Change...

Do you ever get tired of things staying the same? I know for me, change is something that I always want to be open to and ready to embrace.

Lately, I feel like change is all around me and I'm waiting to see where this journey is going to take me. What's next? What will it involve? Will it be exciting and feel like it was worth my time and efforts? What will it look like? Really, do others evaluate things like this?

Although I don't know where tomorrow is going to lead sometimes, I know that there's not a lot of reason to worry. I know the author of my life and He will certainly take care of me. However, I also know there are many that hate change. My wife is one. Is there really a balance?

For someone who cries out for change as much as I do, right now I feel like I need a seat belt. I'm tired, yet exhilarated!! Although I have no idea where change will take me, I can't wait to see the other side. I want it to stretch me and force me to look outside the norm. It should challenge my thinking. Otherwise, was it really worth it. I want to look back and feel like the time and energy used was worth it's weight in gold! That I am a better person for it!

Change...

Too many leaves...

Wow, what a weekend. I never thought I would ever finish raking all our leaves in our backyard! I guess I should say blow with the leaf blower. After 13 hours and lots of sore muscles (what few I have), I have finally finished.

How many times do we begin a job not knowing how long it will take? It reminds me of how many of us as men are. What I mean is that we begin a job (home improvement most of the time) thinking it will take 3 days. Then, once we finally finish it, we realize that it took 3 weeks, 3 times the cost, and someone who knew what they were doing to finish it. Too funny! =0)

Sometimes I think I should do a better job counting the cost. I'm not trying to make this something spiritual, it just seems to me that I get myself stuck too often. Then I work like crazy to get it all done. Like this weekend, I thought I would be in the yard 5-6 hours and it turns out that I was out there two days straight. Of course, it would warm up the day after I finish. =0)

Anyway, I should have planned better. All I can say is that there were too many leaves...

Thanksgiving preparation...

This morning I spoke in our weekly chapel service about giving thanks in all circumstances. This is the video I was able to share.

So, regardless of what's going on in your life, cause I know it's not always great, stop and give thanks for what you do have. I think most of my preparation is making sure I don't lose sight of what the day is really about.

Thanksgiving preparation...

A favorite passtime...

I've had several people often ask why I would choose to hunt. Then it occurs to me that I think the majority of people haven't truly spent a lot of time in the outdoors. It really makes me feel blessed to come from the family that I have. We didn't have much, but deer hunting was an annual event. I've decided to try and let people in a little. To see a small piece of my life. I basically have two hobbies (maybe three - love riding the motorcycle). They are golf and hunting. Deer hunting to be more specific. Obviously, both having to do with the outdoors. There's just something about being in God's creation and experiencing it all first hand. I've had deer so close I could touch them with my finger. Anyway, I love to watch just how beautiful it really is. To watch nature in it's purest form. It makes me wonder how people could possibly think there is not a God. Well, I've shot one this year already and hopefully this afternoon will bring number two! A nice 10 point buck would be great. Regardless, I'll have fun watching the smaller deer pass by.

Truly, it's a favorite passtime...

Rainy days...

It's been a couple days since I have sat down to blog. I've had the opportunity to travel and speak at a youth ministry as well as meet with some college pastors from across the state of IL. It's been well worth the effort!

Today, it's just a rainy day. I had a hard time getting up and an even harder time going to work. I sit in my office thinking about all that needs to be done, yet not wanting to do any of it. I hope I'm not getting into a rut.

I find myself thinking about choices today. I have said over and over that regardless of our feelings, making a wrong decision never becomes right. I've always said it in the form of a question, "when does the wrong decision become right?". As I examine my own statement, I have begun thinking of the opposite implication. When does the right decision become wrong? Of course, I realize the answer is never. However, I also know I struggle with it sometimes. Sometimes I want to respond in a way that feels justified and not necessarily right. I've shared all that to say I hope I always respond to situations and people in a way that brings honor to God.

Just some reflections on a rainy day...

Stuck in the office...

I'm not sure how others feel, but there are days I feel like I am stuck in the office. These are different than the days that I have a lot to do and seems like I can never leave. What I am talking about are the days you feel like there are a million places you would rather be. The times when it becomes increasingly more challenging to stay focused. Today is truly one of those days. I feel like I am on the inside looking out wanting to do anything different. Of course, that was not an option today. Oh well, at least it's not everyday that I am stuck in the office...

Signs...

I have to admit, I've really become more aware of my surroundings since I have began to travel so much. It seems that regardless where my travels take me, everyone has something to say. At least they think they do.

Most of the time, their messages are on display through the use of signs. For some odd reason, today it just kind of popped out at me. It's like we live an ongoing advertisement. Really, an advertisement for whatever a given person is selling.

Each person has their own unique way to communicate their messages. For example, I have heard sermon after sermon talking about the signs of our time. You know the ones, get right now or burn in hell. I have also read tons of ridiculous church signs too. Some funny, however, most judgmental in some sort of way. None can compare to today! I was driving by a Catholic Church and the building next to it had a hilarious sign. It said, "Virgin Chiropractic". Oh my, it made me laugh pretty hard. I'm not sure that the church and the chiropractic office are connected in any way, but the sign was worth the laugh.

I've said all this to throw the question out, what are we selling? At the least, what are we advertising? Is it self seeking? Does it communicate love, acceptance, forgiveness, etc... Hmm, I don't know that I measure up. All I can say is that I want to do my best to communicate what is pure and right. When people look at me, they see someone advertising a better way of life. A life that is more incredible because of Who created it, not because of what I can get from it.

Anyway, a few thoughts from my day. It has at least caused me to pause and wonder what I have been communicating.

Signs!?!...

Rest...

I'm so thankful that God continues to give me job security. It seems that no matter how hard one might work, the work never gets done. I'm sure someone can relate to that!!

Well, as I sit in my office on a Friday evening getting ready to go home, I have pushed everything aside and decided it can all wait til Monday. It's not something I often do. I'll take my work home over the weekend and get a little done here and there as I try to also spend quality time with my wife and kids. Not this time...I'm leaving it all behind. =0)

I probably need to evaluate this type of thing more often. I tend to be a person who will work 100 hours a week just to make sure I am always ahead of the game (as if it were a game). Sometimes it's important to just say no...not my specialty. Anyhow, I'm going to try and have a blast with the family and take a rest!

Yes, rest...

This was funny...

I know people might get sick of these kind of blogs, but I can't help it. Sometimes living in small town America is funny. Why not pass it along?

This was funny...

Take a look...

Alright, I thought I would also include a picture of the amazing food I had to joy of eating. On this plate is Luceon Asada, which is pulled pork with a special sauce of garlic, oil, sweet onions, and lime juice (Amazing!!). Then there is black beans and rice, yuca, tostones, and fried sweet plantains. for some it might not seem like much, but it is out of this world.

Don't forget to eat at Victor's 1959 Cafe' anytime you are in Minneapolis, MN!!

The best restaurant ever...

The reason I haven't blogged in a while is because of a busy trip to Minneapolis. I was there attending tons of meetings as well as other appointments. I can't say that I love the drive, however, I love the food!!

One of my favorite restaurants is a small hole in the wall found in a local neighborhood of Minneapolis. The name of the place is Victor's 1959 Cafe'. This particular place has the best Cuban food I have found anywhere! The owners, of course, are from Cuba and do an amazing job preparing the food. It's not how fancy it is, it's how incredible it tastes.

I have to admit that I have a weakness for trying new things. Whether it be food, places, or even activities that cause your adrenaline to begin to rush. It's one of my qualities that allows me to be privied to some awesome experiences, but also experience some pretty nasty things at times. This place is a 10 on a scale from 1-10. You can see in the picture that people are lined up outside for a seat. Waiting forever to eat their food!!

Like I said, it's the best restaurant ever...