Blockus, Split" With the clocks turned back, we played until late. And with some homemade chili, awesome desserts and great friends, it was a very enjoyable evening.

33-21 Win #4 for our Buffalo Bills! Yeah! I had the privelege of sitting in a corporate box with my friend Rich the "Bills Fan". It was an entertaining and exciting game... thanks for the invite Rich!!! Too bad the Colts lost. Watch out Patriots, the Bills are on a winning streak!

So ends a fun weekend of games. I love how games bring out the best (and not so best) in people. The stress of competition and performance, an ideal way to enjoy relationships and learn more about our friends and teammates. Games and how they are played reveal much about who we are, deep down... a humble winner or the sore loser? Win at all costs! Or tentative shy? Take a chance or quietly strategic? Which are you? And what are some of your favorite games?

GOD is bigger than the boogie man

Okay, I just had to turn off my porch light after giving out candy to almost 100 kids... And I thought four huge bags of kit kats would be enough this year.

Honestly, I never really enjoyed halloween. Even as a kid, I never liked trick-or-treating much. I always thought it odd and scary to dress up in a costume that I had to wear under a coat because it was too cold out, going out in the dark, walking up to strange houses, begging for candy I didn't really like, while trying not to trip over the steps because I couldn't see out of my mask... ugh! I dreaded it each and every year. As I got older, I went to costume parties, which were more fun and warmer and the apple cider and powdered donuts were yummy.

However, as an adult I noticed more and more of the evil and ungodly overtones to the whole holiday. For a few years, I just boycotted the whole thing and said it's all bad. I read alot of articles that agreed with me and I thought, wow what a great holy Christian I am (not!)

That, however, is not what God wanted for me. When I moved into my house, in a very family neighborhood, I realized that I would have dozens and dozens of kids coming to my door. And I thought what a great opportunity to show Jesus' love and invite them to church. So, for the last few October 31st's I've opened my door, greeted the (mostly) cute children with a smile, dropped more than one kit kat in their bag along with a small card:

the heat is on

Okay, this morning I had to scrape the frost off my Jeep's windows before heading to work.

Our furnace poll is now officially closed and the winner is "She controls the thermostat". I am not surprised, nor are all the "shes" reading this. Since I do not have a she in my household (yet, praying someday) but grew up with 2 sisters and a mom, I understand. Also, working in the HVAC industry, the "put a sweater on" answer does not cut it for our clients.

So, it's time for a new poll just in time for election season. No it's not political, but it is controversial depending on the length on your driveway and tolerance for the white fluffy stuff. Yes, when do you like the first snow fall? Vote early, vote often.

things only moms can understand

this song made me laugh... enjoy!
http://www.anitarenfroe.com

random things

"One week without blogging makes one weak"... or something like that.

My Dad and I just got back from an extra long weekend in Charlotte NC and Morgantown WV visiting my sister and friends. We traveled by road... 20 plus hours with plenty of opportunity for talking, talk radio and the random map check. And when you think you've missed an exit, just drive a little while longer and another one comes along. We had dinner with some old and new friends, played some golf, hiked Cowders Mountain, saw a minor league hockey game, walked a museum and enjoyed a visit to Forest Hill church on Sunday morning. Both towns are busy and growing with lots of construction and something always going on. It was good to get away. It is good to be home.

Buffalo sports weekend update:
- Sabres lose two, 75 games to go, my predictions in jeopardy, 75 games to go, 75! No worries (yet)
- My friend Earl did not win the emcee contest, but he had a fun experience. Great effort, we are proud!!!
- Bills win their second game, Trent Edwards starts again this Sunday... J.P. who?
- I'm going to the Bengals game in a couple weeks... sitting in a corporate box... nice.
- Our football was rained out last weekend so I didn't miss a game while on vacation, but it's rescheduled this Sunday morning, so I miss the game anyway... I can't win.

Speaking of winning, I have yet to turn on my furnace due to our very pleasant October. Maybe in a few days, maybe not. My poll question has run away with "she controls the thermostat" Surprised? Not really. Thanks everyone for participating. The poll ends when I turn on the heat... maybe November.

Back to work today, ugh!

KW rehearsal tomorrow night, yeah! We continue to prepare for exciting new changes for our children's ministry. Visiting Forest Hill church this past weekend was excellent because I got a tour of their children's area... lots of great ideas and confirmation of our direction and needs for growth and creativity.

Last thought, life is complicated and very noisy sometimes...

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107:28-30

...more on that another day.

"druriere" who?

So, do you think the Sabres are missing Chris and Daniel? 24 goals in 5 games! 3 wins in a row. The "water cooler" talk on the mornings after games is starting already. It's exciting to see the team developing some leaders and scoring lots and lots of goals. Okay, my predictions for the season may be a bit ambitious, but, hey I'm a fan!

In other news, Trent Edwards will be starting this Sunday versus Baltimore... let the controversy begin! Buffalo is still reeling from the MNF loss to Dallas. Is a coaching change a possibility? Can the Bills pull out a 4-12 season? (especially playing Miami twice) Will the "Super Bowl" Bills (Kelly, Thomas, Tasker, Smith, etc) buy the team when Ralph Wilson buys the farm? Questions only sports radio fanatics can answer :)

I'm going to the Bengals game in November... my second game this season after "Family Day" preseason craziness. I hadn't been to a game is years and years. Basically because the Bills have stunk since the mid 90's and I really didn't care. But, now I guess free tickets make it worthwhile.

Speaking of football, last Saturday our team won in a close matchup to bring our record to 3-3. It's been a seesaw season with a rotating roster and a few miscues. We still seem to compete well in spite of ourselves. It's fun and in the end it just doesn't really matter... it's an amateur league with a bunch of "has been"s and "wanna be"s... except for me, of course, I never was nor will be :)

remember?

A year ago, on an October Thursday evening, the snow began to fall. In a few short hours, the branches full of leaves straining under the weight of the wet snow began to bend and crack and break and fall just as the snow. In the aftermath of that "October surprise" I wrote this...

The power that be... or not to be (that is the question)

So the generators continue to hum along in Eggertsville... national grid estimates Friday night for restoration... last night I plugged in my TV and, lo and behold, my cable works!!! And my phone... but alas, no power... With 2800 watts I have my furnace, refrigerator, lamps, microwave and my alarm clock illuminating the night sky... a beacon of technology in a sea of tree desolation.

This morning, as I drove to my second day back to work, the utility truck caravan of 100+ vehicles was head to my neighborhood... Tonight will be one full week, 7+ and counting days without that edison invention and still I continue to habitually flip those disconnected light switches... arggg!!! how dependent we become...

I've been eating good... grilling and camp stovin' everything in my fridge... I understand that all calories have been cancelled during this disaster... good thing :)

All the branches are cleaned up and piled at the curb... basement is dry... so now we wait, wait for "the juice", those famous electrons, the power to rescue us from our Amish existence (if Amish had generators, of course)

And we have learned, learned to work hard, help a neighbor, share a shovel, a bucket, a gas can, an extension cord and batteries... teamwork and tolerance... a smile of understanding... life became simple: food, heat, friends & family... reading by candle light, going to bed early, working hard, waking up with the sun... striving toward the hope of normalcy, but changed. In months to come, we will look back and thank God we are safe, warm and loved. New friends, new understanding, new appreciation of the important things and the survival skills of working a chainsaw, starting a generator and the everlasting knowledge of Lake Effect snow in October.

folly

"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was futile and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun." Ecclesiastes 2:11

road hazard

Some random weekend happenings...

Saturday was an odd weather day… morning was very hot, humid and sunny playing football, then pouring rain, then sunny in the afternoon long enough to cut the lawn, then evening rain and a lightning storm in the middle of the night… 85 degrees in October!? What's up with that!? No furnace yet :)

Sabres are 0-2… ok, 80 games to go.

Sunday was a busy and unusual day… the preK kids loved participating in our story this week "God made the world and everything in it". We built these sorta terrarium things with water, rocks and dirt. We realized that dirt comes from dried mud which made clean up, well, muddy.

Ms. Debbie was in town for a visit. We missed her since she left for South America in Spring for a Spanish adventure (check our her blog on my favorites). Deb is originally from Dallas TX and claims the Cowboys will win big tonight… now I think they are ready for an upset loss at the hands of the Bills!!!

On the way home from church, Pastor Brek and I spent some "quality time" on the side of the road waiting for a tow to pickup his broken down vehicle. We observed some very interesting "Sunday driving" as people made their way around the blinking hazard lights. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon of fellowship under the overpass :)

Sunday night we had a great time roller skating with KW kids and families. It was so much fun rolling along with all the kids and moms and dads and friends. I have blisters on each foot… ouch.

Go Bills!!!

these are not the droids you're looking for

Tonight, I played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with my friend's Derek, Michael & Jonas.

It's amazing how much I remember (and don't remember) from the trilogy that defined my childhood and adolesence. Okay, okay, I own all six movies and the special DVD's, plus a bunch of Lego and Kenner stuff and talk with my coworkers all the time about the next Star Wars thing. I guess I'm just an overgrown 10 year old.

And by the way, I won the game! It was a tough battle, but the Force was with me.

he shoots... he scooooooooores!!!

'07-'08 Sabres season begins tomorrow night!!!

It'll be an exciting year of hockey...

a breakout year for our young players!

Predictions:

Record 47W 29L 6OTL 100Points

Standings 2nd Division 3rd Overall

Miller .925 save %

Vanek 50 goals

Connelly 30 goals

Pominville 80 points

Stafford 60 points

Coach of the Year Lindy Ruff

Stanley Cup '08 (yes, finally our year)

Check out some new weblinks and schedule update -->

Game 1 Friday 10/5 vs NY Islanders 7:30pm

Go Sabres!!!

romans 5:1 - 5

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

to the ending of the world

This past week PBS has broadcast the new 14-hour World War II documentary by Ken Burns called the "The War." I have always been interested in history since I was in grammar school. Most of my reading outside work-related stuff and the Bible is usually a history type book. Two recommended books I read after I saw the movies are "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young" by Harold Moore and "Band of Brothers" by Stephen Ambrose. Both movies were well done. However, the books are more important because the humbling stories of the lives of these soldiers capture the real tragedy that is war. This focus is also primary in "The War"; a terrifying and heartbreaking journey with the soldiers and the American towns they came from.

We are reminded that war has always been with us since the beginning of time from the first world war in Genesis 14:8-24 to today's war on terror. We know the purpose of armies are to kill people and break things. We seem doomed to repeat the horrific tragedy, heartbreaking loss and destroyed lives beyond recognition, over and over and over again. 10,000 years of human history and we have never stopped warring among ourselves. A constant struggle, a never ending conflict for power, land conquest and political control.

Why? Sin exists. Evil exists. Remember "your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

We have hope. Hope in the redemption of His story. Throughout scripture we see God's grace, love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Although, we battle sin and fight against evil, we know the war, the war against sin, is already won. In His coming and His coming again… "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Let's pray for all our soldiers fighting today. Remember their sacrifice for the greater good. For love of country. Protection of our families. To battle evil and establish freedom.

May the church rise up and define for this generation, why we fight. May the church reveal The Light that dispels the darkness. May the church, built within each believer, in our individual influence, wherever we are, whomever we are with, tell His Story of faith, hope and love.

"From this day to the ending of the world
We in it shall be remembered
We band of brothers"

october

October and the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear
What do I care?

October and kingdoms rise
And kingdoms fall
But you go on
And on

U2 1981

diveIN

"That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus."

- Romans 6:3-4

Tonight, 16 young people publicly expressed their faith in Jesus Christ through the waters of baptism. We celebrate with their families in this important step of identity with Christ and obedience to His Word.

hut! hut! yikes!

There's something really American about football on a Fall afternoon. Maybe it's the cool autumn breeze and the bright warm sun to make it just the right temperature to run and throw and catch. Football is a great game. The strategy. The competition. The anxious moments before the hike of the ball. The exhilaration of calling the right play. The frustration of a bad bounce. Touchdown! Fumble! Interception! Run! D-fence! Don't get beat! Watch the reverse! Say on your man! Good play! Alright, get it next time! Oh, so close! Okay, huddle up. Here's the play.

Our Saturday touch football team record is now 2-2 after a tough loss today... something like 35-21. Not enough of the good bounces, I guess. I did have a touchdown catch which always feels good. We'll have to bring some game next Saturday to stay above .500 and work toward playoffs.

Football... there's nothing like it on a Fall day...

tgif

It’s the end of another busy crazy week. Did you every notice how days have a feel? Garfield the cat hates Mondays (who doesn't). Wednesdays are hump day. Then we all have those days that have a scheduled meeting… it's meeting day, ugh! Friday. TGIF. Thank God It's Friday. I'm not sure where that expression came from (I'll have to google it sometime) But, Fridays have a feel. Probably because it’s the end of the work week and beginning of the weekend. I wonder what God was thinking about during creation week.

In Genesis 1 the 6th day was probably a Friday (remember the Jewish sabbath is Saturday). That means on Friday, God created man & woman. And He said it was very good. Is that why we thank God? The next day, the 7th day, God created a day of rest. Why didn't He rest on day 4 after creating the sun, moon and stars (that's a lot of work) No, He rested after creating us. Not because He was tired, but because in His omniscience (all knowingness) He knew we'd need a time to stop, reflect and rest. Since Christ has risen, Sundays have become that day of rest. It's the one day that God set aside (a sabbath) for us to worship and rest. Rest!? There's too much to do to rest!

If you work in ministry, especially kids ministry, the weekend and Sunday mornings is the busiest time of the week. Sunday mornings are filled with preparation, presentation, perspiration. I love Sunday mornings, the best time of the week! After a crazy Sunday morning (aren't they all crazy in kings world, a good crazy) there's the lazy Sunday afternoon… a nap after a good big meal, some football (go Bills! please, just go!) maybe a family game, another meal, another nap. If Sunday is rest day, then Saturday is "Man Day" (grunt) and those weekend warrior home improvement projects, cutting the lawn and college football (go Buckeyes!).

So Friday. TGIF. Thank God It's Friday. Hmmm, is Friday the only day we should thank God for? Maybe we should thank Him for each and every day. Fridays are cool. But maybe sometimes it's that stressful Tuesday morning or that crazy busy Thursday evening when we need to thank God. We have much to thank Him for, not just for the weekend, but for the whole week, every week.

on the road

Alright, I am now offically a blogger. After much anticipation, encouragement and the hope that I may have something that someone somewhere wants to read about me, here it is... a blog. In preparing the content, I wanted a memorable title, just in case I became famous or infamous or news worthy (it could happen). Now, I understand there are literally a billion blogs of all shapes, varieties, colors and creeds. So, I perused the options, tested a few names, read alot of really awesome and really awful blogs to finally launch my "seven mile journal".

My inspiration for the greater part of my adult life has been God's Word, the incredible story of His redemption, grace and love. Luke 24:13-35 tells the humbling, somewhat humorous at moments and hopeful story on the road to Emmaus. I relate to those two traveling companions, so caught up in the happenings of the day, too busy with stuff, so worried about the whatever, that they missed Jesus walking along side them all the way. We all travel a similar road, 70+ years, several mile markers, seven miles from the place we've been, seven miles to where we're going. On my seven mile journey, I want to journal about the things which have happened... something serious, something silly, something special, something simple, something along the road, a thought, a picture, a poem, a prayer along the way.

I hope you, my traveling companions, enjoy reading about me, make a comment once in while and vote early and often. That reminds me, it's September 27th, 60 degrees and raining, I need to go put a sweater on!