The Turning

Last day of 2008. I appreciate the new year for it is a chance to revisit priorities and determine what matters most and what will matter most this coming year. And yet where to start in this re-evaluation and re-determined approach to life is a challenge.

We were in Grand Junction for Christmas (Dec. 24th - Dec. 29th). It was a great time together. Great fellowship. Great food. It's always nice to retreat from life and reaffirm those things that matter most. I'm very grateful for in-laws that open their home and don't mind taking care of us all. And let us just take it easy to re-energize our lives.

December 28th we went to Redlands Community Church there in Grand Junction. This is my wife's parents church. I always enjoy going because the worship is intimate (Piano, 2 guitars, Drums) and three singers. The song selection is familiar to me and yet I can tell it is somewhat new to those attending, at least a few of the songs. It's familiar often because I'm up on the latest tunes. I always love singing new songs (Psalm 40). The size is quaint. Just enough for the regular attender to still meet new people and yet not so big that you feel like you could get lost. The pastor--Joe Gross--is very conversational in his delivery as he exposits the Word (verse by verse).

On Sunday, he spoke from Hebrews 5:11-14. A familiar passage and yet one, I'm guessing, I hadn't read in several years. He didn't read the text, though he covered every line and word. The giest of the message was, "Are you still an infant in your faith or have you moved onto meat of God's teaching and words?" That's the high level look at the text. Along the way, he mentioned some interesting thoughts, one was whether or not we find ourselves living on milk still. He made the remark that milk is a pre-digested food which he meant to say that many disciples are still in the mode of milk-learning or learning from another (i.e. sitting and listening to someone else's quiet time observations from their study of the Bible, like in a sunday school lesson or a sermon). Thus, the challenge is how many of us are actually involved in bible reading on our own and experiencing God through the reading of His word? Or are we conditioned now to just listen to the reading of the word?

Since September 15th, I've started a Bible reading plan. Initially, I followed the rote read the Bible in a year plan. However, recently, as I've started through I Samuel I've started seeing that my reading has become a ritual versus a quest for engaging with My savior and understanding His Words. So, I've started taking notes and in that process, I'm currently way behind on the yearly plan. And yet I sense my understanding of it has expanded.

This moves me to my second observation which is found in verse 14. My favorite verse over the past several years has been I Timothy 4:7-8, "Train yourself for Godliness. For physical training has some value, but godliness has value for all things." Verse 14 of Hebrews 5 has the same sentiment, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Once again, the reminder is Read the Book.

As I turn the year, my prayer is that the new year will include time training myself in God's word so that I can more clearly distinguish good and evil. There are so many choices available for how I spend my time. In addition, as I train myself, I want to train my family. And yet my confidence in carrying this out is not real high. Changing myself is easier that affecting change in others.

Looking out

Since it is called "we are family" I thought I'd post one of our latest family pics. This is on top of Sandia Mountains in August. You can see Albuquerque there in the background. Note: We had been walking in the rain up on top of the mountain for over a mile so you can understand why someone's hair might not be as full as it normally is.

Lord, You choose for me

Within the last 3 months, 2 rather popular christian leaders have experienced the death of a child.

Greg Laurie's son, Christopher, 34, died in a car crash this past week, July 24, 2008. Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, 5, died in May from an incident at their home also involving an automobile. I watched the Maria Chapman family memorial service and was greatly encouraged and inspired by the manner in which the family laughed, smiled, and continued to sing praises to God, in spite of this loss.

I just heard Greg Laurie give a speech at his church this past Sunday, just 3 days after the loss of his son, and he offered these words regarding the loss of his son. He started off by saying, "I couldn't think of any place I'd rather be today than at church, worshiping the Lord."

Then later said "I've said, 'Lord, you choose for me' and He made this choice. And I say, "He does all things well. And I give glory to God. If I could, I'd have him (my son) back in a moment. I want to put my arms around him; there are things I want to say to him, but I'll see him again."

Lord, You choose for me.

Every one we see, He has made. His timing is always perfect. He is to praised...no matter what.

My Greatest Gifts

Just to be clear as we approach Christmas day. God's hand of providence is abundant in my life. He is all and I celebrate Jesus' life and his gift of life to me. And each day he reminds me of His great love for me as I get to be a major player in the lives of these people. Thank you Jesus.

This is my beautiful wife Pamela. We have been married now for 16 years. I'm truly blessed to have her in my life. 17 years ago I fell in love with her simply by sitting down at Furr's Cafeteria and listening to her talk in an animated and delightful way. Nothing has changed. I love to listen to her. Psalm 37:23 says, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." Pamela is a delight to me.



This is my oldest son, Tyson. He's 12 years old and began 6th grade this year. Its been a bumpy ride in his inaugural year of middle school, but he continues to persevere and work hard. He's discovering though that life isn't fair. Hard work doesn't always yield good times. He continues to amaze me on the soccer field. He is becoming a standout on his teams. When I played soccer as a kid I hung out on defense because I was more apt to wait for players to come to me. Tyson's coach can call on him to play any position and he plays each one well, even goalie. He's had some amazing saves this past season. He continues to make great strides in his saxophone playing. He is in Intermediate band and Beginning Jazz. Very proud of him playing a solo at the concert this month. But of everything, I treasure most his great and caring personality and wonderful smile. I continue to enjoy getting to know him.

This is Megan, the other beautiful girl in the family. For some reason Megan and I have had a sandpaper relationship over the years, but this past year things have been different. I honestly believe she's becoming daddy's princess. I'm honored. I love her hugs and the way she looks up at me for a kiss on the forehead. Going shopping with her, to breakfast together, and staying at her dance classes (instead of just dropping her off) have created great memories. She is enjoying her 5th grade status at school. She continues to be the friend everyone wants. I continue to enjoy coaching her soccer team. She is my go to girl for defense when we need to shut someone down or protect our lead. I love Megan.





This is Mr. D. That's Derek to you. Sure I miss the running hugs into my legs when I come home from work each day, but that has just been replaced with me running to him for a hug. There's something special about still being able to pick up and hold your child. He continues to be all boy. He's tough. A bruiser. I started coaching him as well this year in soccer and he's got that tenacity on the field that we all love. He's followed Tyson on his skateboard and at 6, is already becoming quite good on the board. We enjoy his loudness, most of the time. He even reads loud (as I've enjoyed working with him at night on this). This picture is when he had teeth. Currently, he has nothing up front which produces comical enunciations. Don't change D.

So, this is what its all about. I'm thrilled that everyone got my wife's beautiful smile. Merry Christmas crew. I'm really looking forward to the future. Thanks for bringing me along.

Welcome Home

Over the last couple of days I've received a needed wake up call from my two sons.

My oldest son, Tyson, after soccer practice on Monday wanted to pass the ball with me for a bit and I was busy talking to one of the other parents. He launched a pass at me that knocked the wind out of me a little and after I berated him, he started to weep in the car saying,

"Dad, you don't play with me like you used to. You're always busy with something."

Yesterday, I arrived at home exhausted, not so much from the day of work, but I've started to ride my bike to and from work to get into shape and primarily to save on fuel costs as they continue to rise. It's 10 miles each way and coming home is all uphill. Yesterday, the wind was hitting me in the face at around 20mph. So, just getting home in under an hour was an accomplishment. As I'm standing in the bathroom washing my face off, my youngest son Derek opens the door and hands me my baseball glove and says,

"Dad, can we throw the ball out back?"

I started to say "no" but then remembered who I am to my kids--their dad and amazingly the one they want to spend time with and be like. As I'm getting dressed to go play catch, Derek says,

"Dad, I'm going to look like you when I grow up, right?"

I had that on my mind when I watched this video this morning.

glumbert.com - Welcome Home

It's a great responsibility, but at this season of life, my most important role.

Thanks guys.