Afternoons with Josh

Did Jesus Get Drafted into the NFL?

2010-04-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's start by getting this out of the way: I do not think God cares about sports. However, I do believe He cares about the people who play them, officiate them, coach them and watch them. He also cares for those who don't care for sports at all. So, that's pretty much all of us.

But I noticed something this past weekend during the NFL draft broadcasts. Jesus may have just entered the league in a way He never has before. The #1 overall pick was Oklahoma star quarterback Sam Bradford. The Cleveland Browns selected Texas QB Colt McCoy in the 3rd round. These guys are college legends. And they're sold out to Christ. Check out their stories at http://iamsecond.com/.

Then there's Florida QB Tim Tebow, who was taken at #25 by Denver. We all know Tebow's story of growing up with missionary parents and his Mom's decision to NOT abort him, even though it was medically dangerous for her to complete the pregnancy. He is outspoken about his love for Jesus. All three of these young men are playing for God, and so are many other new football professionals selected over the weekend.

So I've got a request for you: Pray for football. More specifically, pray for these young men and the other Christ-followers in the NFL. They have a huge platform to proclaim the good news to their teammates and fans. Pray that they will use their celebrity wisely. Pray for solid discernment for them.

God probably doesn't care who wins the Super Bowl. But He cares for all those involved in trying to get a team to that ultimate goal. And it will be my prayer that one of these young men leads his team to that prize, so they can share the reason for their careers, their victories, their life.

Leaders Wanted

2010-04-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

In response to the awakening that happens in my heart every time I watch a guy movie, I've started reading the book, "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge. It talks about men finding their heart again, being fierce again, being... MEN again. It's been quite a revelation for me in learning about the man God created me to be, and about some of the reasons I've been afraid to be that man at times.

I'm not through the entire book yet, but I just got through a chapter that talks about men giving up the beauty they've pursued. This does not mean husbands leaving their wives, but it does mean the husband leaving behind his tame, domesticated existence and reclaiming his right position as leader of the household and being valiant, dangerous (in a good way), adventurous and strong. That idea is the reason for this blog.

First, let me say that the leader-type men I'm about to reference here are understood to have a growing relationship with Jesus. No leadership or family is complete without that foundation.

There are countless men who have been ruled by their wives for far too long. They have been reduced to being the "nice guy," rather than the strong, willful leader they should be; the kind of man their wife really wants them to be. But Eldridge warns that this reclaiming of a man's heart may cause some tension in the marriage relationship, and may even anger and disappoint his wife. But if it is not done, the man will forever underachieve as a husband, father, worker, etc. Men were not called to be ruled over.

So... what do you think? Is that possible fallout worth a husband regaining his true Biblical role as his family's leader, fierce protector, provider and decision-maker? Or in the name of peace in the household should he remain domesticated and defeated?

Maybe you think these ideas are completely chauvinistic and offensive. Maybe you long for these kind of men to being showing their faces again and leading families, loving their wives with passion, and serving in their churches and community with conviction and purpose. Maybe you've never noticed this struggle exists at all. Regardless, where do you fall in the discussion?

The Red Apple Challenge is ON!

2010-04-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

All through the month of April, we at WVMC FM are encouraging you (more than normal) to share the love of God with those around you. Specifically, with those you know are READY to hear it.

Hence, the Red Apple analogy.

Red, ripe apples are those ready to be picked, harvested. If you try to pick an apple before it's ready, the pull can damage the apple, and even the tree. Plus, the apple is useless if it's not ripe. But picking a ripe apple is easy and the fruit is good for many uses. It's the same way with people. We are called to preach the gospel everywhere we go. Jesus last command on Earth was to go and make disciples of all nations.

Christ also said the harvest was plentiful, but the workers were few. Putting those commands together, we're calling you out to make a difference in the lives of the Red Apples you have around you. Who do you know that's ripe to hear about God's love. It may be for the first time ever, or for the hundredth time. But if they're ripe to hear it at all, we must be willing to tell them the wonderful story of Jesus.

I have at least one Red Apple in mind right now. If you can't put your finger on one in your life right away, ask God to make it obvious. We all have them. And we all have the responsibility to reach them. God's Spirit is the ONLY one who can change a heart, and if your Red Apple rejects you, remember that they're really rejecting Jesus. We must be bold, courageous and caring enough to spread the word. His Word.

Leave your Red Apple story in the comments below, and we'll give you a new Bible for your Red Apple. Thanks for taking the challenge.

Whatever Happed to Having "Faith Like a Child?"

2010-03-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Not only is this Holy Week for all Bible-believing Christians, but for Jews this is the week of the Passover celebration. Passover is the remembrance of Israel's exodus from Egypt and slavery, and the beginning of their journey to freedom and the Promised Land.

For centuries people have debated as to whether or not the Biblical account of the plagues in Egypt were actual events, just stories, or even real events that could be explained by scientific means. Here is one researcher's view on how and why the plagues happened in Egypt, from Slate.com:

Before he parted whatever sea it was he parted, the Bible describes Moses and his brother Aaron delivering 10 plagues on the people of Egypt. The Nile turns to blood, all the fish die, frogs are brought forth abundantly, and so on. Drawing on theology, Egyptology, and biology, epidemiologist John Marr developed a "domino theory" to explain each of the 10 plagues in order. Marr believes the plagues were a series of natural disasters and diseases triggered by a bloom of water-borne organisms called dinoflagellates. The dinoflagellates turned the Nile red and killed the frog-eating fish, which in turn caused a population explosion among frogs. The tainted water eventually killed the frogs, causing lice and flies to run rampant, which lead to a number of animal diseases (including African horse sickness) and an outbreak of boils (fancy glanders). This reign of disaster and disease continued through hail, locusts (Schistocerca gregaria, to be precise), and sandstorms until the death of the firstborn sons, which Marr thinks was caused by grain infected with mycotoxins. Others, building on Marr's domino theory, argue that the plagues were triggered by the eruption of the Greek island of Santorini, causing a string of disasters such as those that occurred at Lake Nyos, Cameroon, in 1986.

While all of that is fine and good in terms of research and theory, my question is simple: "Whatever happened to having faith like a child?" Jesus brought a little child into the midst of he, his disciples and other adults listening to his teaching. And he said that we have to become humble like a little child in order to gain the Kingdom of God.

Children, at least for a while, will believe anything they are told. I think this means there are some things we simply must accept BY FAITH. Scientific research and theories are not bad. But trying to explain away the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and even the very existence of Christ points to a heart issue. Rather than accepting the Biblical accounts we are not being humble like a child at all. Instead we are saying that we think we're being duped, and that we can figure out the "real reasons" for these things happening, or prove that the Bible is fictitious.

I'm all for being an adult. But in this area, may God always bless me with the humility and faith of a little child. He is our Father, and we must believe what he says to us.

He Knows the Number of Our Days

2010-03-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

Job 14:5 "You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer."

I was talking with a friend today about this very thing. The conversation started off innocent enough, but quickly turned to a read discussion about the length of our lives. The Bible says that God has numbered our days. He has planned our days, and the works for us to do. But... I can't help wondering if we, somehow, get a say in that final number.

Think about the person who takes their own life. Aren't they taking that decision away from God and making it themselves? Surely we can't believe that they had reached their assigned number of days from God and this was how He chose their days to end. Our decisions have a bearing on our lives today and on our future, don't they? I say yes. And then...

Think about the person who eats terribly unhealthy food, smokes, drinks excessively, and lives to 95. Then recall the person we've all heard about who tried to be as healthy as possible, and was taken by cancer in their 30's. What does this say about our days? What does it say about God?

What if Billy Graham was a beer-guzzling adulterer who cursed like a sailor and spent his days at the top of the illegal drug market. Would he still be here, living the final days of his life? One would assume that the more foolish chances we take, the more likely we are to pay for them - with our lives.

Our discussion eventually centered around Moses and the fact that he didn't enter the Promised Land, as originally intended. Here's Deuteronomy 32:50-52 "There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people. This is because both of you broke faith with me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because you did not uphold my holiness among the Israelites. Therefore, you will see the land only from a distance; you will not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel."

The italics above are mine, so you would see that it appears God changed his original plan. Perhaps Moses would have crossed over earlier with the Israelites and still died on the same day. Maybe God shortened his days because of Moses' disobedience. We really don't know.

I don't have the answer to this question, and it kinda disturbs me. I mean, if a person is trying to live their life to glorify God, why wouldn't He extend their days for the benefit of His kingdom? Why would God allow a person who intentionally hurts others to live well into their golden years? And in the case of Moses, why would God allow one mistake to change how long Moses was going to live?

Maybe we have no say, and we have a certain number of days regardless of our choices. But maybe our choices "help" God, in his omnipotence and sovreignty, determine those days before any of them ever begin. After all, He has ALL days numbered, and sees the whole of time from beginning to end in one glimpse. Our days are just a pinpoint in the tapestry he's painted. But I'm glad my short days matter to Him.

I Want to be Legendary

2010-03-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

This is starting to get bad. It happens to me each time I watch a new movie or read a new book. My films of choice? Sci-fi, fantasy, action-adventure. And in those films we follow a main character who overcomes, perseveres, overpowers and conquers the day against immeasurable odds. And I want to do it too.

My latest adventure? AVATAR. It was truly epic, sci-fi, action-adventure, fantasy all rolled into one. There were clear lines of good and evil, and I was openly rooting against the humans. I wanted to be there, to experience the planet of Pandora. I wanted to take part in the struggle. To overcome, persevere and conquer. But I think it was all for the wrong reasons.

God has created me, really, men in general, to have a deep desire to protect his family and provide for them. He's given all of his children the deep desire to protect the innocent, speak up for the voiceless, help the helpless. We all are to take a stand for the broken, forgotten, unborn and unloved. But His way of doing it is so NOT Hollywood.

Christ says we must serve if we want to lead. If we want to be the greatest we must become the least. We are to lay our lives down, take up our cross and follow Him into self-sacrifice. That doesn't jive at all with my inner desire for the legendary. I've been studying this part of myself for years now, and I think I know what's behind it. I am. It's the drive for ME to be great, so the world will see ME and admire ME and say all kinds of epic things about my amazingness... my legend. It must not be this way.

We are in a fight already. We've been told so in Ephesians. Our epic battle is raging today, and it began one fateful day in a utopian garden with a rule, a serpent, a fruit and a choice. We do have a part to play. I just can't look to Hollywood to define my role, because this isn't a battle like any we've ever seen portrayed.

EPHESIANS 6: 10-18 (NLT)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

The tools are ours to use. We're being called to an epic battle. And to leave behind our desire for the legendary.

Scribble Me This, Scribble Me That...

2010-03-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

My kids love to color. Abby is especially good at it, and she spends most of her days at the coloring table making pictures for my office wall, for her friends, for Mommy to put on the fridge, and for any sick people she may know about. (She just did about 5 or 6 for Jen's grandpa, who's in the hospital). Drew loves to color too, but most of the time he just dumps out all the crayons and breaks them into the smallest pieces possible. I think it's a boy thing.

But beyond coloring pictures on paper, they like to display their artwork in other, um, unsanctioned areas. Like our dining room walls, kitchen cabinets and on the walls in the hallway. If you come to dinner at our place you'll be surrounded by Abby and Drew originals.

I know the sentimental thing to say is that sooner than I care to believe, I'll wish my kids were still young enough to be writing on the walls with crayons instead of writing term papers in college. And I know that's true. But it's almost just as painful now to even think about that. They need to learn where they can and can't color, for sure. And we're teaching them as much as we can.

They're growing up fast. I weep inside when I realize it. And as much as I try to avoid the painful thoughts of them one day walking out our door as adults, times like this remind me it's going to happen. It's inevitable. It's God's plan.

I think we'll take some pictures of the walls before the Magic Eraser does its thing. So one day we can remember when.

Hope Springs Eternal. Sort of.

2010-02-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Pitchers and catchers reported over the weekend! That means one thing: spring is officially on the horizon. The days of shoveling multiple feet of snow are not over, but the time is coming where we'll trade the winter gear for gardening tools. That doesn't exactly excite me, but baseball does.

I've been an Indians fan for as long as I can remember. My high school years were when the Tribe was destroying opponents during the 90's, so that helped seal my affection for the club. They've fallen on hard times recently, as most teams do not named the Yankees or Red Sox.

But it's officially spring training time. For a moment, each team can think that maybe this is their year. Stranger things have happened. Just ask the Tampa Bay Rays from 2008, when they won their division and made a trip to the World Series. Nobody gave them a shot, and they showed the world what they were made of.

I fully expect the Indians to win no more than 70 games this year. That's bad. They could be worse, or they could surprise every baseball fan and "expert" and flirt with a .500 record. Either way, it doesn't matter. Nothing makes me smile during the summer like hearing the games on the radio, or seeing them on TV.

Spring training is here. And the hope of spring is following close behind.

He's Seeking Help... From Buddhism?

2010-02-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 19th, Tiger Woods appeared before the media for the first time since Thanksgiving, apologizing for various personal failings and sins against his wife and family. I'm not here to discuss all that stuff.

He's getting help. That's good.. But he's looking for it in all the wrong places. Namely, Buddhism. But maybe we can redeem the situation for the ultimate good of some people you know. How can we further the cause of Christ through this? It might be a stretch to say you have some unbelieving, golf-loving friends. If not "unbelieving," they may subscribe to the Whatever You Want To Do religion where all faiths are equally valid. Either way we all know some people like this, and chances are they know Tiger Woods and his story.

I'll be the first to say I know almost nothing about Buddhism. I'm sure there are plenty of Buddhists who are wonderful people and wonderful neighbors. But I also know what the Bible says... that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. The. Only. Way.

(Quick side note: Please remember that I'm also talking directly to myself here. I'm not perfect and I'm not preaching!)

This is where we can use Tiger's religious revival to steer others towards the only Way. Read up on Buddhism. Know your facts. And get ready to engage your friends about the differences between what Tiger's embracing, and what the real Truth is. Talking about Jesus as the only way to God is not popular. You may be labeled as closed-minded, uncompassionate or even a hate-monger. Jesus warned us that people would say all kinds of wonderful things about us because of Him. But we can't let that fear stop us. If this opens a door for you to talk with those you know about Buddhism vs. Christianity, about a dead "enlightened teacher" vs. a Living Savior, take advantage.

Some people go through life too worried about offending someone and losing their friendship, and not worried enough about losing them forever.

30 years from now, will they know?

2010-02-16T10:42:00.001-08:00

I subscribe to a daily e-mail from the folks at All Pro Dad. It's a ministry to fathers and families with tips on connecting with your kids, your wife, your work place, etc., all in the name of Jesus. It's really good stuff.

Today's entry touched me in a number of ways. It's a 4-minute video, but it's worth the time. Plus you'll know a few words in Italian (I think) when you're done: http://www.allprodad.com/page.php?id=188

I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my father. He's a Godly man, one whom I've always looked up to and want to emulate. I love him dearly, and I know beyond any doubt that he loves me. Completely. No questions at all. And I hope... my kids will say the same thing about me.

The above video shows a man who journaled his thoughts and daily experiences with his children. Then he shows his grown son one of the entries, and the son is floored by this sudden and unexpected show of love. A reminder he never knew existed that his Dad, his Daddy, had always cherished him.

When I talk on the radio about any of my kids, I record it and keep it. They'll get those little stories back from me some day. Maybe that's enough, besides the "being there" for them each day of their lives. Nothing replaces that. But something makes me want to write down my memories and experiences with them. So I think I'm gonna. Starting today.

They're gonna need a fork lift 30 years from now to read how much the are, and were, loved.

Dear Mr. Watterson...

2010-02-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

First, I DO NOT OWN THAT IMAGE THERE ON THE LEFT. It's not mine. At all. So there. Now that the legal stuff is out of the way...

I have recently become aware of maybe the most significant cinema rumor in my lifetime. At least for ME. A group at dearmrwatterson.com is trying to create a film/documentary about the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, created by Cleveland native, Bill Watterson.

Watterson stopped the strip in 1995 because he felt huge pressure to commercialize his characters. Not wanting to do that, he pulled the plug. Us obsessed fans (my brother and I are uber C&H nerds) have had a hole in our hearts ever since. Heck, I was 15 when the strip stopped and I STILL read those comic books and laugh like a hyena. And I have, for just a moment, considered naming our fourth child, Calvin Hobbes Hooper, if it's a boy. Jen put the kibosh on that with a look I shudder to recall.

I don't know if the film will ever come out. But just the hope of one is heart-warming. Those strips make me think of home, of my brother, of simpler times when my biggest concern was the soccer game we had coming up.

I'm not living in the past, nor do I want to. But Calvin and Hobbes comics do make me feel like a kid again. And that's okay for a few pages.

Good and Bad, but Mostly Good

2010-01-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I was playing on the living room floor with Will, our 13-month-old. I had just put Drew in Bed, and Abby was with Mommy at church. Looking at Will, I realized how young and small he is. And yet... he's going to be a big brother.

It almost makes me sad. Maybe you think that's strange, so let me explain. I'm very excited for our fourth child. I can't wait to hear the doctor declare, "It's a ______." I can't wait to meet him or her. But... part of me just wishes I had more time to spend with ONLY Will at this age. He'll be 17 months old, and we'll have a new baby.

I didn't feel this way with Drew, probably because I had no idea how a new baby would affect our family with Drew being so young too. Now I know, and I'm afraid I'll grow distant from Will. Just a little bit. He loves just laying his head on my shoulder, any one's shoulder, and just letting them hold him. He's got the biggest, deepest brown eyes ever. He smiles so much. And with the arrival of a new baby, the reality is that some of that will go unnoticed. Or at least not-as-often noticed.

I will never regret our family or the lack of spacing between our youngest three (all will be UNDER three years old when this next one is born). This is God's plan and I'm fully on board. But if I'm honest, I can say that I wish it was different. Just for a moment. So I could enjoy each of my children so much more than I get to right now. It's tough some days. But the amazing good in this vastly outweighs any bad there could ever be.

Kids, hold on for the ride! And rest assured Daddy will do his best to carve out time for each and every one of you, each day.

And Baby #4, I love you too. I can't wait to hold you tight and tell you I'm glad you're here.

The Mystery of the Missing Pledge Cards

2010-01-13T19:54:00.001-08:00

Um.... So, apparently... we sent out Sharathon 2010 information to EVERYONE ON OUR MAILING LIST, over 1,200 people, and we FORGOT to include the pledge cards for people to fill out.

Yeah, sorry about that.

We're going to send ANOTHER letter out soon that includes the pledge card, so just sit tight. You'll be able to fill that baby out early next week at the LATEST. We hope.

(sigh)

Sincerely,
(A very dishevelled) Josh

Rooting for the RED TEAM

2010-01-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

I've decided who's corner I'm in for this season of NBC's "The Biggest Loser: Couples." It's the RED Team.

This isn't to say I'm AGAINST any other team. It's just that the RED Team is the only married couple on the ranch, and they honestly need the help in their relationship more than in their waistlines.

So far I've been pretty disappointed with the wife, because she seems genuinely angry at her husband for gaining weight and losing his lucrative job as a commercial diver. She's thrown him under the bus several times in just two shows. She's also playing the game in just week 2! After winning immunity, she GAINED a pound by not working hard so she could have more to lose in week 3. We shall see if that strategy works.

The husband is not innocent, and his wife isn't purely wrong. They both have issues and they both have acknowledged them. But for the sake of marriage, and making their changes together, I'm pulling for the RED Team.

WVMC FM Internet Streaming is Down

2009-12-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

So if you're at this page it's for two reasons: 1) you think I'm actually keeping up with this blog regularly and are checking to see what new clever thing I've come up with to write about, or 2) you've followed the link from wvmcfm.com wondering why our online streaming no longer works. Well, #2ers, you'll get your answers. #1ers? Sorry, not much cleverness here today.

The reason our online streaming is down right now is due to government regulations that stipulate how many songs from a single artist and/or CD and/or compilation we can stream over the Internet in any given 3-hour period. Basically it's their way of making sure nobody's pirating an entire CD off our streaming.

During the rest of the year, this is no problem. However, during Christmas, with the prevalence of the WOW Christmas compilations and several other artists with so many Christmas songs we love, we basically can't guarantee that we'd follow those rules. Unless we played some obscure classic song from the 50's every 10 minutes. And we're not gonna do that.

So there's your reason for no streaming right now. We're doing our best to follow the rules. If you like, you can look it up at http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf. Look on Page 8 under Title II. And grab a cup of tea and get comfy. You'll be there a while.

Thanks, and we look forward to streaming again after Christmas!

- Josh

What a Pain in the Neck!

2009-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer and closer to that season we all adore so much... Flu season. In fact, that season may already be here, and will probably stick around longer than usual. But there's no use complaining because it's here, like it or not.

I usually haven't worried about sickness, illness, flu season, things like that. But my wife reminds me that our kids are particularly susceptible to these kinds of seasons because they're kids; stuff goes in their mouths, they don't wash hands well, etc. So I figured if the flu season takes it's toll, it would come that way.

But I never anticipated this.

My chiropractor is sick. He's been sick for, like, a week. How does this affect me? I have a bum back that needs attention every few months. And I'm in one of those times right now. Constant headache, shoulder and neck pain, back tightness... It's almost like I've got the flu myself.

Darn flu season. It'll get you one way or another.

Reading... What a concept!

2009-10-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

It's been over a month since I stopped by the old (new) blog. Sorry about that, but I've been busy. Reading.

That may not inspire a whole lot of sympathy from you, and you may not understand the apparent pat-on-my-own back that's going on right now. But you need to understand a few things about me and reading:

1. I hate it.
2. I'm slow at it.
3. My wife is a natural speed-reader, further solidifying my feelings of reading ineptitude.
4. It makes my eyes hurt. And my head. And my neck. And I think you get the idea here.
5. I really do hate it. Kind of...

I've started a "new me" kind of thing, and it involves reading. First and foremost, I've needed to open up my Bible a LOT more than I have been. Once a week just doesn't cut it. I'm trying to do that every single day, just to read a chapter or two and let the Lord speak to me through his word. Let me tell you, it's like a cool cup of water on a summer day. But in addition to the Bible, I've started reading books in general. Trying to read at least one chapter per night. These can be fiction, non-fiction, biographies, fun, dramas, mystery, whatever.

I started with Max Lucado's new book, "Fearless." And I never knew how afraid I am. I need to read it again and learn more about myself. But for now, I'm trying to release myself and my family into God's hands rather than spend time and energy worrying about everything. It's not easy, but it's what He wants for me.

Now, I've started the book by Ted Tripp, "Shepherding a Child's Heart." My wife's been after me for nearly 2 years to read that book. I've tried three times, and only gotten to chapter three once. It makes me feel so inadequate as a parent. There's so much to think about, pray for, struggle against. So much to teach my kids, so much training to do. I'm afraid I'm not up to it. What's that?!? Fear rearing it's ugly head?!?

You'd think I'd learn sooner or later.

This time, I'm not giving up, or giving in to the fear that I'll be revealed as a poor father or an impostor. If I am to grow, and help grow my kids, I must face my shortcomings head on. It started with the Bible, then with Max, and now with these little sheep God has given me to shepherd. I'll keep you posted. Sooner than December. I promise!

New Support Group: "It's Not About Me"

2009-09-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

It's not. Really, I'd like to think it's all about me all the time. But I have to understand that it has never been, and will never be, about me.

Right about now you might be thinking, "Dude, where's this coming from?" I'm glad you asked. I have three wonderful children. Abby is almost 5, Drew is 2 and Will is 9 months. I love them all dearly and would give my life for any one of them. But... man oh man can they be a handful. And it's not some joyous, smiling, "this is a wonderful memory we're making" kind of handful. They can be a trying, difficult handful. But that's not really the point either.

See, I've been praying and asking God to help me be a better father. I am struggling mightily with our daughter. She is strong willed and I am, well, not. I don't understand the disposition of going against authority just to see how far one can push the boundaries. I was a textbook compliant child. I lived to make everyone around me happy, and to keep the peace at all costs. I'm the perfect subordinate. Just tell me to jump and I'll gladly ask how high I should go. Abby isn't that way, and her little brothers are watching her and learning from her, and they're starting to test their willful little wings too.

So how does all this come to a support group? Simple. It's not about me. Really, the name of the group should be, "______ isn't about me." And you fill in the blank. For me right now God is showing me that parenting isn't at all about me. He's shown me that I come home from work, and instantly start looking for "me time." I want to relax. I want to surf espn.com. I want to listen to music. I want to throw a football. I want to watch the news. I, I, I... Me, me, me. I view my kids as a hindrance to what I really want to do. They are keeping me from fulfillment. They are a road block to my joy... And I see my sons aren't the only ones filling diapers with, well, you know.

The Bible says children are a blessing directly from the hand of God. He has seen fit to bless my wife and I with Abby, Drew and Will. They are not a hindrance, they are an inheritance from Him. They aren't a road block, they are the road to understanding love and sacrifice. So parenting isn't about me. Leading my family isn't really about me. I must lead like Christ did... by serving. Parenting is about how I can serve my kids today. How I serve them in this very moment, whatever moment that is.

Hi, I'm Josh. And PARENTING isn't all about me. How will you fill in the blank?

Unneccessary Technology?

2009-08-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I was ecstatic that I, finally, had really entered the 2000's along with everyone else. How? I got Internet on my cell phone!

Secretly, it's something I had been wanting forever, really, just to say I had it. But I was also hopeful that I would be able to utilize it for work, for the betterment of my life and for the benefit (somehow) of our family. So after two weeks of being tech-savvy with everyone else, I've mainly used it to... Check baseball scores. That's it. Facebook a couple times, various unsuccessful attempts at e-mail, and other useless travails into the mobile world wide web.

Guess it hasn't exactly been worth it, so I'll probably drop the feature. At least until I somehow scrape the quarters together for an iPhone. Now THAT phone is built for surfing, and I really want one.

Wait a minute... Sounds strangely like I'm trying to keep up with the Joneses. Pardon me while I slam on the techie brakes. I know my wallet at least will thank me later.

Rolling with the Punches

2009-08-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)

Those are words directly from Jesus. And I know that he knew exactly how they would affect me roughly 1,985 years (give or take) after he said them. I mean, it seems like I've been living that first part of that passage here in the past few days:
- Watching the credit card literally melt after running it through the little machine to pay for car repairs.
- Spending waaaaay too much time at work because we're currently shorthanded and all the extras fall to me to be completed.
- Hoping and praying for a quick fix to the station's Ashland frequency, 91.1 FM, only to find out we have to get approval upon approval, from different people in a huge corporation, and that it's likely going to take much longer than we had hoped.
- Screaming kids at all hours of the night for a myriad of reasons.
- A leaking furnace/AC unit
- Having a technician come to our house, for the FIFTH TIME, to try and find out why our dish washer is leaking, only to have them find the problem, and then tell us this is not covered in our warranty.
- And having them tell us the floor under the dish washer is so water damaged that when we get a new machine, we'll have to replace the floor under it.
- Kids who sometimes say very mean and hurtful things to their Mommy and Daddy.

Now, I'm not trying to complain. That's not what this is. I'm just understanding maybe a little better right now about the trouble we experience in the world. And believe me, I know I'm ahead of the game if these are my most troubling worries. I'm blessed not to choose between heat and food for my family in the winter. I'm blessed with work that touches the lives of people every day. I'm blessed to live in a free nation in which I'm allowed to worship God openly. But if I'm honest, this is trouble that we've been experiencing. We're in the thick of it right now.

Yet, as it always is with God's word, we must read on. So the second part of the passage says that Jesus has overcome the world. I know that should give me joy and peace. But sometimes it doesn't. I mean, I know all will be made right once Christ's Kingdom is eternally established; once Satan is banished forever and we rule with Jesus. But what about now? What about the fact that no matter how hard we try, pray and strive to live all aspects of our lives as Christ wants, we still get sucker punched by stuff in the everyday. Where is Christ's overcoming power for NOW?

And then I'm taken to a phrase that we've said a lot in church recently. That Heaven isn't something we have to look forward to, something to reach later, something we can't have now. No, God's Kingdom is already here. His eternal reign has begun. It's in the hearts of his people. Yes his kingdom still is to come, because not all has been set right again. But the reality I must embrace is that it has already come - in his followers. So I can look at the bills coming in, the times of correction with my children, the frustrations at work... And for short moments I can understand. That in this world we will have trouble. That's a promise. But in the midst of the worst of it I can in fact take heart. Because the one who holds me and my family is the one who holds the stars and galaxies in place. And no matter what life throws at me, the one in me has overcome it all. And victory is mine, already.

Health Food Analysis: Grovelling in Text Form

2009-08-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

So you're probably wondering, "How does health food go with grovelling?" That's a good question. And unfortunately for me, you're about to find out.

While perusing Prevention.com (website for the magazine) I came across an article about health foods that really boost immunity. My wife is always looking for a good immune-booster, since she and her siblings were sick a LOT when they were kids. I on the other hand, hardly ever got so much as a case of the sniffles. I mean, I had gone a stretch of about 15 or so years since puking due to sickness. Oh... you didn't need those details? Sorry.

Anyway, here's the list from the website, by Amanda MacMillan and Tamara Schryver, RD:
1. Yogurt
2. Oats and Barley
3. Garlic
4. Fish
5. Chicken Soup
6. Tea
7. Beef
8. Sweet Potatoes
9. Mushrooms

And wouldn't you know, my wife already knew about and regularly uses six of these nine items. She's got brains to spare! For all I know, she helped write this article and is really a Registered Dietician working under an alias or something. Listen, I know my wife is smart. She was the valedictorian of a class of 170 students. I was in the middle of the pack in a class of 44. I definitely married up. But I keep getting confirmation of her smarts. And that's often good. And sometimes bad. Because I don't like all of the foods on this list. But I guess I could at least stop my complaining when my wife breaks them out for cooking or just straight-up raw eating.

So, commence grovelling. Or... maybe not. I think that probably needs to happen in person. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sucked into the WallyWorld Vortex. Again.

2009-08-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hurrying home from praise team practice last night, I decided to make a pit stop to everyone's favorite retail oasis, Walmart. That was a mistake. It usually is.

Let's get something straight right now: I'm no good at shopping. I'm indecisive, I actually get nervous that people are noticing how long I've been staring at the selection of whatever it is I'm buying, start getting all hot and sweaty from that nervousness, and I just want OUT of there. Oh, and I'm convinced that a silent alarm goes off at every store the moment I get out of the car and hit the parking lot. Then that silent alarm sets everyone into motion so they can hide everything I need to buy, and also raise the prices. My wife can buy a full bag of groceries for $20 or less; I can't get out of the store with chips and salsa for less than $30. It's sickening.

So, back to last night. In the parking lot before I even got in I met unexpectedly with our old neighbors from our last house. Wonderful people we hadn't seen since October (they winter in Florida, and we moved while they were away). We chatted for about 15 minutes, and I set off on my ill-fated venture. I quickly realized my time was running long when I kept wandering from aisle to aisle for about 10 minutes, and was still empty-handed. So forgetting item #1, I headed to the fragrant plug-in section. Our company's insurance company now says even candle-warmers are dangerous. Sometimes I think insurance companies wish we were all Amish. Or elecricity-illiterate. Anyway, have you ever tried buying one of those nice-smelling-plug-in-thingies? Good luck finding the fragrance you want (took me 10 minutes), and the more good luck finding the plug-in part and then the right brand and model of fragrance (took me another 10 to match this up).

All told, I was there for 45 minutes, bought three items and spent $7. Oh, and meanwhile my mother-in-law (wonderful lady) was watching our kids well past her scheduled time. And I didn't even call her to tell her I'd been sucked into the WallyWorld Vortex. Had I done that, she may have packed the kids into her car to come and rescue me. Believe me, I needed it.

The gift that keeps on... insulting.

2009-08-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

One fine day in 2008, our mail carrier brought me a gift. Neither my wife nor I knew where it came from. So we kinda discarded it as a mistake. But then every month thereafter, another gift came in the mail. This gift was well-intentioned. It offered wonderful ideas and helps for all the things it was implying that I should be doing with my spare time. But, that gift hit a bit of a sore spot with me.

See, the gift was a subscription to Handyman Magazine. A subscription that continues to this day, even though we moved to avoid another issue. (Okay, that's not why we moved, but I was hoping the US Postal Service would just get tired of forwarding the thing and stop delivering them altogether. Alas, no such luck.) The problem is that even though there are step-by-step instructions on how to create your own garage/man cave, or a perfect garden oasis, or how to build a great utility shed, I can't even recognize the proper tools needed to BEGIN, let alone complete any kind of "weekend project."

So, the magazines keep piling up on my workbench that hasn't been worked on, next to the table saw that still in pieces, next to the drill press from my grandfather that hasn't been properly used since he retired from the thing in 2003. To whomever decided I needed to be a handyman, I thank them for the gesture. And I'm begging them to stop. I feel a little less like a man with each issue.

2009-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Man, it's been quite a whirlwind 24 hours... Started late last night putting my teloscope together to view Jupiter (and three visible moons!), watching the Perseid meteor shower at 11PM and again at 4AM, getting on Twitter, getting internet on my cell phone, hooking up with the new TweetDeck and now starting a blog.

Technology is great... but I need a nap!