We’re Back

Well, after a false start, we are now safe at home.  I accidentally left my laptop and bag in the hotel room.  We got about a half hour down the road when I realized this and we had to turn around.  By God’s grace housekeeping hadn’t yet cleaned our room and my computer (with it’s newly upgraded RAM) was still sitting where I left it.

We had a great weekend with my parents and sister.  The girls were very sad to see Gramps go and the weekend come to a close.  Abbie asked me this morning, “Can we come back here next Saturday?”  Alas, we shan’t be able to.

Next weekend we’re heading twelve hours down the road to Ventura.  Oi!

Simple Pleasures

What are some of life’s simple pleasures?

Watching the kids play in the pool (and indoor heated pool no less).  Taking them to a Children’s Museum, along with my parents and sister,  and watching the kids explore, romp, learn and have a blast.  Sending Maggie and Jenn off with my mom and sister for some girl time.  Eating In-N-Out burgers with my Dad.  Putting the little ones down for naps and taking one myself.

Good night moon…

Reno for the Weekend

I am tired, but satisfied.  We drove out to Reno today and met up with my folks and sister.  Considering the kids were in the car for more than two hours and it was past their bed times, they did remarkably well at dinner.

Dad got us some nice suites at an extended stay hotel.  These are some nice digs.  The kids are in a separate room: the girls sharing a king size and john in a porta-crib.  There’s an indoor pool and a fitness room open twenty-four hours.

I’m planning a trip to the Apple store to get some more RAM.  Jenn has some places she’d like to go.  Mostly I’m looking forward to spending some time with my Dad.

It’s a Strange Phrase

I am fascinated by the way people talk and the things they say.  We don’t often give thought to the phrases we use.  Sometimes it’s difficult for me to keep a straight face, the saying strikes me so odd or funny.  Here’s one I heard today:

“… and if you want to know the truth…”

Really?  If I want to?  What am I going to say?

“No, I’ve had my fill of truth today.  Why don’t you spin me a tall tale.”

“You know, I haven’t had enough people lie to my face today, please go ahead…”

Interview Update

I had an interview this evening with a church via Skype.  Technologically that was very interesting.  I’ve never communicated via Skype.  I found it much better than previous video conference/chat experiences in the past.  It actually works well without the need for a headset, which allows a group of people in a room to talk to someone a thousand miles away. It allowed my wife to sit in and be apart of the interview (and I’m so glad she was able to be there).

As far as the interview itself went (since I’ve had several people ask that I keep them posted), it went well.  From our perspective, if they call us out there in view of a call, we’ll go.  We’re still very interested in serving at this church.  I did get a little long winded at times (I thank my lovely bride for drawing my attention to this).

From their perspective, I gather it went well from an email I received from the Sr. Pastor.  They’re hoping to get together again on Sunday or Monday to decide the next step.

Further bulletins as events warrant.

My Helpmeet

One of the greatest gifts God has given me is a wife who challenges me.  Jenn and I are opposites in so many ways.  When I share what I’m reading or thinking about she doesn’t just nod her head and agree with me.  She points out the holes in logic, the flaws in my (or the author’s) reasoning.  Jenn challenges me to think deeper and clearer.

When I have an idea, she is my litmus test.  If I cannot convince my wife, I will not be able to convince anyone else who matters either.  She does not challenge me in a belligerent or condescending manner.  Neither, however, does she coddle foolish ideas.

This is the best service Jenn can render me as helpmeet.

The Church Exists For…

“[T]he Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs.  If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time.  God became man for no other purpose.”

C.S.Lewis – Mere Christianity

Out the Window

“Was I asleep?  Did I miss the memo?  When did the whole world throw rational thought out the window?”

Charles Epps in Numb3rs

I Don’t Understand

I don’t understand how people who claim to believe in racial equality can support an organization who’s founder was an active racist, an organization which is based and built upon the idea of Eugenics, and to this day targets non-white populations for its “services.”

I just don’t understand.

Class Clown

Getting ready to pass out this semester’s History final, two of my most talkative females students are continuing in their conversation.

Me: Ladies, would you like to forfeit this exam and take a zero?

[Both girls stop talking and shake their heads in the negative.]

Male Student: [Innocent expression on his face] Wait, we can do that?

I tried to keep a straight face, but I lost it.  I have some very funny students.