The days seem to be going by both fast and slow at the same time when we think about the number of days until Courtney Grace decides to join us. Yes, I decided to start counting in days and not weeks. I think that's my right as an excited dad. There is such an excitement of anticipation as we continue to count down the days. The nursery is ready to go, we have diapers and clothes on hand, and Carson asks me almost daily when his baby sister will be here. He asked me yesterday if I would let him rock her to sleep in the rocking chair. Carson is asking a couple times a week if he can sleep with Courtney's pink tiger so he can "love on it" for her. That really might be the cutest thing he has ever said, and he has said a lot of cute things. I even made a plan with our neighbors The Greene's about watching Carson at a moment's notice when we head to the hospital. I can't wait for this new experience of having our own little girl dressed in pink and wearing Yoda slippers, thanks to our other neighbors the Riggs for those. (Now if only I can I can find some in an adult size for me we will be good to go) I know we are not 100% ready, but lets be honest, as a parent you never are-sometimes you just work it out as you go.
So we know Courtney will be here in due time and we are patiently and anxiously waiting for her arrival. I always joked that I would never have a daughter because and I quote myself: "God wouldn't do that to me." But deep down, somehow I knew that I would. I have gotten reassurances this week from Blake Thompson and Mike Moore that it's great, and I will have no problem playing barbies, playing dress up, and carrying around a pink (and brown) diaper bag. It's nice to hear that from others who have girls that I can adjust. We can't wait to hold our baby girl for the first time.
grace&peace
Kevin
PS-It's 37 days and counting, give or take.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Being Humble
We watched an I Am Second video this week at youth where the child speaking talked about being humble. The senior high and junior high had good discussions about what it means to be humble. I had a conversation with Lilly afterwards about being humble and the difficulties in knowing if someone is humble or if they are just quiet. Michael and Megan said it is sometimes hard to pinpoint characteristics of humble people. Maybe that is by design and the way it should be. Humble people may go unnoticed simply because they are thinking about others first and staying grounded in who they are and knowing what is important. They know it is not about them. Sometimes we overlook those who are humble because they are humble.
It is a fine line when you try and determine if someone is humble or not. The best way I know how to explain being humble is this. Being humble is generally something that someone else believes and proclaims you to be, not something that is self-proclaimed. I hope that makes sense. If I say I am humble (and that may be true) it carries more weight when someone else believes it and recognizes that characteristic.
The best example of being humble is given to us by Jesus. He could of done anything he wanted such as saving himself from death. But he didn't, he stayed true to God's plan and did not make it about him. He thought about all of us and died for all of us. Jesus healed two blind men and then instructed them: "see that no one knows about this." (Matthew 9:30) He knew the most important thing was the healing of those two men, not the recognition he would receive.
My prayer today for anyone who reads this is for you to be humble. Remember that it is not about you, it is about Jesus and it is about loving your neighbor.
grace&peace
Kevin
It is a fine line when you try and determine if someone is humble or not. The best way I know how to explain being humble is this. Being humble is generally something that someone else believes and proclaims you to be, not something that is self-proclaimed. I hope that makes sense. If I say I am humble (and that may be true) it carries more weight when someone else believes it and recognizes that characteristic.
The best example of being humble is given to us by Jesus. He could of done anything he wanted such as saving himself from death. But he didn't, he stayed true to God's plan and did not make it about him. He thought about all of us and died for all of us. Jesus healed two blind men and then instructed them: "see that no one knows about this." (Matthew 9:30) He knew the most important thing was the healing of those two men, not the recognition he would receive.
My prayer today for anyone who reads this is for you to be humble. Remember that it is not about you, it is about Jesus and it is about loving your neighbor.
grace&peace
Kevin
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
BREAKING NEWS: NEW OLYMPIC MASCOTS REVEALED
Sometimes I just have thoughts that really are not significant and I just have to share them: so in that regard, I hope you enjoy my musings:
I believe that Lego Batman and Lego Darth Vader should be made the new mascots for the olympic games. Both for this years olympics and beyond. My reasoning? I'm glad you asked. The olympic mascots have always been picked on and made fun of and are notoriously goofy looking anyway.
Why legos? They by themselves are different and a little goofy looking, similar to the current incarnations of olympic mascots. Why Batman and Darth Vader? No one in their right mind is going to make fun of Batman or Darth Vader. Batman has cool gadgets and he has proven to be willing to do whatever it takes in the interest of preserving order. And Darth Vader? He has a scary voice and he can crush your larynx with a swipe of his hand. Still not sold? Then how about this. Batman has the Batmobile which is cooler than any car any of us will possibly ever have. And Darth Vader has a lightsaber which is the coolest weapon ever. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. (like that direct quote from Star Wars)
Just a thought.......
Kevin
I believe that Lego Batman and Lego Darth Vader should be made the new mascots for the olympic games. Both for this years olympics and beyond. My reasoning? I'm glad you asked. The olympic mascots have always been picked on and made fun of and are notoriously goofy looking anyway.
Why legos? They by themselves are different and a little goofy looking, similar to the current incarnations of olympic mascots. Why Batman and Darth Vader? No one in their right mind is going to make fun of Batman or Darth Vader. Batman has cool gadgets and he has proven to be willing to do whatever it takes in the interest of preserving order. And Darth Vader? He has a scary voice and he can crush your larynx with a swipe of his hand. Still not sold? Then how about this. Batman has the Batmobile which is cooler than any car any of us will possibly ever have. And Darth Vader has a lightsaber which is the coolest weapon ever. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. (like that direct quote from Star Wars)
Just a thought.......
Kevin
Friday, March 30, 2012
Awake and Alive
"It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him..." Romans 1:16 (the Message)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16 (NIV)
This verse has always been one of my favorites. We took a group of youth to Winterjam in Dallas on Sunday night and this verse was referenced by John Cooper of Skillet. He said the above verse as a lead in the their song: Alive and Awake. The chorus to the song goes like this:
I'm awake, I'm alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it's my time
I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life
Right here, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I'm awake, I'm alive
So when we are "Alive and Awake" when we know about scripture and are not ashamed to share it with others. We spoke about this idea in on Wednesday night at youth in worship and in small groups. When we share our story with others we cannot be ashamed to share how important God is in our lives. Not only must we listen to what God has to say to us, but we must hear as well-so we can learn. This is how we become "alive" in God. Since God is so important to us we must not be ashamed to share that as a big part of our story. So when apply Romans 1:16 to us today we know that God's message is extraordinary and we must be proud to proclaim it to others, both those who know the message and especially those who don't. To be able to proclaim the message of the gospel to others we must be "alive and awake" spiritually to do so effectively.
grace&peace
kevin
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16 (NIV)
This verse has always been one of my favorites. We took a group of youth to Winterjam in Dallas on Sunday night and this verse was referenced by John Cooper of Skillet. He said the above verse as a lead in the their song: Alive and Awake. The chorus to the song goes like this:
I'm awake, I'm alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it's my time
I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life
Right here, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I'm awake, I'm alive
So when we are "Alive and Awake" when we know about scripture and are not ashamed to share it with others. We spoke about this idea in on Wednesday night at youth in worship and in small groups. When we share our story with others we cannot be ashamed to share how important God is in our lives. Not only must we listen to what God has to say to us, but we must hear as well-so we can learn. This is how we become "alive" in God. Since God is so important to us we must not be ashamed to share that as a big part of our story. So when apply Romans 1:16 to us today we know that God's message is extraordinary and we must be proud to proclaim it to others, both those who know the message and especially those who don't. To be able to proclaim the message of the gospel to others we must be "alive and awake" spiritually to do so effectively.
grace&peace
kevin
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Build-a-Bike
We had the opportunity to build some bikes with our youth at AUMC last week. And all I can say is it was awesome. Each team "got" to do some team building exercises to get everything they needed to put their bikes together. The times varied but everyone was done in less than an hour, and that was with the time it took to bob for apples and complete a bible trivia quiz just so they could get started. And then the real team building began. It was great to see how everyone worked together to get the job done. It was a lot of fun to see the junior high and senior high work together towards a common goal. All of the bike building and team building and bike inspecting was fun. The youth worked so well together to get the bikes in riding order.
And the end result of the endeavor is what makes the team building even better. The team building in itself is worthwhile but to have the bikes given to kids in the Rancho Brazos community who do not have bikes, wow. I know they will be appreciative. I am told that they already share bikes very well. How awesome it is going to be for each of them to have their own bike for their bike rodeo next week? The youth took to this activity with such enthusiasm and gusto. We can't wait for the kids to get to ride these bikes this week. If our youth continue to approach team building and working for others with such enthusiasm we will continue to be in good hands.
grace&peace
kevin
And the end result of the endeavor is what makes the team building even better. The team building in itself is worthwhile but to have the bikes given to kids in the Rancho Brazos community who do not have bikes, wow. I know they will be appreciative. I am told that they already share bikes very well. How awesome it is going to be for each of them to have their own bike for their bike rodeo next week? The youth took to this activity with such enthusiasm and gusto. We can't wait for the kids to get to ride these bikes this week. If our youth continue to approach team building and working for others with such enthusiasm we will continue to be in good hands.
grace&peace
kevin
Monday, February 27, 2012
Growing Up
People much wiser than I have always said about little ones that they grow up so fast. I never had any idea how fast until Kathy and I had a little one of our own. Carson is growing and growing and growing. For instance, just in the last couple of weeks he has switched from his racecar bed to a big boy bed. He has used his wits to outsmart his dadda into keeping some toys. He seems to have gotten over his fear of walking on the playground. He has learned that The Empire Strikes Back is the greatest movie ever...okay he may not think its the greatest movie ever, but he likes it cuz Luke and Vader sword fight. And shortly he will begin playing soccer.
Kathy and I can't believe how quickly he is growing and how time is flying by with Carson. It's hard to believe that he is about to begin playing sports. I am so excited about this prospect, but it makes me think about how quickly he has grown. I can't wait to see him in his soccer uniform running around in a big blob with Luke and the other kids chasing the ball.
I'm so grateful to have these moments with him and to watch him grow. And I know it will be the same with Courtney Grace. I know she will grow up just as fast. The added bonus will be we will get to see her grow up with a big brother. And I know Carson will be a great big brother. I am really looking forward to the way the two of them will interact. I even know that Carson will be a better big brother than I was. He will never pick on his little sister.....okay maybe a little. That's what big brothers do right?
I pray that I am able to take the time to pause and reflect on these special moments with Carson and with Courtney because they will be all grown up before we know it....at least that is what I've heard.
grace&peace
kevin
Kathy and I can't believe how quickly he is growing and how time is flying by with Carson. It's hard to believe that he is about to begin playing sports. I am so excited about this prospect, but it makes me think about how quickly he has grown. I can't wait to see him in his soccer uniform running around in a big blob with Luke and the other kids chasing the ball.
I'm so grateful to have these moments with him and to watch him grow. And I know it will be the same with Courtney Grace. I know she will grow up just as fast. The added bonus will be we will get to see her grow up with a big brother. And I know Carson will be a great big brother. I am really looking forward to the way the two of them will interact. I even know that Carson will be a better big brother than I was. He will never pick on his little sister.....okay maybe a little. That's what big brothers do right?
I pray that I am able to take the time to pause and reflect on these special moments with Carson and with Courtney because they will be all grown up before we know it....at least that is what I've heard.
grace&peace
kevin
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Younger Generation
I was reading a book yesterday and there was something that stuck out to me. It stated that research shows that there are four reasons the younger generation is leaving their Christian roots:
1. they never experienced God in their worship
2. their connections are stronger outside the church than in it
3. the issues being discussed at church don't matter to them and the issues that matter aren't being discussed.
4. they didn't see anything compelling in their parents lives to make them follow a similar path
It is unfortunate that some research has shown this, but we can do something about it. Not only can we do something about it, but we need to do something about it. The younger generation needs to be involved in worship. They need strong mentors (both youth and adults) in the church, so they know they are cared about. Tough issues need to be discussed and the younger generation needs input. Parents need to be an example of what a Christian needs to be. Youth need people to try and understand them and most importantly to meet them where they are.
As Christians we can be most, if not all, of these things to the younger generation. Leaders can involve youth in worship. Connections can be made. (Hint: it doesn't matter how old you are, you can make a difference) Issues that matter can be discussed. Parents can be involved and show and teach what it means to be a Christian.
I guess the question should be: what are WE going to do about this trend? Just something to think about, and then do something about.
grace&peace
Kevin
1. they never experienced God in their worship
2. their connections are stronger outside the church than in it
3. the issues being discussed at church don't matter to them and the issues that matter aren't being discussed.
4. they didn't see anything compelling in their parents lives to make them follow a similar path
It is unfortunate that some research has shown this, but we can do something about it. Not only can we do something about it, but we need to do something about it. The younger generation needs to be involved in worship. They need strong mentors (both youth and adults) in the church, so they know they are cared about. Tough issues need to be discussed and the younger generation needs input. Parents need to be an example of what a Christian needs to be. Youth need people to try and understand them and most importantly to meet them where they are.
As Christians we can be most, if not all, of these things to the younger generation. Leaders can involve youth in worship. Connections can be made. (Hint: it doesn't matter how old you are, you can make a difference) Issues that matter can be discussed. Parents can be involved and show and teach what it means to be a Christian.
I guess the question should be: what are WE going to do about this trend? Just something to think about, and then do something about.
grace&peace
Kevin
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