I think God likes to keep us guessing....



I am not complaining at all this morning, but God really does keep things moving. At least, that is my experience. First, Mesha has been at her job for one week and loves it. She called yesterday to say that they are talking a strike and will vote in a couple of weeks. My father's union threatened to strike almost every other year and I think he only went on strike once in 35 or 36 years of teaching, so neither of us is real worried. However, we do find the whole situation a little ironic. In addition to this, I complained a little last week that life was crazy, but this week I have to move my office to the new office that isn't done, start a major paper, plan and go on a high school retreat, figure out a traditional black church that I can attend and then all the regular chores a week brings me! Yet, I really don't feel stressed this morning. In fact, I feel like laughing at myself and the attitude I had last week about life. All the stuff I have is important and it will take its toll, but ultimately my life is blessed beyond belief and I can't help seeing that this morning. Thank you Holy Spirit for your work in my heart and attitude this morning. Thank you for opening my eyes to the blessings and the incredible life that God has given me.
If you get a chance pray that Mesha doesn't go on strike. Again, we aren't really worried because we know God will carry us through, but it would be nice if she got to work all spring. Thanks and let me know if there is anything we can pray for you about.

P.S. Mary Beth thank you so much for the encouragement this morning. I truly believe your prayers are what precipitated this little uplift of the spirit!!!

It has been a crazy week....


I feel like I am saying that every week, but this was truly a crazy week. Crisis with some students, homework, homework, homework, and a sinus infection on top of it all. I am glad it is a new week. New weeks mean you get a fresh start, a new chance to do better this week. It is a pretty refreshing way to look at things.
One quick story from last week before I go. We had a small group night with our middle schoolers last week, which basically means small groups just hang out for the night. This last week we decided to group all the guys and all the girls for small group night. Jesse and I took the guys to Fred Cox's house (former record holding kicker of the Vikings) to play video games on the big screen and eat junk food. One of our seventh graders had the best quote of the night. He turned to me after taking it all in and said, "If God and Jesus were here, this would definitely be heaven." If that is a resounding affirmation of our choice of activity for the night, I don't know what would be! Thanks Taylor for making my night!

P.S. Mesha started her new job today. Only eight hours of work for her today. I think she will be shocked at how fast it goes!

Okay, it has been brought to my attention that I need to practice what I preach and update my blog. (Thanks Lori!!!) This weekend was awesome for my wife and I. God truly blessed us in several ways. First of all, Friday morning my wife recieved a call from Wright County Public Health offering her a job with no nights, weekends, or holidays. Thank you, God. Literally, we have been praying for this for months and God has been good. When you walk close to God and make decisions that seek to place Him as first in your life, he moves in mighty ways to support those decisions!!! Secondly, we were invited to my wife's friend's cabin in Barnum. It is a beautiful log home with forty acres of woods behind it. It was an awesome time of relaxing, eating great food, and playing games. Just what the doctor ordered.
Now it's on to another week with school, work and life. However, I am going to do it praising God because He is good no matter our temporary circumstances. May God bless you this week with His Grace and Mercy!