AM I OLD OR WHAT??
I remember driving in the car with my parents when I was a teenager and we'd be listening to the old bands that they loved. Smokey Robinson, Martha and the Vandellas, The Beach Boys, and Old Chicago. And I guess I liked their music alright... but I remember thinking how old those people must have been and how I really just wanted to turn the dial and listen to Bon Jovi, KidnPlay, or maybe some Metallica. But life has recently come full circle.
McKenzie, our 17 year old and I went on a little date to Starbucks yesterday. I started to tell her about Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam and she was like, "Who?" Then I brought up Kurt Cobaine, and she asked, "Who is that again?"
What!!?? I was actually offended.
But then it hit me. I am my parents, only I'm not listening to Buddy Holly, I'm listening to The Counting Crows. How did this happen? Life is just too darn quick!
But today I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. So, I don't know about you, but I'm going to just go with it and put on my old ripped jeans, my boots, and a Flannel shirt and crank up some oldies... yep, I'm feeling like going way back, maybe some Cranberries.
This Is The Good life
I fell asleep last night with this overwhelming sense of gratitude for the burden of being a husband and a father. Great things can also be a burden, a heavy load... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
One to two times a week I'll take my girls on a little date. We leave the house and they might appear troubled or disconnected or just busy with life and distracted by schedules but by the time we return, they look different - it's like they have become their true selves, they have reemerged - and after a little time of listening, asking questions, giving them vision, and reminding them who they truly are they are ready.
So the dates began last night with my wife. She's been worried, a little stressed, and overwhelmed. We left the house and I could feel the tension that was heavy on her. We walked in silence for just a minute and then I told her proud of her I was. That I loved watching her with our daughters and with people at church, and how honored I am to be her husband. We walked, talked - I most listened and by the time we got home she was glowing.
Next came McKenzie.
She is remarkable and gifted and so strong and courageous - and this is what I told her. I asked her about life and friends and what was on her plate. She talked about school, youth group, church stuff, and about the things that have been bothering her - and I just listened... we laughed and cried a bit as we shared our hearts together.
Dancin came next.
By the time I got to her, it was dark out. The cool breeze had blown in and so we grabbed sweaters and put on closed toed shoes and headed out. Dancin is like a sponge and she has grown used to these kind of dates - and she just listens intently and soaks it all up. We've been doing these little dates since before she could walk. With her I just got right into it and told her that being her daddy was the greatest privilege in my life and that I was so amazed by her heart. I have been watching her and I am so proud of her. God's hand is upon her and she is called to do great and dangerous things for the kingdom.
We walked back to the house and there was a warm feeling in our home. Everyone seemed to be connecting and it was easy being together. Bed time came and so I went in and prayed with McKenzie and then Dancin and then I crawled into bed with Kelsey ... life can't get any better than this!
I just love what I do. I love being a pastor to students. Reminding them who they truly are and what they could do in this life. I love coming home and allowing God to use me in my families lives. I love being God's listening ear and voice to them. I so desire to be a good husband and a good father. But I seem to fail so often and I am so desperate for God's presence. What a journey this is... what a calling. Life is so good.
AM I OLD OR WHAT??
I remember driving in the car with my parents when I was a teenager and we'd be listening to the old bands that they loved. Smokey Robinson, Martha and the Vandellas, The Beach Boys, and Old Chicago. And I guess I liked their music alright... but I remember thinking how old those people must have been and how I really just wanted to turn the dial and listen to Bon Jovi, KidnPlay, or maybe some Metallica. But life has recently come full circle.
McKenzie, our 17 year old and I went on a little date to Starbucks yesterday. I started to tell her about Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam and she was like, "Who?" Then I brought up Kurt Cobaine, and she asked, "Who is that again?"
What!!?? I was actually offended.
But then it hit me. I am my parents, only I'm not listening to Buddy Holly, I'm listening to The Counting Crows. How did this happen? Life is just too darn quick!
But today I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. So, I don't know about you, but I'm going to just go with it and put on my old ripped jeans, my boots, and a Flannel shirt and crank up some oldies... yep, I'm feeling like going way back, maybe some Cranberries.
One to two times a week I'll take my girls on a little date. We leave the house and they might appear troubled or disconnected or just busy with life and distracted by schedules but by the time we return, they look different - it's like they have become their true selves, they have reemerged - and after a little time of listening, asking questions, giving them vision, and reminding them who they truly are they are ready.
So the dates began last night with my wife. She's been worried, a little stressed, and overwhelmed. We left the house and I could feel the tension that was heavy on her. We walked in silence for just a minute and then I told her proud of her I was. That I loved watching her with our daughters and with people at church, and how honored I am to be her husband. We walked, talked - I most listened and by the time we got home she was glowing.
Next came McKenzie.
She is remarkable and gifted and so strong and courageous - and this is what I told her. I asked her about life and friends and what was on her plate. She talked about school, youth group, church stuff, and about the things that have been bothering her - and I just listened... we laughed and cried a bit as we shared our hearts together.
Dancin came next.
By the time I got to her, it was dark out. The cool breeze had blown in and so we grabbed sweaters and put on closed toed shoes and headed out. Dancin is like a sponge and she has grown used to these kind of dates - and she just listens intently and soaks it all up. We've been doing these little dates since before she could walk. With her I just got right into it and told her that being her daddy was the greatest privilege in my life and that I was so amazed by her heart. I have been watching her and I am so proud of her. God's hand is upon her and she is called to do great and dangerous things for the kingdom.
We walked back to the house and there was a warm feeling in our home. Everyone seemed to be connecting and it was easy being together. Bed time came and so I went in and prayed with McKenzie and then Dancin and then I crawled into bed with Kelsey ... life can't get any better than this!
I just love what I do. I love being a pastor to students. Reminding them who they truly are and what they could do in this life. I love coming home and allowing God to use me in my families lives. I love being God's listening ear and voice to them. I so desire to be a good husband and a good father. But I seem to fail so often and I am so desperate for God's presence. What a journey this is... what a calling. Life is so good.
Bat Mitzvah - A Beautiful Rite of Passage
So when my daughter was born 13 years ago, I knew this day would come. It's funny, I've been been looking forward to it and dreading it all at this same time. And I knew that we had to do some kind of rite of passage for her, something that would tell her who she really is, what she was made for, and to call her to come and join us in running after Jesus.
Now, a few months ago we also have become family with a 16 year old girl. She is amazing and we wanted to do the same kind of thing for her. So last night we put together a Bat Mitzvah. Bat Mitzvah means "Daughter of God's Word" or "Daughter of God's Law." This is who they are - their true Father is the creator of the world, the king of the universe, and he looks at them with a deep loving tenderness - They are His and they are called to listen intently to His word and to pattern their lives after them.
So for all you youth workers out there or parents looking for a ceremony or a marker in your kids lives - here is what we did: (warning - we all cried throughout the entire deal)
6:30pm - Celebration Meal
7:15 - Ceremony begins (cody play guitar as we enter the room)
7:20 - Introduction and the lighting of the candle representing that God is here
7:23 - 2 worship songs
7:30 - A Blessing for Grandpa (this was one of the most moving parts of the evening - he blessed them with peace, adventure, purity, a hunger for God's word, leadership, identity...)
7:35 - Slide Show (girls from birth to the present)
7:40 - Affirmation from youth pastor
7:45 - Prayer over girls focusing on identity
7:50 - 1 worship song
7:53 - The covenant - an agreement between those in the room and the girls - all of this before God
7:56 - The giving of the identity necklaces with scriptures (I chose Is. 43 for McKenzie and 1 Peter 2:9-10 for Dancin - we also put the scriptures in frames for the girls)
8:05 - Grandma - closing prayer over girls
8:08 - Girls share
8:15 - Dessert to celebrate
Fatherhood
It looks like I'm a father for the second time. I'll tell you more about this soon
