Simon Says

One of my favorite faith-filled movies is Simon Birch...the story of a young boy with a heart of God and the faith of a man several decades older than he is. Simon has a heart problem that hinders his growth and threatens his life. This movie takes a deeper look at faith and challenges some of the things that tend to get in the way of our faith. Among the thought provoking ideas this movie raises are the following:

--God has a plan for your life.

Now, when I was in seminary this statement caused problems. One of my professors said that this is a very risky statement because what if your life takes a terrible turn for the worse? Did God will that to happen? But, the way I view this statement is that ultimately God wants the best for each of us in our lives. Just like a parent, God wishes nothing but the best for us. Now, just like children, it doesn't mean that we'll always fulfill what God desires but still the same God wishes us the best.

One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Another issue that Simon raises in this movie is a question of priorities. One day in church the pastor is inviting everyone to join him and his family for donuts and coffee after the service.

--And Simon asks, "What do coffee and donuts have to do with God?"

Sometimes we get so tied up in what we think is important I wonder if those same things are important to God. Are we more concerned about preparing the donuts and coffee than we are about preparing our hearts to worship God? Are we more interested in getting together and visiting with each other after the service than we are to talk to God in prayer? Where are our priorities centered? On ourselves or on God?

--As Simon continues, "I don't think God is concerned whether or not we have a continental breakfast at church. We're in trouble if God has made the church bake sale a priority."

Another idea this movie raises is the fact that we all worship differently...Simon gets in trouble for disrupting the service with his continetial breakfast statement. During Sunday school he is stuck in the corner while his teacher reprimands him in front of the class. She asks what he's doing and he says something like I'm praying. When she asked how he could do that in a chair in the corner, Simon says,

--Faith is not in a floor plan.

One thing that I think all of us forget from time to time is that we worship God in different ways. Some need to be in a sanctuary surrounded by pews, stained glass windows and the sound of a pipe organ. Some people love to worship to the sounds of a rock band with images displayed on the screen in the worship space. Some worship God in the quiet of the outdoors where God's creation surrounds them on all sides. Some like to worship God by serving others and sitting with those in need as they together hear God's word for them that day.

Simon Birch, it's a GREAT movie that raises many different faith issues. If you've not seen it, I encourage you to check it out sometime...it's a moving, funny and at times sad movie that gets two thumbs up from me.

Thanks Linda!

Our family went down to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area after Christmas this year. While we were down there our oldest came down with the stomach virus junk that's going around. Between his bouts with the flu and sleep we looked around Pigeon Forge.

He was feeling better and was hungry so before starting home we stopped at Pop's on the River in Sevierville for dinner. Growing up I loved going to Pop's Catfish Shack...great fish by the way. We had a GREAT dinner...catfish, frog legs, steak fries and even some dessert.

It seemed our little trooper was on the backside of the flu, or so we thought. He ate pretty well...then as we were getting ready to leave, got sick. With a little bit of chaos, I forgot that I had stuck the diaper bag under the table. (Complete with a bottle of expressed milk, our little one's teething toys, diapers, wipes, extra binkies and spare outfit AND the thermometer to check our oldest's temperature.

Off we went to the border of Kentucky...we decided to spend the night...when we unloaded the car I suddenly realized we'd left the bag. Jim graciously went out and got the things we needed (I had spare diapers and wipes in the suitcase) and we made it through until we got home.

From the hotel I called Pop's the next day. A kind lady named Linda answered the phone. She said she would send it back to us at no charge. What a lady! It took a little while to get the bag because New Year's was in there and Linda forgot it at the restaurant but we got the bag about a week ago...everything still in there.

Thank you Linda!! We really appreciate it!!

Anyone who's looking for a good order of catfish or frog legs...visit Pop's!! Pop's on the River is a neat location with WONDERFUL food.

Milestones

I have been lucky over the past several months. I have been allowed a very special privilege that few people are afforded...I have been allowed to bring our baby to work with me. He has been with me most all day every day since he was born...I guess even since before he was born. We have been waiting for the dayare where our oldest went to call and say they have room.

I had been waiting but not very anxious for the call to come. It came anyway on Wednesday. We went to check it out and see what had changed since we were there about 5 years ago. Some of the same teachers are there.

I know he will be we safe and well taken care of. I know that this daycare is well certified. BUT I am having severe separation issues. This is one milestone I was hoping to put off for a while.

I think I just don't like the idea of him getting bigger. Both boys were with me today and there's no school on Friday...so maybe we can ease into this.

I definitely need prayers.

Loss

Over these past few months but especially over this past week our community has had to face and seek to work in and through loss. Our congregation over these past couple of weeks has lost five members or former members. Most of these came as a surprise, but a few were unexpected.

Some in this community are still working through their loss with the release and publicity of We Are Marshall.

But this week loss was experienced in a different way...fire. Wednesday night, a friend and I were heading to church for worship team rehearsal. I had to make a quick stop along the way and am so glad we did because I think we could've been parked right in the way.

As we drove toward the church, something looked really really bad...there was smoke billowing into the air and you could see a yellow glow. I nervously said, "Well maybe we won't rehearse tonight," thinking, "Wow...it looks like it's coming from the church...but I'm sure it's not."

As we got closer and closer it became clear that it was in the very direction fo the church. I started to get more and more nervous...

As we got close to the church we saw that it was the building across the street. Talk about scarey. I couldn't believe the fire, the smoke, and all of he onlookers who had gathered. So many people were around...crowding around...and many of them were taking pictures...something that I think is kind of morbid. The fire kept flaming up then dying then flaming up again. Finally the firefighters got it out.

The good news is no one was hurt...the building is at least half way destroyed but no one was hurt.

Saturday there was another fire at an apartment building where a lot of Marshall students reside. The building from where we could see it on Sunday looks kinda normal, but this fire was extremely devistating. Nine people have been found dead so far and they are hoping that is all, but they can't be sure. One family lost 3 children...I can't imagine that. How terrible...how sad.

Our prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones, their place of employment, their belongings and their home.

How Did They Know?

I had a funeral today and while we were riding out to the cemetery I had a very interesting and God filled conversation with one of our senior funeral directors. The gentleman has been in Huntington for quite some time...and was very instrumental when the Marshall plane crash occurred.

We were talking about the new movie and he, as so many others who lived through that time here in town, began to tell me stories about that fateful time. He talked about being called upon to coordinate the funeral directors especially for those persons who were from out of town. He told me how he was one of the main resource people for the movie to make sure they got the funeral scenes correct...they even provided the caskets. And he told me he was instrumental in the placement of the memorial site for those 6 individuals who could not be identified. He talked of a former pastor of our church who recently passed away who was instrumental in coordinating pastoral care for those in grief. And then he told me the following story...

Apparently, the six individuals who could not be identified were brought to his funeral home. The pastor from the church where I now serve was the dedicated pastor to meet with the families of these unidentifiable victims. There is a large room in the back of the funeral home...a viewing room...where they covered the three walls with two caskets each. The families came in one by one. Rev. Wallace took each family around the room...and they were allowed to view each casket for as long as they wanted. Then they would have prayer.

Each of the six families came in. Each of the six families were allowed to walk around the room. Each family was given a chance to say goodbye to their loved one as best as they could. Each family came in one by one...by themselves to say goodbye.

After the families had gone through and traveled back home or wherever they were staying, Al and Bob began to talk. Al asked Bob if he had noticed anything unusual about the viewing that the families had done. Bob said he had noticed something, but wasn't sure if he had really noticed it or if it was in his head.

Both had noticed that as the families came into the room, each family went from casket to casket...and each family, as they did this, paused at one casket longer than at the other five...AND each family paused at a different casket longer than the other five. Six families came to say goodbye to someone they loved...each family stopped at a different casket.

Did they somehow know which one held the one they loved? Did they know something that modern medicine could not figure out? How did they know?

When Bob finished his story all I could say as goosebumps filled my arms was, "Wow...that is amazing...that is so God."

GO BIG BLUE!!

Well, the Rose Bowl is about to begin. I'm hoping the only thing that the only thing the Wolverines lose today is the toss. Better luck next time George Lucas. Go Big Blue!!! Beat USC.

Happy 2007!!

2006 has been a great year in our house. After a sad middle to 2005 we found out that we were expecting our little boy just before Christmas last year...talk about a Christmas miracle. Our youngest arrived on August 18th kicking, screaming and peeing and has been a joy to have with us. Our oldest started school a week later. We had a great vacation to San Diego! Common Grounds has reached out to so many people in need of a warm place to get out of the elements and get a bite to eat. Jim's job is going well and he'll begin a new focus after the first of the year.

Tonight it's low key in our house. Our oldest is recovering from a bout with the stomach flu and now has a bit of a cold. I'm sniffling and sneezing along with him. Our baby is still trying hard to break those teeth through his little gums and he and daddy are asleep on the recliner. This new years will be rung in with a hug and goodnight. A little different than years past, but I wouldn't have it any other way. What are you doing or have you done to ring in the New Year?

Happy New Year to you and yours! May 2007 be filled with blessings, safety, peace and love!

Christmas Tradition Number 10

One of our last Christmas traditions is a call or visit from Santa Claus. Two or three years ago Santa called us on the phone and chatted with our oldest. Last year, Santa took time out of his very busy night to come and see us and bring our son a gift. This year that tradition continued with Santa bringing gifts for both of the boys. Our five year old got a pirate set...one that he really wanted Santa to bring, and our youngest got a teether that Santa just knew he needed (he's only 4 and a half months old and working on teeth already).

We took advantage of the situation with Santa and took a lot of pictures.

All of these traditions are something that I hope continue. I couldn't pick one tradition I like over others. I enjoy sharing the shows I grew up on with the guys and hope that these will become favorites for them throughout the years. Baking is something that I really enjoy and with help to decorate the cookies especially for Santa is a fun, fun thing to do. Decorating the tree and remembering times past and places we have visited makes me happy. And visits from Santa are really, really cool.

All of these things are family things we can do together and help us to build lasting memories. All make the holidays a very special time!

Christmas Tradition Number 9

Christmas tradition number 9 is one of my favorites...holiday FOOD! There are several items that fit into this category. Our "traditional" Christmas Eve dinner consists of Heavenly Ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls, and some type of pie. I LOVE Heavenly Ham because it's pre-cooked so you don't have to worry about getting it done just right...and it's oh so good and sweet. (Their macaroni salad is wonderful too!) And it really makes good left overs for the next day and a few days to follow.

Christmas morning it has been our recent tradition to have a rendition of Barbara Smith's (Michael W. Smith's mother) breakfast casserole. It has eggs, sausage, cheese, bread and milk in it...it's very good. I make it the night before and bake it while we open presents. It makes a great finale to the present filled morning.

Then there's the sweets...I LOVE sweets...this year our five year old and I made gingerbread cookies...with the help of Pillsbury, that is...we got the cookie cutters out and made a lot of cookies. He then decorated them with icing and sprinkles and set them out for Santa. We had a cookie exchange at work this year...5 dozen cookies for each of us...they were/are yummy!! I didn't get one of my favorite cookies this year and have kinda missed it...I love date pinwheels. Usually my mom makes some but I forgot to ask for them this year.

Then there are the drinks. I love hot chocolate and hot cider...but the weather here has been way too hot to enjoy those drinks. Last year I thought I had missed out on egg nog because I was pregnant. I got some this year just wanting to taste that thick creamy goodness. My tastes must have changed, it just wasn't very good at all...maybe too nutmeggy. So, I stuck with Coke and sweet tea this year.

Christmas Tradition Number 8

Another Christmas Eve tradition is watching of A Christmas Story. This has been a Christmas traidition for us especially since TBS has had it on for the 24 hours of Christmas over the past few years. If you don't catch it all between Christmas Eve dinner and the several church services we have, you might catch it while wrapping the last several presents or on Christmas Day when the hype has kinda settled down.

The story never gets too old or tiresome for me or our soon to be six year old son. Who could tire of hearing, "You'll shoot your eye out," over and over and over and over again?

Christmas would not be the same without it.

Christmas Tradition Number 7

Every Christmas Eve we spend time in church. One of my favorite things about Christmas Eve is the candlelight service. I love how peaceful the sanctuary gets when the candles are lit and Silent Night is sung. I preached this year for our morning service and added candlelighting as a part of that too. This was because we didn't have a children's service and our congregation is aging so many of them don't like to travel after dark. It went well even though the sanctuary wasn't completely dark for it. It was cool!

Another tradition that I just love which didn't happen this year was during the Christmas Eve service I LOVE to hear the song O Holy Night sung. It gives me chills when it is sung well and at the evening service. I really missed that this year.

Christmas Tradition Number 6

Somewhere in the midst of the holiday season, we saw two of my favorite Christmas specials...ones that I hope the boys will continue to love even when they have children.

The first is Year without a Santa Claus...I LOVE the heat miser and cold miser...

There is also How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon one, not Jim Carey), Rudolph, Christmas Vacation and several others that we love to watch. I remember these shows from when I was little and am thankful that I can share them with my kids. Thanks to the Family Channel many of them were seen this season.

Christmas Tradition Number 5

Each year we get pictures with Santa. This year we did it a little later than normal because the crowds were so big and the lines were so long. This year both boys sat on Santa's lap for the pose.

I continued this tradition even when I was in college. I hope the boys find it as much fun as I did.

Christmas Tradition Number 4

After our oldest got his tree up, it was time for the family tree to be put up and decorated. We've had artificial and real trees in the past. I always had artificial trees growing up and Jim always had real ones. Real trees are nice but quite a bit of work...and I get tired of cleaning up needles all the time even way after Christmas. This year we got an artificial just cut tree that is prelit. It's gorgeous and does look a little real.

We always put lots of decorations on it...to some people too many (my mother at Christmas commented that we had way too many decorations) but I disagree. There's still lots of green showing through...plus all of the decorations on the tree have some sort of sentimental meaning to them. We have decorations we bought on our various trips...our honeymoon, Tampa, SanDiego, other places that I can't think of right now. When the boys were born we bought baby's first Christmas ornaments...our oldest has a train built with each year up to five. We have some of the Christmas glass bulbs that we had our first year of marriage. We have ornaments made by our oldest during school and preschool, ornaments given to me when I used to teach, and others made or given to us by family and friends. I have a few ornament that I enjoyed as a child. Each of these ornaments mean something to us...and cause us to smile as we adorn the tree. At the top of the tree is one of my favorite angels (I collect them) that lights up and holds some decorations herself.

Too many ornaments? I don't think so...in fact there could be a lot more.

Christmas Tradition Number 3

This year our oldest got to do something that I loved doing when I was his age...he got his own tree. Our friend Betsy's dad has a shop where he sells some really neat stuff...a part of the cool things are Christmas trees. J got his very own table top tree and got decorations for it. There's a soccer angel; 2 stars, one of which is a Marshall star; Star Wars characters including Darth, C3PO, R2D2, and Yoda; Jeff Gordon decorations (his favorite NASCAR driver); a birdhouse; a teddy bear; Anakin and Obi Won action decoration; Santa; a gingerbread man; and a string of M&M's. He wrapped it with colored lights before putting the decorations on it.

He then put the gingerbread house underneath the tree. Quite a neat tree, I think.

Christmas Tradition Number 2

I looked at my last 2 posts and realize that I haven't posted for quite some time. We have had many continued traditions that we have done this Christmas season. I will do them as separate posts so I can put pictures with them.

This year our oldest got to make a gingerbread house again. Two years ago he made a real one that was the manger complete with straw (shredded wheat) and the baby Jesus. Last year we made a foam gingerbread house that we can keep for years to come. He's got that one sitting underneath tradition number 3 (see next post). And again this year, I think he was inspired by our stadium cake, we made a real gingerbread house.

Jake had a lot of fun decorating the gingerbread (premade) with the icing and candies...

Tomorrow's the Big Day

A while ago I posted about not being able to go to the big premiere because the ticket prices began at $250. Well, that was before we found out that the Marquee Cinemas in town were offering tickets for that same night at $25. We are going tomorrow to see the new We Are Marshall movie and our tickets allow us entrance into the green carpet to potentially see the stars.

I'm VERY excited and can't wait to see this movie. Every time they show the preview I get chills. I wonder if we'll be able to see us in "our scene". It's the retro scene where they 're having a board meeting to discuss cancelling the football program.

The town is again a buzz...this is exciting...I can't wait to see the movie.

It's Officially Christmas Season - Tradition One

OK, usually I announce that it's officially holiday season after the annual showing of The Wizard of Oz, my favorite all time movie ever. But we were out of town when that movie was shown on TNT (I think that was the station). My oldest and I both missed one of our favorite films...sigh.

Anyway, tonight on ABC another one of my all time favorite shows was on. And this one means that Christmas is REALLY on the way....when I was little I had this show on an LP...and had about all the words memorized...

I had my boys watch it with me and they seemed to enjoy it.

A Charlie Brown Christmas...now there's a classic....and that poor tree...how cool was that?!

Their Aunt Sissy will be so proud.

Thank you, Charles Schulz for a family classic!!

Our Very Own Stadium

Yesterday, Jim got this very cool stadium bunt pan. We got a butter yellow cake mix and away we went. The "field" is gingerbread and the stadium is all cake.

Today my oldest helped to guide where the "people" went and how the field should be decorated. It was a fun and unique way to celebrate this annual battle of Michigan and Ohio State.

The back drop is this very awesome watercolor that Jim got today...how cool is that?!

Even though the Wolverines didn't win, at least we got to eat some pretty good cake.

You Have to Admit It Was a Good Game

Well, it's over...three lousy points and it's over. You never know exactly what's going to happen when the Buckeyes and Wolverines step onto the turf. It was a great game...just as I'd hope it would be. There were a few of coulda woulda shoulda calls that Michigan made but at least they held OSU to only 3 points.

I'm exhausted now...going to cheer for Cal and Rutgers and see how that goes....it's not gone well....