Wow, been a long time since i blogged.  Not sure if it's called blogging if I have such a long interlude between blogs.  I haven't been really interested in typing up my life's story but I can jot down a few notes . . .  Finished putting in two rooms of laminate flooring with the help of many people.  Still have a bunch of transitions and some molding but other than that, checked off as complete.  Went on 3 interview in six months  . . . okay 2 of them were with the same company . . .but I'm hopeful.  My wife and I got to babysit 14 kids all day . . . and to think we were thinking of opening a daycare center (too many regulations).  Been driving all over to all the Target's cuzz SOME of there toys are 75% off.  Been picking up all kinds of stuff as gifts . . . telescopes, miniatures, games, etc.  The one thing I bought that was full prices was a game called Apples to Apples.  It is a great party/ group game.  I don't think it will be on sale anytime. 

What a crazy morning.  Big accident on 880 so I decided to take Mission blvd.  They have several sections that merge (3 lanes to two).  In two different situations people would not let me merge in.  So I kinda have to start moving over and then they get all upset because they think I cut them off.  I guess it isn't a standard that you "take turns" when you merge.  I did get upset at first but then I thought better of it . . .to explain here is a side note . . .

On the way home yesterday I was listening to this song called "From a Distance".  Not sure if I understood the song but what I got from it is that from a distance everything is peaceful and harmonious, so why all the fighting and war.  From a distance we all look similar so why the strife. 

So back to the merging . . .in the moment of merging I got upset because it is "my right" to merge and the standard is to take turns.  For whatever reason, the two individuals obviously disagreed and did not let me in.  When I'm in it I can easily lose control but if I was to step back and think, in the story of my life is this at all important?  Is it important that I get "my" turn?  If I step back and look at the situation "from a distance" it becomes a moot point and thus an unimportant event and I should then  . . . . hard to say but . . . . let the other person go first.  Anyway, I guess time will tell if I've learned my lesson.  Either that or I should not be in ANY lanes that merge.

I thoroughly enjoyed 30 Hour Famine.  Several things hit me at different times during the process . . .

1) Friends I haven't seen in years supported me for the fast.  I was amazed and pleasantly suprised.  God used this event to hook me up with some old friends that I haven't talked to in years.

2) Hunger occurs everywhere in the world.  Yes, even here in one of the richest countries of the world.  There is plenty of God's work to be done wherever we are (caring for people both physically AND spiritually).

3) God has blessed me and my family IMMENSELY.  The question is, what will I do with this blessing?  Will I squander it on myself and my friends, bury it to keep it safe and give back to the King or invest it so it can compound and get an amazing return on investment for the Lord.  The Right answer is somewhat obvious but the actions to take are not as clear.  Will I be a good Steward?

4) God has asked us to be a people of action. Go and make disciples of all nations.  He asks us to cloth the naked and feed the poor.  Action!  If we care about something strong enough we will take action.  What do I care about?  I recently took action about our vacation accrual at work being maxed out at 90 hours(too low).  I recently took action about Best Buy's "extended" return policy and that I returned something at 34 days(standard is 30) and only got store credit instead of cash (I had that store credit for almost 2 years before using it).  I recently took action about Target's return policy (without a receipt you can return and purchase something from the same department only on the same day you return it).  Do I care about the same things that Jesus cared about??

Gotta send out some props . . .

Cynthia - Way to go girl!  Great Job.  We are gonna have fun the next 3 years.

KT/Christa - I loved those marshmellows ...uh, I mean using them as building tools.  Great job on the Tribe game.  I know it was a lot of work and it showed by the fun that everyone had!!

Alex,Jessica, Robert, Christi Jeffrey and Craig - Great job on worship.  It was perfectly done right before devotional.

Wingate - Great job on keeping things focused on the famine.  Constantly asking us to remember those who are hungry or less fortunate and to focus on what the Holy Spirit is communicating to us.  It's not about denying ourself, although it helps, but to focus on what others are having to do without (basic necessities and possibly no relationship with God).   

The Lee's - Thanks so much for being great hosts and letting us use your house.  Plus, thanks for cooking our break fast meal.  I never thought soup and bread could taste so good ( I think I ate half a loaf of sourdough).

Well, as usual I'm a little long in the words so until next time...God Bless You.

Weekend To Remember was awesome.  If you are a married couple or soon to be married and want to know God's purposes for marriage . . . . go to one near you.  I learned  . . .

You are not my enemy.

You are a gift.

I am the leader.

I need to foster your spiritual gifts.

I need to love you like Jesus loved the church.

So much more covered.  It was awesome.  It was "A Weekend to Remember".  Oh yeah and we at really well too (Max's Diner and Baja Fresh(twice)).

Way to go Howard, Jess, KK, Hilly and Camille!!  You guys rock.  Way to go out for the 30 Hour Famine and spread the word (+ spreading The Word)!!!  If you want to know more check out Jess's entry.