A New Chapter

When you read a book, do you ever get to the end of a chapter with heightened anticipation of starting the next? (or if you don't read- you get that way when a new scene in the movie starts!) When reading a book, a new chapter brings about new ideas, parts of the plot, a different perspective, and so on. With it comes the idea of something fresh in the story line or expansion on a previous thought.

In life, we use this term as we "start again" in life. For example- graduating and going to college; graduating and starting a job; then starting a new job for something relatively close to what you majored in; getting married; some go back and finish college; staring a new career; having kids, etc... Sometimes in life a tragedy or "setback" can bring a time where a new chapter is needed.

I am so grateful for all that God has done in my life. I have seen God's hand throughout and especially over the last three and a half years. When I look at God's grace in my life, I can only simply say...wow-amazing! It seems the last several years have brought about new chapters. Some dark- very dark, and some chapters of transition. A few years ago I worked again for Marriott International and the last 19 months I have had the honor of staying at home with my kids. Being a full-time stay at home parent is without a doubt the hardest "job" I have ever had. The kids constantly. Need. Something! (I must say, I have become quite the innovator when it comes to quick tips for having 3 little girls and all the attention and drama that comes with it! When in doubt- Benadryl and leave them in the stroller, lol!!!!) In January I started a second Masters degree online asking God to open doors and guide my future. I have completed 3 classes and will take more this fall.

God has also been incredibly gracious in allowing several opportunities for Sue and I to serve over the last 3 years at our church www.brainerdbaptist.org. We have been able to teach and serve in the children's ministries, serve in our Sunday school class, and I have been able to play the drums in one of our venues. We love the church and are grateful for the chance to worship and serve the Lord with a great church family!

Its now time for a new chapter. After being approached, and asked to pray about it, I will be starting an interim role to help as the church as a need in the preschool area. I am the Interim Director of Preschool Ministries. Sue and I are both excited about ministering to the children, parents, and workers! It's neat how God uses areas in our life to help prepare us. A lot of those days taking care of the kids wondering if God could or would ever use me again- was clearly preparation. While Sue is clearly understanding of what a parent goes through to prepare kids for school, church, etc...and deal with all constant demand of being a parent- I feel like I do too now. I am praying that God uses that to help me in this new role.

I am ever grateful to God's grace, my precious and amazing wife, my loyal and loving family, and my faithful friends.

I have turned this chapter open with the utmost anticipation!

My favorite part of VBS!

To say that there is one favorite part of VBS is kind of hard to do. It's always amazing to see the kids singing, enjoying each other, and most of all hearing the Word of God taught to them. I have the privilege again this year of helping out with the music and giving the announcements. When I received the music a few months ago, I started listening, and my oldest daughter, Madelyn, listened with me. She loved the music last year, and asked if I was leading the music again this year. When I told her that I was, she begged and persisted in asking if she could help and be up there with me this year. After assembling the team, I asked her if she would like to help out this year. She said enthusiastically," yes, daddy!!!!!" So each night this week as we have been leading the children in worship, it has been humbling and awesome to look over to my right and see my oldest daughter, who is only six years old, up there serving the Lord and singing along with us. Each day and each night as we talk about VBS and we pray, she prays for VBS for all the kids to have fun and learn about God. For me, this year, this is been my favorite part!

Wow- what a smile!

As a dad I love seeing me kids smile. It is a sign that they are happy and in some cases experiencing joy in some form. When I see them smile, I naturally smile as well. Its just a natural reaction This week we have been in Florida on vacation and I have seen my kids smile, so I'd like to share some of these smiles with you with the hope that you will take time to notice your families smiles. It also makes me wonder if the Lord takes delight when He sees us as His children smile.