A More Light-Hearted Post...

Looking back on my posts, I realize that the past several have been extremely heavy.  I feel like I need to spend some time talking about what good is going on in my life.

Leaving my position as pastor is proving every day to be a good decision.  It was a hard one to make, and not one that I made whimsically or even happily.  But the returns from that decision, and the rest I've gotten because of it, have been much needed and wonderful.

I spent yesterday afternoon rolling on the floor playing with Brayson and Mandy.  I watched him laugh at the goofy faces I made, trip over himself as he slowly tried to understand the mechanics of walking (not there yet, but getting close!!), and give the biggest grin when he heard his Mama talk.  He was twenty pounds of pure joy, and I soaked up every second of it that I could.

Brayson's 11 months old today.  1 month short of the Big Time!!

I've spent a lot of time asking some hard questions about my faith.  And the answers I've found have been enlightening.  I think my relationship with Christ, although difficult and a struggle at times, is the best its been in years.  I don't have all the answers, and some answers I may never have, but the journey to find those answers has been edifying so far, and I look forward to where it will lead me and my family next.

Every time I'm asked to step out on faith, there's always that nagging fear that maybe I'm wrong, that things are about to fall apart.  But so far, things have actually been falling together.  I feel....aligned...in ways I haven't in a long time.

God is good, both in the land that is plentiful and the desert place.  Even if nothing was going right, God would still be good.  But, for now, He has chosen to place me in the plentiful land.  And I am grateful for it.

Pencils, babies, Youtube, and kindergarten...

So a quick update on happenings of late:

Mandy got me a pencil set and sketch pad for Christmas.  I picked up a drawing set and tried my hand and utilizing the various shades made the varying hardness on the lead.  The result?  I had a lot of fun, and I don't think I'm going to draw the same ever again.

Went to another doctor appointment yesterday.  Brayson arrives in 85 days, assuming he gets here on schedule.  I find myself filled with excitement and a little fear.  Fatherhood is one of those experiences I always knew I'd go through, but actually being in it is something I can't begin to describe.  Looking forward to next month so that I get to see him on the sonogram again.

I'm sure you've all at least heard about the "Why I love Jesus but hate religion" video.  It's stirred up a lot of talk.  I gotta say I'm glad that at least some of his critics are handling their issues with grace.  Its okay to disagree.  Just be sure you do it in such a way that it shows love.

I've had to use some very elementary school style tactics to get my kids to behave.  The sad thing is--it worked.  Perhaps I've been overestimating the maturity of my students.

Until next time...

Keep Soaring,

B

P90X and such...

Sticking to my workout routine.  Still can't manage to beat 30 minutes in, but I supposed that will improve with time.  I'm not exactly Mr. Lean and Mean right now, so any improvement is worth it.

Got into the swing of the new semester a lot easier than I thought I would.  Its encouraging to not be completely dead in the mornings.  Now if I could just get my students to be just as alert....

Writing continues.  Having more fun with it than I thought.  I may actually finish this one.

Got some exciting new ideas for church this year.  Eager to put them in action and see what God does.

Brayson's arrival draws ever closer.  Got the nursery painted and furniture arranged.  Just need to do a couple of more decorating things and it will be ready.  My little boy will be here soon!!!

Keep Soaring,

B

Back at it...

So Christmas is finally over.  I've been back at work for two days now, with kids supposed to back in classrooms tomorrow.  The semester is technically longer this time around, but something tells me I'm going to blink and it will be over with.

Dad and Ashley came to the house last night and helped me paint the nursery.  One more notch on the pole as we climb to getting ready for Brayson's arrival.  I'm really excited about it.  Part of me wants him to hurry up and get here, and the other part of me doesn't want to rush it.  I'm afraid if I speed up his getting here, then I'll speed up his growing up too.

P90X is still kicking my butt, but I suppose that happens when you try to lose weight.

I'm excited for the new year and the adventures it will bring.  Soli Deo Gloria.

Keep Soaring,

B