Over the last few weeks, we've seen our 3 1/2 year old son Cannon start to act like a little boy. He's progressed from the toddler stage to a young lad who can express his thoughts more clearly, who displays his thought processes in his face, who has started reasoning with his sisters for things rather than trying to fight for them. He understands enough about his environment to begin the onset of "why" questions. Additionally, his conceptual grasp of the interests of males and females has begun to manifest. He has realized that he doesn't enjoy playing beauty shop, dolls, or coloring mermaids and princesses anymore. What he wants is to play trucks, ball, and to wrestle. Unfortunately, no one is around during the day to play those things with him. He piles up the balls, cars, and his cowboy boots for dad to play with him when dad walks in the front door in the evening. The two of us have developed a pretty deep bond the last few months as our baby Anniston has aged into a toddler from a baby. He's the man of the house during the day.
A couple of weeks ago, we were picking up his baseball bat and balls in the backyard and he said,"Daddy, I don't want to grow up anymore." Curious, I asked him why. He said that he wanted to ensure I still played with him. I assured my son that I would always play with him. He concluded our chore by telling me in his high-pitched quiet voice,"Daddy, how do I be like you?" Of course my chest puffed out and my head swelled up, until I realized this was only a 3 year old. That being said, I simply told him to just be the sweet caring boy he was.
Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I have reflected on that evening often during the work days. As we begin to celebrate our country's Independence Day, and the freedoms that we enjoy in America, I think about what Cannon was truly asking. What he was telling me was that he embraced the times we spend together. He cherishes those, but not more than I. Laura says that he spends the hours of the day asking when Daddy will come home. When I am gone, he acts up more often; he relishes the one-on-one quality time we pass together. As much as he pushes the boundaries that we have established, he thrives in the security of his dependence.
I wonder why I often fail to seek the security of God's perimeter. Why do I so frequently feel compelled to step outside the warmth and light of His arms? In my heart, mind, and soul I know that where He placed me feels the best and I am most comfortable. However, I sometimes push outside. God instilled in each of us the power of choice and the freedom to individualize. We are natural seekers. But why can't we wever be satisfied roaming in the gates he has established for us?
I drive through rural Kansas weekly for my job. I look out and see cattle content in their designated fenced in areas. As a kid, we installed an electric fence for our dogs. We divided the yard in half and ran the wire around the bottom of the fence and straight across the middle of the yard. My dad had the wire "hot" for about 3 months. After that, he unplugged it. I asked him why he did that. He replied that dogs had been stung enough times by the electric wire that they understood where to run around and play now. Haven't we each been stung enough times in our lives to be satisfied not trying to jump the fence or to dig under it? If a dog can figure it out, I gotta believe I can!
Further, not only did Cannon ask how to be like me, Laura and I both see him try and emulate several of my actions and words throughout the days. You all see them too in your kids. He wants to be like his daddy and tries his hardest based upon what he sees and hears. We often say we want to be like our heavenly father, but how hard and consistently do we try? We read the scriptures and talk with him and our hearts listen to the Spirit, but often we have our own way.
During this Independence Day holiday weekend, please reflect on the great triumphs of our country, the service men and women who continue making sacrifices for us all. Additionally, take the time to reflect on our Dependence. We are free to make choices, but so dependent on Him for peace, comfort, and strength. Why not choose to stay where we are the most comfortable, secure, and warm---in the light of His glory and love.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Coaching T-Ball
Have any of you every coached t-ball? Anything remotely close to it? I have had the pleasure of coaching Gracyn's 5 yearold t-ball team. I didn't volunteer to coach, but a couple of the other coaches fell through. That being said, it has truly been enjoyable. Some of the experiences from practices and games have given me pause to reflect on my faith. Sound crazy? Bear with me...
After our first game, I quickly noticed we needed to address fielding our own positions. I had left fielders trying to catch a grounder at home plate, third basemen running to tag a runner at first base, and pitchers chasing down balls in the outfield. Hilarious, yes, but as the coach I needed to teach them fundamentals. Each kid out on the field wanted a chance to field and through the ball. So, next practice we spent some time on staying in your area. If you don't, the ball may need to be thrown your way and no one will be there. Further, you may cause someone else on your team to miss out.
Similarly, that is what we discussed in our book. How often do we chase the fun stuff? We want to be included in the action, but don't see the larger picture of the importance of minding our own position, one that suits our skills. Our lives and our faith involve teamwork and God as our coach sees where our strengths lie and places each of us strategically to give the team the best chance to win.
Another tendency I have observed is that the kids express a much larger desire to hit the ball, than to run bases or practice catching the ball. Hitting is so much more fun. I understand. Taking time to learn the basics of fielding a grounder over and over again quickly grows mundane. Practicing running back and forth between bases at the contact of the ball from the hitter grows old as well. However, to be able to stay in the line up, a player must possess the skills to playboth offense and defense; you have to learn both skills, even though you may think one of them lacks fun and intrigue.
Likewise, as Christians, we often want to engage in the "fun" and "exciting" aspects of the Christian lifestyle. Many of us fail to muster enthusiasm for the tedious or unexhilarating aspects of our faith. However, what excites me, may not excite you. I believe that, though, we each inhibit special gifts to be used in the fabric of a master plan, we also must undertake roles and tasks that we may not find "fun." My dad used to say those tasks "put hair on your chest." I opt for simply building character.
I'm sure that even though Moses was a reluctant leader, he found great satisfaction in leading his people. I am also confident that there were parts of the job he found unrewarding at face value. But viewed in a grander and more complex framework, he could appreciate the smaller and less stimulating facets.
I guess my point is that we should challenge ourselves to embrace the less glorious and less "fun" aspects of a daily Christian lifestyle with the faith that we are serving a greater purpose and a master planner. Anyone with me or am I way off the mark here?
After our first game, I quickly noticed we needed to address fielding our own positions. I had left fielders trying to catch a grounder at home plate, third basemen running to tag a runner at first base, and pitchers chasing down balls in the outfield. Hilarious, yes, but as the coach I needed to teach them fundamentals. Each kid out on the field wanted a chance to field and through the ball. So, next practice we spent some time on staying in your area. If you don't, the ball may need to be thrown your way and no one will be there. Further, you may cause someone else on your team to miss out.
Similarly, that is what we discussed in our book. How often do we chase the fun stuff? We want to be included in the action, but don't see the larger picture of the importance of minding our own position, one that suits our skills. Our lives and our faith involve teamwork and God as our coach sees where our strengths lie and places each of us strategically to give the team the best chance to win.
Another tendency I have observed is that the kids express a much larger desire to hit the ball, than to run bases or practice catching the ball. Hitting is so much more fun. I understand. Taking time to learn the basics of fielding a grounder over and over again quickly grows mundane. Practicing running back and forth between bases at the contact of the ball from the hitter grows old as well. However, to be able to stay in the line up, a player must possess the skills to playboth offense and defense; you have to learn both skills, even though you may think one of them lacks fun and intrigue.
Likewise, as Christians, we often want to engage in the "fun" and "exciting" aspects of the Christian lifestyle. Many of us fail to muster enthusiasm for the tedious or unexhilarating aspects of our faith. However, what excites me, may not excite you. I believe that, though, we each inhibit special gifts to be used in the fabric of a master plan, we also must undertake roles and tasks that we may not find "fun." My dad used to say those tasks "put hair on your chest." I opt for simply building character.
I'm sure that even though Moses was a reluctant leader, he found great satisfaction in leading his people. I am also confident that there were parts of the job he found unrewarding at face value. But viewed in a grander and more complex framework, he could appreciate the smaller and less stimulating facets.
I guess my point is that we should challenge ourselves to embrace the less glorious and less "fun" aspects of a daily Christian lifestyle with the faith that we are serving a greater purpose and a master planner. Anyone with me or am I way off the mark here?
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Bernie Got the Care Package
Hey everyone. Bernie Jennings got our care package this week. Here is an excerpt from the e-mail he wrote:
"I also want to thank you and everyone that was involed in putting together the carepackage. My CET crew thanks everyone and they really appreciates it. The boxarrived yesterday and it was a great surprise. Thank you and all very much."
Thank you all for what we collected last time. Ini the next few weeks, we will focus on finding a group or organization to assist on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Please keep this in your prayers.
"I also want to thank you and everyone that was involed in putting together the carepackage. My CET crew thanks everyone and they really appreciates it. The boxarrived yesterday and it was a great surprise. Thank you and all very much."
Thank you all for what we collected last time. Ini the next few weeks, we will focus on finding a group or organization to assist on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Please keep this in your prayers.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Paris Hilton--Why Do We Care?
"those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. I would like you to be free from concern." I Cor 7:30-32
Pastor Jeff repeatedly discusses how he is a news junkie. Like him, I read every newspaper, magazine, and watch CNN, FoxNews, and MSNBC as much as I can. When I was in the Army and we were deployed to the field on a 30-45 day field exercise, I convinced my 1SG to go back to the rear and bring me a newspaper every day so I could know what was going on around me. Did it really matter? Not really, except for my own peace of mind. I love living in this world and want to understand it and know what is going on around it as much as I can.
That being said, I have grown increasingly frustrated over two "news" stories that incessantly litter the airwaves recently: the Anna Nicole Smith saga and the Paris Hilton to jail episode. As a matter of fact, I was listening to ESPN radio this afternoon, and the talk show host interrupted a discussion on the NBA Finals to inform the listeners what happened during Hilton's court hearing today. UGH!
I must confess that I view the covers of the tabloids at the store while in line, but am I the only one who feels dirty afterwards? Who cares and why do we care? I believe that there is a two-fold answer to this.
Sociological studies repeatedly indicate that this generation we are living in feels more stress, works more hours, is more in debt, and lives in more broken homes than any generation before. Did you know that in the USA, anti-depressants overtook anti-hypertensive medications as the most prescribed drugs last year? What does that say? Entrenching ourselves in the drama and misery of the celebrities many of us adore, sweeps us away from our own lives and sets of issues. It is household escapism.
Secondly, I believe that although we are in the world, so many around us lose sight of the bigger picture. The space shuttle Atlantis lifted off tonight for an 11 day mission. I ask you, how many of you will be seen from the astronauts in orbit? How about your homes? Wichita? Kansas? Not gonna happen. The larger picture simply is that we have a God-given task which is to glorify God in all that we do so that others may know Him. Sometimes, we get so immersed in our daily activities and buzz, that we forget our place in the world.
Don't get me wrong. Each of is important to God because He created each of us and scripture identifies us as unique and with purpose. But to the world, we are petty. I'm sorry Anna Nicole Smith passed away and her daughter won't know her. I feel terribly that Paris Hilton drove drunk on a suspended license for a previous DUI and endangered others' lives. However, the time I could spend watching or reading those gossipy stories could be much better used reading a book, spending quality time with my family, praying, or writing to you all about it all.
What's the point? I'm not really sure. Maybe I wish society inherently had a clue about spiritual direction. I wish that substance would overtake fluff. I wish that people would allow God into their lives more fully so that stress, debt, depression, broken homes, and overworked people would dissipate. My daughter brought home a line from school the other day,"You get what you get and don't throw a fit." Pretty good. We've adopted it around here. However, God promises that He answers prayers, and these are my prayers.
Pastor Jeff repeatedly discusses how he is a news junkie. Like him, I read every newspaper, magazine, and watch CNN, FoxNews, and MSNBC as much as I can. When I was in the Army and we were deployed to the field on a 30-45 day field exercise, I convinced my 1SG to go back to the rear and bring me a newspaper every day so I could know what was going on around me. Did it really matter? Not really, except for my own peace of mind. I love living in this world and want to understand it and know what is going on around it as much as I can.
That being said, I have grown increasingly frustrated over two "news" stories that incessantly litter the airwaves recently: the Anna Nicole Smith saga and the Paris Hilton to jail episode. As a matter of fact, I was listening to ESPN radio this afternoon, and the talk show host interrupted a discussion on the NBA Finals to inform the listeners what happened during Hilton's court hearing today. UGH!
I must confess that I view the covers of the tabloids at the store while in line, but am I the only one who feels dirty afterwards? Who cares and why do we care? I believe that there is a two-fold answer to this.
Sociological studies repeatedly indicate that this generation we are living in feels more stress, works more hours, is more in debt, and lives in more broken homes than any generation before. Did you know that in the USA, anti-depressants overtook anti-hypertensive medications as the most prescribed drugs last year? What does that say? Entrenching ourselves in the drama and misery of the celebrities many of us adore, sweeps us away from our own lives and sets of issues. It is household escapism.
Secondly, I believe that although we are in the world, so many around us lose sight of the bigger picture. The space shuttle Atlantis lifted off tonight for an 11 day mission. I ask you, how many of you will be seen from the astronauts in orbit? How about your homes? Wichita? Kansas? Not gonna happen. The larger picture simply is that we have a God-given task which is to glorify God in all that we do so that others may know Him. Sometimes, we get so immersed in our daily activities and buzz, that we forget our place in the world.
Don't get me wrong. Each of is important to God because He created each of us and scripture identifies us as unique and with purpose. But to the world, we are petty. I'm sorry Anna Nicole Smith passed away and her daughter won't know her. I feel terribly that Paris Hilton drove drunk on a suspended license for a previous DUI and endangered others' lives. However, the time I could spend watching or reading those gossipy stories could be much better used reading a book, spending quality time with my family, praying, or writing to you all about it all.
What's the point? I'm not really sure. Maybe I wish society inherently had a clue about spiritual direction. I wish that substance would overtake fluff. I wish that people would allow God into their lives more fully so that stress, debt, depression, broken homes, and overworked people would dissipate. My daughter brought home a line from school the other day,"You get what you get and don't throw a fit." Pretty good. We've adopted it around here. However, God promises that He answers prayers, and these are my prayers.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Second Chances
Ever heard the adage,"You never get a second chance on life?" We probably all have at some point. While that is true, we have been afforded the opportunity at a "second life." There is not a person alive who hasn't regretted some time in their life or something they have done. WHen others say they have no regrets, I find that admirable for the positive thinking, but not entirely accurate.
For me, that time was college. Growing up in a strict and conservative Southern Baptist household, I was not only not privy to a lot of social extremes, but unaware they even existed at my school. I was totally focused on getting grades and playing baseball. I graduated valedictorian and earned several scholarships(academic, not athletic)! I joined a fraternity right away and dove into that lifestyle. I didn't attend church or class much, but never missed a frat basketball or volleyball game. Going to class might mean I would miss some hazing of the pledges (oops, did I say hazing?????) Needless to say I graduated with a GPA high enough to graduate and to earn my commission as an officer in the Army.
Why tell you all this? Well, I have harbored a lot of regret and weight for years since finishing college for underperforming. I felt I could have done so many great things had I just simply done at college, what I did my whole life up to that point. I came to a point late last year when I finally turned that guilt over to God. What He showed me was that I had everything I needed: a tremendous supportive wife, three awesome, good-natured, caring children, a safe house in a good neighborhood, a job that allows me to save, and a church home that allows me to grow spiritually. Had I not joined ROTC in college or gotten a different degree, I wouldn't have met Laura or led the life I have lived since college. I felt terrible for looking past all that wishing I had done things differently for so long.
Right afterwards, Laura and I decided that I should apply to graduate school. So I studied for 3 months for the GMAT. (Do you ever realize how much you have forgotten?). I took the test, filled out the paperwork and should find out in the next week or so whether I will be admitted to the WSU graduate program. This is my second chance.
Not everyone has a chance to change things. I didn't either. I can't change those previous 4 years. However, I can accept the blessings God has bestowed upon me and use the gifts He has given me. If we haven't done this before, this is our chance.
In the end, we are held accountable for how we use our gifts and blessings. So, in our second life let's ensure we take advantage of our second chances.
For me, that time was college. Growing up in a strict and conservative Southern Baptist household, I was not only not privy to a lot of social extremes, but unaware they even existed at my school. I was totally focused on getting grades and playing baseball. I graduated valedictorian and earned several scholarships(academic, not athletic)! I joined a fraternity right away and dove into that lifestyle. I didn't attend church or class much, but never missed a frat basketball or volleyball game. Going to class might mean I would miss some hazing of the pledges (oops, did I say hazing?????) Needless to say I graduated with a GPA high enough to graduate and to earn my commission as an officer in the Army.
Why tell you all this? Well, I have harbored a lot of regret and weight for years since finishing college for underperforming. I felt I could have done so many great things had I just simply done at college, what I did my whole life up to that point. I came to a point late last year when I finally turned that guilt over to God. What He showed me was that I had everything I needed: a tremendous supportive wife, three awesome, good-natured, caring children, a safe house in a good neighborhood, a job that allows me to save, and a church home that allows me to grow spiritually. Had I not joined ROTC in college or gotten a different degree, I wouldn't have met Laura or led the life I have lived since college. I felt terrible for looking past all that wishing I had done things differently for so long.
Right afterwards, Laura and I decided that I should apply to graduate school. So I studied for 3 months for the GMAT. (Do you ever realize how much you have forgotten?). I took the test, filled out the paperwork and should find out in the next week or so whether I will be admitted to the WSU graduate program. This is my second chance.
Not everyone has a chance to change things. I didn't either. I can't change those previous 4 years. However, I can accept the blessings God has bestowed upon me and use the gifts He has given me. If we haven't done this before, this is our chance.
In the end, we are held accountable for how we use our gifts and blessings. So, in our second life let's ensure we take advantage of our second chances.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
New Prayer Column
One item I am adding to this blog page is a column on the right hand side for prayer requests. I will list them either anonymously or by name, your preference. For those of you who regularly check out the site, this will be an easy reminder to keep those requests in your daily prayers. Please feel free to e-mail me or call me if yo have any prayer concerns. I will also keep a running list in class. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this.
Friday NIght Social
Much thanks to everyone who came over last night. Laura and I had a wonderful time with all who came. Gracyn and Cannon are still talking about all their new friends. I truly believe in the spiritual aspect of Christian fellowship. The Spirit surrounds those who gather in His name, even for fun.
No worries if any of you had prior commitments, there will plenty of more of get-togethers in the future. If anyone has any cool ideas for something July/August timeframe, please throw out suggestions. Thanks again and will see you all tomorrow.
No worries if any of you had prior commitments, there will plenty of more of get-togethers in the future. If anyone has any cool ideas for something July/August timeframe, please throw out suggestions. Thanks again and will see you all tomorrow.
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