Meet Adelyn

I promised pictures and then forgot. This is Eric and Andrea's new baby girl a day after entering the world.

Turning the Page

For our family this summer has provided a number of ends, beginnings, and transitions. One of the biggest was my mom and dad's move from Leoti to Mulvane. It's been a great 8 years for them out in Western Kansas serving God in the midst of a community who embraced my family as one of their own. Melissa, Owen, and I went out for their last Sunday for an emotional 2-hour praise and worship service filled with music, prayer, Scripture reading, and remiscing of what God has done in the lives of many over the past 8 years. Wow, talk about real praise and worship! I was reminded that worship is not about just singing songs, but really giving everything to God. I was privileged to be a part of an awesome worship experience. Praise God!

On a more personal note I continue to transition into the equipping director at the church I serve and find it as challenging and fulfilling as I presumed it would be. Balancing youth ministry and equipping ministry is going to take me further than I can go. Only God will be able to take us to where He wants us as long as we'll get out of the way and let Him.

What are your latest beginnings and ends? Where is God transitioning you?

We're Baaack

Pulled into Salina yesterday around 4:30pm from a long week of work in Cedar Rapids and was I ever glad to be home. I greatly missed my family while I was gone even though the week was full of good work, interesting conversations, and fun times. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I walked up our front sidewalk and saw my little booger peering through the screen door. How long had I been gone? I'd almost forgotten what he looked like. As I walked in the door I put my guitar down and found my arms magnetically attracted to the blonde bombshell awaiting me in the living room. I planted a big smooch on her and for the rest of the evening I couldn't resist being next to her.
I think sometimes its good to get away to remember what it is we have and take for granted. In my everyday life it's easy for me to overlook the little moments that mean so much to me as a dad and a husband. I missed seeing Owen poke his head around the corner with that crazy grin he gets when he's playing peek-a-boo. I missed having my wife next to me while I slept at night. I missed getting up in the morning and turning the corner to Owen's room to hear him talking nonsense in his crib. I missed being able to look at Melissa while she told of the day she had...talking on the phone just doesn't cut it for me.
All the little things matter and sometimes it just takes a little distance to make me realize how truly blessed I am.

IOWA and the end to a contest

Tomorrow I head northeasterly to Cedar Rapids, IA with 16 teenagers and 5 other adults to help those who were effected by the ginormous floods of summer 2008. I just found out last night that we'll be working on two homes - one needs exterior painting and the other needs drywall hung. I've never hung drywall, so I'm hoping that I'll get a chance to put the paint brush down and give the big sheets a try.

On another note, today is the last day of the ugly backyard contest...finally! We're really not sure what will happen even though we lead by almost 200 votes. Evidently there are other "factors" they take into account. I would guess we'll learn more the beginning of next week.

Elsewhere, Melissa and Owen are doing pretty well. Owen continues to grow and learn new things. He's walking all over the place and loves to annoy Denver. Usually if Denver is lying by the couch, Owen will step on him so that he can get on the couch. Clever young lad wouldn't you say? Melissa is continuing to be a great mom and wife. She's a busy bee and does all she can to keep up the with little guy.

That's all for now. If I get internet connection in Iowa, I'll be sure to post. Have a great week!

One last thing, please pray for my parents as they prepare for the move at the end of the month. It's an emotional time. I'll post more about Leoti in the future.

My Last Plea

This is the last week for the Ugliest Backyard contest. (Ends Friday, June 12)

To vote for us, go to ...

http://worldsugliestbackyard.com/ugly_backyards.htm

vote for yard D

We appreciate everyone who has voted for us. Thanks for the help!

I'm an Uncle...Again!

Just found out that Eric and Andrea had a baby girl just a few minutes ago. I know I'm going to spell her name wrong...

Adelyn Ann Just
8lbs 6oz
21 inches

Congratulations Eric, Andrea, and Brayden! I'm not sure our family will know how to react to having a girl running around. The good thing is she will have an older brother to protect her. And I'm sure dad will have something to say about it too.

Pics to come...we're headed there tomorrow to meet Adelyn.

World's Ugliest Backyard

I need your help. Melissa and I entered a contest for the world's ugliest backyard and we got picked as a finalist. We get a redone backyard for free if we win. Vote for us!!

Go to http://worldsugliestbackyard.com/ugly_backyards.htm
scroll to the bottom and vote for option D. I don't think you have to vote for 3. Go option D! Thanks!!

Glory Days

Last Wednesday night Melissa was gone for a little while and Owen was already in bed. So I found myself at home not in the mood to read a book or watch tv. I needed something that didn't require much brain activity. So I pulled out some old college football highlight films. There I was, laying on my couch living my glory days all over again. I'll admit, it was fun to travel down nostalgia lane and relive some of those moments. I had forgotten some of my old teammates and the fun we had at practice and especially during the games.

So it got me thinking, what do I miss the most about college football? And what are the things I don't miss at all?

Miss - The thrill of a touchdown
Don't Miss - The disappointment of a missed conversion

Miss - The smell of the freshly cut field
Don't Miss - The stench of the locker room

Miss - Victory!
Don't Miss - Defeat

Miss - Looking into the defense and just knowing you've got them beat
Don't Miss - Looking into the defense and realizing that you're double teamed

Miss - Game day
Don't Miss - Practice

Miss - Friendships made and nourished during the season
Don't Miss - Playing with knuckleheads who never put forth the effort

Miss - Strapping up and knocking some heads
Don't Miss - Getting my head knocked

Miss - Coach Kessinger (He's still alive, I just miss him as a coach)