The Amish and Wal-Mart

I'm posting this link to another blog as not to plagiarize. This is amusing. It's always interesting to see the ways companies will cater to the local cultures.

http://www.icedteaforever.com/2006/08/the-amish-and-itf.html

Engage

Yesterday was a good day, although it would be easy to let it all slip by. Our church service was good. God really spoke to me that I need to get active about my relationship with Him and with others. I need to be engaging where He leads me. I've failed to do this these past couple months. I've failed to say things to people when doing so might risk the relationship. I can't do that and be a pastor. I need to be willing to ask the difficult questions if those around me are going to grow.

Following that, we had a baptism service. I gave a short talk beforehand. It was from Acts 10, where Peter goes to Cornelius. At the end, Peter baptizes Cornelius and those in his house who because believers. Baptism is symbolic of our being buried and resurrected with Christ as we are choosing to die to ourselves and live our life through Him. But Cornelius wasn't the only one dieing to himself that day. Peter did as well. Peter choose to follow the Lord into the home of a Gentile, preach to them and even recognize they were beleivers as well. A part of him died that day and chose to live through the Lord.

Last night we had Bible study at one of our member's homes. She set-up her gazebo with a round table, chairs and candles. We talked for three hours, discussed the sermon on repentance that day and what it meant to be in a group like this where we should risk sharing, accepting correction and keeping each other accountable. I felt like some good bonds were built.

Children

We've got my wife's younger brothers and sister for the weekend. See her folks divorced, both remarried, but her Dad started a second family. So my wife, Amanda, is 27 and her brother is 23, then there's the boys at 11 and 9 and her little sister at 5. (Forgive the lack of names, but Amanda's a little shy about this blog thing. That's out of respect for her.) The boys think it's cool to say they have a brother-in-law.

This weekend I made dinner on Friday night (fish sticks, chicked nuggets and tater tots) then we played video games and watched The Muppets Wizard of Oz. Saterday's breakfast was oatmeal cookie pancakes, which they didn't like so they ended up with Cookie Crisp. Following that, Amanda and her sister went with the other women in her family to a formal tea, and I took the boys bowling. Then it was watching Cats & Dogs, pizza out and ended with a couple games of Scene It Jr. Today it's church, followed by a baptism service and potluck. They get picked up around 4.

Now we always have a good time when they come over. We love the kids to death. But man, we're definately not used to having 3 kids in the house. So much energy! I never noticed how quiet and subdued our place is, but it's a low roar with them here. Always at least 2 conversations going on at once.

I feel bad, because it seems like my patience runs thin. It doesn't take to long for me to issue a blanket "Quiet" order. I don't scream, but I'm heard over the ruckus. I apologized and they didn't seem to notice and, in fact, really love coming over.

So what's that joke about other people's kids being the perfect birth control?

Still alive

Yes, I'm still alive. I knew when I started this journal that there would be times of not updating. I've tried writing in a journal before, but slacked off after a bit. This time, I know you're reading this, so I feel some responsibility to keep it up.

I've not written because I've not been very engaged this past month. With God or with anything for that matter. Seemed like I was going through some heavy stuff in May and June and now I'm happy not dealing with anything at all. I know there are still some issues that need to be addressed, but I don't really feel like it. Blah.

As for my relationship with God, maybe that's the same thing too. Maybe I don't want to engage because I don't want to face what He may have me face. Chicken, I know. Not the attitude of a pastor, I know. One more reason I'm not a pastor today. But if I am going to be, this is something to work through. Maybe never completely, but it's an area I've got to grow in.

I've determined that I have a cycle. I go through times of great ambition and drive, where I can take on the world. I take on too much work, ministry, commitment and what ever. Then I cycle down into a time of retreat and lazyness. All that work is still there, but my attitude is bad and it either goes undone or only done half as well. These cycles are both big and small. It causes times of burn-out but also a reputation of not being dependable. Maybe that's because I'm not.

On a personal note (Like that wasn't personal), my friend Keith has left. He and his wife Rhoda and their newborn Jaden have returned oversees. They are missionaries in an area of the world that doesn't really want missionaries. I hadn't had a great amount of time to get to know Keith before they come home this last time. With having Jaden, they were here a good 7-8 months. During that time, I had come to depend on Keith quite a bit. I appreciate his friendship and I will miss him very much.