Catching up

Well, I've done a pretty rotten job of keeping up to date in this blog. Even though I am the only one who ever reads this, I like to imagine that there are many out there who live their lives waiting for my next post. We both know that's entirely fictional.
Random thoughts:
Lot of snow and cold. School cancelled since Wednesday, so really long weekend considering Monday is MLK day. Trying to change insurances to something with more coverage and something with dental too. It amuses me hearing about all the excitement leading up to "the first black president". More hype and build-up, more impossible expectations, more failure to live up to same impossible expectations, more disappointment, more searching for a "savior": my predictions concerning the 44th president. Just went to a men's prayer breakfast this morning, enjoyed the candid conversations. Need to get the door to our minivan fixed because it won't latch shut when it's very cold out. And I just bought two new needed tires for my car. I was trying to decide whether to take the youth group to a winter camp-more expensive, or a day ski trip-less activity and fun. So I'll do both and hope enough can do each to make it worthwhile. And at the end of this month I have both a parents meeting about the next 4 months and a mission trip meeting.
Speaking of mission trip: we are going to Monterrey in July to help local churches put on a VBS in their neighborhoods. We are driving to McAllen, Texas and meeting Juan Curling (a friend from college) and he is the one who heads up the transportation, meals, and activities inside Mexico. We'll be driving 3 days down and 3 days back. Sounds like a lot, but actually it's a full-2 day drive so making it into 3 will make it easier for all involved. I'm very excited as I haven't been to Mexico since 11th grade and it was the best trip of my life to that point. We will have a pretty full van load with stuff in a trailer too.
Family is continuing to grow and learn. I love the extra time I get to spend sometimes with my kids and yet I enjoy being by myself as well. Normal stresses continue, but God takes care of all as He sees fit. And I need to thank Him more for that.

Quick stuff

Wow, December already. Can't believe it's the holiday season, but hey, it's the most wonderful time of the year!! I really do love the Christmas season and all that goes along with the holiday.
I am extremely busy right now and don't like it as much as when I was only really busy. The AD thing is wearing me out but thank God, the worst is over for now. The schedule's complete, first games in the books and the tip-off tournament (which I have to go on) is tomorrow.
Random thoughts:
1. I don't like the whole bail-out idea that government is in love with now. I like checks in the mail but there has to be a limit somewhere.
2. The girls basketball team lost pretty badly this Tuesday and the guys won pretty easily; which should be the story of this season. We'll see. I have to go see a baskeball game in a couple minutes that one of my girls in my youth group is playing in. Will be a daddy-daughter date.
3. I need to decorate my office more than just 200 multi-colored lights hanging askew overhead. But I'm not creative enough and I'm too cheap to really buy a bunch of neat stuff. Hmmmm, youth group decorating committee?
4.Preaching in tomorrow morning's school chapel and using the Casting Crown's song Slow Fade as the introduction. I want tto show the kids that some of them are on their way down the dangerous slope away form God. Using Psalm 1:1 and the story of Lot in Gen as text.
5. Can't wait to watch The Office tonight. I never would have thought I would say it, but I'm hooked on a national TV network TV show. (How embarassing!)
6. Will get back to this blog when I can

Office novelties

I thought I would describe some of the random things I have around my office and what they mean...or don't mean.
1. a West Virginia basketball poster sitting in the corner still rolled up: given to me by a junior higher who keeps trying to recruit me to be a WV fan so he gives me all this WV stuff. I really like getting stuff but it doesn't mean I'm going to go to the dark side.
2. a Navajo Indian blanket laid on the floor like a rug: given to me by an old work associate, the kids like it and I think it looks a lot cooler than folded up in the corner where it was.
3. various U of M stuff hanging around on the walls: though it was an ugly year to be a Michigan fan, my loyalty still lies with U of M and I represent with some various hats, posters, and a pillow all displayed in maize and blue
4. my guitar and guitar poster: all good youth pastors know how to play the guitar, right? So I taught myself the basics and enjoy being able to play praise and worship songs in youth group. It's much better than me having to lead accapella (spelling?).
5. World's Best Youth Pastor mug: probably came into being with The Office craze, but a student gave it to me and I did not buy it for myself, contrary to popular rumor, and I like to think they were being truthful with their gift. I know better, though.
6. Pictures of family: All youth pastors have to have the obligatory pictures of family and I proudly display mine on my desk and on the heating vent for all to see.
7. a miniature pool table with pool sticks that kids like to fight and knock stuff over with: it was left here by a previous youth pastor so I kind of inherited the problem but I can't get rid of it as it brings many hours of amusement for the junior highers.
8. my huge orange coffee thermos mug: it's orange, huge, has a handle, holds coffee, and it's famous around the school. Need I say more?
9. bulletin board: with athletic schedules, youth group calendar, pictures of teens, a birthday ribbon, my Fox 40 whistle, a weird shaped mirror, and funny pictures I printed off the internet for the teens to see.
10. dry erase board: with activity ideas for the future, lesson subject ideas, stuff to do/remember for the mission trip to Mexico, and various reminders, topped with four dry-erase markers and an eraser
11. a real live Mexican sombrero on the wall: given to me as a gift from a family at my last church, it's another youth pastor must-have.
There's lots more to mention but I'll stop there. Maybe I'll mention some more later. I know you won't be able to wait.