What an Experience

Well, Friday was a day of new experiences for me. First, I headed back to collage and made a presentation for a friend of mine who is a professor. It was for a class called Crimes Against Children and I was to present on the Internet and it's dangers for kids, particularly how sicko's lure and trick kids (yeah, sicko is a professional term, don't ya know). Now I am not an expert in the field by any means, but I have taught a couple of classes on similar subjects and I do spend way to much time online, so it wasn't too hard. Wow, the research is pretty scary about how many kids and teens are still being tricked, lured and enticed into meeting up with adults and getting hurt or worse, killed in the process.

Anyway, after the class I went with the group to tour our maximum security prison. Let's just say, Greg's gonna stay a good boy. It was an eye opener...I had no idea we'd be walking out amongst the general population inmates. I found out you are placed in the prison not by your crime, but how you behave inside. For instance, in one dorm area for the general population, there might be a mass murder sleeping a few bunks away from someone who wrote hot checks. Scary!

As for the really bad ones, we walked past their cells. Yeah, it was pretty creepy. In one area every inmate was standing in front of his door window watching us as we walked through. I guess when you're alone in your cell for 23 hours of the day, anything different is entertaining. The even badder... er, worse...the really bad prisoners in one section started yelling and kicking their doors just like you see on tv. Boy it was loud. It's was a good tour, but I was glad to be out.

So, December has arrived and the madness of celebrations and parties is about to begin. You gotta love it. Well, hope things are happy in your house. Peace.

Greg

Sun tans & Snow falls. What a Week!

Wow, it's been almost a month since I added anything here. It's been a busy November, but I really can't believe it's about over. Time really is flying these days. I was driving home from a weekend camping trip with my folks and just looking at the incredible colors of the trees canopying some of the roads. Most people think Texas is just flat open spaces, but we do have some incredible landscapes if you know where to look. Hills and valleys, trees and pastures.

The first of last week was literally in the 80's and by Saturday the nights were near freezing. As I sit here tonight, not a week from the 80 degree weather of last Monday, there is a thin blanket of snow everywhere. It rained each night of my camping trip. My poor old pop up trailer was anything but water tight. It's seen better days. I mean we did get the thing when I was in Fifth grade and have pulled it all over Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and once to Florida and back.

We got smart and covered one end with plastic tarps. We didn't have enough to cover both ends, just where I was sleeping. Last night I spent the night emptying the jar that caught the water from the ceiling on the other end. At least I wasn't at home. It was good to get away. I've been wanting some seasonal weather and we got it.

Well, just rambling at this point, so guess I'll add more when something exciting happens.

Greg

Come and Gone

Well, another year's Fall Festival/Halloween carnival/whatever you call it has come and gone. It's a ridiculous amount of work coming in, an hour and 1/2 of kids, candy and fun and then hour and the next day to clean up and put things back together. What a blast.

I think this is like our 11th Fun Fest. It was one of the first things I did when I came on staff back in the day. It looks a lot different from the first ones. One year I built a four foot tall maze in the middle of the gym. That was crazy, but fun. Back then, almost no one was doing Halloween carnivals. Seems like everyone's doing one these days, but it's all good.

We had a good crowd, lots of kids having fun and enough candy to put Frankenstein in a diabetic coma. :) I guess I'm going to have to retire the pirate costume and go with something different next year. Any suggestion other than Hanna Montana? :)

Greg

Hard Boiled Eggs

Okay, I was reminded today that I haven't updated my blog in a while. Things are so busy it's crazy...but then that's how I like it. Busy keeps me out of trouble. Busy means I sleep through the night. Busy means I'm not wasting my time on things like cleaning house or taking out the trash. You know, if there's one thing I hate to do, it's take out the trash. Maybe it's because I have to have an armed escourt if I take the trash out after dark around here, I don't know.

So anyway, I got home late after church tonight, but on the way home I kept telling myself, dude go to the gym! It's not 10 yet, you got time. Go to the gym. Well, anyway I didn't. :) Should never have sat on the couch. Of course my satelite's out, grrrr.

There nothing good to eat in the fridge, so I decided to make some hard boiled eggs. I haven't had any in years. My grandmother used to make 'em when I was a kid. I remember stopping at a roadside park on trips and her pulling out her boiled eggs as we ate our sandwiches on those old, painted, concrete picnic tables.

Anyway, I got the water in the pan, dropped some eggs in and cranked up the fire....and went to check my email. Of course, me email isn't working for some reason, and I messed with it for a while. Then I rememered, I've got eggs boiling. I ran back in and sure enough, they're bouncing around the bubbles in the pan. Then I got to thinking, I don't really know how long you're supposed to boil 'em anyway. ???? So I googled it. :)

10 to 15 minutes for hard boiled. Of course you're supposed to reduce the heat once it starts boiling...which I know my mom never did, but I reduced the heat. I don't really know how long they boiled....but it was 10 minutes after I remembered so I figured they'd be good and boiled. And they were. I think they taste so good because you have to work so hard to get all the shell off. So, that got me thinking....can you burn a boiled egg? Maybe I'll see next time I'm bored.

Laugh, you'll live longer!
Greg

Good Things

Well, it's been a good day. I'm continually amazed at how God is using our new ministry, Divorce Care for Kids, to connect me with great people and help kids heal. I've been invited to doing an on-air interview in the morning with our local Christian radio station - KMOC 89.5 FM! I'm excited....er, except for the fact that I've got to be there at 6:50 am. For those of you that know me well, you know I've usually not been in bed to much before that :) Guess I'll hit the sheets earlier tonight.

Oh, and I came home with the Muppet Show Season 2 box set yesterday. :) I've got season one, but I guess season two was around when I started watching it as a kid. Fun memories, and great ideas for children's church! :)

SMile, God loves you!

Microwave Mishaps

This week my ADDish self has been reminded I really need to slow down. On two occasions, I've made major microwave mistakes. The other day, I was cooking one of the 90 seconds, Uncle Ben bags of rice in the microwave. Apparently, I was busy trying to do something else, because I stuck it in the micro and hit 90 seconds and went back in the other room. About 85 seconds later I here something explode. Yep, I forgot to tear that little notch to let the steam out and the bag exploded. Luckily, most stayed in the bag.

Tonight, I got the craving for some popcorn while watching a movie. For some reason, instead of hitting the "popcorn" button on my micro, I was going to do what the bag said and just put in the time. Being the brain I am, I didn't look at the bag and for some reason assumed the proper time for a bag of microwave popcorn is 4 minutes. WRONG! It's like 2 minutes. Hearing the microwave stop, I headed back to kitchen to be greated by smoke. Opening the microwave I got almost choked on the putred, black smoke billowing out. What is it that makes burned popcorn so nasty. Oh, and let me tell you it was burned. I stuck it outside to let it cool and air out. It's been like four hours and my house still reaks of burned popcorn.

Okay, that's about as exciting as my weekend has been...I'm blogging about blowing things up in the microwave. Anyway, hope your cooking is less explosive and smells better!

L8r.

What a Month!

Wow, what a month July was! Boy was it packed, and did it ever fly. I was blessed to return again to speak for Katie's Kids Kamp for one and a half sessions. Following up camp, I led my first two workshops at ACU's Summer Workshop. It was a new experience, to say the least, to be presenting to a room of peers in the ministry to children. Of course, I spoke on multimedia in ministry, so it was pretty easy and quite enjoyable.

For a while, I was afraid no one was going to show up for my first one, but as time approached, in they came. It was cool! They stayed, asked questions and seemed to be pleased at the end. Most stayed for my second workshop while new people came in. Oh, and my computer actually worked the whole time, which is always a plus when speaking on using media like computers.

A great first workshop...I'd doing it again. July has really arrived and gone in a matter of moments, but I am quite ready for August. New challenges and experiences await as we journey into Divorce Care for Kids. Not quite sure where the Lord is leading me, but wow, what a journey!

May your August be blessed from the only source of true blessings...Jesus Christ.

Random thoughts that make you go....hmm.

1. Why can I spill one drop of red cool-aid on my counter and wipe it up immediately...and it's already left a stain? HMM?

2. Where does the lint come from in the drier? Are my clothes deteriorating? And why hasn't someone created a machine to put it back? HMM?

3. If an elephant laughed while drinking milk, where would the milk come out of? HMM?

4. Who decided grass was grass and weeds were weeds? Maybe we have it backwards. Grass is much easier to kill than weeds...maybe I'm trying to kill the wrong thing. HMM?

5. If a clown staring at himself in the mirror, laughs himself to death, is it suicide? HMM?

Okay, that was a pretty dumb post, but I've nothing enlightened to say, so there you go.

Another Summer Camp for the books

Well, it sure is nice to be back in my house and sleeping in my own bed. Camp was really good, inspite of the rain (at least the temperature was great!). We had some great teens and adults as staff and a great bunch of kid campers. I rode a horse more than I have in my entire life. I was the one who took the campers over for the trail rides and got to ride along three days. I only fell off once. :)

Wouldn't have been so bad, but I was riding double with a nervous camper. About five minutes in, I felt the saddle start slipping and off we went, down to the ground and then sliding down under the horse. Luckily, the horse was huge and all he wanted to do was stop and eat, so as we slid down under him, he stopped and started eating. WOW, that was an experienece - we were muddy, a little shocked, but okay and we finished the ride (though we stopped twice more to get the saddle retightened). Seemed the rain was soaking everything, and caused our saddle to slide.

We finished camp with big mud puddles, lots of great pictures (over 3000 of 'em) and great memories of another year.

Weird shopping trip or Normal Children's Ministry Supplies

I always love heading to Wal-Mart about 10:00 PM on a Children's Ministry shopping trip. I can usually guarantee the weirdest buggy full of stuff in my line - if not in the store. Sometimes kids stare and drool over my basket of toys. Other time like tonight, the checker's looks are priceless.

So, what did tonight's pre-camp shopping yield? Water balloons, plug strips, 2 skateboard helmets, 2 small plastic trash cans, four bathroom plungers, a waterballoon slingshot and wiffle balls. Pretty tame, don't you think.

Hope your summer has started out well! I'm prepping for camp and some crazy activities to go along with the Bible study, and worship with a great group of kids - they always are. We're praying the rain stays away for camp! Take it easy, and maybe I'll see you at Wal-Mart some night!

L8ter,
Greg

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

I heard the Billy Ray Cyrus song, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" on the radio the other day. I hadn't heard it in a while. What a song.

Because of two meetings that got dismissed or moved, I had the opportunity and honor to ride with the Patriot Guard to Vernon today for the funeral service of one of our soldiers who was killed in Iraq last week. The Patriot Guard are motorcyclists who travel to the funerals of our fallen soldiers and veterans. The riders hold large American flags at the church and/or cemetary.

The reason for the Patriot Guard is to be a line of support for the family of the fallen soldier. Who are they being shielded from? Americans (well that's debatable) that's who. Demonstrators at funerals, in our country…I just can't get my mind around the mentality of a person….I'll stop, because it won't be pretty. Any way, the Guard position themselves between any protestors and the family - (note: there were no protestors to disturb the funeral service)

It was something to see riding from the church to the cemetery and seeing flags everywhere, people lining the streets in support. There were something like 86 ½ bikes (one sidecar) and probably 100 to 150 flag holders. I had never been to a full military funeral before, it was something else. Of course, there were flags everywhere but also military presentation complete with buglar playing Taps, a Highlander playing the bag pipes, and a 21 gun salute.

There was also a guy, I believe from Abilene, Texas with replica of the Liberty Bell that was hung between two large stone tablets with the Ten Commandments on them (it all filled a large flatbed trailor). He rang the bell, both at the church and the cemetary - I partially heard that that all the rings represented things.

I did forget my sunscreen (left in a hurry) and my face is burnt to a crisp, but it was an honor to honor someone who gave his life for my freedom. May God protect our troops and bring them home safe and soon.

What a Rip!

I have to share this!

Today, after a meeting I returned to my office to find a message on my phone. I punched up and received a message that I, Pastor Stanford (obviously doesn't know me) was being invited to have dinner with a congressman and President Bush. (SHOCK!)

Okay, first I thought it was a joke. After lunch I googled the congressman's name and the "organization" responsible....(More shock) they were all real and acurate.

So, I called the number and someone from the named organization answered. At this point, I was like, dude, I might be having dinner with the President (no way). So she tells me who they are, what it is and then has me listen to this recording from the congressman...okay, a little weird, but I'll bite. They want info from ordinary citizens on taxes and small businesses (I pay lots of taxes, and my business is pretty small). Then, I'm back to the lady on the other end. Now, here's the kicker. She then informs me of their plan to have all "new members" (I was to join this new council, of course) have their name listed on a major national newspaper page, and of course all members were being asked to contribute................ $500.00. Of course I could make two payments of $250.00 over two months (just nice and matter of fact).

Then comes my nice, polite, dignified answer...."What? I don't have that kind of money to donate." She then understandingly comforts me and says, well yes they understand it is a lot with such short notice and that a donation of one or two hundreds dollars.....[chuckle] .... Okay, then I was less dignified... I mean come on, they're wanting true, small businessmen to discuss the struggles of high taxes and such. So I said, "I'm a children's minister in a small Texas church. I pretty well live paycheck to paycheck." I mean, they did call me at my church office, it's not like they hadn't done some checking. And then she was....

"Oh, I'm sorry...CLICK."


What?....???? Yeah, that was it. No donation, then don't even think about this dinner. Oh, and it was in Washington - so I'm sure I'd be flying myself there, taking care of all my lodging. But yeah, any ordinary citizen, who is involved in any kind of small business is going to drop $500.00 for a newpaper add (or to line someone's pocket) then fly off to Washington to eat probably a $100.00 plate meal in maybe the same building as the President.

So as I hung the phone up, I was like what a rip! This is yet another reason I have nothing to do with politics.These people don't live in the real world, and apparently have no clue how real people live, but of course they're going to start some organization to hear what we think, if we can afford to pay them to listen.

You know, I have no favorites in government...none, but I sure hope these folks have little to do with our President, though they are some how connected to some Republican thing. Okay, I guess I feel a little better.

Last note: If you leave me a comment that's great, but if it's some political statement....I'll delete it. You see, that's my freedom. If you want to know who these folks are, just email me. Figured if I posted it, my dog would end up dead or something (wait, I don't have a dog). Maybe my taxes would go up, wait they already have.

Totally Random Coffee Blog

Okay, my head is about to explode from sinus pressure, so along with every home-remedy, I've been stewing over hot cups of coffee. So, rather then dwell on the pain, here's what you get (remember, I'm hopped up on every sinus, allergy and pain medicine I've got, plus lots of coffee!)

1) My favorite coffee: Cafe Mocho from the coffee shop in Union Station, Kansas City, MO.

2) I've been given a coffee maker on two different Christmases (is there a plural for Christmas?)

3) I grind my own coffee beans.

4) I love the smell of French Roast Vanilla Coffee Beans.

5) I once got carded at WalMart for buying a large bottle of vanilla coffee syrup (had to explain it wasn't alcohol). Oh yeah, and I was like 30. :)

6) Fill it to the rim, with Brim!

7) I've never been to a Starbucks (GASP!)

8) I own a regular coffe maker, a one cup instant maker, a capachino/expresso machine and a small travel maker (I know, I have a problem).

9) Unless I'm somewhere special, I only drink coffee at night.

10) I can drink a entire pot of regular coffee right before bed and sleep like a baby (I cry a lot and wet the bed - JK!).

11) Good coffee means lots of sugar, some cream and vanilla syrup.

12) Okay, if you're still reading this... you're as bored as I was when I wrote it. Why not have a cup of coffee?

The Five Factor Personality Test

Okay, these things always weird me out, because after just a few choices, it has nailed me down pretty well. What do you think (if ya know me)?

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

A Peak Inside My Twisted Mind

The other night, I tripped on something in the park and fell full out on the asphalt. Here is my thought process while tripping and falling in the parking lot.

Tripping: Something’s not right here.

Still tripping: Hey, I’ll just step faster and catch up with myself.

Falling: Apparently I’m not that fast anymore.

Mid-Fall: This is going to hurt.

Seconds after hitting the concrete: I was right. It hurt.

Laying on the ground: Hope no one saw me. Nope they didn’t. Good.

Still laying on the ground: No one saw me, but what if I can’t get up? I better get up.

Mid-Stand: Yep, still hurts.

Standing in the parking lot: I better not have torn these good jeans.

Checking out my knees: Nope, no holes. You know, I could be bleeding. That’ll stain!

My first steps: Yep, definitely hurts.

More steps: I don’t remember falling hurting like this.

Few more steps: What if I did some real damage? I’ll walk it off.

Walking to my truck: Who ever thought up this “walk it off” idea was an idiot!

Clowns in Heaven

Today I attended the funeral of a sweet friend and fellow clown. BJ or Lollipop, as she was also know, was the perfect example of a Christian lady. I knew her very little, but she was such a wonderful person. Lollipop and I belonged to the same Clown Alley (club) and had worked together making balloons and entertaining kids.

It was one of those funerals where you were sad because she was gone, but happy because she was a lady of such faith, everyone knew she was truly "home." She longed for heaven, and at the young age of 78, she is twisting balloons and greeting the new comers at heaven's gate.

You will be missed, Lollipop, but we will see you again someday.

Greg "Zoots"

God's Still Working on Me

It's amazing. If you read my previous post, you know God is putting things into place for me to begin a Divorce Care for Kids program at my church (the adult program will also begin). One thing I mentioned was the need for God to clear room in my schedule - He did that tonight.

The more people I talk to about DC4K, the more they are excited about how many kids can be helped. I've talked with some adults who were kids when their parents divorced and they've said how much the program would have helped them and/or siblings.

So, what' s next? Prayer. Order the material. Prayer. Other leaders to be recruited. Prayer. Go through the training material and probably more prayer. So, add me to your prayer list and let's see how God impacts the lives of hurting children here in WF, TX with DC4K (did you get all that?).

God hit me with a hammer today!

Wow. I don't think I've experienced anything like what happened to me this morning (Sunday). I don't mind saying that from time to time I stress (or panic) over whether I'm truly doing what God has gifted and desired for me to do. I know it's good and an important job being a Children's Minister, but for so long before, I was working and helping kids who were hurt and abandoned by this world. I've held hurting kids who have been abused, and molested by parents, family members and friends. From time to time, I fear that I am not using those talents to help the one's that most need that help. Saturday was just such a day. An entire day of dread and sick feelings. What am I supposed to be doing? Is this it?

I had just recently met a lady with a program for kids hurt by divorce. The thought of leading such a group made my soul jump. I talked with others that I work with, they thought it was a good idea, a much need program. But do I need another addition to an already full week? Was this something I needed to do, that I was supposed to do? How do you know? I know pray. I did. I'm not always a great waiter. Oh, and it was going to cost money for the material. Money I didn't have now, money that wasn't in my Children's Ministry budget.

You know before, I've prayed and I guess many times did my own thing - praying God would bless it (that's the prayer I've heard modeled), and he did most of the time. But to be led by God. How does that work. I'm not sure how often I've really waited for God. How do you know?

Well, after a long, lonely Saturday....Sunday arrived. After a Family Bible Class, I just wanted to get up to Children's Church and head home. But God yelled, "WAIT!"

Before I made it to my office, someone handed me a check and said "This is for your ministry." I said thanks, put the folded check and my pocket and walked into my office. Out of sight, I opened the check. It was $5.00 more than the total cost of all the start up material for the Divorce program for kids - I'm talking all the material, even the shipping. I was a bit shocked and putting the check up, stepped out of my office. But God wasn't through with me. I guess, just in case I thought it was a coincident.

Waiting outside my office was a teacher and two preschool girls. In their hands was a poster that said, "Greg, thank you for what you do for us." It was covered in tiny hand prints.

Have you ever been kicked in the stomach? That was kind of the feeling. Not pain, but like an intense feeling washing over you. I thanked the teacher and retreated back into my office. I think this was the first time I've ever cried at church. Wow. I have never... never experienced God like that. The reassurance again, that "yes, you're doing what I need you to do," and that "yes, there is room for my passion to help kids in and outside of the church." My burden for helping hurting kids is God's burden!

So what's next? I don't know. I guess since he sent the money, I'll order the material for the divorce care for kids and then see how God clears or arranges my schedule in my totally full week for this chance to do what I'm supposed to do. I am also now praying that God leads the people he has picked out to help me with this program - there are so many kids hurting from divorce in and outside of the church walls. I value your prayers.

I pray God's blessing is on your burden, your passion and works in equally amazing ways in your life.

May God bless,
Greg

Bye-bye California

Well, I'm about to start packing up my suitcase to catch my flights home, in the morning. It's been fun. Today a friend and I took to the streets of San Diego to take in a few sites.

We spent a couple of hours on board the USS Midway. This was really cool. It's a retired aircraft carrier - like my dad was on (the USS RANGER). It was pretty wild - and really big. The flight deck was pretty incredible. It was pretty big, but I'd hate to try to land a plane on it - and if my try at the flight simulator today was any indication of my flying skill, there's no chance of me ever getting the chance!

Next we headed to our 2nd place to visit - the San Diego Zoo. Guess what, they were closing in 5 minutes! It was like 4:00 PM. RATS!!!! So, since I'd never been to the beach, we decided to try to navigate our way to one. After playing with the GPS, we found our way to one! Soon, we found our way to the longest pier on the West Coat - seriously! I took some pictures and video and as we were about to head back, so guy said, "Hey, those guys are fighting with a shark!" We turned and watched as some guys with a big, deep sea fishing pole fought to get control of what turned out to be a shark, about 5 or 6 feet long. They dropped a rope with hooks on it, and after it had hooked, the shark spun and wrapped the rope around it. After another rope and hook, they slowly pulled the big ol' thing up the to the top of the pier! I think they were about as suprised as everyone!

So, now as my internet is about to expire, I will try to load all the junk I've bought at my conference into my suitcases and get some rest. So far, all my flights are a go. After the struggle my friends had to get out here because of wind storms in Dallas, I'm just praying for another easy flight. It's been raining off and on today, and a quite cloudy. Other than, that it's been a fantastic day! Well, gonna run - got some packing today. It's been fun, but I'm ready to be home. The Lord's been working on me this week, and I've got stuff to do.

CPC Coming to an End, a Little Cali Fun

Last full day of CPC, now for some Cali fun!

Well, tomorrow morning wraps up yet another Children's Pastor's Conference. There have been some really great speakers that really have made me think both personally and professionally/ministerially (not sure that's a word). I've taken in some good workshops that have made me rethink my teaching and why things work and what thinks I've done poorly on. Other workshops left me thinking, wow, I'm okay.

Tomorrow I'll hit San Diego for some sight seeing with a friend. I can't say I'm looking forwad to packing up all the extra stuff I've bought here when I fly out. Hopefully all will go smoothly and my flights when work the way their supposed to and all. I'm sure they will.

Another good day here in California. Hope everyone else is just as blessed. Just about time for bed 'cause I've got to be up at 8:00 for the last session. Later.

First Full Day of CPC 2007

Well, today was the first full day of the 2007 Children's Pastor's Conference in San Diego (yep, I'm in California if you didn't know!). Luckily, I came out a bit early - while my friends who planned to come up on Sunday found themselves stuck in DFW airport waiting on a wind storm that closed down DFW and then racing across country to get here! (Yea! Kendra & Alison - ya beat Casey, who did finally show up).

Well, it's been a full day. Things kick off with classes at 8:30 AM and wrap up around 10:30 PM after some magic, music and the incredible ventriloquism of Dennis Lee (Yeah, it's probably not spelled right, be I never said I could spell). One of the great speakers challenged us to teach kids the truth and to insulate them from the world, not isolate them. Otherwise, when they do meet reality, they are prepared and grounded in their faith. And finally, God is so great and Jesus loves you. So tell someone!

That's about it. Oh, I hate having to pay for internet - so crazy when cheap hotels have it free and an expensive one like this charge! But I'm okay.

Yeah, okay so I've got some cool stuff - just wait til I get back! Mostly some really great ideas and a recharge for me and my ministry. Well, hope all is well and Texas has recovered from the wind!

A Day of Firsts

Well, what a day of firsts! Today I flew in my first plane (actually two planes), road around San Diego on a trolley (quiet the experience!) and oh, came to San Diego, California. It's been a good day.

Okay, the hotel room's a little goofy, and it seems like my favorite conference is getting shorter and shorter but it's good to be here. This has always been such a great recharge for me personally and for my ministry and I'd say right now both need some recharging. My prayer is that I come out of this a stronger Christian, a better person and more experienced Children's Minister. Oh, and I really want to have a good time!

Well, can't wait for some of my Wichita/Dallas friends to fly in tomorrow. Things are so much better with friends around. I'm kickin' back in my hotel room tonight. I tried my hand at the San Diego trolley system and well....it was a bit confusing, but kind of got the hang of it, even though I was to late to see the USS Midway like I had planned. I got within three blocks of it, but only had like 30 minutes til it closed, so hopefully I will get down there for a couple of hours on Tuesday and then take in the Zoo. Those are my two goals outside of the conference.

Yeah, my first plane rides went well. No fears, no throwing up at 30,000 feet. BONUS! Actually, it was quite cool! I liked it - except for the turbulence coming in for a landing. Dallas was bad, but California was nuts. The whole plane like dropped a foot or so more than once. It was crazy!

Yeah, and I come to California...and it's warmer in Texas. I'm wearing a coat here...and Texas was nice when I left - though according to Justin, it's starting to storm tonight.

Well, gonna sign off. Couldn't get my video to upload to my laptop tonight - though it was just my room -woo hoo! :) Hope you have a good one!

California or Bust!

Well, in a few short hours I'll board my first plane and head across the country to California for this year's Children's Pastor's Conference. It's one of the biggest highlights and recharges of my year. Yeah, so this is my first flight. I think I'm less nervous of the actual flying and more of all the junk that goes into it. You know boarding passes, security checks, how many ounces of fluids are in the stuff you got packed. All those fun post-911 things.

But with all that aside, I'm pumped! And dead tired. Why in the world am I blogging at this hour! Gotta go. Check back for my Cali-blogs!

A Crazy Few Weeks

Wow, so much has been going on since my last blog, not that it was that long ago. Most of it has nothing to do with each other.

I lost my grandmother this month. She passed away after living 77 years on this earth. Boy did she live! She is sorely missed, but I know she's with loved ones and will never, ever hurt. We love you Nannie!

On another totally random note, I finally got an IPOD yesterday. Yeah, it's cool! I'm totally a gadget guy (but wow are they expensive). I did go for the video pod and am working hard to get all my music on it. I'm a bit frustrated with the whole itunes thing - still got to figure a few more things out! But it's cool!

Apparently I got a virus on an old computer I had networked on to my main home computer and it was sending spam emails out like crazy 'cause now my kidminister addresses are all blocked! FRUSTRATION!!!! I've been working to get my IP off all these spam databases FRUSTRATION!!!

I got two really fun emails connected to my Kidminister website. This is my personal site which is all about Children's ministries. It's goal is to be a resource to other kid ministers. I got an email from someone in Holland and another from Utah. What a joy to know the site is helping others - plus it's really cool to hear from people across the country and around the world. Which means I really need to get that page updated.

Well, guess that's about it. I'm getting primed to take my first flight to California (first time to fly and go to CA). I'm totally ready (okay, not really, but I like to think I am). I guess that's it for this go round! God Bless.

Met some more of my neighbors....

For most people the sight of red and blue lights flashing through the living room window means trouble....for me it just means I'm going to be meeting some more neighbors.

Yes, once again I found my self side by side strangers who live around me as police and this time fire trucks close off my block. About 2:00 AM this morning I noticed the lights and then the smoke. One of the houses at the other end of the block had caught on fire. I can't say I've ever seen smoke cover a block like that. We were hoping everyone was okay, and we didn't see any ambulances out.

I only stayed out in the cold and the rain about twenty minutes, we didn't want to get to close or in their way. Back inside where it's warm, I had to double check all my heaters. Still no snow here, just cold and rain.

You'd think the rain would help put out the fire, but I guess it just makes it more of a mess, seeing that they're all still out there.

California Here I Come

Well, today I finally made my arrangements for my upcoming trip to San Diego. Who knew Children's Ministry would be taking me to so many cool, new places. I'm heading to this year's Children's Pastor's Conference and flying for the first time to get there.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous making the arrangements for the flight, but more excited. I do wish I was flying out with some other people, but I've got pretty used to doing things alone. At least I'll have some good friends to meet up with when I get there.

It will be nice to hang out in some nice weather, as I leave Texas in February. Of course, it could be 70 degrees and sunny here, or icy and freezing. Who knows. Anyway, you'll have to check my blog near the end of February for some Cali-blogs. Maybe I'll get inspired to write something ... inspiring.