week-end radom thoughts

This past week-end was a full one for my family.

(WEDDING) It was the 1st family wedding we've attended in a while that included both our kids. Our 6 and 3 year old joined us at the ceremony and reception. I was skeptical of it being possible, but my wife convinced me, and they ended up being great through out. I'm really glad we did it. It's important to participate in celebrations as a family. My kids learn about family, etiquette, fun, relationships, and how to enjoy life in normal ways. It was a great day.

(DISCIPLINE) The day also forced me to get everything for Sunday done by Friday PM. It's actually my weekly goal, but often things come up or my creative thoughts evolve which force me to change things up in a message or some part of our gathering, that I'm always thinking about Sunday on Saturday. I can't help but think something can be better until the last minute. It was a great discipline to pause for a whole day to think about family before Sunday came along.

(SUNDAY GATHERING) Sunday AM I had fun teaching the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) in the context of 7:7-12 & the whole sermon on the mount. It's been challenging to teach Mt. 5-7 b/c though we're called to live a certain kind of life - though fulfilling and known to be life to the fullest - it goes against the grain of our culture.
Doing to others as you would have them do to you really connects to almost every aspect of Jesus' teaching and the fundamental values of God's kingdom that Jesus came announcing.

(MOTHER'S DAY) Mother's day was another family afternoon focus...
MOM'S ARE WORTH THE CELEBRATION!!! THEY DESERVE IT!!!

I still made an effort for floor hockey Sunday night(a bi-weekly thing for me); I would have passed, it being mother's day, but my body and health need the work out. My wife was cool with it (or maybe she knows I needed the workout more). Floor hockey has been a pretty cool mix of guys (Westside, friends of Westsiders, neighbors, etc.)

(MONDAY) It's Monday, kind of my SABBATH. Summer has given me the opportunity to clear my head working outside for a few hours. It really gives me a break in my week.

Tonight, I get to go to my 1st SOCCER COACH MEETING. If you know me, you know I really suck at soccer. Other coaches tell me I don't have to know much to coach 6 year olds. I figure it gets me focused on my son 2 nights a week, gives my brain something else to think about besides work, theology, and routines, and I can contribute to my community a little more too.
Think of me tonight while I jump into new waters... looking forward to the challenge.

Later on, my wife and I have a date with HEROES & 24 (my only TV night which I admit I enjoy alot)