getting used to it

yesterday an interesting process took place at the Zondervan home. Two men in a large truck came, dug up my backyard a bit, and proceeded to place a large hose down into a pit in order to suck out all of the "waste material" that we have collected over the last four years. I warned them ahead of time that I had a mild Thai food addiction, but they didn't seem phased.

To a person not accustomed to this process, it all seemed pretty disgusting, but as I mentioned they were pro's. This was their 8th tank pump of the day. The most memorable part of the process took place at the end. As they were pulling up the hose that had been immersed in you know what, one of the guys proceeded to grab the end of it with his bare hands in order to suck up some of the dirt around the opening so that the lid would go on easier. His partner offered him some gloves, and he replied, "I'm used to it". I remember thinking, I never want to get so familiar with you know what, that I'm willing to grab a hose that has been submerged in someone else's business. When he left and I shook his hand, I immediately went inside and scrubbed down like a surgeon with a mixture of hand sanitizer, bleach, agent orange, and lever 2000.


The same thing can happen in your walk with Christ. Familiarity is one of the most deadly conditions that can happen to a Jesus follower. What started out as a vibrant relationship, can in time lead you to a place where you're "used to it". You stop believing for God to move in your life and become satisfied with status quo, Americanized, I just go to church Christianity. Never lose the wonder of who God is and what He has done thru Jesus. Ask Him to give you new spiritual eyes in order to better understand the full scope of salvation. Never let Grace be anything but AMAZING!!!! Eph. 4:32--"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as Christ has forgiven you" DON'T GET USED TO IT!!!!!!

Take the time to realign your focus on this incredible God!!!!!

snugglers

Kendra and I are not exactly snugglers. We are affectionate, but when it's time to hit the hay, she has her side and I have mine. It's not like we have drawn a battle line that can't be crossed, but since I pretty much hog the whole bed, we both know our role.

Now however, I realized I may have to step up my game a little. When I saw "creepy arm dressed in denim complete with torso in order to snuggle pillow" on her Christmas list last year, I was alarmed, but shrugged it off as her being weird. Now I realize what may be trying to sneak it's long armed limb into our happy home.

Husbands beware, you may have to allow your arm to be used as a drool pillow that will ultimately fall asleep and cause you chronic pain, or run the risk of this!!!

six years ago

April 27 2004, I still remember leaving Chicago hospital the day before as the doctors came and told us that Dad had done well and was recovering as planned. I remember him asking me how the pistons were doing in the playoffs. I remember rushing back to the hospital with Kendra and watching as a number of doctors unsuccessfully administered CPR. I remember my mom putting his hand in hers for the last time.

While the memories of that day will forever be with me, even more powerful and lasting are the memories I have of my dad's booming voice and laugh. His love for family and friends as well as his incredible gift of encouragement. You could never have the last word when it came to thank you's with Big D=)

I thank God for the influence you had on my life Dad and you are sorely missed.

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

Here is the beautiful song that we played at his memorial.

lunch helper

WOW!! Not sure what kindergarten teachers are paid, but after spending the afternoon with 26 little ones, I'm convinced it's not enough!! Mrs. Pfau is amazing and the children at Ava's school are so well behaved yet sooooo energetic. I loved spending lunch and recess time with them and it's emotional to watch your child interacting and becoming so "grown up"

Not surprisingly, Ava is doing fantastic in school. She shows a quiet confidence and is one of two students to have never had their popsicle stick turned around (aka, gotten in trouble) alot like her dad was=)

I love you so much Ava and I'm so proud of you. Feel free to slow down with the whole growing up thing=)

The daddy makes you J.U.M.P......UH UH. YEA, BELIEVE DAT

the backyard playland transformation may at last be complete. We now have a the double threat of injurious death via the swingset and trampoline. I figure this should enable me to put off a disney trip for at least 30 years or so. The girls are not exactly super adventurous on the tramp yet, but since Kendra was not exactly thrilled a the idea, that's probably ok. I won't tell her that I've been secretly throwing them of the roof so that they bounce off the tramp directly on to the swingset.

I'm currently printing release forms for the parents of any other kids that may want to stop by and use it. Looking forward to hours of unsupervised fun...........right Kendra?=) Here is some incredible 90's gangster rap to commemorate this joyous occasion.

look out "evolution of dance!"

ok, so maybe my youtube debut is not quite evolution of dance 141 million views status, but at 1300 plus, I must say there is certainly an untapped, mastery of cow tongue cooking market out there. People can't help but be mesmerized by quality cooking and cutting edge commentary.

Rachel Ray has not called yet, but I did forward this to her producers and also submitted it to the makers of "food inc" as grounds for them to retract their position on animal consumption. I like to think that I upheld the utmost procedural food handling standards while still managing to preserve the cow's dignity.


Graduation is right around the corner so let me know if you want me to cater your event, my rates our quite reasonable and my hannibal lecter impersonation is free.................

contact me. www.bitemytongue.com

Ps. once the cow was ruthlessly slaughtered, no animals were hurt in the making of this video.

pss. If you can't watch the whole thing, at least fast forward to 8:20 ish and watch Kendra's reaction=) I don't think fear factor is gonna call anytime soon!

Hold on, God is working

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

why does this seem so hard to do sometimes? Waiting is one of those things that can be done several ways. I've "waited" for my tax return refund, but it's not exactly the same as when I'm "waiting" for my wife to get ready so we can leave and I've been ready for hours..............(not that that has ever happened to me, I'm talking about a friend)


Let's face it, we are an instant society. Instant oatmeal, microwave popcorn, payday advances, buy now, pay in 2036. All signs of the immediate gratification world we live in.

Impatience is the one thing that will cause more people to miss God's answers to prayers, the fulfillment of dreams, and realization of hopes than anything else. We simply find it difficult to pray long enough, trust long enough, and hold on long enough to see God's victory in areas of our lives.

The prodigal son couldn't wait for his inheritance, he wanted it now. Because he was not mature or responsible enough to handle it, it was squandered.

Daniel waited 21 days to receive an answer to his prayer.
David waited years after being anointed King before assuming the throne.

It is important to remember during trying periods of transition, that we are not the initiators of our salvation. Grace does not originate with us, and we don't complete our own lives. We are His "workmanship", (Eph. 2:10) and He will complete the work that He began in us. (phil. 1:6)

No matter what you are going thru right now, trust that God is truly in control. He is working for your good. It makes no difference what your circumstance are, what you are being tempted with, how many times you've fallen on your face, or whether you "feel" God. He will not disown you. To disown you would be to disown himself. (2Tim.2:13)

God will be God no matter what you've done or do, you CAN trust Him, He IS always Faithful.