Raising Kids

With our church hosting a Global Impact Celebration this weekend, we get to have a missionary speak during CONNECT group, so I get the week off from teaching.

The 1st speaker was great. Walker Moore, was here Wed & Thurs and he was both funny and challenging. Thursday was especially good. He talked about the concept of kids growing up, how they need to act like and be treated like adults at a specific time during their lives. I agree with the concept and can look back how in our son's lives how that has worked well for us and allowed our boys to learn some responsibility at a young age.

Tyler was a store manager of a dry cleaners at age 15, Corey has had his own business mowing yards for several years, and Brandon has had a job outside the home almost since the time he could drive. We have tried to make sure they are not given everything, and I feel they have an appreciation for the value of a dollar and that it is OK to work towards something before you get it.

I can just look around and still see people who call their 30 year old kids to get them out of bed in the morning so they are not late to work. The kids never learned any responsibility because they never mowed a yard or helped out around the house that I know of anyway.

Our boys are not perfect and have made mistakes, but the thing I am proudest of is that they have learned from the past and are better men today for it. No parent wants their kid to have to go through hard times or struggle with relationships or money or problems.

THAT is the point where kids have to grow up. When they go against the way they were raised and make a bad choice, they always know that love at our house is unconditional, but there are consequences for actions. When they take that responsibility, they become the men God wants them to be.

Jack blew it?

I can't believe it but Jack Bauer just let the Chinese get the circuit board and escape!! Today's episode of 24 was great!! Not only did Jack make a big mistake (which keeps the show on the air) but Bill Buchanan was fired by his wife! Great story lines are emerging, this is a well written show.

Now back to reality:

• New worship pastor accepted the call and starts in June! Can't wait, think he will be just what the church needs to continue the blessing's God is giving our church
• Spent last Wed-Fri in Chicago, hated being away from the family, but suffered through 4 star meals, 800 thread count sheets, and 3 kinds of creme brule` all at the same time! Life is tough sometimes.
• Helped scrub the outside of the Dear's new house Saturday got lots of sun and the house looks like new.
• God continues to bless our CONNECT group. Laura's 2 daughters were saved on Sunday morning, ate lunch with Amanda and Drason Sunday shared horror stories of raising 3 sons.
• The study of Romans is amazing! I am learning so much as I prepare the lesson about how God is working all around us.
• Actually using the treadmill, trying to get my summer body ready, it will take awhile I am sure.
• Pray for Global Focus this week at church, pray that God will speak to lives and people have the courage to answer.
• Thank God everyday for 1 thing he has done for you recently! It will make your day.

Easter Sunday

Here is my beautiful wife dressed up as the "Easter Bunny" with all of the little kids in the family. This has become a family tradition because the kids love it!!

We had great day in all respects. Church was super with salvation's at both services. Our Sunday School class had record breaking attendance with new couples joining and becoming involved in our church.

The lesson was out of Romans,

(Rom 1:4 MSG) his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master.

What a perfect verse for Easter Sunday where we celebrate the resurrection of our savior! That verse tells it all about why Easter is so important to Christians, it is that resurrection that sets Jesus apart from everyone else that claims any kind of power or ability to save us from our sins.

That should get us all excited about becoming a better christian this year. No matter what we have done in the past, we are all forgiven by the true savior who rose from the dead and lives today in Heaven.