Children

Here's a picture of the kiddos from last weekend. It's pretty easy to get frustrated at the little things they do sometimes, but it's also the little things that make me smile, laugh, and fill my heart with a joy I can't describe. I heard a song this morning that Steven Curtis Chapman sang called Cinderella. Its lyrics reminded us to savor the small things, because before we blink our eyes, our children will be grown. God, I thank you for the immense blessings we have in our children, and even more importantly, thank you for calling me your child.

Basketball

Saturday was yet another day in the land of Upward Basketball - Kindergarten style. Our team got hammered, but we've improved so much. I was extremely proud of Camden's improvement on defense...I really think he's starting to get the hang of it and understand the flow of the game. It's been exciting to watch how my five kids have improved so much since December. I told someone that I almost lost my religion trying to get them to listen and understand two weeks ago, but this season has taught me a lot about patience and encouragement - two critical elements for coaching five rambunctious 4 & 5 year old boys. In fact, I've probably learned a lot more than they have. Next up, a rematch of our Sharks against the Flash. It should be an epic battle. I've posted some pictures for your enjoyment.

Snow Day

Today was Snow Day at the house. No, not a winter wonderland, but enough to get the kids excited enough to go outside at 6:30 this morning. I can't even remember the last time it actually snowed here before today. In fact, Camden has probably never seen it really snow. They had a blast though...until their hands froze. They helped the neighbors make a snowman and through a few snowballs before the cold rain set in. Here are a couple of pics from this morning.

Daddy Duty

Brooke was at Ladies Retreat Friday night and this morning, so the last 24 hours have been just Dad & the kiddos. We made it...no broken bones, no ER visits, no nothing. Man, I'm good at this. Actually, I really enjoy my time alone with the kids. It's a great chance for me to spend some good one-on-one time with them. Last night was dinner out and a movie (at home). This morning we spiffed up the house and went to Camden's basketball game. Not exactly sure who won, but Camden is really improving. I'll try to get a picture of him playing up soon. It can be a little chaotic coaching 4 and 5 year olds, but worth it in the end. That's it for now; hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday.

What is Worship?

Last night was one of mine and Brooke's (and the kids) favorite Sunday nights of the month. Huddles night! We can't say enough about what a wonderful ministry this is and how blessed we are to a part of it. I think we were literally the last couple added to the mix this year and it has turned out to be a great decision for us. We are so blessed to be working with the 9th graders at Mayfair. They are a great group of young people that we have the opportunity to help mentor. It's great having Chris & Stacy and Ryan & Joy there as our partners in this. I think each of our families have been blessed, and I hope we are somehow returning the favor to the kids.

Last night (after Pizza and before a rowdy game of "Honey I Love You but I Just Can't Smile! - thanks Chris!), we talked about the idea of Worship. When I was a 9th grader, worship to me was exactly what the world seems to define it as, going to church on Sunday morning. It was not until much later (and I'm still learning today), that God has called us to something so much greater than corporate worship. Our communal worship is often a highlight, but it's the ins and outs of our daily life that can be the sweet fragrance of worship to God. Paul defines it for us in Romans 12 where he tells us the true act of spiritual worship is to be Holy...set apart for God. That goes so much deeper than what many of us are willing to do. Being set apart for God is much more than calling ourselves a Christian because we attend church; it's a lifestyle characterized by not just knowing about God, but knowing God on a deep, relational level. It means being set apart in our speech and our actions. Did you do that today? As I reflect back on the day, there were many times where I just blended in. Just last night, I challenged the kids to be set apart, to be holy, but did I uphold myself to that same challenge? Probably not. The good news, however, is that God calls me back to His throne once again, just as He always has. Tonight and tomorrow, I'll try once again to present my life as a worship to our Creator.

Welcome to My Blog

I never, ever thought I'd be doing this. My excuse is that it will be a great way to share pictures and stories with family and friends.