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December 28, 2008
It's resolution time. Quite simply, I don't like resolutions. I'm not good at seeing them through. I suppose if I were to make any resolutions, this is what they would be: try to eat a little better (not so much ice cream), spend more time reading and studying for work (I have long neglected this), and learn to be a little more patient.
I was wondering last night how many of my church folk would make resolutions and what their resolutions would be. Well, if you are in that boat, I wish you the best of luck.
I included a few Christmas pictures. Hope you enjoy. Have a happy New Year and let it be focused on growing closer to God and living as Christ lived.
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December 16, 2008
I can't believe it, but Christmas is here. I try really hard not to complain or whine. I don't want to be that kind of person. However, I have to say that I am really tired. Life is getting the best of me at the moment. It's 2:42 AM, I have been puked on by Macey, and she refuses to go to sleep. In addition to that, I am struggling with what to say at the Christmas Eve service.
While sitting around, I did the math and figured out that we have fed Macey like 376 times since she was born. That seems like a lot. It is hard to believe she is almost 7 weeks old. I keep waiting for the crying and whining phase to pass. No luck, yet.
Well, it has been a good year. It has been rough at times and Lisa and I have been through major life changes: changing jobs, moving to a new place (a new old place for me), having a baby, and trying to buy a house. However, I can honestly look back on 2008 and give thanks for a blessed life. I hope that everyone can say that as they take some time to reflect on their life.
There is nothing left to say other than I hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and Christ-centered Christmas.
December 16, 2008
I've got two wonderful things to share today. First, is a picture of Nellie, Macey, and myself. I had promised Nellie that I would wear my Santa hat with her during church. So, we got a great picture of the three of us wearing our Santa hats. I love Miss Nellie for her spunk and her love of kids. I'd be happy to have 20 more people just like her in church.
Second, I've got a short video of Macey laying around with us. If I remember correctly, she has the hick-ups. It is not a particularly entertaining video, but cute nonetheless.
I've been thinking a lot here recently about our church and about the Christian life in general. We've got quite a few problems to solve here at Bethany. In many ways, I like the challenge of finding ways to meet these difficult situations. After graduating from college, I nearly went to law school because of that fascination I have with finding ways to solve problems and getting things done.
I have come to believe that one of the most important things we need to do is something we probably gave up on a long time ago: evangelization. It seems that Christians across the world have come to a sense of comfort living in this world with people of different ideas and beliefs. It is good to respect others' beliefs. However, we must remember our commission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I am guilty. I don't remember the last time I invited someone to church when I was "off duty" and not filling my role as minister. I don't remember the last time I really told someone about my faith who was not already a Christian. This is an issue I think we all could work on.
Well, I hope everyone is having a good Advent and getting ready for the coming of the Christ. See you Sunday!
December 11, 2008
As I am writing this, I'm watching Lisa try to burp Macey over her shoulder. As cute as she is, Macey is not terribly cute when she cries. On Tuesday, we drove to Richmond to see Lisa's family. It was a good trip. We had promised the church in Louisa where I last served that we would stop by with the baby after she was born. So, we knew the youth group would be meeting and we figured that would be a good time to stop by. It was good to see everyone and especially the youth. However, it was hard to see them. One of the hardest things about being a minister is leaving behind people that mean so much to you.
I have been trying to take my own advice for Advent. I spent some time today thinking about my failures and how I can make myself ready for the coming of the Christ. I don't think I discovered any "new sins" in myself. I was just reminded of the failures and bad habits that I have lived with for a long time. However, I did make a half-hearted commitment to do better. I know that my half-hearted commitment needs to become fully-hearted.
The rain and warm temperatures put a damper on the Christmas feel. However, I know that this is Advent in my heart. I enjoying preaching each week because it forces me to reckon with the coming of Christmas and to appreciate it. I hope your Advent is going well and you are taking time to do all that God has asked you to do.
December 8, 2008
I hope that everyone is doing okay. It has been a rough month here at church. There have been several deaths of church members, friends, and family. I used to not mind doing funerals. In fact, at one time, I would rather officiate at a funeral rather than a wedding. However, as time goes on, I have changed my mind. Even though I often don't know the person who has passed away, I usually know the family or friends who are left behind. It is difficult to watch people I care about hurt so much. I sincerely hope that my time and ministry offers them some comfort.
Macey is doing fine. As the old, parental saying goes: she's growing like a weed. Already, she has outgrown a few outfits. Unfortunately, she has not outgrown crying or eating in the middle of the night. I'll keep on hoping.
December 3, 2008
I think this is the longest I have ever gone without writing in my journal. I was on two weeks of vacation and then I was catching up from two weeks of vacation. I am always surprised to learn that people actually read this thing. However, I am glad someone gets some entertainment out of it.
Well, it will be a quick entry. It is midnight and I just finished feeding Macey. It was one of those one in a hundred occasions when she ate, didn't cry, and went to sleep. I plan to do all of the same things in a second.
By accident, Lisa and I found out that Macey loves the vacuum cleaner. If she cries, we can turn the vacuum on and she immediately quits crying. Turn the vacuum off, she starts back up. The kid may be a pain at times, but she is unbelievably entertaining.
I admit that I was actually glad to be back at work after having two weeks off. I miss church and the people. My work gives me a lot of purpose in life. I am thankful to have a job that I enjoy and don't mind going back to after a nice vacation. Of course, work is a nice break from the diapers, bottles, and crying.
I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Talk to you soon.
November 8, 2008
Writing this entry is my last official act of ministry before going on vacation for the next couple of weeks.
I woke up Friday morning at 4:30 AM with Lisa tapping me on the should saying, "I think we need to call the Dr." The Doc said to get to the hospital to get checked out. I dutifully got in the car with our belongings packed up and headed out. We were told that her water had not broke. So, I fully expected to head back home. However, she was admitted. At 4:06 PM, Macey was born at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. All I can say is that was the most disgusting and amazing experience of my life.
Also, I have to brag a bit. I changed my first diaper last night. Did I say the delivery was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen? I recant. The contents of that diaper easily top the delivery for "Most Disgusting Thing Ever."
Dirty diapers or not, we are very thankful for Macey's safe arrival. We are also thankful to have jobs, friends, and family that are supportive. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
November 3, 2008
Recently, for better or worse, I have developed a new pet peeve: churches with the electronic-LED signs that scroll all kinds of news and messages at you. I am not sure why they bother me so much. First, I don't like band-wagons ... you know, doing something just because someone else is doing it. I think a lot of churches (that probably includes us) get caught up in doing something because someone else is doing it. The second thing I find annoying about it is, do they really expect me to read their scrolling signs as I drive 50 mph down the road?
After giving it some thought, I realized the reason I don't care for those LED signs. It really has nothing to do with church. I found myself annoyed even when car dealerships, the civic center, and restaurants put them up. I blame it on growing up on a farm. But, I just don't like a lot of flash and clutter. You can drive through the city of Roanoke and be bombarded with signs, but find very few really beautiful parks. I like nature ... trees, grass, and mountains.
At times, I think I would like to live back in the country. I guess I'm not really a city-boy at all.
October 28, 2008
Where has time gone? October is just about history and Christmas is coming down the pike. As I walked the dog this morning, I was surprised at how cold it was. Time certainly does move quick and I suppose we just have to try to keep up.
As I go about my life from day to day, I often think of a lot interesting things to write about in this journal, but, of course, by the time I sit down to write they have all left my memory.
Everything is well at home. Lisa is doing just fine. However, I think we are both ready to get on with life and get Macey born. Nine months sure is a long time to wait and to have to carry around a kid in your belly. Everyday I am thankful to be a man because the pregnancy business looks tough.
Last week, I was talking to Chris Yopp. His son, Elijah, somehow or another got a coffee bean into his lung (I picture him stuffing it up his nose). After some medical attention, all was made right. However, it just reminds me what Lisa and I are up for: a lifetime of worrying about this kid that we created. I suppose that is not so bad. I am usually worrying about something anyway. So, I might as well worry about something worthwhile. We are so happy that we'll have Macey here for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Well, keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for us that everything will go just fine for Miss Macey. She is due in less than two weeks. Did I already say that time certainly does move quick?
October 16, 2008
Here recently, Lisa and I have been on this quest to do things that we will not be able to do once Macey arrives. As is probably well known, I'm a night owl. So, on several occasions we have went to IHOP for breakfast late at night. Tuesday night was one such night. For whatever reason, I ended up with a craving for bacon (through Lisa's pregnancy I've been about the only one to develop any cravings). So, off we went to IHOP, convinced our chances to do so were drawing to a close.
I found it very ironic and thought-provoking that as soon as we sat down, in walked a young woman with a three week old baby. Lisa and I couldn't help but laugh. I guess some people don't change their habits, even when a baby takes over the scene.
Someone recently recommended that I read "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI. I have only read the forward/prologue and about the first 8 pages. Honestly, I am not impressed. It has nothing to do with him being the pope and all, I just am not impressed by the book yet. However, I'll read on with hopes it'll turn out to be good. I will say that, so far, the book is an interesting response to the historical Jesus movement. I'll let you know my impressions when I finish.
I always enjoy hearing what people have been reading. So, feel free to share with me at church what you've been reading. Have a good weekend.
October 9, 2008
I'm going to do something that I don't think I have done yet. I'm going to recant a journal posting. Earlier today I wrote this journal entry. I have to confess, it was rather pessimistic. That is my fault. My day started out with a couple of difficult and rather sad incidents. So, I've struggled to maintain an upbeat attitude today. However, 12 hours later, I've got it straightened out. I have erased the pessimistic content and replaced it with something better.
Everything is going okay. Lisa is still pregnant. We are ready. Bags are packed.
On another note, it is hard to believe that the holidays are back. Things are getting chillier and leaves are falling like my grades in college calculus.
On to a positive note: we have a bus. I know that doesn't matter as much to everyone as it means to me. However, I see all the potential that rides on those six wheels. We have the chance to do a lot of ministry.
I hope that everyone is having a good week. I have to run to get ready for Community Youth Fellowship (which, happily, is advertised on the side of OUR bus). Take care.
(This is a follow-up note to add some optimism) ... Community Youth Fellowship went great. We had a good turn-out again and we had a lot of fun tie-dying t-shirts. The Youth Minister in me is so happy to have these kids at church. They bring so much life to me and those around them.
October 3, 2008
For quite a while, I was convinced Macey was going to come right on time. However, I am beginning to change my mind. As I was leaving Roanoke Memorial Hospital one day from a visit, I ended up riding the elevator down with a new mom and her baby as they headed home from the delivery. The mom told me the baby was four weeks early. Then, my friend from college had her baby four weeks early. Lisa told me that Betty at church is sure Macey is coming early. In fact, it seems like everyone I talk to has either had their baby early or thinks Macey will be here several weeks early. So, I am now convinced: she'll be early.
Lisa and I are pretty ready at home for Macey. However, it is still hard to imagine becoming a dad. I have been practicing my parenting skills on my cat. I figure if I can love that cat and be patient with her, I have a chance at making a good dad. At times, my cat just drives me crazy.
Meanwhile, here at church things are going well. We had our best turnout yet for the Community Youth Fellowship. The best part was that kids from the neighborhood have simply begun showing up. That makes me a very happy minister.
I hope that everyone has a good week.