A Blessed Christmas To All...

Merry Christmas to all I love and care for. You all mean more to me than you could ever know or understand.

Please pray for me and my family this Christmas time. It is a time of many challenges for all of us and stress is palatable around here.

Again, love to all. He is still alive...

"Glory to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth to all Men...

I've been disturbed for years at the trend of people worshipping angels. TV shows, books, news articles...all talking about angels and what they do for us and what they are - blah, blah, blah...

I know that angels are real and all about us. The Bible says that, not me. I believe, no, I KNOW that angels watch over Christi and our kids. Too many times I've seen them about to fall or something else that would have hurt them and for some reason, they don't. A lot of times it defies gravity, logic, and everything else.

That is one of the reasons why I was so struck by this photo and article. Here's the link: http://www.thestate.com/breaking/story/629997.html

I started reading it, admittedly, because of the photo and kept reading because the young lady involved has Hydrocephalus just like Christi except much worse.

So, have you ever had an angel experience? Has God sent you an angel? Have you seen one? I know it can seem out there, but although it isn't common, it does happen. Oh yeah, it's even biblical.

Take that Blago, Illinois taxes, and, ahem, bad weather...

It's official. I'm a Florida resident. I can feel my blood thinning now. I don't know if I can get used to this good weather all the time. Imagine those beautiful, mild summer days in Illinois and having them around all the time. yeah. It really is THAT good.

So, what's next? A conceal and carry permit, of course. Then....a TAN! Woo-hoo...

Which Rat Do You See???

Ok, find the rat in this picture....

Palm Reading...CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

All hail the Christmas Palm!

I was feeling a little melancholy for my 12' tree so I decided to get a replacement for my apartment....

More Beach pics...and a prayer request.

Took these pics while I talked to my buddy Aaron. He goes in for surgery on his wrist as is a little apprehensive about it as he has never been "out" before. Pray for him to have a quick recovery and not a lot of pain. They are inserting a plate into his wrist to stabilize it so be sure to refer to him as Aaron "Steve Austin" Shellhorn when addressing his Lee Majoristocracy...

Get well, Brother!!

Church shopping 101

I haven't been a church shopper in 16 years. Literally. In January, 16 years ago, Rachel and I attended what has become Southfield Community Church for the first time. After serving for so many years and trying to get into the mind of the person looking for a church home, I have to say that it was nothing like I thought.

Because it is the 2000's, I started with the web and searched for great churches in Jacksonville. I also searched for a fellow Willow Creek Association (WCA) church as our church is part of that organization. A bunch of churches came up so I searched sites to look for churches that would be compatible for us.

Part of this move is trying to find a church home before anything else. I am most concerned with a biblically sound church followed by great groups for my kids to be a part of. I feel that if I help the kids to make connections quickly it will help them through this time. A lot of people are not from here so many kids will be able to relate to our kids.

So, what are the chances that the VERY FIRST church I'd go to I'd like. A bunch. I went to another one later, but I was really impacted by the message and atmosphere. Nothing is perfect, but for the most part, I felt like this could be our church home. The next test: bringing the fam. We will go when we all come down here after Christmas and give me the thumb up or down.

The church, funny enough, is called Southpoint Community Church. Again, what are the chances of that? Their web page is: http://www.southpointcc.com/

Please pray for us that we will find our home down here. Thanks.

A Beautiful Place....

Finally. I finally got to the beach today. It was so pretty. It was around 1:30 pm today and I was close to the coast so I decided to take my lunch and head over. Today, it was 75 and sunny. People are just drawn there. I was walking around and there were just a couple others taking a stroll with the seagulls all around.

I'll let the pics tell the story. Just beautiful...

Sweet Home....Jacksonville????

Well. It's officially official... I landed today from a snowstorm in Chicago to 65 degrees and palm trees swaying in the sun in Jacksonville. The two hour delay at O'hare helped cement my decision as the appropriate one.

I'm attaching a couple pics of my corporate apartment... It is SO nice. Imagine, I FINALLY have a nice bachelor pad and I'm not a bachelor!!!

Oh, well.

I'm so thankful that I'm exhausted. I'm hitting the sack pretty soon as the hour time difference is my biggest hurdle. I'm also disciplining my self to early rising since I'm alone here. I HATE being away from my family and lonliness is the only thing that really cripples me spiritually if I'm not careful.

Thanks for all the kind words from so many of you at church Sunday. I cannot express how I feel about so many of you. I miss you all already...

Happy Thanksgiving!! (with a Christmas twist)

Feel Like I'm Falling

By Your Side - Hillsong

THIS IS A CHURCH ON FIRE

There are moments of my life that are so vivid. I can remember the tiniest details of those moments. There are other moments that I should remember better but don't.
There was a point many years ago where our church split. Well, not officially, but around 40% of the people left because the congregation voted to change the name of the church to reach the lost. Bethel Baptist was the old name. The new name became The Church of Rock Run. Did is work? Yeah, I guess it did. People came in the door that wouldn't have otherwise.
After the church voted to change the name, I played this song (I was working the soundboard). It was the true desire of my heart and I really believe at the time the desire of those wishing to change the name that we have a church that was on fire for God.
There have been moments over the last 10 years that I saw God move incredibly. People were getting baptised, lives were changing, hearts were moved. It was a blessing to be part of it, but, as with many things in life, I only see it now in retrospect. I didn't feel it at the time like I thought I would.
I miss it.

The Light of the World

I think that one of the reasons I like Christmas so much is the lights: candles, Christmas lights...I don't care.

Jesus is the light of the world. I think that is the greatest metaphor for Christ. He lights hearts, minds, and Scripture.

Today we are going down to Chicago. We have wanted to go to the light festival down there for at least a decade but either didn't have the time or the money. We still don't, but we're going anyway.

It's probably our last chance to go with the kids as, next year at this time, we will be in a slightly warmer climate. OK, significantly warmer climate.

There is a kind of parade with (of course) Mickey Mouse leading the way. I guess they turn on the lights as he passes. Then there is a big fireworks display over the river and then we are taking the kids to a Chicago classic: Ed Debevic's. If you've never been their, it is great. They use out of work actors to fill the wait staff and they play up the 50's diner slop house staff to the "t".

I love the city. I think I'm gonna miss it. Then I remember King Richard is the dictator/mayor and that I have to pay a 10%(!) tax on everything just for the right to shop in Chicago.

I hate that city. I won't miss it at all. :)

Not much new...

Mom started physical therapy today and I haven't heard how it went.
Thanks for all the prayers for us and our family. We can never say how much it means to us.
More will come soon...

Close Call...almost.

Saturday I got a call from my baby sister, Bethany. She told me my mom was being rushed to the hospital and may have had a stroke.

I almost had one. This has been the 10 days from hell. We lose my cousin, Christi gives herself a 4 stitch hole in her head (don't ask 'cuz we don't know), and now this...

Turns out that she did have one, though it was minor. Her BP was 220/130 at one point. Now she can't drive, has to go thru physical and occupational therapy, and will have to make drastic life changes.

I think it scared her as well. She really is still a little loopy. I think we all are.

Pray for quick healing, if you would. She really struggles during these things.

Thanks.

Time Keeps On...

Tickin', Tickin', Tickin'...into the future.

Two weeks until Thanksgiving.

17 days until I leave.

Time is so...nothing, really. It just is a measure of something that doesn't really exist. Not to get metaphysical or anything. I mean, I can barely spell the word. It's just that it seems to be flying now. I know that it's just in my head, but it still is.

As we have packed up things we've run across a lot of pictures. If I can figure out the scanner, I might post a few. My son, who is almost as tall as me now, was such a happy big-cheeked little guy. Kaitlyn is the drama queen from day one, posing from even her earliest pics. Alaina is a cutie-pie and knows it. Christi is a study in, well, diversity. She now loves her pic being taken.

I used to be thin...I'd forgotten. Rachel is babe-alicious and always has been.

I know I've missed a lot over the last years, but that is the way life goes. We may not have missed too much, but it feels like a lot.

At my sister's wedding last month, my mom got up to dance with my dad after the Father-Daughter reception dance and was weeping. She just realized that now all her babies (yeah, I know, 38,35, and 28 year old babies) were officially grown up and it hit her hard. She just wasn't prepared for the heaviness of the realization setting in.

I know that we all have moments like that and I guess that I am having one as i prepare my mind for the reality that we are leaving all we know except each other. Physically, at least.

I'm the pariah of my family...my mom and sisters are happy for us, but not happy with the decision. My sister even said this weekend at Chris' wake, "So, you're REALLY going aren't you?".

yep.

really.

Peace Shall Come....

We buried Christopher today.

How sad.

There is no grief as raw as a parent that has lost a child. It is a pain without peer.

My Aunt Janice asked me to sing for the funeral today. What to say? Of course.

One of the songs was one I had never heard before written by Bill Gaither in 1976 called, "Peace Shall Come". It poignantly shares the peace of Christ that passes understanding. How can a family move through pain?

My aunt has lived through hell the last two months. In the last two months my uncle has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, her grandmother passed (expected), her son probably committed suicide, and the day after that her appendix almost burst as she mourned her boy and she had to have emergency surgery the afternoon before her son's wake.

Why?

I don't know.

I know that this world stinks most of the time. Sin has made this life a struggle from the beginning and that isn't going to change until Jesus comes back.

Here are the lyrics to the song. When you think you can't go on... you can. You just need help.

Peace shall come

Quiet as the morn
Bathed in dew

Like a day newborn

Let not your heart be troubled

Never be afraid

For thy God has promised

Through the dark to make a way

Peace shall come

Child lift up your eyes

And behold

Deliverance in the sky

The peace that lives within you

Inherits all the earth

See a dawn is breaking

On a brand new day at birth

Amen and we'll miss you, Chris.

Farewell, Chris...

Christopher Wolkow

Christopher R. Wolkow, 25, of rural Peotone, died suddenly Friday (Nov. 7, 2008) at his home. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home, Peotone, and from 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's United Church of Christ, north Peotone, until the 11 a.m. services. The Rev. Bruce Salter will officiate.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ, where he was a member; or to the family wishes.
Mr. Wolkow was a great computer enthusiast. He was born June 29, 1983, in Kankakee, the son of Roger and Janice (Buck) Wolkow. He was a 2001 graduate of Peotone High School. He loved his dog, Terrence, very much.
Surviving are his parents of Peotone; maternal grandmother, Leatrice Buck of Peotone; paternal grandparents, Esther Wolkow Biesterfeld and Elmer Biesterfeld of Grant Park; aunts and uncles, Wayne and Debra Buck of Momence, Lane and Linda Heatherwick of Peotone, Richard and Kathleen Ernst of Manteno, Jeanne Wolkow of Chebanse; and several cousins.
Deceased are his maternal grandfather, Everett Buck; paternal grandfather, Wilbert Wolkow; and one uncle, Wayne Wolkow.


Friday night at 11:30 we got a call from my parents. My 25 year old cousin, Christopher Wolkow, was dead.
It looks as if he took his own life.
There were tons of red flags, but so many of us don't see them until it is too late or only in hindsight. He had major issues with depression, epilepsy, and a multitude of issues from a biological mother he never knew but had saddled him with her addiction to drugs.
He was always more than any of us could handle, but we did love him. His temper was legendary, but we rarely saw it. Unfortunately, others did and may have taken advantage of his forgiving heart.
It seemed that Chris was one of those people that you see them move through their life and they never really connect with this world or the people in it totally. You could occasionally see the "real" Chris in questions that he would ask or in a way he would talk about things. That was not very often.
He and A.J. were pretty tight as they both love video games and wanted to design them. They would end up playing so many games together at holidays as Chris would joyfully show him how to play some games and win ones he was struggling with. Chris' only real outlet was his computer as he couldn't drive because his seizures were so bad.
I'm racked with grief over this loss. I wish he would have reached out to me or Rachel so we could have helped him. With his dad losing his battle with cancer and a court trial about to take place that looked like he would end up incarcerated, he saw no way out. Well, he saw one way and his vision was clouded as to the others. So he left us here in a lot of pain.
I'm not mad about this. Only sad. I think this is a waste. I loved Chris and will miss his laugh and the tender way he would treat Christi.
I'm just speculating, but I think he loved Christi so much and would try to take care of her and play with her at parties was because he related to her. As much as we know and understand Christi, we only know what she shows. She will never connect fully with any of us and Chris, I think, felt that as well. I think as much as we knew him, he never connected with anyone fully. He felt seperate from this world...and now he is.
Goodby, Chris. We'll miss you.

A Christmas Story - Life Truths for Family Life

I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVEEEE Christmas movies and in the top three of all time is Ralphie and his family.
Wonderfully, as a parent, so much more has opened up to me about this movie. All the wonderful interactions of Ralphie's mom and dad are so typical of couples that are married for a while. Their comfort level with each other is rightly portrayed as a tension of two individuals in love but incredible aware of each other's failings. Luckily, like most successful marriages, this tension is only broken occasionally by a little comment and even less often a fight.
The beauty of this is the kids being blissfully UNaware of this tension and just being, well, kids. The scene where Ralphie and Randy get socks for Christmas and whip them over their shoulders is SOOOO perfectly normal.
Ya gotta love A Christmas Story. Magically portraying the human condition in America and sealed for time in a movie.

Dude, I'm gonna...

An artist caught the exact moment that Erik heard that Barack had won Ohio...

Finally...or maybe Finale?

Finally this election cycle is over and the press and the Dems are happy. So everything must be right in the world 'cuz the press says it is.

Obama is an incredible speech giver. He may be the best I've ever heard, though Clinton was pretty good.

It reminded me of a caution in Scripture. You see, many people are swayed by someone who communicates or inspires. Frankly, it can lead to terrible consequences when massive egos are encouraged by following of the masses to their cause, movement, church, etc...

We are told to always check what is being said along with the motives of the person that is speaking or trying to move others to some action.

Here's The Messages version:

2 Timothy 4:3 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.

I think that many churches today are not following this caution. As a Christ follower, you must test the growth of a church and the cause of it. ie: How many are coming to know Christ that DIDN'T before? How many baptisms are occuring? Are they new converts? or children of members? How many people are involved in leading? A lot or just a few? Who makes the money decisions? Does the teaching reflect the change that people need or the direction the leaders are seeking? Are those that leave degraded either in character or motive by leadership? Is there a lot of turnover? Grow,shrink, grow, shrink, grow? You get the picture.

Obama is a big target right now for Christians, but we have many more planks in front of us like these. It is easy to look past them because they are harder to deal with and remove.

Maybe it is just a case of getting older and getting some perspective, but I think that most growth is personal. We should examine our own growth, but also our churches. If either are stagnant, it might be time for some challenge or change.

Barack Obama, for what it's worth, will not have a huge impact over our lives day-to-day. Our churches have a much bigger impact on our growth than any Presidents or congressperson. Fellow Christians, let's move our eyes a little closer to home. Before we attack Obama, we need to make sure our backyards are pretty well picked up.

Finally, 2012 Election Eve!!!

Well, the next couple hours will prove to make the policy for our country for the next 4 years.

If things go as they did after the last election, it will mark the beginning of the race for president 2012.

I may move to France. At least they know how to drop the politics in the "offseason". We don't get an offseason anymore and I guess that I am partially to blame. With the advent of the 24 hours news cycle with CNN in 1990 has come an outlet for every nut, pol, wack-job, and news freak to get on the air and spread their ideas. I watch these channels so you can blame me.

My friend, Dennis, posted a quote by Ben Franklin that stated that when people realize they can vote themselves money, it will be the end of the republic.

Rest in Peace, freedom. Rest in Peace.

The Beginning of the End...

I despise campaign ads... Especially false ones. We are getting a plethora of them these last days of this abortion of an election. My favorite one is Obama's add with the "tax calculator". For kicks and giggles I decided to try it out. I mean, Obama wouldn't lie about taxes, would he? His add says to find out who's lying by going to HIS tax calculator.

I guess he failed to mention that he will roll back the Bush Tax Cut in 2010 and that will raise EVERYONE'S taxes. Hhmmmm. I'm sure it just slipped his mind.

Taxes aren't my big issue in this election... Abortion is. I have four kids that meant the world to me before they were born. In the womb, we played with them... we'd play push the foot when they'd kick and took great joy in feeling these little ones develop until we could finally hold them.

I'm told that because I'm a man, what I think about abortion doesn't matter. Ok, then I really don't ever want a woman involved in anything that has to do with a man's sexuality. Pornography is OK. Strip clubs are OK. Hooker's are OK. I can gawk at every woman I see. No, shut up, woman. These things have NOTHING to do with you. It's MY body and I can do with it what I want...

Same logical process. Oh, but I didn't kill anything/one in the process.

Barack Obama voted here in Illinois THREE times to allow a baby that survived an abortion to get NO medical help. "Just set IT on the table over there or, better yet, throw IT in the trash. IT's crying? So what? IT will just suffocate or starve to death, just leave IT. Don't hold IT as IT dies or try to comfort IT. IT is just a thing of flesh, not really a baby. IT just looks like a baby, smells like a baby, and cries struggling to live like a baby."

I know that all of Hell is bad, but I pray that there is a special place there for abortionists and polititicians that support this kind of heartless attitudes toward babies. Yeah, a BABY not an IT.

I am quite forlorn over this election. The media is in the tank for this guy and the fact that McCain has even gotten close is a testament to some people's ability to think through the noise the media has created. Unbelievably, McCain has had to spend his advertising money to vet Obama and do the job the media has done to him, Hilary Clinton, and every other candidate OTHER than Obamessiah. People have bought this guy hook line and sinker and don't realize he is a professional illusionist.

What you see is NEVER what you get with Barack Hussein Obama. I know from living in the United Socialist Society Republic of Illinois for my entire life. It's all smoke and mirrors so you don't see what they really are after: nationalized healthcare, repealing the second amendment, liberal judges on the supreme court, taxation without representation, and telling YOU how YOU should live, but those same rules don't apply to them. They are the smartest people in the world and you are just LUCKY that they are ruling over you. Your just to stupid to know any better.

I'm glad I'm moving to Florida. At least there are as many people there that think like me as don't. I can have some impact on an election with my vote. I'm very fearful of the next 4 years. For those of you that scoff at what I've said; I have a question: How many Democratic presidents HAVEN'T raised taxes, increased gun control, championed abortion, and told you how you should live in the last 40 years? I'll make it easy for you. NONE.

Happy Halloween!!!

I guess the realization that this is our last Halloween here is making me a little melancholy.

We really have enjoyed the fun with the neighbors/neighborhoods we've lived in. Now the kids are getting older and this is probably Lainey's last "official" Halloween jaunt... Christi will probably be going around 'til she's 90.

I'm the official candy-giver-outer-guy and relish the job. Kaitlyn wants to supplant me this year so we'll see what happens.

Everyone have a great and safe Halloween!!! Boo!!

Stunning...didn't see this coming.

The media is biased. No duh. Anyone with half a brain sees it and has for years. I saw it first when I was in college at SIU. I was in the radio/TV program there and fancied myself the next Tom Brokaw or Mark Giangreco. The teachers were liberal. The curriculum was liberal. The older students were liberal. I was... not. News reporting is just that. Reporting. I have chucked most of the newspapers/stations that I watched growing up.

I am not asking for my side only: I just want both sides presented. If their idea's better, fine. You get the impression that the only way that they can get ahead is to make their opinion/candidate look better by attacking any opposing opinios/candidate.

The Pew research company that did this study is non-partisan, BTW. This wasn't any conservative study. It is the facts.

Next time you watch the news, you need to give the conservative coverage a more discerning view and discard 70% of the liberal coverage. Even then the coverage will be just even. Barely.

BTW2 - When Fox news says they are "fair and balanced", they really aren't lying. Interesting how the other networks say that Fox is conservative, isn't it? Conservative must mean fair. Makes be glad to be one.

"Congratulations, Jeff!!! Welcome to North Florida..."

So began my official offer letter today. So. It's official. We're going to Florida.

Holy Cow!

Now that it's officially official, it's sinking in and I'm exhausted. I guess I didn't realize how much this had been affecting me.

I'll try to post more tomorrow.

WE'RE GOING TO FLORIDA!!!

Oh, man - we're going to florida...

Switchfoot - Dare You To Move

Ears to Hear

How do you hear God?

When you have a big decision in front of you, how is God made part of that decision?

Through this whole Jacksonville move decision, we were/are sliding all over the place. Honestly, the first day or three we didn't really seek God too much. I'm not sure if it was on purpose, though I think not. Mentally we were reeling a bit and unsure. Yeah, there were a few "hey, God, what do you think?" prayers going up, but so much of it seemed to be coming straight from Him. We had mutiple "signs". You know, like "signs and wonders" with not a lot of wonders. Things that really had us amazed, confused, and, I guess, a little confident. It culminated last Sunday with a song that was played (video is on the blog), "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot. How in the world do these things happen?

I believe in signs in addition to counsel of friends and colleagues balanced with what I see in scripture. There is a lot about belief and faith in all of scripture. The easy is rarely the right. One that hit me the most said that the steadfastness of what you believe once you are enlightened (given an answer) is the fruit of your faith and God will bless you and prolong your days, even though you have sinned against him.

Why is God so good to us even though we don't deserve it? Because that's who he is. Our loving, Heavenly Father. Slow to anger and rich in love. That's why we serve him.

I'd love to hear any other stories of decisions and God's place in them (or even if he wasn't part of it and what happened.)

In Memory of Martha Mensinger Husband

In Memory of Martha Mensinger Husband

FactsBorn: January 25, 1905

Place of Birth: New Troy, Michigan

Death: October 21, 2008Place of Death: Berrien Springs, Michigan

Biography
Martha Mensinger-Husband, 103, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, formerly of Stevensville passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Meadowview Gardens, Berrien Springs. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, October 24 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevensville with Rev. Gerald Schroer officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Township Cemetery, Stevensville. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM Thursday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Martha was born January 25, 1905 in New Troy the daughter of the late Michael and Amiela Ratz. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Survivors include two daughters – Lorraine (Paul) Baginski and Leatrice Buck; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Mensinger; seven grandchildren – Larry (Kathy) Baginski, Janice (Roger) Wolkow, Jerry Mensinger, Ronald (Darlene) Mensinger, Shirley (August) Zielke, Wayne (Debra) Buck, and Linda (Lane) Heatherwick; 12 great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by two husbands – August Mensinger in 1959 and Courtney Husband in 1978; a son, Leroy Mensinger; seven brothers and five sisters.

A Wall Where A Door Used To Be...

I'm not usually given to metaphors... They are useful, but so much can be misunderstood from those types of descriptions.

So, I have a wall where a door used to be. Emotionally, I think. For roughly the last 24 months, my heart has been in a pattern of shifting. I've had trouble keeping connections that are years old. I know this may sound weird, but I really believe that God has grown me a lot during this time. Many of my old relationships and responsibilities were based unhealthily on what other people thought of what I did or what they thought I was like. As I worked on figuring out how to be a healthier person, I realized that I had a lot of doormat in me. A LOT.

Finally, I reached a point whereby I began to make my own decisions based on what I thought and what would be best for both me and my family. That created a sea change the likes of which hadn't occurred before in my life. I realized that I had value, I could think for myself, and was free to make mistakes. I'm thankful for that. Some people go their entire lives without that realization and empowerment.

On Friday, we are going to bury one of my favorite people ever; my Great-Grandma Husband (my dad's grandma). She and I always connected. During my surly teen years, she would seek me out at family events and tell me stories that made me admire her: She sang on WLS in the hey day of the 20's and early 30's. She buried 3 husbands and still had men 10 years younger than her trying to get her to marry them while at the old folk's home. Her dad was a traveling Pastor. At 103, last night, she breathed her last here on earth and saw her Savior with eyes that hadn't seen in years.

I'm proud to be her grandson, for sure. I'm more proud to be like her now. More independently minded, interdependently grounded, and dependent totally on God and his gospel. I think that Grandma Husband would be glad she gave me that gift more than just about anything.

Life is crazy. In "Parenthood", the movie, the grandma tells her stressed grandson and granddaughter-in-law that she went to the fair on a date. She rode two rides: the merry-go-round and the roller coaster. The merry-go-round was safe, but not much fun. The roller coaster was scary and unsafe, but so much more fun. She said she would rather have the roller coaster than be safe.

So would I. Time to find that new door.

I'm letting the cat out of the bag...

Surprisingly, no one asked anything about the pics and signs I left... Then again, only about two people ever read this...

So. It looks like we are going to be moving. yep. To Florida, no less. Jacksonville to be exact. That's what all of the pics have been of.

I was offered a position down there that will be a lateral move for me, but one where I will have much more opportunity in the near term and the future. I have to decide in the next two days and unless my current boss gives me some incredible news that would change my mind, it's gonna happen.

I can't believe it. Really. Rachel and I have never lived anywhere but in Will County for almost all of our combined 72 years. I might have lived in Boston for a year or so when my dad was in the service after I was born.

Now we're loooking at one of the best climates in the world with two seasons: Summer and Spring. Hurricanes avoid it because of it's geographical location. I've always wanted to live in the south. Rach has always wanted to live in Florida. The kids are psyched and God has kinda been all over this.

It will be a world change for all of us, but we are actually looking forward to it. Until we think of our friends and family, that is. Then the pain is almost unbearable. Our family is for it, but we really haven't told a lot of our friends.

That is going to be really hard.

We love you all.

@@@

Thanks, Erik!!! This is AWESOME!!!

Brain Nuggets posted this and it is awesome! This must be a church...I've never heard God and Jesus talked about so much!!

!!!!!!!

?

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changin'

I hate change but I love it.

I hate bad change - you know; going backwards instead of forward.

I found out last week that I have to move back into a supervisor role for the time being as our company is going through a major reorganization. You know what reorganization means: layoffs and plenty of them. So in order to "protect" me, they moved me back into a sup role.

Did I mention that I hate supervising? No? Hmmm.... Wonder why?

I know that I should be thankful for a job, and I really am. No pay cut, no changes in benefits, a sick three weeks vacation time... I just am really frustrated because I think that I can do so much more. It's like being stuck in the minors when you know you could give Manny a run for the money. Frustrating.

There is that word again: frustrating. I believe that is the theme for my life for the last 20 months. God is probably just teaching me a new kind of patience to help me grow. Maybe I can put aside my humaness for a few days and try to learn from it.

Meanwhile, I'm updating my resume.

Here Comes The Bride...

Well, it's over. Bethany is now Mrs. Andrew Lanagan. I have finally gotten as many brothers as I have sisters.

Bethany was breathtaking and the day was miraculous and beautiful. The wedding took place at a beautiful private country club in Homewood. It looked like a Tuscan church.

My favorite pic is my dad and Bethany. Two years ago we almost lost dad to a really bad blood infection. It is a great joy for all of us that he has led each of his daughters down the aisle and danced at their weddings.

Happy Honeymoon, Drew and Bethany!

In 27 hours...

In 27 hours, I will officiate my baby sister's wedding. Holy moly.

Bethany met Drew a couple years ago. Drew is a Mokena police officer and for those of you keeping track: my sister is a sergeant on the New Lenox police force and her husband, Ron, is a sergeant in Burbank. So, I have a grand total of 3 cops in the family. Again, I digress.

There has always been something different about Drew from the guys Bethany used to date. He has a quiet confidence about him. He's compassionate and loves Bethany fiercly... What more can a brother ask for? Both my sisters have guys that are deeply in love with them and want to protect and care for them for the rest of their lives.

I've been asked a million times now, "will you keep it together when she comes down the aisle?" and I have to answer only that I think so. I have no idea, but am determined to keep my composure for her. It's HER day, no one else's.

So, I offer only what I can: a prayer. God, blossom a love for these two like that love that Rachel and I share. No honey is as sweet, no oak is as strong, no joy is lacking.

I love you, Bethany. You'll always be my baby sister.

Thwack!!

This scene is from the beginning of one of the funniest movies ever...

The cat part would give Kelly a cringe: see if you can find it.

Apologies for the "s" word, but it kind of makes the scene.

So, why am I posting this? For a week, my White Sox were the old man that John Cleese's character wants to throw out, but he's still alive. In fact, you'll recognize some of the dialogue from my recent posts.

Well, yesterday, they got "thwacked" by the Tampa Bay Rays (Not, but still, yet not quite "Devil Rays" Rays). Anyway, their season is done, but it was a great ride.

I'm not a loser mentality kind of guy, but I knew they wouldn't go far. Not that they couldn't, but you kind of get a feel for team. Unless, of course, you are a Cubs fan. They don't know what ANY feeling is that comes from their team. But, I digress...

Thanks Sox for a great season. You weren't dead until you were and that was awesome.

(Prediction: White Sox will be in the 2009 World Series...)

GO SOX!!!

Justice delayed is NOT justice denied.

14 years ago, O.J. Simpson killed his ex-wife and her friend. Of that, I have NO doubt and neither do you if you have an ounce of common sense. Blood on his clothes, in his van, on site all matched him or his victims. The bloody gloves fiasco got him off and an impotent judge and prosecutor allowed it. The same shoes the same size. A late night trip to Vegas after the murders. A cut on his hand that had to come from a knife not a broken glass like he claimed. A multitude of other evidence as well.

He beat the wrap with a group of lowlife lawyers with no scruples or hearts. A jury with no courage freed a double murderer.

Now he may spend the rest of his days in jail. That is a good thing. He's a thug. A bully. A coward that uses his size, reputation, and rage to intimidate people to get his way.

Thankfully, a man after my own heart, Ron Goldman (who's son was killed by O.J.) has dogged that slimeball for years after getting a 33.5 million dollar settlement when O.J. was finally found guilty by a civil court. In fact, if he hadn't gone that route, O.J. likely wouldn't have committed this latest crime. This memorabilia was being sold so that they could recoup some of that judgement.

Yes, he got 13 years out of jail, free to roam, date, play golf, and other stupidity. But his freedom is gone. His bravado and arrogance is leashed. Finally.

I don't know how everything works on the other side or where Nicole and Ron Jr. are, but I know they are long past caring about anything here on earth. For the families that were denied justice and have had to watch this idiot run free now have a little bit to be happy about.

Finally. Who's smilin' now, O.J.?

A little contest...

One of these was a winner and the other two were loser's yesterday....

Can you pick which one is which???