Wednesday, November 26, 2008

the night before Thanksgiving

It's the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house the smell of prepping food makes me hungry as a mouse. All my children are busy with their new things from grandma, as I and my wife are looking at grandpa. Everyone is in their snuggly pajamas, when from the kitchen came quite a clatter. Yes there in the light of the refrigerator stood my youngest Chloe hiding like a prestidigitator.

Okay enough of that. Its great to have the holidays upon us. We have Christa's parents here and its time for some seriously good food. This is the season that we live for. There is some concern if our Turkey will thaw before tomorrow, but I am confident all will be well. I am very happy to have a day in which we eat and watch football.

speaking of football; how bout those Sooners. A win against the hated Cowboys from Stillwater, and its a jump over the Longhorns into the title game. A quick prediction, it will happen and the UT fans will be crying. Love you guys my friends, especially when your crying.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Remember to truly be thankful for more than food and football.

J

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Five things

Here are five things to share with you.

1. I am fighting the changes in my life; despite speaking to our church a series called transitions. I see that with age it is very easy to get comfortable. Comfort can be contagious. I keep telling myself "No pain No gain", or "no pain no change", or "Know Change, Know Pain" Transitions are inevitable - how will we handle it? The good news as that my mental battles are becoming victories and I am choosing to move forward.

2. I am appreciating my family at a very high level. Why? Because I should true. But because of the amount of counseling and coaching, and praying for others that I do. There are some tough situations out there. The world is tough. Family life, marriage can be work. I am very blessed with my three children and gorgeous wife. Sometimes I gritch about the little things I want them to improve on. I forget to say how happy, proud and in love with them I am. There have been a few moments lately that bring me to reality that life can be good - but it does take work.

3. I can't wait to see the new bond movie. It came out to bad reviews. Not enought plot and plenty of actoin. Perfect for me. I am a bond fanatic, have always enjoyed the movies and I thought the last one Casino Royale was awesome and the new bond was awesome. So I believe this next movie will be... Awesome. Going on Friday.

4. My beloved OU sooners are playing Texas Tech this Saturday evening. My family is going to be there and I will be there to, in spirit. OU is favored by 7 points... because they are playing at home. Should they win it is the first real step toward a national championship. If I am happy on Sunday - they won. If I am unhappy, they lost. Just smile and remind me that Jesus is Lord not football.

5. I have resumed working out with regularity. Why? Because the "Turkey Bowl" flag football game is next week. It pits the older dads vs. youth. This year I am 40 and need to be in better shape to keep up. If you are joining me for this game, come prepared, stretch. We had way to many guys on the sidelines after 15 minutes. I refuse to be on of those guys that grows old gracefully. I am still feeling pretty young, but my body needs some reminding.

God is good all the time.

J

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Catching up

Life is moving quite fast. Can you believe we are approaching the Holidays? Wow, Thanksgiving and Christmas are right here. I was blown away to see the Christmas decorations in the stores so early this year. Music is playing, movies are coming out for Christmas. Favorites are already being watched.

What a fantastic weekend we just had. My son Landon, and daughter Kaitlyn, attended the Dare 2 Share conference with our youth ministry. They both were really touched by the Lord, and compelled to change who they were. Both feel a calling to share the Lord with others with renewed vigor. I am very proud of both of them.

Landon is really developing a passion for leading worship. He is learning that singing or performing is one thing, but ministering in worship is another.

Chloe wrapped up the fall soccer season. She scored on average of 3.5 goals per game. She asked me the other day why there are rules in soccer. She said that if there were not any rules she could be more aggressive. How is it that cute little thing with blond hair and blue eyes could be so tough? Oh yeah Christa is her mom.

Christa has a new job that is a wonderful fit for the family life. She is up and out early in the morning and able to come home at 1. The only problem is that she passes out about 9pm.

My Sooners are #5 and have a chance to make the championship game. They have to beat Texas Tech on the 22nd. They will!

Today is Veterans Day. I am so blessed to pastor in this area. We honored our military this past Sunday and I was moved by how many men and women we had stand. It is truly an honor to speak into the lives of so many that serve our country. Thank you to all those that serve in this countries armed services. Thank you to everyone that continues to make this nation great. Let's remember to pray for our country - continually. May God truly bless America.

Lastly - don't forget "God doesn't, but we should, change is good."

Jay