Skip's Sentiments

An Offer!

2006-04-04T07:47:00.000-05:00

Well, nine months after we put the house on the market, we finally have an offer! The offer is a fairly low one... but it's an offer! Last night we made a counter-offer and they have until noon to respond. We are praying that this the right buyer and the right situation we have been praying for!

God has really been working on our hearts about materialism– an in particular regarding our next steps with a new house. It is so tempting to look at houses beyond your means and try to work out a way to "afford" it. Deanie and I both feel like this time we want to be really faithful with our finances– especially in selling and buying a new house. We feel God has kept us in this apartment situation to teach us about this very topic. And we think it is no coincedence that the one house we found here that we really liked, was big enough for the kids and was actually more affordable than any other house we've looked at here over the past nine months– came BACK on the market here. Yes, we saw it several months ago and thought it would be perfect and very affordable, but then it sold. Well, yesterday when we got the offer I hoped on line to see if there were any new houses in our price range and low and behold this house pops back up!

Is it a God thing? It sure feels like it...

Please be praying for us that we will follow God's lead in this and every matter.

Father, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for bringing a buyer to us yesterday– we ask your blessing on this situation. Father, make your will for us plain and obvious. Thank you for providing for us so beautifully. Amen.

Using my talents for God!

2006-03-28T11:11:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned previously that we retained a new Christian Ministiry as a client and that I was going to be able (for the first time) to use my creative talents for God. Well, now you have the opportunity to see and participate in my work-- that's right-- it's the new battlecry.com website!

Battle Cry is a ministry focused on reaching and saving this current generation of teens for Christ. Statistics demonstrate that if we continue on our current trend, in five years there will only be 4% of our teens claiming to be true followers of Christ. That is scary to me-- I hope it's scary to you, too! But, there is something you can do about it-- something that TOGETHER we can all do about it-- join the Battle Cry Coalition! The BCC is a national network of local chuches, youth groups, teens, parents and concerned adults who are working together locally and nationally to take back this generation for Christ.

The website, battlecry.com, is the umbrella or "meeting place" for all the individual members of the coalition to exchange ideas, encourage and even help hold one another accountable. After you register fot the Coalition, you can create your own personal "Battle Plan" detailing how you specifically entend to engage and be invovled.

Check it out-- and send the link to eveyone at your church and certainly to all your blog readers... Together we can save a generation!!

BTW-- I'm doing well! Family is also doing well. Please continue to keep the sell of our house in Illinios in your prayers-- we think we're close!!!!

Father, thank you for using me, my talents and position for your glory! Bless battlecry.com and the Battle Cry Coalition! Amen.

You call this winter?

2006-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

This morning actually feels like Winter-- really to be honest it feels like Fall. Not that I'm complaining mind you-- this is one of the key reasons we were so excited about moving to Texas-- Winters that feel more like Fall!

The grass is always greener isn't it, though? There have actually been moments where I missed the shocking cold-- you know when you open your front door and the cold air is so biting that it literally takes your breath away. Although, on New Year's Day when I took my dog out for a walk and I was wearing shorts, it was a sweet moment! I think I might have actually broke a sweat!

To be really honest, the only thing I really miss about Winter is wearing winter clothes. You all know black is my favorite color... and turtlenecks and sweaters are my weakness. So this morning when there was a slight chill in the air, I grabbed the opportunity to wear a sweater without feeling like a displaced Yankee. Yes, there have been other days when I wore appropriate winter clothing only to be walking next to someone at the mall or at the movies wearing shorts and flip-flops! I guess that will just take some getting used to!

On the home front-- we have a couple of buyers who are now interested in our house! One of them has looked at it three times, the other twice. Please pray that one (or both if you're feeling generous) of these people makes us a solid offer. It has now been seven months in the apartment and it's getting tight!!

Father, thank you for loving us in all seasons. Help us to find grace and peace in the moment-- each and every one. Amen.

God is working in Austin

2005-12-16T07:47:00.000-06:00

Well, it has not been the journey I was expecting-- and to complete the analogy: I didn't pack right for this trip. But it's been a great trip nonetheless!

The last seven months here in Austin have been a time of real growth for me. Still confident that God's hand was definitely in our coming here, but less sure everyday exactly why and for what purpose. And even less sure of why things have been so difficult for us here-- our house in Illinois still has not sold-- and has cost of several thousands of dollars to make repairs and updates. We had a real difficulty getting our kids accepted into a Christian school (there were very long waiting lists at all of them) and there have been some struggles with the school they did get into. Work has been especially trying-- I had no idea the level of adjustments I was going to have to make in order to have any success in my new job-- difficult doesn't begin to describe my work life. And home life has been challenging as well with the children sharing a bedroom and all of us sharing a bathroom-- the lack of privacy has really taken a toll on all of us.

But through it all, we have felt God's hand and presence. We have learned we can live with less. We have learned to depend on Him. And He has answered our prayers for a deep and rich church family relationship. Our new church here is definitely the bright spot in our new lives in Austin.

Now, I can see one more reason God brought me here-- yesterday our firm closed a significant deal with a Christian ministry to help them reach the youth of America. This will be the first time I have been able to use my advertising and communications skills directly for God's glory. And, it has brought together a very small group of Christians who were previously sort of "hidden" within the firm. Now, we are front and center with this new business win. Yesterday's meeting was my first true business meeting that opened and closed in prayer-- it was awesome!

So, God is working in Austin-- and I'm blessed that He is able to do small things through me!

Thank you Lord for your wisdom and timing... I know and trust that you hold me closely. Thank you for using me for your purposes. Bless this ministry and our work with them. Amen.

Normal

2005-09-13T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't honestly say things are beginning to feel completely normal-- but it's the closest it's been in a long time (PTL!).

We had a great weekend in New Braunfels going to Schlitterbaun (America's #1 Water Park) with the Deanie's sister and her kids. It was a blast and very relaxing. I spent about 3 hours in the "Lazy River" which isn't lazy at all-- it has huge three-foot waves! Grayson and I had a blast together, I know it will be a big "memory" day for our family. Later in the evening, Deanie's mom took us out to dinner. We had a great time together and laughed a lot!

Sunday was awesome! I got to sing on the praise team-- a different group than I usually sing with-- and it was an outstanding worship time. It was a cool and grey day and it made us think of Illinois! We went shopping for sweatshirts since we didn't pack any to bring with us down here! Sunday night both the kids had activities at church, so we went out for dinner with some of our new friends. It was very relaxing and we had a great time-- I believe these people could easily become our new best friends down here. It's been so hard to leave our close-knit group of friends in Illinois-- this was the first time I actually felt like we could be getting close to making the same kind of friendships again!

Yesterday, work went extremely well! We got over a major hurdle on a project I've been working on that has just languished for months now... and then yesterday there was this big break-through! Boy, did that feel good and take some pressure off!!

So, it looks like normal is just around the corner. Now, if we could just sell that house...

Father, thank you for your love and caring. We praise you for all the works you are doing in and through us. Thank you for your provision and protection. Amen.

Driving through hell

2005-09-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

On our way to Alabama for my sisters wedding we had to first pass through Louisiana and Mississippi. We opted for a more northern route so as to avoid all the Katrina aftermath. Little did we know at the time that there is no such thing-- we were shocked to learn that the entire states have been devastated! As we drove through Louisiana we began experiencing a very eery feeling. We passed convoy after convoy of military vehicles. Trees lay on the ground everywhere, snapped in two like toothpicks.

We decided to stop for gas before it got worse only to discover that there was no gas-- no electricity either. We got back on the interstate and about 20 minutes later we decided to stop again, this time assuming we'd have better luck. At this exit there was still no power but there was one gas station open. With two lines stretching in opposite directions as far as you could see, the station was being run by military police. It was an eery scene.

A little creeped out, we hopped back on the interstate and decided we would just try to get past these two states if at all possible and then we'd stop for gas. We made it through without having to stop again and pulled off the interstate at the very first exit across the Alabama border. What we found was unbelievable... more lines! We decided not to push our luck and joined the line at this station. One hour later, our car was gassed up and we were back on the road.

I can't explain to you how eery and odd it felt to not be able to pull off the interstate and drive through McDonald's and fill my car up with gas and my kids up with snacks. The idea that these people have no power and limited sanitation just blows my mind. The idea that we have to have military police running the gas stations blows my mind.

Obviously, this does not begin to compare with the challenges and experiences the people in and around New Orleans and Biloxi are facing-- but it is a different kind of hell none the less.

Father, I praise you for getting me and my family through this situation. Father, I beg your mercy on these people who are not just traveling through, but who are living in this situation. I praise you for all the goodness that has already come from this situation. Be with these people as only you can. Show us how and where we can serve. Amen.

Feeling the love

2005-09-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's so great to be back in blogland with you all and already feeling the love! I was so excited when I saw I had 13 comments-- Jokes on me! Thank you Dwiggy for helping me out on that one.

But seriously, I do already feel your love and it means so much to me! It's been a difficult three months, but knowing I have people all over praying for me and thinking about me makes it all so much better. I'm so blessed to be a part of God's family. One of His greatest gifts to us all.

We'll be traveling this weekend to my sister's wedding-- her fourth to be exact. I won't go into all that here-- but please be praying for our safe travel and for blessings on her marriage. It is all our hope that this one will work out and that she will be able to glorify God through her marriage. She is a wonderful Christian woman, but this part of her life has been very, very troubled in her past.

Work went really well today-- must have been all your prayers for me. I have to admit, I did come to work this morning with a great feeling that I had prayer warriors on my side. I had lunch with my two bosses-- both females-- and we discussed several upcoming projects. I really do like them-- they are super people with strong visions for our company and its future. I'm glad I'm here and part of this organization-- it's just that some days....

Deanie and I have some serious praying and discerning to do about our housing situation. This has been perhaps the most difficult part of our transition. The other house has not sold and our realtor gave us a list of "improvements" she thinks we need to make in order to sell our house. None of them are big, it's just that we're not there to oversee any of this and it's frustrating and expensive! Then we have this side of the equation to worry about-- I mean pray about. Although, I think if we could sell our house, finding one here wouldn't really be a big problem. Please pray for God's leadership in these areas of our lives.

Seeing the homeless people in Mississippi and Louisiana this week has been very humbling for us-- especially right now in the midst of our own housing "crisis." Last night at dinner our 9 year-old son prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for providing me with a great job and a house for us to all be safe and together in. WOW! Does he have the right perspective or what?

Father, thank you for putting family in our lives-- both our physical families and our church family. Thank you for the way you are so faithful to provide for us. Bless all those who are hurting right now in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Amen.

He's Back!

2005-08-31T08:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Blogland,
I must apologize for my unexcused absence...

When I looked at the date of my last post I couldn't believe how long it had been! I don't know exactly what happened, however, slowly but surely I got out of the daily routine habit of doing my blog-- and checking in on all my blog friends. I guess I went into self-preservation mode and only focused on "necessary" activities to ge me through this rather rough time of transition.

Before we made the move, I was warned by several people how emotionally difficult and draining a move can be. Suffice it to say that I basically ignored these well-meant warnings. After-all, our family WANTED this move-- it wasn't being forced on us. But, being separated from my family for two months, the stress of starting a new job (after being so comfortable in my last job of 9 years), trying to sell our house and looking for new houses here and now having all four of us living in a 800 square foot apartment-- has finally taken a toll on me!

There are many, many wonderful things about being here:
We love Austin--it is such a wonderfully cool place to live. We LOVE our new church-- there is a very strong youth group program and wonderful kids ministries, and we are both singing on the praise team. There have been baptisms nearly every single Sunday since we've been here. We love our kids new school-- Hill Country Christian School. Not only is it a very Christ-centered school, it uses a "classical" approach to education. It's a really, really interesting approach (based on Greeks and Roman's structure/philosophy) and we feel so blessed to have found it.

However, there are also many challenges to living here:
My job has proven to be very difficult and demanding of me and my time. I inherited a fairly complex situation within my department and have had to deal with some pretty big issues. I've been putting in way too many hours during this process as well, and that does not bode well at home! It has also been rough to not be "at home' in a house yet as well. My wife and I are big "house" people-- we spend a lot of time at home, we love decorating and gardening and are just very focused on our home. So, temporarily being without one has proved to be challenging to us!

But, at the end of the day we are very blessed and very happy to be here. God is good and feel strongly that He has brought us here for His purposes.

Father, thank you for your love and your care. Thank you for your faithfulness to us. Continue to bless us and keep us in your care. Amen.

Good Times

2005-07-06T08:10:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been posting as regularly as I'd like to... but things are going very well in Austin.

The family is settling in to our new surroundings-- and we're even learning that maybe we don't need as much space as we've always thought we had to have. Not that we want our new house to only have one bathroom like the apartment-- but there is something to be said about simplicity in life. God is teaching us some very valuable lessons about materialism and all kinds of other exciting things. For instance, that without TV, telephone and internet access we actually talk to each other a little more! Go figure...

We spent the 4th of July weekend with our extended family-- the 3rd we did fireworks with my brother and his family who live here in Austin, and then spent the 4th at the Ranch with Deanie's family. It was great to be out at the ranch and not feel the pressure we've always felt before to cram everything into one weekend-- now we can come back every weekend if we want to! Thank you God!!

Then, for the first time we were able to go to our new church together as a family. It was an exceptional Sunday with 5 baptisms. The worship was powerful and Lynn Anderson's lesson on family's and forgiveness was spot-on. It was a great day and I think everyone left church (we were one of the very last families to leave-- we were just surrounding by people talking to us!) feeling "at home." What a blessing!

Our apartment has a pool, so the kids and I have been swimming every evening when I get home from work. That's been a nice little perk. So "swimming pool" has been added to our list of "nice to haves" on our house hunting requirements list. We'll see...

Work continues to be a challenge, but that's what I signed up for. Those of you who know me well know that I wouldn't be happy in any other circumstance. We pitched for a major piece of Dell business last week-- the launch of their new laptop computer. That would be a fun piece of business to win... I'll keep you posted.

Deanie is doing well. She's really learning her way around Austin much better than I expected her to... and I think she really likes it here. She's been out with the realtor a couple of times and has found a few houses she really likes. I know she's loving the idea of being this close to her family. I'm happy for her... she's allowed me to drag her all over the place for the past 17 years, so she's long overdue for this Texas experience.

Pray that all is well with all of you out there.

Father, thank you for your love and abiding presence. Thank you for giving us the goodness in each day. Thank you for the lessons you are teaching me and my family. Amen.

Last Day in Peoria

2005-06-23T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been "home" in Peoria with my family again since Saturday and it's been wonderful! I was very lonely without them and couldn't wait to get back home. We've spent the last few days hanging out with our really good friends-- laughing, crying and singing. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends who we know love us unconditionally and would do anything for us. Thank you God for putting these wonderful people in our lives!

The time here has also been a bit weird! My new agency has a client here in Peoria (which was also a client of my former agency) and so a group from my new agency has been up here for the past three days conducting meetings with various groups. While they were here, they were amazed at how many people I knew-- and I guess how many people knew me. Part of the benefit in living in a smaller community I guess. But it was also a weird feeling for me having lived in total anonymity in Austin for the past eight weeks and now suddenly seeing people I know at every turn-- it was just an odd sensation.

Today we will load up a small U-Haul trailer with the "bare necessities" and begin the journey to Austin. It's all a little stressful-- and even bittersweet. It was easy to say "good-bye" to Peoria when I knew my family was still here. But now we truly are leaving Peoria. I don't think I miss the actual place too much... but I will miss our friends and church family. I know our family will have tears as we pull out of the driveway and wave good-bye to our old house-- full of wonderful memories of family events and meals with friends. Thank you God for bringing us to this place and for challenging us and helping us to grow. Thank you for putting wonderful people in our lives and blessing us with such a wonderful home filled with love.

And so a new chapter starts for us. Much of it is still a big mystery. When will our house sell and how long will we have to live in an apartment? Will the Christian school we've chosen for our children have room for them (they are currently on a waiting list!)? Where will our new home be and what will it be like? Will the family like the church that I've been going to there? Will work feel different now that my family is living with me (I hope so!)?

One thing we do know, God is with us and has gone before us. He will provide and we truly do not need to worry about anything. What a blessing! Now, to fully trust in that blessing, right.

I covet all your prayers as we make this big transition. We ask for God's hand of protection and provision.

Thank you all for your love and support-- and for your prayers!

Thank you God for eleven wonderful years in Peoria. Thank you for shaping our family's lives here for your purpose. Continue to love us and guide us. Amen.

My Heart is crushed...

2005-06-16T01:53:00.000-05:00

I am so overwhelmed with emotion... I just feel like my heart is crushed, or as David said, my bones ache.

My dearest friend Dwight is hurting and I'm not able to be there for him. As I write this I'm in a hotel in Santa Monica. It's a gorgeous place... I'm a block from the beach-- but I want to be in Bloomington. I want to be up late with my friend. I want to listen. I want to pray with him. I want to hug him. But I can't do that. I'm very, very far away... and my heart aches.

I am learning the value of church. The value of love. The value of family. I am learning to appreciate God's wisdom that it is not good for man to be alone. I am home sick for my family. And I am homesick for my church family. They need me. I need them.

Tommorrow I fly back to Austin. And then Friday I fly HOME to Peoria to be with my wife and kids. I miss them so deeply. I am not whole without them. And then Sunday, I will be reunited with my Northside family, I need them. They need me.

Please be in prayer for all of this. I know that God is using ALL of these circumstances to bring me and others closer to Him.

Father, thank you for the gift of family-- physical and spiritual. Bless Dwight and Jeana with your love. Bless the Northside family with your peace. Amen.

Feeling Small in the Big Apple

2005-06-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am in NYC-- the Big Apple. Of course I am familiar with just how big the Big Apple actually is, but every time I've been here before I've been with others. Today I'm here alone, and it feels especially big. And I feel especially small. You could truly just "get lost" here. That's sort of a weird thought and feeling.

You all know I'm really lonely right now being separated from my family... but being here with no one to share it with seems to make the loneliness exponential.

And to top it all off, I got some really upsetting news today about some people I really love and care about back home. I won't go into it here... but there are some families who are really hurting right now and desperately need all of our prayers. Please be praying for my friends-- God knows who they are and what their needs are.

"Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Consider me humbled, Father. I know I'm lost anywhere without you! Bless my friends, Father, with forgiveness and a peace and comfort only you can give. Amen.

Coming up for air

2005-06-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

OK-- I'm learning the hard way how the other half lives. By other half, I mean the people who work for someone else. I hate to admit I was spoiled, but I think I have to do so. I was spoiled!!

It's not that I don't love my new job, because I do. I love it alot. But, now that I'm not the "head honcho" I'm finding out that I'm not "in control" of my day. Now, I'm sure this will pass-- and I'm certain it's not all related to my "position" in the company either. Lots of my "time management crisis" is due to a large workload, the fact that it's a brand new job and that I'm a perfectionist pleaser. (Yeah, I admit it). But still, there is this undeniable fact that I no longer can do as I please whenever I please. Oh well... this will be good for me.

So here I am, blogging again. Sorry for my conspicuous absence! All is well... I still love Austin. It is such a great city. I really like my church, I've even made several friends now-- and when I missed a week to go to New Braunfels to see my wife's family-- they all noticed I wasn't there. That kind of felt good.

However, I really miss my family. We finally have some light at the end of the tunnel. I'll be flying up in two weeks (from today) and helping do the last minute packing and clean-ups/touch-ups on the house. Then, after a couple of days on business, we will load up the Escalade and head south to Austin. I've rented us a two bedroom apartment... I've told the kids it will be like going on a vacation. Yeah, a vacation with only one bathroom!!! But we'll all be together.

I'm flying to New York tomorrow for business and I'm excited about that. I'll be there for two and a half days. Hopefully, I'll get to see a show (if I can get a 1/2 price ticket) and visit MoMa and Guggenheim. Oh yeah, there's a few business meetings in there, too.

Then I'll be back in Austin for a day before jetting off to LA for two days. Back in Austin a day, and then off to Illinois for the week! YEAH!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing all my old friends and to going to church at Northside. You have no idea how much I miss my church family and worshipping with them!

Well... It's 7:50pm on a Friday night and I'd really like to make it home before it's dark (sadly, that's become my goal :-( )

Trust all is well with all of you, blog family.

I'll try to get caught up on all your lives, too.

Blessings to you all!

Father, thank you for your amazing love. Thank you for being my shelter in tough and trying times. I know you are here. I need you to carry me through! Amen.

Busyness vs. Holyness

2005-05-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been swept into a whirlwind of busyness! We're in the middle of an enormous pitch for a new global account-- which is very exciting-- but we've been working 12 hour days for two weeks now. I almost felt myself spinning into a panic attack at the beginning of this week and I just knew I couldn't let myself do that. But I didn't feel like I could stop it.

And I was right... I couldn't stop it, but God could, and did.

I've since been spending some time each morning and evening (late!) in devotion-- something I had not been doing earlier. God's word is so powerful-- IF we will be in it and allow it to transform us.

I can't say I'm calm as a cucumber, but I do feel that with God's grace and peace I have found balance. I know that I can find peace in any moment-- even the zaniest of them-- by acknowledging God's presence and the Spirit's in-dwelling.

Thank you Father for that peace that surpasses all understanding. You are so faithful with your promises. Amen.

Amazing Worship

2005-05-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

A new friend from work who overheard me singing a Christian song while making coffee the other day, later came into my office and asked if I would be interested in going to church with him some Sunday night. I was really glad to know there was another Christian in my office and to have something to do to fill my Sunday nights-- so I said "Yes!"

And am I ever glad I did...

So, last night I met him and his wife for church. It's a new church that's being planted in the downtown area of Austin called Austin Stone. The church currently meets in the gym of Austin High School and the average age of the church is probably somewhere between 25 and 30. As I parked my car, I wasn't really sure what to expect... in a way I felt like I was attending a Youth Rally or something-- everyone was young and most were wearing shorts and flip-flops.

Once inside I realized there were also lots of young families with young children-- they even had a nursery!

Everyone was so friendly and excited to be at church-- there was a very strong since of community and anticipation. It was a new feeling I'm not sure I've felt at church before-- except maybe at the Zoe Conferences. There was a large video screen with running video-- mostly abstract designs moving and morphing to the beat of the music which was playing loudly-- but not too loud-- over a huge sound system. The environment was energized. I felt very welcomed even though it was an unfamiliar surrounding.

Then, the worship team (band) took the stage and starting leading the church in praise. The worship leader looked familiar... who is that guy and why does he look familiar?

My friend leans over and says: "do you know Chris Tomlin?"

"Yeah..." I say as if to imply-- "who doesn't know Chris Tomlin?"

"This is his home church-- he's the praise minister here," my friend informed me.

Oh my... that's why he looked familiar! WOW!

And what an amazing worship time it was--- and not because we were at Chris Tomlin's church. But because the young people around me were there to praise God. They were intense in their worship... no one was talking or passing notes... no one was thinking about the pot roast in the oven... and no one appeared to be judging others by their appearances or their approach to worship. They were all just lost in wonder and awe-- declaring their Maker's Praise... It was truly AMAZING WORSHIP!

Thank you God for your amazing love for us. Thank you for the avenue of expressing our love back to you through heart felt worship. Thank you for setting my heart free last night. Amen.

God's Wisdom

2005-05-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

"It is not good for man to be alone..."

God was right, and still is... It's not good for man to be alone-- especially this man. I miss my wife and kids terribly. It's an emptiness that is impossible to fill-- I know, because for the past two weeks I've tried to fill it with anything and everything possible.

TV is no fun alone-- even though I have total control of the remote, and I don't have to worry about censoring for the family. I'd rather watch re-runs of the Cosby Show all day and night WITH my family, than watch HBO alone. Even my beloved "Trading Spaces" isn't the same when there's no one there to discuss the pros and cons of the design concepts with. For me, TV is meant to be shared. Perhaps when our family is reunited, I'll be a little less possessive of the remote. Perhaps.

Driving around and looking at houses and neighborhoods is total Dullsville without my family. You see a great house, and there's no one to show it to-- where's the fun in that?

Even Star-bucks has no appeal when the Venti Americano is sipped in silence surrounded by strangers-- all laughing and enjoying each other's company. I never thought I'd be bored of Starbucks.

And probably the weirdest and loneliest place of all is church. I've found a church here that I really like, but it is very awkward to be worshipping without your family. It seems odd to feel the loneliest when I'm surround by well over 1,000 fellow worshippers, but it is the place I feel most alone.

I guess God knew what He was doing when He designed us to desire our mates and our families. I'm learning every day how much I do truly love my family-- and how much they impact my joy. I guess I still have so much to be thankful for-- my family is all still alive (I can't begin to even imagine what widows and widowers must go through), and our family is all still intact (divorce must be the loneliest feeling in the world).

Father, thank you for my wife and children. Thank you for showing me what a true blessing they really are in my life. Help me to never take them for granted. Fill my void with a renewed hunger and desire for you. Amen

Howdy, Y'all!

2005-04-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I survived the 17 hour drive... and did so in one day. I think that was the longest day of my life! My poor lower back and knees will never be the same again. Thanks for all your prayers for my safe journey.

Austin is beautiful! I absolutely love it here! Everything is green and hilly... and the weather is spectacular! Sun, glorious sun.
Obviously, I'm missing my wife and kids-- I'm learning everyday to appreciate them so much more. Without really realizing it, I think I (and I'm sure most everyone fits in this category) have taken my family for granted. Just being with them... hearing them talk and laugh. I think I even miss my children's occasional arguements!

Do me a favor: hug your spouse, children, and friends... and tell them how much they mean to you. Do it because you can.

I'll update soon with more fun details on the new job and my new life here. Keep praying for me and my family while we are separated. Hopefully, the house will sell quickly and we'll be reunited soon (yo can pray for that, too!).

Father, thank you for keeping me safe on my journey to Texas. Thank you for the beauty of this place. Continue to protect my family. Guard their hearts and keep them close to you. Amen.

Saying Good-bye to Illinois

2005-04-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe, but the time has finally come to bid Illinois a fond farewell. Today is my last day at work, tomorrow will be spent with my wife and getting a few last minute details done around the house before I leave for Austin. Friday morning, around 4:30 am I'll start the long trip. So today is the only real time I'll have to formally say good-bye to Illinois before saying hello to Texas Saturday morning!

In spite of my love affair with the South and my frequent complaining about Illinois winters, I will miss this place-- especially my church family and friends. The following is a tribute to Illinois in a list of 20 things I will miss about this place we've called home for the past 11 years.

20 Things I will miss about Illinois:
1) Our "house church" family-- a group of five families who have been through so much together! We love you all!
2) Our church family! Northside is the most awesome church ever and we will miss everyone so much! Love you guys!!!
3) Spring days like today... the temperature is a perfect 75 degrees... flowers are everywhere and the river is sparkling!
4) Crisp, cool autumn days where the trees are a beautiful mix of orange, yellow, red and purple... there's nothing like it!
5) Good and caring friends... we have some of the neatest friends here-- you know who you are! We will miss you all!
6) Our kids Christian school-- it's the best of the best! We loved it and will miss it, the teachers and all our friends dearly!
7) Grandview Drive--dubbed "The World's Most Beautiful Drive" by the visiting President Roosevelt. It is truly spectacular!
8) Walks in our neighborhood-- safe, peaceful and tree-covered.
9) Knowing people wherever you go-- at first it bothered me, but now I realize how special that is!
10) Live Jazz at "Five Spot Jazz" downtown.
11) The river-- a constant source of life and energy.
12) WCIC-- our Christian radio station, it was just awarded the Dove Award for "Station of the Year"!
13) FREE Christian concerts-- they happened all the time with TOP recording artists.
15) The first snow-- I hate to admit it, but that one "first snow" and how it hangs on the trees is spectacular... it's the 20th
snow I can't handle!
16) Hamburgers at Ludy's! Our dear friends, the Bartons, had us over for our "last supper" last night and served Ludy's!
17) Eating at the downtown "carts"... you feel like you're in a big city, but there's no traffic or homeless people!
18) Being only 2 1/2 hours from two fabulous cities: Chicago and St. Louis! We've had some great times at both places.
19) The Spoon River Drive-- a silly, annual trek for "antiquers" the first weekend of October. Such a beautiful time and place to be driving.
20) Sitting by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate with my family and good friends. Safe, warm and loved.

Father, thank you for showing your love to us so lavishly! Thank you for blessing us with these years in Illinois. It is here that our son was born and our daughter was born again. You have blessed us beyond measure, most especially with loving and caring brothers and sisters. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Good-bye Illinois.

Waiting on God

2005-04-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

I am not a patient person. I do not excel at waiting... for anyone or anything.

When I drive, I switch lanes constantly looking for the shortest, fastest, most direct route through the maze of traffic. At the store, I will go through the self-check lanes (even when I have more than 15 items) if I think it will save me two minutes. I'm the husband who sits in the car in the driveway wondering where the rest of the family is on Sunday mornings.

So, about four years ago when my wife and I felt the desire to leave Illinois and runaway home to the South I did not understand why God did not immediately approve my plan and put in a transfer for me. After all, surely it was "His will" that my children be surrounded by their extended family... and surely He wanted our family to be in a more positive church environment. It just made sense... it was a spiritual no-brainer. If I could see it so clearly, I knew the God of the universe would, too. Surely.

When job offers were not flooding my e-mail in-box, I decided maybe I wasn't praying hard enough. So I started praying harder and more frequently. I decided to give new meaning to the verse about praying without ceasing. If God didn't see it my way, then I would just have to wear Him down. And if that didn't work, then I'd roll up my sleeves and get busy making it happen all on my own.

I must have interviewed with every advertising agency in San Antonio at least twice... some of them three or four times. Each time it was the same story: we love you, we want you, we just can't afford you--NOW. Hmmm.... you mean I'll have to wait? You don't understand my personal crisis? You can't just re-arrange a few things for ME and make this happen-- NOW?

Then, our church situation went from bad to worse. It became unbearable just to worship on Sundays... we were stuck in a legalistic time-warp and there seemed to be no way out. My business hit an all-time low following the events of 9-11 and the impending economic recession. Now, we had REAL and LEGITIMATE reasons to leave this God-forsaken place... surely He would answer our prayers and deliver us.

But nothing happened... not a crumb. Not even the smallest crack in the window was opened. In fact, I couldn't find a window-- open or closed-- anywhere. It was apparent that we were being given a definitive NO from God. Either that, or we were being ignored. That thought consumed me... either way, I became bitter and even angry towards God. I spent a full year mad at God. My worship was effected... my whole life was effected. I was hurt and I was disillusioned... abandoned by my Abba.

Then, I attended a Zoe Conference in Nashville entitled "Desperate" where I learned that being angry at God was OK... in fact, it was normal. I learned that God used "desert" experiences to equip and refine many of the great heroes of the Bible for better and greater things in their lives-- including Jesus. I learned that the majority of the Psalms were not ones of praise-- as I had always thought-- but that they were psalms of lament. I began to understand and identify with David's struggle. And I begin to understand that God was using this time and these experiences to equip me for something. To change me... to draw me closer to Him... to break me of my pride and self-sufficiency. It was the most liberating insight I have ever experienced.

In an instant, I went from dry bones to rejoicing. I experienced a renewal that would continue for the next couple of years and would completely transform me and my family.

Shortly after that time, God did deliver us from our negative church experience and led our family, along with several other families, to a wonderful church in Bloomington, Illinois. It wasn't a very practical solution... the church was an hour from our home, but it was an oasis in the desert. That church ministered to us and loved us unconditionally. They encouraged us to use our special talents and gifts. They restored our hope and belief in the church. And they continued our refinement and restoration that started at the Zoe Conference.

With true contentment in our hearts, we began to almost forget about our desires to move. God knit us so closely and tightly with our church family that our strong urges for family connections were eased. We had family now.

And then, and only then God opened a window.

We were planning our Spring Break vacation trip to our family ranch in Texas. It was an exciting time for us. The Wednesday before we were to leave on Friday, my mother-in-law- (a great spiritual hero to me and awesome pray warrior) called and asked me a very peculiar question. She wanted to know if I had scheduled any interview appointments with the agencies in Austin for while we were down for Spring Break.

"Uhhhh... no" I replied sort of in shock. "Well, don't you think you should" she sweetly nudged. "Uhmm, sure," I said. "Well," she continued "I've been praying about it... and I definitely think you should."

"That's weird," I thought to myself. Why Austin? We've never even talked about Austin before... why there and why now? But, like any good son-in-law, I looked up the website of the one agency I knew of in Austin. I clicked on their careers section and to my surprise there was a listing for a Creative Director. "What are the chances of that?" I muttered to myself. I quickly sent off a short e-mail informing them that I was interested in the job and that I had family in the area. I told them I'd be in town next week on vacation if they were interested in interviewing me.

Within two hours, my four-year wait was over. Just like that, God? That's how you're going to answer all those prayers... WOW! It all happened so fast, I really didn't have much time to think about it. But through out the whole interview and offer experience I just had this odd sensation that this was such a God-thing. It was so clear and so evident in every way. From the speed of things... to the sense of calm that I had about the whole affair. And of course there was the whole "perfectness" of the whole opportunity. More money, more fulfilling position, less stress, bigger company, better benefits... almost too perfect.

But I knew, like David must have, that this was from God and that He had indeed heard my pleas. And that He does love me and care of me-- even when I don't deserve His rich and lavish love.

Father, thank you for teaching me patience. Father, thank you for showing me your love through your people at Northside. Thank you for equipping me for this experience. Thank you for your good and perfect timing. Thank you for forgiving me of my doubting heart. Thank you.... thank you.... thank you! Amen

Breaking the Silence... Moving On

2005-04-18T08:34:00.000-05:00

Well, my life has been a whirlwind for the past two and a half weeks. My apologies for not blogging... but I've been pre-occupied-- OK, I've been completely overwhelmed!

The news... God has answered our prayers of more than four years-- we are moving back to TEXAS!! YEE-HAAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Austin to be exact. God is so good, and His timing is so perfect. He blesses us so far beyond what we can imagine... and when He moves and does something, it is vastly superior to anything we can attempt to cook up on our own! The way in which this all happened is truly a God thing-- I'll be blogging the details of all that in the coming days!

This is just so very exciting to us in so many ways! Primarily, we will finally be close to our family. My wife and I have been married for 17 years, during that time we have never lived close to our family. And since we have had children, we have been very far away from family-- currently about 17 hours from both sides. In Austin, we will be about one hour from my wife's mother and her two sisters, their husbands and our kid's four cousins. In addition, I have a brother and sister-in-law who live in Austin with another three cousins for the kids! This is going to be such a blessing for our family!!

From a career perspective, this will also be an exciting move. The advertising agency I am joining is much larger (85 people) than my current firm, plus I will be moving back into the FUN side of the business working as the Creative Director of the agency!! I'm very excited about this aspect of the move!! Additionally, in my new role I will have much less stress than I currently do in my role as President. Praise God!

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Austin has 300 days of glorious sun and ZERO DAYS OF SNOW!!

There is, of course, the down side to this move... we will be leaving the most wonderful church in the world! And the most loving and giving church family in the world!! We can't imagine not worshipping with this body-- it's painful to even think about. But we trust God and know that He is good and faithful and will provide a new church body for us.

Also, we have lived here for 11 years now... so we have many wonderful and dear friends. And our children are enrolled in the most fantastic Christian school. It will be hard to replace PCS!!!!

It's bittersweet news... but God has moved in some wonderful ways to make all of this happen and to prepare our hearts for this event. I will be blogging about some of those things in greater detail in the coming days.

But first, a couple of prayer requests:

1) I will be driving down to Austin (by myself) this Friday to move into a temporary apartment and then to start work on Monday 4-25. I would covet your prayers for my safe passage and ask that God goes before me and prepares things for my arrival in Austin.

2) My wife and two kids will be here in Illinois to finish school and to sell the house. Please pray for God's protection over them, and for my wife's emotional and physical strength to endure this alone. She is brave, but I know that she is still somewhat concerned doing all of this alone.

3) Please pray that our house sells quickly! The sooner the house sells, the sooner our family can be together again.

Thank you all for your love and support! I will continue blogging... In fact, while I'm alone I'm sure I'll be blogging even more!

Father, thank you for your love and for your goodness. Thank you for answering my prayers in such an incredible way! I give you the glory for all that is happening! Praise be to you! Amen

Praise the Lord, and Pass the Creamed Corn!

2005-04-01T08:54:00.000-06:00

Well, creamed corn!

All I can say is that God is so good and that His timing is so perfect. He is answering prayers for me right now... I can't really talk about.

But, please join me in praising Him for His goodness and faithfulness!!

Father, thank you!

Rested, Relaxed and Robbed!

2005-03-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderfully restful and relaxing vacation in the Texas Hill Country. It was warm enough to swim and layout at the pool... we had an absolutely wonderful time. That is until the drive home.

We stopped in Oklahoma City to spend the night, and since our car was so fully packed from our trip we packed a small overnight bag for the hotel stay.

At 3:00 am I got a call from the hotel front desk: "We're sorry to call you so early, sir, but the Oklahoma City police need your assistance with your vehicle... it's been burglarized." Am I dreaming... or did I just hear what I thought I just heard. We've been robbed?!

I stumbled out of bed and strained to quickly find something to throw on so I could go outside. By this time my wife and daughter were awake. "What's going on honey?" "Dad, why are you getting dressed?"

"Somebody broke into the car," I tried to say without sounding alarmed. They both burst into tears instantly. I tried to reassure them that all was fine as I rushed out the door to assess the damage.

They had broken in through the rear passenger window. Glass was everywhere inside the Escalade. The first thing I noticed missing was the brand new DVD system we had bought for the kids to have for this trip. Then I noticed all the DVD's were gone, too. I checked the console between the two front seat and discovered our entire cd collection (all Christian music) was missing, too. I was in shock... and exhausted. I had a hard time really focusing on what else was missing. I learned later, that EVERYTHING was missing-- including our kids Easter baskets. We have estimated $5,000 worth of stuff-- including all our clothes, luggage and even some late Christmas gifts were gone.

The police explained to me that we were targeted because we were driving "an expensive, large vehicle with out-of-state plates." Apparently, this has been happening for some time now, and they were routinely patrolling the hotel parking lots looking for broken windows. I filled out the police report, and they gave me a number to call in case we discovered other things were missing. They suggested I pull my car around to the front of the hotel, directly under the drive-though carport.

When I returned to the room, my wife and daughter were still crying, clinging to each other. It was scary to see them both so frightened. At first I assumed my daughter was upset about the loss of property-- her new DVD system was gone. But I learned she was crying because she felt violated and so disappointed in the sad state of this broken world.

"I can't believe there are people out there that would do this to us," she said in disbelief. Wow, I thought... my little girl is really growing up. "That's right, honey... this world is full of broken, evil people." I replied. This is a good, safe way to learn a very valuable lesson-- the reality of evil, sin and crime. "It's out there everyday... it's more than just headlines and news stories... it really does happen."

It was a very sad moment. The protective bubble my wife and I had so carefully built around our precious children had been violently burst.

Father, thank you for your protection. Please forgive the people who have done this to us. Help us to learn from this that things are just things. This place is NOT our home... and we belong to You! Amen.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

2005-03-18T08:09:00.000-06:00

The countdown is finally over... today we load up the Escalade and head south for the family ranch in the Hill Country of Texas. The ranch is about one hour outside of San Antonio in a little town appropriately named Hunt. I can't wait to get there.

While at the ranch we'll do a whole lot of nothing! Swimming in the pool, taking out the paddle boats, exploring in the 4-wheelers, fishing in the creek, and rocking on the back porch. I hope to catch up on my reading and napping. The kids will be spoiled by their Grandma and will have a blast hanging out with their cousins.

So, blog family, I'll probably be off the radar screen for the next 10 days or so. Please pray for our safe travels and that God will bless our time together and give us the rest and refreshing we need.

Father, thank you for time off and rest. Thank you for time that can be spent focused on family. Please bless us with a safe and fun trip. Surround us with your love. Amen.

Joy Sightings

2005-03-16T07:58:00.000-06:00

As I explained in my previous post, we were challenged Sunday to track our "joy sightings" this week. The thought is to emphasize the joy in our lives by paying closer attention to it, rather than the negatives surrounding us.

Here are a few of my joy sightings so far:

- My son when he was allowed to have ice cream before bed time.
- My wife as she opened and read her birthday cards from various friends and family members.
- Me as my new financial planner asked if he could close out our phone conversation with a prayer.
- Me as I read encouraging words from my blog family.
- My wife as I arrived ON TIME (a first) for our standing Tuesday lunch date.
- My daughter when she declared to me that she had absolutely no homework since she finished it all in study hall.
- Me when my cell phone rang last night with an exciting and unexpected phone call (it was an answer to prayer).
- My son last night when I made him macaroni and cheese for dinner (it was boys night-- the girls were at a "purse party").

This has been fun, and it has really helped me to be looking for the positives instead of the negatives. Also, it has helped me focus on my role in bringing or "making' joy for others. It is amazing how God will use to be a joy maker, if we are a willing participant. But it does require some discipline on our part, too.

Father, thank you for being our ultimate source of joy. Thank you for allowing us to have joy that transcends our circumstances. Continue to use me to be a joy maker for you! Amen.

Joy Maker or Taker?

2005-03-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

Sunday was an incredible day of worship, fellowship, teaching and challenge.

We were continuing our study in Philippians, this week in chapter 3:1-11. The topic of joy and the source of joy... as well as the source of joy being taken away ("the dogs"). It was a great and challenging study. At the conclusion of his lesson our minister, as he always does, challenged us for the week.

He challenged us to go out and have a week of JOY... to track our "joy sightings" and to be sure and look out for the pitfalls out there that rob us of our joy. Then came the major challenge... he asked us to evaluate if we were ever the pitfalls! Am I a joy taker! He challenged us to be joy makers and NOT joy takers.

I've been thinking about all the times I KNOW I've robbed people-- my wife, my kids, my friends, my coworkers, waiters, store clerks-- of their joy. And those are the times I KNOW of... how often have I been a joy taker without even knowing it?

Well, I'm not going to rob myself of my joy by beating myself up about that one... but instead I'l move on to joy-making fun.

My prayer for you, blog family, is that you will have a week FULL of joy! May you find it in all the usual places... and this week in particular, in places you've never even thought about finding joy!

Father, thank you for being THE source of joy in our lives. Transform me into a joy MAKER! Put joy-making opportunities into my life this week, Father. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.