Tricks

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to play in the water. We love to swim and go boating on the river. As most people are, I am a creature of habit in that I enjoy doing the same things that I’ve done before.

However, over the last few summers, I have endeavored to learn a few new things to do while being pulled behind a boat in the river. I’ve learned to slalom ski (ski on one), wake board (not very good), and knee board.

Now for each of these, it was a tough deal for me to learn how to get up and stay on top of the water - much less look good doing it. So, this past Memorial Day, I decided that I wanted to learn to do a trick while knee boarding. Tricks usually mean pain for me. But, I was tired of doing the same ’ol thing. I wanted to do a 360 (turn all the way around). So, I’d try - and bust it. Try again, same result. I don't know how many times I tried, but each time I felt like I was getting closer.

Then came the moment of glory. I finally made it. It wasn't pretty, but those in the boat clapped and cheered for me. Here’s the crazy thing. I then proceeded to do the 360 trick seven more times without falling. It seems that once I did it, I then knew how. I finally had to let go because I was worn out.

That reminds me of the following God. Several times we fall, but we need to keep getting back up. That’s what Abraham, Moses, and David did. They weren’t perfect from the get go. Pretty far from it. They just kept getting back up and trying again. Each time they learned a little bit. Made some adjustments, and went at it again.

We need to do the same as we follow Christ. Here’s the cool part - Jesus will help us. We just have to ask. He won’t laugh at you like the folks did watching me bust it on the river. He’s pulling for you. Don’t be content with the same ‘ol. Seek to know Jesus better today than you did yesterday. May we connect people with God . . . and each other.

Reading Queue

Here are several books that I can't wait to get in to:

Actually, I'm almost done with this one. Great leadership insight for any type of leadership position.Check out Tony's blog. 

Be sure to check out the website for this book. We look to do the DVD study in our Sunday School soon!

I think the title speaks for itself, Less Clutter, Less Noise. Can't wait to get into this one. Check out Kem's blog. 

Don't Let Me Go

Just finished reading this book by David Pierce. It's a great story of a dad's journey with his daughter as they grow together through great adventures. They run marathons and climb mountains together. 

As a dad of a 10 year old girl, I want to have the kind of relationship that the author has with his daughter. That means doing some strategic planning to have some adventures together. I'm looking forward to it. 

Haven't Gone Anywhere

I know I haven't posted in a while, kinda embarrassing. I've had some busy weeks, but no real excuse. I took me a while to figure out why I haven't had 'time' to post. I usually post in the evenings - and lately I've been spending most evenings outside until past dark. 

So . . . since I get up each morning at 4:50 to go to the Y, that means I hit the sack kinda early. Not much free time in the evenings to post. 

All that to say . . . I need plan some time to post. Maybe shift it to another part of the day. We'll see. Stay tuned.  

Thursday Evening

This evening, Amy and I took the boat out for the first time this season. In the past, the inaugural boat trip of a season always had some surprise with it - usually not good. However, this year was different. No problems!  In fact, it was quite relaxing and beautiful to see the sun setting on the river. Sweet! Now I can't wait to ski!

Mid-Week Reflections

I can't believe that it is Wednesday already. It seems that this week is moving along fairly fast. Here are some thoughts:

• Watching the Carolina Hurricanes right now. The 'Caines just scored two goals in a matter of a minute. Our family has watched a total of about 10 minutes all year and saw the 'Caines score two in the final two minutes in game 7 of the last series. 
• Our Spring Fest on Sunday at church was incredible. Our volunteers were tremendous! We had tons of guests - out largest crowd ever for anything at Bagley Swamp! We ran out of food - the first time that has ever happened!
• The forecast was for 70% chance of rain - we only had a 3 minute shower that cooled things for us :-)
• I've had conversations every day this week with folks that are moving forward in their relationship with Jesus! That is awesome!
• Our youth group had new teens on Sunday night and today at an after school hang out. Wow!
• Excited about Todd (our youth pastor) getting away with other youth pastors tomorrow and Friday in Charlotte! 
• Yesterday and today we finally got some much needed rain! Enough to wash some of the dirt off of our car - but not hard enough to make it look clean. 
• Might the Braves win one tonight?
• Going to try to get to bed early tonight!  

Latest Adventure

Last night the family and I traveled to see the Carolina Mudcats play in Zebulon, NC (2.5 hour drive). They are the AA affiliate for the Reds. We hadn't been there in years, and the place had really changed. The real reason for going was to surprise a friend for his 40th birthday. Another family joined us and we had a great time together. 

The game started late since it had rained, so we left before the game was over to get back home. That's when the real adventure began. We had been on the road for about 30 minutes when I noticed that the interior lights began to dim. That's not good. Then the headlights went out. Then on, then out. We pull over. We're in a van that won't move at 11pm. 

We call a tow truck to come get us. Meanwhile, a deputy stops to help. The tow truck shows up and tows us 6 miles back to Rocky Mount. The deputy gives Amy and kids a ride and we drop the van off at Colony Tire and then to the Red Roof Inn. 

We get a 'smoking room' since that is all they have left. We check in - the only time I've ever checked into a hotel with no luggage - no nothing. 

I get up at 6:45 am and walk to Colony Tire and the manager drives up right when I get there. I tell him of my situation, so he will get the van in as soon as his tech guys come in. A little while later, they diagnose that the alternator needs replacing. I go back to hotel to shower and we're on the road by 10 and home by 12 noon. 

Several amazing things:

• We broke down near a town instead of the middle of nowhere. 
  
• The deputy gave the family a ride. It really would have been a hoot to see everyone in the van on the tow truck.
  
• I slept with my contacts in for the first time in my life and they were not glued to my eyes when I woke up.  (I can doze for 10 minutes and they usually stick to my eyes.)
  
• I have sleep apnea and did not have my machine. The family did not hear me snoring or having any apnea episodes. That's amazing. 
  
• I had a bunch of stuff to do today - and got home in plenty of time to get it done. 
  
• Met several amazing people that I wouldn't met otherwise. Tow truck driver, deputy,manager at Colony Tire, and the lady at Dunkin Donuts.