Live A Revolution... Every Day

Day Off Photos of Kids

Spending some time off with the kids!

I Hate Thomas the Train

Ok. Hate maybe a strong word. And... who could really hate Thomas the Train. After all, he's a cute train.

Fine. Maybe I don't really hate Thomas. But, I'm not a fan of his message... "I think I can. I think I can. I think I ca..." The message, "If you put your mind to it you can do anything" sucks. Right now, I'm putting my mind into being a 2nd baseman for the Chicago Cubs. But it ain't gonna happen, no matter how hard I try. The, "I think I can" method just won't work here. 

There's another place where it won't work either... my spiritual life. I try to be patient. I try to be loving. I try to be gentle. I try to be kind. I try and I try because I think I can. But I can't.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22 and 23

There's a reason why it's not called, "The fruit of Todd Ruth." Because I can't... not apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. If I'm simply trying to be these things by myself, it's not gonna happen. There's a reason why Jesus asked God to send a Helper (John 14:16)... because we can't live life how it's designed to be lived without help!

So, instead of being so frustrated with trying so hard and failing, I'm resting in the fact that Jesus sent me a Helper. And you should too.

 P.S. Thomas the Train, no hard feelings, ok?

*Check out Forgotten God by Francis Chan.

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One of My Favorite Pics of the Summer / The Small Moments

Each shot is a moment in time. Sounds cliche. But it's true. 

And this is one of my favorites of the summer.

It's not a water park. Or big summer get-a-way to Myrtle Beach.

It's just a small pool that the g-parents have.

Sometimes you just have to pause and live in the small moments.

Give It Away

Here's a few things I need to give away...

• The need to always be right
• The feelings of anger at myself
• The need to be in control
• The feelings of inadequacy
• The feelings of bitterness towards people who hurt people I love
• The need to be liked
• The need to appear to have it all together
• The need to look religious
• The fear of what other think about me
• The fear of failing

What about you? What are some things you need to give away...

1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembranc all that I said to you.

The Lord's Prayer According to Todd

 

Our father, who I know you are in heaven but it’s so easy forget about you because, you know, out-of-sight out-of-mind,

Your name is holy, but I take that for granted because you’re God, you’re name is suppose to be holy,

I really want your kingdom to come and your will be done, if it matches up to my plans. After all, I’ve got a ton to do and goals… so I’m really hoping that you can help me out.

Give me my daily bread… and by daily bread I mean a car that runs good, money to buy the next iPhone, money to have a great vacation… you know, please meet our needs and then some.

Please forgive my debt, because I really don’t want you to be angry at me. After all, you’re God. And if you’re anything like my mom was when she was angry, that can’t be good. Oh, and about me forgiving others. Do I really have to? It’s really fun to punish them in my head over and over and over and over and over and over (you get the picture) again.

And the whole temptation thing, I got that. Don’t worry. I’m a pretty strong willed person, and I don’t really need your help. But when it comes to the devil, please keep him and his henchmen away from me.

 Sometimes I love myself more than God.

Can you relate?

When I Grow Up I Want To Be ____________ & the Art of Dreaming

There were a number of things I wanted to be when I was growing up. What that was depended on the stage of life I was in. At one point, I would have told you I wanted to be the trash man. I guess riding on the garbage truck looked fun. Baseball player, police officer and ice cream truck driver were on the short list too. 

As I look back, there was an extreme joy in dreaming. It's something I want to do more often, not only in my own life, but with Carter, Morgan and Jami. Dreaming about what could be. Dreaming about the what if's. Dreaming about what God could do in our lives if we just simply take the a first step.

That's what God does with us. And as a father, a parent, it's my (our) job to do that too.

How cool is that.

So, while I no longer want to be a garbage man, I still want to ride on the back of one at least once in my lifetime. :-)

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
 

Don't Molest People with Jesus

 
My brother-in-law, Matt, used this line a while ago in a discussion we were having with some of our leaders who are involved with Revolve. 

Don't molest people with Jesus. 

Here's what we mean:

Leaving tracts behind - I've seen them in phone booths, at restaurants and in restrooms. There's nothing like thinking you've found money only to realize you've been tricked, or as I like to say... tract.

Witnessing events - I was guilty of this. Multiple Friday's we would meet in downtown Lynchburg or at the local mall to go witnessing to any poor person who had the unfortunate timing of running into me. I would bait them with a question that had nothing to do with my purpose for walking up to them, then do the good ole switch and ask them... "If you would die tonight, where would you go." This is so short of the "gospel" that it's not even funny. In essence, what I was asking them is, "Are you going to burn in hell for all of eternity?" Nothing like event-based christianity.

Treating people like salvation projects - We've all done it. I have for sure. Nobody likes to feel like somebody's project.

Picketing - Whether you're standing outside an abortion clinic, or standing on the corner with signs that say, "God hates fags", this does not do anyone any good. Pretty sure everyone knows that christians aren't pro abortion. And the other... well, it's just plain hateful.

Webster's defines molest as: to annoy, disturb, or persecute with hostile intent.

So, what are some other ways this happens... maybe overtly or subvertly?

Or, maybe people need to be disturbed. If so, what does that look like?

Kids' Video Summary of 4th of July Weekend

4th of July Weekend - 2010 from Todd Ruth on Vimeo.

My first video created from iPhone 4 and the iMovie app. Good learning experience. Can't wait to do more in better quality. 

Hope your 4th was as good as ours!

The Rosco P. Coltrane Hot Pursuit

 

I love the Duke's of Hazzard.

Especially Rosco P. Coltrane, when he says, "I'm in hot pursuit!"

The dude is hilarious. But all too often, I find I'm just like him... especially in the last week.

We're going through the 10 Commandments at Revolve. We're taking one each week and walking through it.

As I was studying the first one, this hit me...

"I am so worn out. Just exhausted."

Now this could be the result of a couple of things...

Lack of sleep. Not eating right. Lack of exercise.

But more times than not, it's because

I'm

not

following

the

First Commandment...

"You must not have any other god but Me." - Exodus 20v3 

More times than not, when I'm exhausted, it's because I'm chasing after other gods in my life other than the One True God.

-Acceptance from my kids
-Acceptance and success in my job
-Success in ministry
-Money
-Selling our home

The list could go on and on. And it's a list of a hot pursuit of "other gods" - Like Rosco chasing after the Duke Boys... I get exhausted chasing something I rarely ever catch.

But...

The 10 Commandments isn't simply a list of do's and don'ts - right's and wrongs - laws... it's a glimpse into the heart of God. God doesn't want me to simply keep Him first (whatever that means) because He's got a big ego, He wants me to pursue Him because that pursuit brings life and not exhaustion.

So what's your "Rosco P. Coltrane" hot pursuit? 

Why not switch it up and get in hot pursuit with God?

FaceTime: iPhone 4 vs Jesus

I'm excited about iPhone 4. I'm counting down the hours before I can log on and pre-order it tonight. 

I've set my alarm. 

I've watched each iphone 4 video three times.

I've watched the WWDC Steve Jobs presentation three times.

I can't wait till I have this phone in my grubby little hands.

I only wish I could say the same thing about my anticipation and desire compared the same way for Jesus.

But in reality, the past couple of weeks and months, my desire for FaceTime with iPhone 4 outweights my desire for FaceTime with Jesus - and He's the only One who can change everything. Again.

So, how about you? Which FaceTime do you desire more?

Monday's Mishap - This has got to hurt!

P.S. I love the commentary!

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Revolve Series: "Questions" - Week Two

 
 
Each week, a student picks a question to cover for the next week's meeting. It can be about anything. This week, we tackled: "How do I know what God's plan is for my life"

Below are some talking points that we took from an article from Dawson McAllister on christiananswers.net.

1. God's plan is first, that we have a relationship with him: 1 Timothy 2:3-4

2. The Bible will help us to know God's plan: Psalm 119:105

3. God promises to give us wisdom if we pray to him: James 1:5

4. God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth: John 16:13a

5. We need to ask others who are trustworthy: Proverbs 15:22

6. God has given each of us gifts and abilities (not just spiritual gifts): Romans 12:6-8

Next week... "What is the purpose of the earth (creation) and people?"

Parenting Tip: Internet Rules from Phineas and Ferb

Are You Happy or Crappy this Monday?

 

There's nothing more miserable than being around a miserable person. Now you can help them out without saying a word.

Am I Really???

I heard Francis Chan recently pose this question. It's one thing to want God's desire for my life to take flight. It's a whole different thing to be open to it in EVERY area... not just for the big things...

Like for...

How I interact with...

my children, my wife, my co-workers, the guy who just cut me off

How I deal with...

stress, things not going my way, things breaking down

In how God wants me to...

use my giftings, spend my time...

It's a question I am wrestling with... because I want to be open to his desire...

But am I really?

And, are you?

 

The Image of @

This is one little symbol. One little stroke of the keypad.

But placed before your username, it holds so much power.

@toddruth

I search it out. I tweet with the hopes people will place the all-important "@" in front of my name to tell me how funny I am. To tell others that @toddruth has something valuable to say. 

The "@" is not evil in and of itself. It's extremely useful in connecting and conversating. 

But, far too often the "@" becomes my identity... the thing I search for that gives me value.

And it doesn't stop there.

Other I let other things become my identity... that give me value.

Opinions of others, work, Revolve... these are the real-world "@'s" in my life.

None of these things are evil in and of themselves.

But when I allow my identity to be wrapped up in these things...

I miss the value that God places in me...

Which is infinitely great than the all powerful "@".

So, what are the "@'s" in your life?
 

You've Got to be Kidding Me... Please dont be the kind of leader that's on this video!

It pays to always research before you speak.

United State of Pop (Blame it on the Pop) Mashup

Just saw this on CNN. Loved it and had to share. By DJ Earworm

Finding the Right Tool to Get Students to Open Up

 

This is the tool I use to open up the hood to my car. The thing that you would typically pull to open a car hood broke a couple of years ago. So, if I don't have these pliers, my hood doesn't open. 

It's a tool that's not typically thought of to open the hood of a car. Yet, it's the only tool that will open my car's hood. I know this, because I drive my car. You wouldn't necessarily know that you need to use something different to open up my car's hood unless you looked closely.

And, here's the thing...

This is true when it comes to students.

You can't always use the same tools on every student you come in contact with. 

You have to use what works. And the only way to know that, is to get to know your students. To look closely into their lives and be with them.

If you do that, you'll discover what you need to open up their lives to you.

Live Change: Trust vs. Authority

"Because I said so." I love AND hate that tactic. I love it because it reminds me of my childhood and the many times it was said to me by my mom, dad, teachers, coaches and parents of friends. I hate it because, well, it's a lazy form of communication that adults use to exert their authority. 

I actually caught myself mid-sentence getting ready to say the exact same phrase to Carter. I stopped and thought, "Todd, you're an idiot." This tactic in authority may work to get the five year old to clean up his toys. It may work for a coach who's told his players to run laps. It may work for a moment... but that's it... for one short moment. The authoritative works in the short-term moments. 

True life-change in an individual isn't inspired by someone's authority - for the most part. It's inspired by a person's trust they have in the other person trying to make their life better. 

The question then becomes, why do pastors, parents, coaches - adults, use the authoritative approach to try to cause life-change in a person? We think, students need to change because of our position, age, experiences. Students need to just take our word for it because of our authority. Why do we use this approach? Because it's easy. You see, it's not that our age, experiences or positions are bad or evil. Using our authority isn't necessarily a bad thing. It becomes a bad thing - it becomes useless, if that is all we use. However, those things become tools if they are applied in a relationship of trust between us and the person we are trying to help. So, then the next question becomes (and this is the coolest question), what the heck does this type of approach look like? Check this out:

"The Word became flesh and blood and moved into our neighborhood." John 1v14

Jesus is the perfect example. He literally had all the authority in the world. He could have simply said, "Follow me because I said so." And everyone would have had to follow him. He had the position. He had the experiences. But he chose a different way of bringing about life change... he brought it in by developing a relationship of trust with those he came in contact with. Check this out:

1. Jesus met people where they are at... "Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, 'Come along with me.' Matthew stood up and followed him."Matthew 9v9 - In other words, I want to be where you are. I care enough about you to go to where you live, breathe and operate.

2. Jesus also connected with people through personal touch..."A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.' Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man." Matthew 8v2, 3 -He's communicating that he cares enough to touch someone considered untouchable. He's stating, you're worth something. You matter.

3. Jesus also let people fail... "Then Jesus told them, 'Before the night's over, you're going to fall to pieces because of what happens to me...' Peter broke in, 'Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won't.' 'Don't be so sure,' Jesus said. 'This very night, before the rooster crows up the dawn, you will deny me three times.'" Matthew 26v31-34 - In other words, guys, you're going to fail. Not just a little. But a lot. Jesus could have stopped them from failing. But he didn't. He allowed them to experience failure. Not because he enjoyed watching them fail. No. I believe it's because he wanted to let them experience his love despite their failure.

4. Jesus also loved people through their failure... "After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Master, you know I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' He then asked a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' 'Yes, Master, you know I love you.' Jesus said, 'Shepherd my sheep.' Then he said it a third time: 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, so he answered, 'Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you...' Then Jesus commanded, 'Follow me.'" John 21v15-19 - Despite Peter outright denying any connection to Jesus, probably Peter's biggest failure, Jesus loved him through it. What a huge trust-building gesture - saying, even though you've failed, I still love you. I still see value in you. You still matter.

Unbelievable. Jesus inspired people to life-change through trust-building relationships with personal touch rather than relying on his authority only.

Now it's our turn.

Books On My Current Reading List

I love checking out blogs and finding out what others are reading. So, I thought I'd share the love as well. Here's what I'm currently ripping up:

 

What are you currently reading?    

One of the Funniest Videos Ever About Youth Workers

Just Like You & Me

"Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us..." Hebrews 2:17

What are you struggling with?

What hurt are you dealing with?

What obstacle seems to big to overcome?

Jesus knows what it's like. He knows the pain. He knows the hurt. He knows the frustration you feel. 

Jesus didn't walk the earth to help angels, he was born, lived and died to help you. To help me. To make available mercy and grace to each one of use.

He became just like you and me, so that we could experience God's grace.

Messin Me Up Part Two

Philippians 2:3: "... don't try to impress others. Be humble..."

How many of my tweets or my blog posts have been written in the hopes that people will think I'm funny, smart, cool...

Too many to count. 

It's all about motivation... what's in the heart. 

If what I do is simply to impress others, then it's not worth anything. 

Messin Me Up

Over the last week, I've decided to just focus on Philippians 2:1-11. To memorize it. 

And it's messing me up.

Check out verse 1: "... are your hearts tender and compassionate?"

Is my heart tender and compassionate towards my wife? Towards my kids? Toward my friends? Toward the people who are hard to love?

What does that even look like... to have a heart that's tender and compassionate.

It's a question that we have to ask. Because God's heart, the heart of Jesus is full of compassion. It's tender.

And that messes me up.

My Three Blessings

There's a lot that goes on in life... a lot that I'm striving to be successful at... a lot to stress over. There's a lot of "what-if's"... But even if I fail at everything. There is one thing that remains true... I will always have three blessings.

Thank you.

Happy 3rd Birthday Little Mo

Little Mo's birthday was actually on February 19. She's now 3 years old. I cannot believe it. No matter how old she is, whether she's 3, 33, or 63... she'll always be Little Mo to me. She is one of the most cheerful, giving, loving and ornery little girls I've ever known. She definitely takes after her mother.

From shoes to her lotsa babies, to her mother, father and brother. She loves well. And she loves often. 

And her mother, father and brother love her too. 

Happy Birthday Mo... even if it's a little late on the blog world.

 

Are You the Pride of Your Children?

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. - Proverbs 17v6

This is a haunting verse.

Can your children say, "Ya, THAT'S my mom. THAT'S my dad."

Are they proud of you?

Or a better question is...

Are you putting yourself in a position where your kids can be proud of you? Of the life you're living?

Parents...

BE the pride of your children.

What Are Your Hands In?

Where would you find your hand print the most? There's a lot we can be doing. 

A lot of it is great stuff.

Some of it, not so great stuff.

But is it the right stuff?

There's a great temptation to get our hands in everything. 

But if we do that, something gets neglected.

I want to make sure I've got my hands in the stuff I'm suppose to. The stuff God has called me to. 

And leave the other things for someone else.

So what do you have your hands in?

A Great Valentine

This is my valentine from Carter. He made one for Jami too. Some of the best valentines don't cost a dime.

Sweet Creme Crap and Trying New Things with Students

What you're looking at is a mixture of hot water, Italian Sweet Creme creamer, and orange pekoe & pekoe black tea.

I thought it would be good... kind of like Starbuck's Tazo Chai Tea Latte 

That's what I thought.

In actuality... it sucked. I will never make this concoction again...

ever. 

It's got the smell of vanilla protein weight gainer.

And it tastes like watered down, vanilla crap. I don't know what crap tastes like, but i'm sure that crap mixed with water and vanilla would taste exactly like this.

It sounded like a great idea. I thought it would be a taste of awesomeness. 

But it wasn't, and it didn't. 

The thing is... if I wouldn't have tried it out, I would have never known. 

And I'm sure I'll try a different mixture later on. This bafoonery won't stop me from trying to make something else.

And whether we're talking about parenting, or student ministering, or youth working... we need to try new things.

Different things. 

Some may be great, like Starbuck's Chai Tea Latte.

Some things will be utter colossal failures, like my mixture of hot water, Italian Sweet Creme creamer, and orange pekoe & pekoe black tea.

But we have to try. AND, we have to keep trying after we fail.

So what's worked and what's failed?

I'm curious. 

One Thing You Need to Make a Difference

If you want to make a difference...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to better your marriage...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to be a better parent...

Have More Conversation.

If you want to be a better friend...

Have More Conversation.

I think I need to...

Have More Conversation.

You?

 

Smelly Butt

The other day, I noticed the smell of this animal's butt. It's totally unmistakeable. You know the smell of the skunk as soon as you smell it. And if you're like me, you hate it.

The thing is, we all leave our own smell. It's unmistakeable. The question is...

is it pleasant, or nasty.

Hiding Candy Wrappers

The other day, Jami and I found this empty candy wrapper in little Mo's underwear drawer. Our little, cute, adorable two year old stole a peanut butter cup, shoved it in her mouth and hid the trash in her drawer...

Like we wouldn't find it! We put her socks and underwear in this drawer. We're constantly in it! We're gonna see her trash.

So what did we do? We cleaned the trash out of her drawer. We picked it up and got rid of it. We made her drawer clean.

And God does the same thing through Jesus. I've got trash in my drawers. You've got trash in yours. We've all got trash in our lives that needs cleaned.

And God will get rid of it and make our lives clean.

It doesn't matter how hard we try to hide our candy wrappers. God sees them, and wants to get rid of them.

How awesome is that!

Our American Idols... Sort Of

TokBox - Free Video Chat and Video Messaging WWSS - What Would Simon Say?

Superman, Batman, Zorro, Wonder Woman Underdog... and Me

 I loved watching superhero tv shows...

Zorro, Batman and Robin, Superman, Underdog, AirWolf, M.A.S.K. and yes... Wonder Woman.

There was even a time in my childhood where I would dress up like Zorro and save the neighborhood from crime and criminals. I even had a special hiding spot in the alley where I would change into and out of my alter-ego. 

I loved the idea of being a superhero. 

And as I've gotten older, I've noticed that the idea of being a superhero has transitioned to being a father.

I want to be Carter and Mo's hero.

There's nothing wrong with that. It's a good goal.

But I've noticed that I suck at being a hero...

And for me, I think there's a better role for me. A role that far exceeds any possible gain I could give or get by attempting to be a hero...

I want to be John.

My efforts, from now on... is to be John.

John's a cool name. Afterall, my dad's brother - my uncle, is named John. And he's a great guy. Other than my dad, he's one of my favorite people I grew up playing catch with at family picnics. 

But he's not the John I'm talking about...

There's another dude named John. Check him out:

John announced: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.I baptize you withs water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!" - Mark 1:7, 8

 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, `A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.' - John 1:29, 30

John wasn't a hero. He simply pointed people towards Jesus. That's the role I want to fulfill.

My kids don't need their father to be a hero. My kids need me to be John - in EVERYTHING I do.

I don't want my kids to stand up at my funeral and say, "My dad was my hero." If that's all they say, then I would have failed.

Instead, I want my kids to stand up and say, "My dad was my John." 

I'm sure that will get some "what?" looks!

Kitchen Knife vs Nail Clippers: Using the right tool to motivate people

The other day, my little boy comes to me and asks me to take care of his hang nail. So, I, like any normal father, comes back with a kitchen knife. You should have seen how big his eyes got!

Would I have been able to get rid of his hang nail? Yes. Would I have taken some of his toe with it? Probably.

The more appropriate tool is obviously using nail clippers, which I went and got in this circumstance (don't call CPS! :-) 

You see, whether I'm parenting, leading students or leading adults, the challenge is choosing which tool to use in motivating the people I'm interacting with. 

We need to use different tools with different people. Different situations call for individualized tools.

The challenge is finding the right tool for the person in the right time.

After all, the goal is motivating people to take positive steps. And that can be pretty difficult if we're cutting away their toes by using the wrong tools!

Lost and Found... But Not Cut Up

The other day I went to pay for lunch. I always keep my check card in the same spot in my wallet. So when it wasn't there, my heart dropped... I had lost my check card. So I did a retrospect and came up with the last location I used my card...

PF Changs.

So I called PF Changs, and turns out they had my card. Score! The only thing is... it's 3.5 hours away from home. 

So I had three choices. 

1. Drive down to Indy and pick the card up. Not gonna happen.

2. Have them mail the card to me. Not the smartest choice. Or...

3. Have Changs cut up the card and have B.O.A. issue me a new one.

So I had Changs cut up my card and had B.O.A. issue a new one. Kind of like a do-over. It just wasn't worth driving 3.5 hours to get the card I had lost.

I'm just glad God doesn't view us in the same way. Check it out:

"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!

Growing Up Too Fast

As I was heading to bed last night, I checked on these two one more time. Then it hit me... again. They are growing up. Carter is 5. Mo will be 3 in February. In the blink of an eye, these guys will be graduating high school. They will be moving out. My time to be able to hold them will be done. And I was reminded to

slow down,

give them experiences,

build memories,

and be a better daddy.

Because they will not always be this small. 

Happy 5th Birthday Carter (Chico Suave)!

Un. Freaking. Real. Five years old. As your mom, MoMo, me and you sat on your bed last night talking about the photo of you just born that sits on your mirror, a flood of memories raced through my mind. Like on July 6, 2005, when you were in your little Jumperoo thingy and you pooped then jumped all around the poop on the floor.

Ya. That was hilarious... until I had to clean it up. But you taught me a valuable lesson that day: "There's just something spiritual about a father cleaning up his child who is covered in crap."   

Carter, your mom and I are proud of you. Your mom and I love you. 

I pray that the favor of God rests on you. 

Five years ago, we were changing tar diapers and feeding you bottles. 

Today, you are changing little guys boxer briefs and feeding you bacon-cheeseburger pizza.

Happy Birthday Chico Suave!

 

Prison Break

We're currently driving by Miami Correctional Facility, one of Indiana's state prisons. I can't help think about how alot of us are held captive by

fear

regret

anger

lust

hurt

perfectionism

religion

The list could go on and on. So why not, in 2010, make it a point to let God break you out of your prison and live a life of freedom?

Happy New Year Everyone!

 
It's a new year. A time to renew relationships and commitments. And a time to renew our faith in God. Twenty-ten is going to be crazy. Looking forward to see a movement begin and lives changed. Are you ready? I hope so!

Let's go!

2nd Annual Building of the Gingerbread House

Why I Work with Families - A Story of Hope

Click to read about A story of hope

The story above is why I work with students... with families... to walk down the road of hope. 

Sometimes it's ugly.

Sometimes it's pretty.

Sometimes it's covered in crap.

But it's always there...

Hope is always there. It's always here.

We just have to be willing to see it.

To get our hands dirty. 

To get messy with others.

So that we find hope.

Cause it's always there. It's always here.

And this story illustrates just one reason why I work with students and families. It's a story of hope.

Why do you do what you do?

Click to read about A story of hope 

Help me become Martha Stewart and/or Gordon Ramsay!

I need your help... I need to become the next Gordon Ramsay... or at least as close as I can get. I've got our office Christmas party this Thursday, and as a joke, my co-workers are challenging me to make or bake something.

I've never made or baked anything for these types of things before.

So, I need your help...

What should I make/bake for this shindig?

Seriously,

Tell me. What would you make... or... what should I bake?

Help???!!!

You think you're having a bad day, check this dude out!

 

No matter how beat up you get, don't give up. This dude above is Diego Sanchez. He got whooped. Knocked down. But he got back up and kept going. He didn't quit. He got worked. But he kept going. I don't know what's going on in your life. You may feel like giving up. You may feel knocked down. GET BACK UP! Don't give up! Keep fighting.

You may look bad... real bad. But keep battling till the ref stops the fight!

My Christmas Memories #2 - The sound heard around the Christmas tree farm

 
For years, my family has gone out to cut down our family Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Some years it was cold. Some years it was warm. Some it snowed. Some it was muddy. Each year was different and fun. But one thing remained the same... each year me and my two brothers would pull off the pine cones and chuck them across the Christmas tree farm. And we did that until one fateful day - the day of the errant pine cone. You see, when we went to cut down our tree, other families were there as well. And this day, the day of the errant pine cone, we heard a sound after I threw my pine cone. Actually, we heard a couple of sounds.

First, I heard the sound of my pine cone hitting something. Next, I heard the sound of a large man yelling, "What the fu*%!" Next, I heard a small child start to cry. Finally, I heard the footsteps of the large man walking in my direction. They were so loud at the time that they sounded like Goliath coming to kill me.

As the large man came in our direction, he was carrying his little boy. Supposedly, my pine cone hit the boy in the face. I think, based on the sound the pine cone made, it hit the boy's large winter coat. It just didn't sound like it hit flesh. But I can't prove that now. What I do know, is that had to be one of the most embarrassing moments in my dad's life. We left that day without a tree. We eventually got one that year. That's how my parents roll. But we never again threw pine cones.

Now, years later, and I mean years later, we still go out and cut down our family Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. And each year, we say the same thing... "Remember when Todd hit that boy in the face with the pine cone?!" And then I say, "I still think it hit him in the coat."

My Christmas Memories: Number 1

In light of our family starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition at our home to give Carter and MoMo fun Christmas memories, I thought I would share some of my memories from Christmas past.

Candy canes were part of our Christmas Tree decorations growing up. Each year we would hang, not only our ornaments, but also a box or two of candy canes. Each year, I would grab some candy canes and hide them in the middle of the tree. It started out as me trying to hide them from my brothers so I could have more. Then as the years went by, it became more of a tradition. I loved pushing myself under the Christmas Tree, like a mechanic under his car, to try and find some of the best hid candy canes. Not one time did the tree fall down, although it would sway like the Sears Tower on a windy day! It was so cool... at least to me it was. And to this day, if I have the chance, I still hide at least one candy cane in our tree.

So, what are some of your Christmas memories?

We've Got A Date with an Elf Tonight!

 After reading Carlos Whittaker's post about this, I had to get one myself. I know it costs $30 bucks. But really, $30 bucks is cheap to make my kids' Christmas memorable. I want to give them experiences where they can look back and say, "Remember the stupid elf you said did recon of us and told Santa if we were naughty or nice..." I've got stories. And I want my kids to have them as well. So tonight, we start The Elf on the Shelf! I can't wait.

What are you doing to give your kids Christmas experiences?

The Christmas Gift That Could Kill Me

I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what to get Jami for Christmas. And she's no help! Me? I'm full of ideas. Jami? Not so much. Knowing that she loves perfume, I ran across this Pon Farr Star Trek perfume. Even though she's not a Trekkie, do you think I should get it for her? I'm guessing not. My guess would be that this gift could be worse than buying a new vacuum cleaner, thereby not help me in my efforts to live long and prosper.

So what are some good Christmas gifts that would not get me killed?