Gangs in Pickerington

As a part of this LEADS (leadership program for Pickerington) today I learned an interesting fact at a session with one of the commanders of our police department. The fact that we don't have any gang activity in Picktown because we are considered "off limits" by the former gang leaders who now live here. They have gotten out and are raising their own kids in a safe environment. They are living among us! So I guess to all those former gang bangers living in my neighborhood, I want to say "THANKS"!
Just some food for thought.

Wonderful Business Meetings

I am in a business meeting right now and blogging due to a leak of the wireless password. (It pays to know people) As part of this ministers fellowship, different ministers are arguing some resolutions and the wordage of it. Really if you break it down, all of these guidelines have been put in place because of some incident or break in integrity. But I guess as human beings, we are prone to making bad decisions and we need some structure to keep us accountable. Perhaps the next resolution will be to keep people off of their computers.....and that would be due to a decision on my part. I'm just trying to contribute and do my part in this meeting.

District Council

I have spent the last couple days at District Council. This is where the ministers in our cooperative fellowship get together for a business meeting, networking, fellowship and services. It is always good to see some friends who energize you. In life there are 2 kinds of relationships....energizing and depleting. Energizing relationships, are those with whom you can let your hair down and you don't have to entertain them or be the one who constantly gives. Draining relationships, are the one's where you are constantly giving to another's needs. Many times we don't have a balance, and wonder why we feel so drained or burned out. So go work on some of those mutually energizing relationships!

batman underwear

My kindergarten son Kaden stepped off the bus the the other day with his head down and his feet were dragging all the way to the door. He was visibly upset about something. Come to find out while on the bus ride home from school, some kid got in his backpack and pulled out a pair of "batman underwear" for all the world to see. (They were in there because of momma following the teachers recommendation, in case of an accident) He immedietely grabbed them and tried to hide them, but the damage was already done. He said all the kids were laughing at him. What do you say to that as a parent? I tried to tell him that stuff like that happens and that life goes on. Also, to remember how that feels so you don't ever make others feel that way. He seemed to have forgotten the whole thing within a short time and was back to himself.
How about you? Who are you when you are wearing the wrong outfit to an engagement? Or how about when you are the one being laughed at? It is always good to know that we have a Heavenly Father who gives us an uninterrupted flow of love and acceptance. So even when the all world is against us, we can rest in knowing we are eternally accepted.

tee ball

I am now one of the assistant coaches on my 6 year olds tee ball team. Picture this, 15 excited kindergartners in their new baseball cleats, hats, gloves and bats. The ADHD is flowing like milk and honey and none of them have a clue on how to throw, hit, run bases or even a hint of the rules. Where do you start? What are the steps on how to teach baseball 101?
Have you ever felt this way in ministry? How and where do I begin training and developing people for ministries. With our T-ball team the head coach has apparently done this before. He started with the basics....this is home plate. Back to us as leaders, we must get back to the basics. Realize you have to start somewhere and it is going to take time. There will be many dropped balls, strike outs (even in t-ball), tears, and excitement. But this leading others thing is all about process.

I'll let you know how this team shapes up in the coming weeks

bubbles

This little machine is awesome! My kids were having a blast chasing bubbles. It is amazing to see how excited these kids got over soap suds. It always amazes me how some of the simplest things bring about so much joy and fun. Things like balloons, big boxes, paper airplanes and such. Why do we lose that as we get older? When is the last time you enjoyed one of the simple things in life? Maybe it's a hug from you child, a bowl of ice cream or a sunny day. Take some time today to give God thanks for something small today.

scuffed

Training for my Ironman triathlon in September, I am putting some serious miles on my shoes. My old pair had to be retired yesterday and my new one's were pulled from their box. There is nothing like having NEW stuff. So I'm driving and I put my new kicks on and step out of the car to show them off to Gary, when I notice this black line scuff on the front. How devastating! I mean I try to see how long I can go before getting them dirty and WHAMO!....scuffed already! It's like the first scratch on your car, it hurts. But then I got thinking about how this is just life. Things get old and worn and everything materialistic is only temporary. Isn't it amazing how much energy we put into our stuff? I'm all about taking care of what God has given me, but I'm trying to put more of my attention on things that are important. My family, friends, church and most importantly my walk with Jesus. So bring on the scuffs!