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We've been celebrating Andy's 10th birthday for the past few days. On Sunday he went with three friends and his brother to Dave and Buster's at the Irvine Spectrum. Lots of noise, video games and fun. We returned home for a family party that evening. This top picture is Andy reading his birthday cards.
Andy with his favorite present...skateboard.
And finally, Andy eating ice cream after enjoying dinner at his choice of restaurant, IHOP.
So much of what we learn in life comes our way because we learn to observe. Yesterday Matt and I were heading to the beach in the early morning. It's cold out these days and so our usual practice is to make hot chocolate before we go. We got the van loaded and headed out (thankfully, Matthew remembered to pack his wetsuit but that's a story for another time). As I was rounding the corner I was holding my cup o' tea high in the air and steering with my left hand. That's when Matthew asked, "Is that something they teach in Driver's Ed?"
"What's that?"
"Driving with one hand. Do they have you hold something that's not hot while you practice driving?"
His question made me smile. It was a good question because it came from his own observation. I love to be around kids because they are learning to see the world and often they see things in different ways. I explained that I actually learned to drive with two hands on the steering wheel in my Driver's Ed class but at six in the morning I can do a good job driving and drinking tea at the same time. We then came up with several elective courses for Driver's Ed that might be helpful in today's world including "Driving While Selecting a Playlist on Your iPod" and "Driving While Dialing Your Cellphone." But my point here is not about the way we should drive (two hands on the wheel, you heard it from me), it's about the way we "see" and the questions we ask. What are you wondering about lately? What questions do you have in life and are you seeking the answers? Good questions can change our world!
What do you think?
This morning as I was reading to the end of Genesis I starting thinking about the power of blessing (to get started on the Bible reading plan, click here). Genesis ends with a recounting of the blessings Jacob speaks over his sons. The blessings pronounced in chapter 49 are mixed, at best. There are good words for some and some not-so-nice observations for others. It made me think about the way "blessings" are connected to the choices we make in life. The blessings in chapter 49 are not some kind of magical spell that will ward off the consequences of poor life choices. Words of blessing do not shield these sons from the truth and yet they offer the hope of something more. It's that "something more" that I desire to pass along to my children. As I watch my children grow I am aware of their many strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully, whatever words of blessings I speak will help them to discover the path God has in mind for them. I often think of this promise found in Psalm 37:4, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This promise is not at all the "blank check" it appears to be. Rather, as we learn to live in ways that are pleasing to the Lord, so too our desires are also brought in line with what the Lord wants for us. And to experience all God has for us is to walk in the way of blessing. That's what I want for myself and for my family. And that's what I want for us as a congregation. Blessing is not found in taking shortcuts but it is found as we persevere through tough terrain to walk in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. May God bless us to that end!
Last night we moved Mackenzie into the room that formerly served as the study in our home. It's accessible only through the master bed room but we'll hang beads between the rooms and it should work out fine. Andy now has his own room and so does Matthew. They both seem to need their own space now that they're getting older. And for too long we've failed to fully occupy the home we are in and so it's time for change. As many know, we've been anticipating a move to something better suited to our needs but the wait has been long. I often wonder what God want to teach us in the waiting. I haven't yet come up with the answer but I am convinced of this: we should use what we've got to its fullest potential. Feels like our home is getting a bit closer to its potential.
I rarely forward email to a long list of friends, though on occasion, I do find my name on a long list with FW in the title. The opening line of the email usually goes something like this, "I rarely forward email BUT...". Read or delete? It's a tough choice. Most of the stories seem to contain elements of truth mixed with pure fabrication. I am surprised more people don't check a site like snopes.com before pressing forward and then sending something to everyone in their address book. Then again, it's comforting to know that people care enough to warn me about possible danger. And so I have to say, thanks for the FW.
Well, in an attempt to get an urban legend of my own going, I sent the email below to myself and now I'm forwarding it to all my friends. Have you received it yet? When you do, please be sure to add your name to the list and then forward it to all your friends. Hope you have a great weekend!
This recent Nightline report is worth a look (click here). It features the "emerging church" movement. At the end of the story the reporter makes the point that this "new way" of doing church might be on a collision course with the traditional church. It makes it sound like there is an accident waiting to happen. That's not my point of view. I think both "sides" can learn much from each other.
And if you watch it all the way to the end (less than 7 minutes), make sure you notice the woman coming forward to receive communion...she has her dog with her! Now that is something you don't often see in church.
I'm getting some work done here at Diedrichs (pronounced Died-Rich if you want to sound snooty) and they're offering samples of a new drink...a java-latte. It's good but a little sweet for my taste. It makes me wonder about the way I'm inviting others to "sample" the community of faith called Village. A friendly approach, no pressure sales tactics, a simple explanation, together with something that is tremendously satifying, it's not something we have to "sell" but rather this hope is ours to share with others.
This letter was written the week before I was born. I read it for the first time as a seminary student at Fuller. The experience was beautiful and troubling at the same time. Read it in honor of a man whose words can still stir a nation. Happy Birthday, Martin!
Do we ever stop learning this one? "Trust (be confident, hold on to, rely on, hope in) in the LORD with all your heart (the totality of your life even when you're feeling 'totaled'), do not rely on your own insight (even if you're really smart). In all your ways (that is, in every place you just happen to be) acknowledge (listen, seek, wait on, pay attention to) him, and he will make straight your paths (curious as to why it's paths and not path...guess we're gonna go in many different directions in life and God is faithful through it all)."
Thanks for listening in as I remind myself about what is essential in my life.
At last I'm getting around to posting photos from last year. You can find the new album here.
