Friday, December 30, 2005

FLOOD WATCH: DAY ONE


It's a little wet here in southern Oregon. The pictures you see here were taken this afternoon from the middle of the brand new bridge in our city. The bridge spans Little Butte Creek (for you out-of-towners, Butte is like "Beauty"). Only Little Butte Creek is not so little at the moment. Days and days of steady rain, coupled with mild temperatures which are melting the snow pack at higher elevations, have caused our rivers and streams to rise...and rise....and rise.


I'd love to say I got a picture of the Loch Ness Monster, but it is actually a log...a tree-sized log....floating down the creek. The last time our rivers got this high was the famous flood of 97...New Year's Day, no less (I remember our church served as a Red Cross aid station). Now the experts are saying that this set of flood watches and warnings are not as bad as 97. But from the looks of things, our town might be in for some wet times. The lower level, creek side park benches at the site of the new visitor center (being constructed) are almost submerged. Some of the backyards that line the lower part of the creek are filling with water. My daughter reported that a few low level side streets are closed due to backed up storm drains.

Our family is fine...we are situated away from flood danger. But my prayer is for folks in our church body and in the community who may have to contend with this. No, it's nothing like the after-effects of Katrina, and it won't make headlines past our region. But our community is important, so if you could pray for us as we enter the new year, we would appreciate it. And I will attempt to keep you posted on our Flood Watch.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Wadja git?

Merry Christmas, everyone!
What a wonderful and tiring day it was. The action began last night with our church's annual Christmas Eve service (okay, it actually began last month around Thanksgiving, but I'm talking immediate past here). It was a beautiful service as always. Afterwards, we went "light looking." It too was fun and enjoyable.
And then...home. And some yuletide snacking. And some last minute wrapping. And last minute cleaning. As for me, I was putting the finishing touches on a "Playtime Parable." Now let me interrupt this missive long enough to explain what a "Playtime Parable" is. Once in awhile, during Sunday Morning Celebration Large Group Time (often referred to as "Children's Church" in some congregations), I will present a Biblical story or Bible truth or lesson using action figures. I have a camera set up to the big TV so the kids can see the action. It's a lot of fun and very well received. Now in the interest of fairness and full disclosure, I did not originate "Playtime Parables." Way out in the Chicago area lives my counterpart in children's ministries, a warrior for the Lord named Karl Bastian. He and I have met exactly twice, along with a few hundred of my closest friends, so if he does not remember me, that's perfectly understandable. Anyway, if creativity and innovation have a picture attached, it's Karl's. And one of his innovations is "Toybox Tales," in which he acts out Bible lessons using action figures. And here's the neat part...he even gives instructions on how to do the same thing! So I launched "Playtime Parables" at our church. If you want to see what experience, better technology, and a slightly offbeat mind will produce, check out www.toyboxtales.com for Karl's sight (it even includes free downloads). Let him know Tim sent you (to which he might say, "Tim who?)
Anyway, I was up until 2 a.m. working on Playtime Parable's "A Christmas Caroble". I told my lovely wife to set the alarm for 5:30, since I wanted to get an early start. She laughed and said I really did not want to get up that early. I went to bed, thinking about how I would get up early. And then, to show that God has a sense of humor, at 5:45 a.m., I got a tremendous cramp in my foot! I sprang out of bed to walk it off, only to realize the pain had vanished just as quickly as it arrived. And as I sat on the edge of the bed, weary, sleepy, and disoriented, I heard a voice within say, "So you really want to get up now?" I went back to sleep for a while longer.
Large Group Celebration went very well. We had a craft. We had a game. We had a festive holiday song. All that was left was the Playtime Parable and the object lesson. I flicked on the camera and began the scene. I had barely started the dialogue when my wife gave me the "sign" that the worship service was over and parents were starting to pick up their kids! I was faced with a choice. I could try to "rush it", but that would sacrifice the quality. So I stopped the action and told the kids, "To learn what happens next, come back next week!" I then did my object lesson, since it contained the very essence of what we were getting at, which is keeping Jesus at the center of our Christmas and of our lives.
A good ending for a good morning.
Afternoon was spent at my wife's mother's house. We had a great dinner, then opened presents. Some of you may wonder what a guy like me gets for Christmas. Well, I got socks and other articles of clothing, but I also received a 12 cup coffee maker (I am immune to 10 cups anymore), a commentary, a jar of peanuts (a tradition), a copy of the Fantastic Four movie, and one of the neatest gifts of all, a PlayStation 2 game called "Nintendo Museum", which features all the classic arcade games of the 70's and early 80's. I don't do a lot of current video games, but these games bring back memories of when video games were simple and fun.
So it was a good Christmas. But the older I get, the more I find that the presents are secondary to the joy and wonder of this season.
I hope all of you had a good day and that the upcoming new year will be a Christ centered one. God bless us, every one!

Friday, December 09, 2005

Tis the Season

December...ahhh, what a month!
I am one of those people who absolutely refuses to acknowledge Christmas before Thanksgiving (with the exception of program practices, of course). I cannot get in the mood for the holidays while going past school supplies. I have a hard time reconciling aisle after aisle of spooky, scary Halloween stuff with the Prince of Peace in the next row! My family is conditioned to cringe in fear should I hear one line of "Jingle Bells" before the final slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day.
But after the aforementioned final slice.....
On our way home from Thanksgiving Dinner at Grandmother's house, we see who can spot the first decorated house. I start getting the Christmas videos out. I begin playing Christmas music. As the days of December roll on, I bundle up and trudge out for the traditonal Christmas tree hunt. Okay, so it's in the garage, but I do have to move a couple of boxes to get to it!
Sadly, we have had a combination of bad colds/flu and busy schedules, so my grandiose plans to get the tree up and the house decorated before the first weekend of December kind of fell through. I did get the stuff out of the garage, so I'm that much ahead.
Last night was our DayCare Christmas program, the first of many holiday festivities. In spite of some disasterous rehearsals, the play was really awesome. We had about 200 people present. After the play, I shared a gospel devotion and then we had a slide show, followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall. It was a neat evening.
Tomorrow night is the DayCare staff Christmas dinner. Our pleasant, dignified, early childhood educators transform into...well, I'm not sure how to describe it. What's neat is that it's wild, uninhibited fun without the presence of alchohol!
Coming up next weekend: the Live Nativity presentation, which our church is coordinating and staging once again on behalf of the city, and our Christian Education program, which is woefully behind schedule on rehearsals. I'll write more about these things later, but suffice it to say, December is a time of wonder and joy and activity. I suppose I could sit at home all night and wonder about Christmas' regrets. But what fun would that be? Let's celebrate...let's party...let's take a look at the first coming of Jesus!
Ahhhhh, December....what a month!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving

To my many friends,
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am personally grateful for my family and friends, a house, a job. I'm grateful to my new friends I have "met" as a result of blogging (Hey Jayleigh!) and other internet activities (Yo, Net!). Finally, and of upmost importance, I am thankful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"In everything give thanks" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Fifteen minutes of Fame

Let me begin by offering the following disclaimer: I do not endorse,recommend, encourage, or support the programs or networks described in this post. Having said that, let me just beam with a little family pride at my nephew's recent appearance on network television.
On MTV (wait! all my friends who are believers, please don't leave...!) there is a program called MADE, in which young people write in with their desire of what they want to be. A life coach is assigned them and the cameras document their progress.
Imagine my surprise when my sister called me and said MADE was being made in her garage. It seems my nephew has a friend who wanted to be rock star. My nephew, who is an incredibly talented guitar player, volunteered to be in the band. Their main rehearsal place? My sister's garage!
Watching the episode when it finally aired was a fascinating experience. First, I had to find out when MADE was usually on (MTV not being a network I frequent). And then the whole experience of seeing familiar sights and buildings (I grew up in the next town over from Canon City, Colorado). And then there's my nephew...the same age as my youngest daughter, making that guitar sing! I haven't seen him in person for over ten years. I think I really need to get back to Colorado for a visit. .
I know, I know...the show wasn't about my nephew. But who cares? Congratulations, Jessie, on your 15 minutes of fame!

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Pain and Praise and Party-On

Ouch!
When I began to write this post, I began describing the pain and discomfort I have been experiencing lately because of a bad back, knee, and ankle. My intent was to turn it all around and demonstrate the awesomeness of God in spite of the problems. However, when I looked over what I had typed, it seems like I was spending more time talking about my problems and less time talking about the Lord. Sooooo, through the magic of word processing technology, I decided to start over.
On Sunday Morning, a time when I am the busiest ministering to a group of children for over an hour (and a group of adults for another hour), I did not need to be slowly hobbling around. And for that morning, God granted me a measure of relief from the pain and stiffness. It's almost as if the Lord knew what I needed before I even asked (wow...God knows what I need before I do--what a neat concept!) Indeed, God is awesome!

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Moving Right Along

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD.
September is now tucked firmly away in the history books and our first month of preschool classes is done. As regular readers know, one of my "hats" that I wear is "preschool teacher" for a class of 4 year olds. As I recall in my previous post, I confessed to not feeling quite ready for the start of the new year. Well, I got ready...fast. In fact, I think I may have "over prepped" as I kept running out of time each class session. That's okay...the time was spent getting know each other...what an incredible age!
Not that the first month was without challenges. Mine came the second half of the first week. On Wednesday afternoon, I began feeling icky and achy and hot. By the time I got home, I had a 101 fever. As the evening wore on, I felt worse and worse. My temp hit 103 and my throat was practically swollen shut. It's been a long time since I've been hit this hard with a bug, but it flattened me for the rest of that first week. I did eventually see a doctor and got on antibiotics, but I felt bad that I "tripped" in that very crucial first week of school.
Well, now that the antibiotics have worn off, I think I caught a tiny cold. No fever--hallelujah!--and I don't feel so bad that I can't function. But my throat is again sore and swollen (though not like before). I share this because I ask for your prayers: if you are a Christian and you just happen to be reading this tonight (October 1), I would ask that you pray for me tomorrow morning, as I will be taking a break from my usual Children's Ministries duties to fill the pulpit for our vacationing pastor. I just need my throat and energy to hold out through the morning. If you are reading this after Sunday the 2nd, then join me in praising God for how He blessed!
In other news, I have set my heart toward attending the Anaheim Children's Pastors Conference in January. I have attended two other CPC's (but missed last year's!). I'm busy saving and raising money for the trip, so please pray that, if this is truly God's will, that I manage to gather the neccesary funds before the numerous deadlines.
Next Sunday, I will be teaching an additional adult class at the church. This one will be a 10 week series on cults and isms, to be held on Sunday night. So as long as I don't get my two adult classes mixed up with my children's programs, I'll be fine ("I don't care if you're 43 years old, you need to sit criss cross applesauce!").
That's all for now. Sorry for the delay in writing...I will try to do better.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

As I sit here and write this blog (my first in several days), I can't help and reflect on the last couple of weeks. So, for your information...this is the week (or two) that was:

JURY DUTY. It's funny, but when it comes to some things like patriotism, I am very idealistic. When I got my summons, I had all the typical reactions ("what an inconvenience!" "I don't know what to do!", etc.). But a part of me was rather excited about the opportunity to "do my civic duty."
I reported on a Tuesday and sat in a big room with 398 of my closest friends. This was "orientation". A judge came in and explained the history of the judicial system in general and juries in particular. It was very interesting. Then the jury coordinator came up and explained to us that between the hours of 8 and 9, the lawyers and judges go through assorted motions and that some of the trials scheduled that day may not happen. And then... the moment of truth: all the trials went away!.
Day Two was a "report by phone" day. I did so the night before and the nice recording told me my number was not needed.
Day Three was "tag, you're it" day. I called the night before and my number was on the list. So I reported to the big room and waited until the baliff called roll. After roll, he called another set of numbers (not mine!) and told them that their trial had gone away and they could go home. The rest of us had to report to the courtroom. We followed the baliff to the courtroom, sat in our assigned seats, then were called one at a time to sit in the jury box and overflow sections. The judge gave us instructions and then the two attorneys asked us questions. It was an interesting flow of opinion and speculation, but finally, the two attorneys started making their eliminations. About three or four jurors had been sent home when the judge called my name and told me I was excused. Since three days is the length of jury service, that meant I was done. I learned a lot in my short time there.

CELEBRATION PREP. One of the biggest events of our Sunday School year is the "Roundup." Roundup is part pep rally, part homecoming, and part reunion. It's an exciting kick off to the new school year. We try really hard to make everything extra nice. Nothing to report, except that Roundup is tomorrow (Sunday) and due to the event described next, we aren't able to start setting up yet until later this evening. It makes things a little more hectic, but that's okay! Ministry is important enough to allow a little challenge!

FUNERAL SERVICE Last Sunday, my pastor asked me if I would do a funeral service today (Saturday). I agreed. It was a beautiful service...the woman was a believer and well regarded in the community. There was standing room only in the sanctuary and in the church foyer, testifying to this woman's faith. Sure, we can't start transforming the room into our Roundup environment until this other is over, but PRAISE GOD! the gospel was preached and lives were touched.

PRESCHOOL PREP. This is the last time I will write this (maybe!) Preschool (where I teach part time) starts tomorrow and I don't feel I am adquately prepared to impart educational concepts to the 4 year olds in my care. Who am I kidding...I'M NOT READY!! There...I feel much better now.

I will leave you with this: my newest philosophy is that I will not use the words or phrase, "It's going to be one of those days." I refuse to magnify the severity of my problems more than I magnify the goodness of God.

Sunday, August 28, 2005

One down, two to go

My wife and I had the privilege this weekend of taking my daughter to college. It was a nice weekend with just the three of us. Actually, my little girl drove her own car and we took our vehicle for the four hour drive. We spent the night at a hotel a few minutes from the campus, ate dinner out, and laughed and joked.
The next morning, we pulled into the university parking lot and the adventure began. The staff was friendly and helpful. In fact, I spent a lot of time making mental notes of principles for children's ministry while I was there. Most of the morning was spent in line. Most of the afternoon was spent hauling my daughter's stuff up three flights of stairs! Fortunately, there were some strapping hunky college men around to carry the refrigerator, microwave, and other heavy items. I assured my daughter that this would be the last time I would feel comfortable with her receiving such attention from college boys.
A chapel service was held and then came the goodbyes. My wife and I left for the four hour excursion home, without our first born.
If this blog seems overly void of emotion and descriptive feelings, it's because I need to type quickly, lest the emotion and descriptive feelings keep me from finishing my first entry in about two or three weeks!
I'm proud of my little girl.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Camping Inspiration

The weather here in the great Pacific Northwest has been rather warm lately. So my family and I took off for a weekend of camping. Call me crazy ("your're crazy!"), call me strange ("you're strange!"), but when I go camping, I like to take stuff to study. Oh sure, I also take stuff for pure entertainment ( a favorite novel or CD) and I do "woodsy" kinds of things (great trails around the campgrounds). But I love to study in the forest! No television. No phones (believe it or not, I do not own a cell phone). Very few distractions apart from the occaisional mosquito. I can spend an entire hour in uninterrupted concentration on systematic theology, history, or whatever interests me at the moment.
My kids don't understand my joy of studying while camping, but that's okay. They still equate "study" with "school work", something they wish to blissfully repress for another 26 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes, and 45 seconds. Me? I love to learn. I am still patiently waiting and working toward the financial opportunity and time to complete my graduate studies with the ultimate goal of earning a doctorate. In the meantime, I am engaged in self-study for enrichment, ministry, and pure joy.
I spent a little more time on this camping trip in prayer for inspiration, and motivation regarding the ministries in which I am involved. Wow! Talk about clarity of thought. I almost filled a yellow legal pad (which I now buy in bulk!) with ideas for a new handbook, volunteer placement, and involving older kids in service. Much of this was stuff that was swirling around in my head, but it wasn't until I could study, read, focus, and pray without civilization encroaching upon me that the thoughts crystalized and finally got down on paper. I almost couldn't wait to get home to type it all up and show it to my children's ministries secretary (who would probably be stunned to see how organized I really am!).
Well, I am now back in civilization with all its challenges. I'm still typing. I'll let you know the outcome of these "deep thoughts", brought on courtesy of camping!

Sunday, July 17, 2005

VBS 2005 is now history

We did it!
Actually the Lord did it, but He chose to use us. I'm talking, of course, about Vacation Bible School, one of the big highlights of the year at our church. Our theme this year was "Serengeti Trek" from Group Publishing. Group usually has a good program and outstanding music and this year was no exception. The kids learned how to KNOW GOD, TALK TO GOD, TELL ABOUT GOD, LOVE GOD, and WORK FOR GOD. Through the music and skits and Bible dramas, onward through the snacks and games and crafts...every element every night was designed to re-emphasize the daily Bible points and verses. Each night, the kids were able to choose a "Daily Challenge", a practical expression of the lessons learned. As they completed these challenges, leaves were added to a tree. It was all a beautiful expression of service to the Lord. Another expression was the missions offering: over $230 raised. It was a fun experience.
The title of this blog includes the name "KidServants", so I need to mention the incredible, phenomenal team of KidServants who put VBS together this year. Each year, they sacrifice their time, energy, and creativity to minister to these children. I am humbled by their service and grateful that they made themselves available to the Lord for this work.
Lastly, I need to mention the W. family (I won't give out their full name, but they know who they are). Mrs. W. is our children's ministries secretary and really kept me hopping through the process. Mr. W, whose work schedule would crush most mortal men, devoted hours in the evenings to painting backdrops and setting up decorations, along with his wife. If you are reading this, W. family, please know that you are a very precious asset to our children's ministries and I love and appreciate you.
I've already had several people ask about next summer. We will get to that soon enough....but first, we all need a well deserved nap.....Glory to God.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Independence Day in Small Town USA

I have the privilege of living in a small city in southern Oregon. "Small" is actually a relative term, since, according to experts, we are one of the fastest growing communities in the state. But even with our growth and progress, nothing equals the annual 4th of July celebration in our "small" community. It is classic Americana!
The morning begins with the 4th of July Breakfast at the Grange Hall...hosted, cooked, and served by the men and women of the VFW. The menu is always the same: scrambled eggs, ham, pancakes, coffee, and juice. The food is good and young and old come in to eat, joke around, and exchange the latest news and rumors.
There's the fun run events, in which I will one day participate after I lay down my burdens and get my knees fixed.
And then there's the parade. Main Street is blocked off and what looks like the entire community lines both sides. The best spot is the by the review stand. This is where the color guard stops and everyone stands as a local celebrity opens the parade with the National Anthem. The parade then proceeds: a diverse collection of vintage cars, horses and riders, civic leaders, and organizational floats. The floats wouldn't win any prizes at the Rose Parade, but they get trophies anyway (last year, our church VBS float won first place!). The fun part is the commentary from the review stand: corny jokes, crack-ups, and familiarity not seen in big city parades.
Booths line Main Street and, after the parade, one can "swim" through the people. Expect a wait in line at the food and soft drink booths, but there will be enough friends passing by and saying "hi" that nobody minds much. Of course, there's the lawnmower races too, souped up engines and all roaring down main street for honor and fun.
And no 4th of July festivities would be complete without fireworks. The same community that came out in sun earlier now assembles at the the high school football stadium. The best spots go to the early arrivals, but there's room for everyone. Families cahtting and playing, the high school concession stand already showing a line, the workers doing final checks on the pyrotechnics.
And then it's dusk and the excitement begins. The first half is the "sponsored" part in which businesses and individuals purchase shells in exchange for a mention. The announcer does a plug, the firework is shot. Another plug, another shot. Okay, it's kind of slow and a little boring. But it occurs to me that these businesses and individuals are an integral part of the fabric of the community. We eat at these resteraunts and shop at these stores and say "hi" to these folks. It's a little like a family coming together and remembering.
At half time, there is "Skydiver Bingo." Folks buy paper plates with their names on them. After the plates are scattered across the field, a group of skydivers parachute through the night, coming into view almost magically into the stadium. They scoop up a plate as they land and the winners get a prize.
The second half of the show is classic fireworks: loud, thrilling, and uninterrupted. It's spectacular and awe-inspiring, one of the best in the region.
The next day, our small city gets back to normal. And aside from the extra number of clean up crews patrolling the now busy Main Street, theonly remant fo a very special day in our city is the stray "pop" from a leftover firecracker.
God bless my community...and God bless the USA.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Work with Kids?

Ever so often, I am approached with the statement: "You should get more help so that you don't have to be stuck with the kids every Sunday morning." I've always had mixed emotions about that statement. I'm touched by their concern for my well being. I'm a little jumpy because I don't know of too many volunteers who will devote the next year to eternity serving in Children's Ministries. But most of all, I'm confused because I'm not quite sure how to respond. And then it just hit me yesterday: the statement begins from a false premise.
Let's review: "You should get more help." That is true. Someone has said that you don't have to be in a mega-church to have a mega-children's ministry. I agree with that. Being the Children's Ministries Director of a relatively small church has not stopped me from dreaming big. We do a lot of things designed to engage the children of this generation, with the ultimate goal of seeing boys and girls come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
But to do that, we need help. We need committed volunteers who love Jesus to help create an atmosphere of caring. Our Sunday morning program (called Sunday Morning Celebration) can have flashing lights and video presentations, but when all a kid needs is a hug or high-five, we need people. So yes...I should get more help. I will confess a weakness in the area of recruiting. I'm learning and doing better. Amen and amen!
Now to the second part: "so you don't have to be stuck with the kids every Sunday morning." Like a thunderclap, it hit me! I have asked folks how they would feel if they did the large group children's church every Sunday morning without a break. They would often shudder and say, "No way...I couldn't possibly work with kids all the time!" And here is my answer: "perhaps you can't...but I can!" I'm not stuck working with the kids...I'm honored to work with the kids. This isn't an interruption of my church experience...it is the ministry to which I am currently called.
The folks who often make the statement are interpreting children's ministries through their own expectations. They can't imagine spending every week ministering to children, so they assume that nobody could possibly want to do it. But I do. My pastor works hard all week. He spends his Sundays in the pulpit. He doesn't get to sit with his family in church. But nobody goes up to him and says, "You should get more help so you're not stuck preaching to the adults every week!" They expect it because he is the minister. And in a very real sense, that is what I am to the children...a minister. I am, in a sense, the only pastor they get to hear on a weekly basis at this time in their lives. It's a high and holy calling.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Two weeks away

Sunday, June 19th, was Father's Day. We had toyed with the idea of going camping that weekend, but my daughter's college orientation was that Saturday, so it would not have been practical. I attended my church's Father's Day Breakfast, but I had no other commitments. I had already covered my teaching and leading assignments (since I thought I would be gone), so my family decided to kidnap me for Father's Day and take me to the breakfast buffet. It always feels strange not being in church, but when I glanced at my watch and saw that the service was almost half over, I realized I had enjoyed being with my family that morning.

Well, as I write this, we are planning to go camping tomorrow through Saturday. It should be fun...for the first time in our lives, we will have a dog with us. But for the second week in a row, I will not be involved in the children's ministry at our church. It's not because I will be gone (we'll be back Saturday afternoon), but because this weekend is the high school retreat at Lake Shasta, which our pastor is attending. With the pastor leaving town, I will be giving the morning message (from 2 Thessalonians 1). This doesn't feel as strange as not going to church, but I hope I have very few instances of being gone from the kids at Children's Ministries two weeks in a row.

Friday, June 10, 2005

A Tribute to My First Born

Today is the day...the day I get to publically embarrass my oldest daughter. Not that I haven't done that before. Many have been the times I have told people of my daughter's birth in Colorado a little over 18 years ago. It was the worst snowstorm of the year (I draw out the word worst for effect). Actually, my wife was admitted to the hospital the night before on a rather pleasant, dry day. The doctor wanted to induce labor because of dangerously high blood preasure (pre-e, which stands for a condition I can pronounce but not spell), so my beloved spent the night in the hospital and I spent the night at a relative's house.
The next morning: POW. There is an saying that if you don't like the weather in Colorado, wait a minute. From dry and sunny to a major snowstorm that shut down the schools, airport, most businesses, and roads all in less than twelve hours. My car would not make it that morning to the hospital, so I called my sister's husband, who arrived in his four-wheel drive, souped up sports car. We spun, we sailed, we glided (I'm not sure, but I think we might have cut across a pond or two. Hard to tell with my eyes closed and my hands tightly wrapped around the seat cushion!), but I was delivered to the front door of the hospital.
The next several hours were a blur. I remember that the heating system was out of order, so the room was incredibly hot and stuffy. This required me to open a window during the worst snowstorm of the year. I also remember coaching my wife on breathing, only to have my coaching contradicted by the nurse on duty. But after a long process of induced labor, my wife finally gave birth to my daughter.
And now, 18 years later, my daughter is graduating from high school tonight. She would no doubt be embarrassed and object to my posting of this, but it is a father's duty to "crow" about his children once or twice or several times during their lifetime. Sooooo.....
Christy, I love you and I'm very proud of you. Congratulations on your big day and may the Lord richly bless you as you enter the rigors of college life. Signed, your dad.

Monday, June 06, 2005

Rainy days and Mondays

Alright...let's start with some background. I am a man of many hats. In addition to my responsibilities on the church staff (which I will describe some other time) as well as serving as Children's Ministries Director, I am also employed at the church's DayCare center. My primary age group is 3's and 4's (during the school year, I teach a 4 year old class).
Today, as in most days, began at 6:15 a.m. I got up, showered, dressed, and arrived at 7:00 to begin my morning. I have no work responsibilities on Monday afternoons, so I look forward to 11:00 a.m. when my shift at the DayCare is over. I was prepared to do great things in my yard, which currently resembles a tropical jungle. And then it happened: a rain drop. Then two. Then two hundred. Before my first trip outside to deliver the school kids to school, there were already sizeable puddles. It became very obvious that my plans for yard work would not come to pass.
Fortunately (or unfortanately, depending on one's point-of-view), two of the workers at the center called in sick, leaving the facility short handed. So, being the trooper I am, I volunteered to stay until more relief could arrive. My 11:00 a.m. quitting time was extended to about 12:30. While I clocked out at that time, I did not leave the facility because of the chance that I might be needed again before relief arrived. Relief came at about 1:45.
Sooooooooo....it's raining. And cold (the temp did not crack 60 today...quite a feat for June!). But while rainy days and Mondays always get some people down, I have to remember that 1)today is payday, which offsets any weather problems and 2) I get to work with kids! It's a high and holy calling and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
But I still want my Monday afternoons!

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Glad to meet you

It is now Sunday evening and I have decided that now was as good a time as ever to start blogging. Inspired in part by a fellow blogger from Chicago and spurred on by a close friend who has also launched a blog, I have decided to take keyboard in hand and record a journal of sorts containing opinion, conjecture, and just day by day reports of the happenings in my life.
I will post more later, but let me just begin with a confession: I have not yet seen Star Wars, Episode III. If Karl is reading this, forgive me. I will see it...I promise.
Want to know a little more about me? Check out my profile (no pic yet, but soon). In the meantime, have a great weekend (what's left of it) and keep checking back.