"I climbed up the chains!"

Today right before dinner Carissa and I walked to the park. She told me to "Go sit on the bench"... I sat nearby on the grass. She proceeded to climb up the chain to the top of the park slide apparatus. She made it all the way... she was so excited and I was so excited for her. I clapped and yelled, "Good job!!!" I could see the power of my encouraging words fill up her tank to overflowing as she was glowing with pride and excitement! She quickly went down the stairs to conquer the chains one more time and then a third before we went home. Lord, thanks for the gift of seeing Carissa conquer her fear and develop!

We just got back from a walk... Momma snoozed as she was feeling naseated. While carrying Carissa I stepped in a depression in the concrete and rupped skin off my big toe... ouch! I went over on both ankles too and almost fell to the ground. Thank God I didn't! Carissa was so concered for me... she asked to kiss my owee... being a little too bloody and on a stinky toe I told her she could kiss my cheek instead... nope, she insisted on the toe... though I never let her... yuck!

Mexico

April 1-7
Led a team of 14 down to an orphanage in Ensenada, Mx. We built 25 beds. What a great time getting to know other men in the church while blessing the children. Lord, bless Jay and Joan as they continue to serve you faithfully.

Invincible? Not!

Back is out! Monday morning I was changing out our 5 gallon water container... that was all good. Didn't feel anything. Slowly during the day my back tightened. I thought it was from stress. I even went for a run that morning. I got home at 5pm and told Shanna I needed a massage. Tuesday morning I awoke at 3:30am in pain! Couldn't get back to sleep for a couple hours! All day Tuesday I felt like an 85 yr old. This morning (Friday) I'm much better and Lord I pray that I'd continue to improve as I'm leading a team to Mexico to serve you next week!

We leave Sunday and return the following Saturday. The team has raised close to $6000 over the last month. Yeah God! I'm bringing down $5000 to buy materials to build 34 bunk beds and whatever else the orphanage needs. Lord protect us and help us to work together effectively. We're at Gaga and Gran's place visiting. Gran was surprised twice yesterday when we came and when we told her that grandchild #2 is on the way. Lord, I pray Gran would feel honored by the 28 people attending a surprise party for her birthday tonight... even her sister is flying in from Colorado Springs! Grampa Mel is giving her a trip to Hawaii... hopefully she graciously accepts in front of everyone!

Sales of Systems?

Do I want to continue in an environment where I have to continually sell leadership systems or do I want to run with guys heading in that direction? Lord, I pray that you'd direct Damon and I's steps. We want to be effective Lord... I know you'll take care of my staff and students at this church, but I feel compelled to obey you in being as effective as possible to reach folks with your message of salvation using this culture. People love Starbucks because they understand the system. People love fast-food because they understand the system and they get excellence repeated no matter what state of country they are in. Why can't the church be the same? Achieving that doesn't negate grace, love and serving one another authentically... the fear of many opposed to the corporate church.

We're Pregnant! 2-27-07

When I got home at 5pm Shanna asked me to grab a book in the bathroom for her... a pregnancy test was on the counter... I didn't even look at it cause I knew she was pregnant... and she is! Thank You Lord! Keep Shanna & baby healthy Lord, thanks!

Daddy Needs a New Diaper???

Carissa tried to put a new diaper on her stuffed animals while I watched from her bed. Then she came over and tried to put one on me! She even made reference to my "Poo Poo Butt" as she tried! What a crack up!

My sermon on Jan 28th went pretty good. Bob Tobias, elder chairman, said I did well and that I should speak again soon. That was very encouraging. I gave away 24 "Total Money Makeover" books too! Lord, I pray people are reading them and following them! One lady in the 2nd service took the one I offered for free... she was so appreciative and said her family could really use financial help right now... thanks Lord!

Sermon Prep

I've got my message down to 8 pages 14pt times new roman font. I think I'll be doing some more slicing tomorrow!

Father, I thank you for this opportunity to share your Word and insights with the congregation this Sunday. I pray for your protection over my heart and mind this weekend. Help me to make wise choices that will keep me focused upon you and diligent in my continuing preparation. I pray for good sleep and that you'd touch my body and bring me back to full health.

Lord, I pray for those who will be at church and especially those in financial trouble and heart trouble... may they hear clearly and change their habits even this week.

Shanna bought toddler panties for Carissa tonight at K-Mart as we're going to start potty training tomorrow morning. Lord, I pray that Carissa would pick up on this quickly and not soil to many clothes. Give us patience too Lord... we'll need it!