Stranger Things

Ok! So I loved this show; very retro., 80's, cool, and fun! Took me back in time- bravo, really well done Netflix, if you haven't seen it...GO WATCH IT NOW! Seriously! And stop reading this blog because there are spoilers ahead.....

Seriously - go watch and quit reading, I don't want to ruin it for you.

Last chance....

Okay!

So I am a fan, and here is my theory.... I guess that means this is a fan theory.

So at the end: Eleven is missing, Sheriff is putting Eggo waffles in "box" in the forest, and Will is having continuing issues after his time in the "up-side down". Clearly pointing to a second installment, in fact even this was so well done and  retro in it's execution it reminded me of Aliens and Friday the 13th -excellent!

My thoughts actually center on this comic, mentioned several times through out the series. It is part of a larger story for the X-men, where Jean Gray has vanished and being held captive by a villain named Mastermind, and he is messing with her mind. The result of his mind tampering has unknowingly released a more powerful different personality within Jean called "Phoenix" who goes on to kill millions of people as her story progresses; titled "The Dark Phoenix Saga". However it is in this specific comic that we see the Dark Phoenix for the first time - you might remember this character from the crappie X3 movie (ugh).

The connection between Eleven and Jean is not just cursory- both are extremely powerful with telekinesis. Both are "telepathic" and can "talk" to people with their minds (did the sensory deprivation chamber not remind you of Cerebro?) Both have vanished and it my lead to an unstoppable force. In fact what if Eleven is the "bad people" in season 2, unknowingly?

Ultimately, that  is what the "department" was trying to do with her, weaponize her....right? But Matthew Modine's character is dead no worries right....well not so fast.

Remember the bargain that Sheriff Jim made, to help track down and get Will back then forget about the whole thing giving up Eleven in the process? Well what if that deal was still in place? After the climax you see Jim looking somber and nodding to the kids as he is escorted by the department. Only to see him show up a few moments later dropping eggos into that odd box. Why would the department let him go, unless he is working with them to help track down Eleven!

I think Eleven is trapped in the upside down. Jim is giving her eggos to try and convince her to come out and into his care, but he would really just take her back to the department and Agent Frazier who has assumed control. They know that Will has part of the monster in him, but they also know that Eleven is stronger than the monster!

I think in season two, Will is actually going to die, Eleven being the bad guy unknowingly, Jim not being able to be trusted, and Mike being the hero using his love for Eleven (and her feelings for him) to wake her up; right Cyclops and Jean?

Antepasto and Pesto

Nothing says entertaining like this dish to me. It really is the best appetizer that I can come up with, even better when you are sharing it with great company and when the Pesto is nice and fresh! My Nonni (Italian for grandma)  would always have a tray like this one set out during family gatherings. It has become one of my families favorite light fare lunches! I will actually give you two recipies today, the tray is simple but the pesto takes some finesse. Try it and enjoy!

Antepasto Tray - 

1 lb.      - fresh Mozzarella - I use pearls but you could also slice a ball or loaf
1 large  - bell pepper, seeded and julienned
1 large  - tomato thinly sliced
1/2 lb.   - Olives (I used Olives from HyVee Olive bar - mixture of Katamala, Green, and feta stuffed)
1/2 lb.   - Italian deli meat - Prosciutto, Capicola, and Salami - sliced extremely thin, rolled, cut into bite size pieces.  
3 leaves - Fresh Basil for garnish

Cut all ingredients and arrange on a tray sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pesto 

1/4 C.     -   pine nuts - toasted and chopped 

2 cloves  - Garlic - pressed through garlic press 

1 T.         - capers - pressed through garlic press 

1 T.         - white onion finely chopped 

3-4          - Katamala Olives - finely chopped 

1/4 t.       - crushed red pepper flakes 

1/4 t.       - dried sweet basil 

1/4 t.       - dried oregano

1/4 t.       - black pepper 

1/2 t.       - salt 

1/2 T.      - balsamic vinegar

about 1 C. - EVOO 

1. Toast pine nuts in a small skillet with 1 T. of butter and a dash of salt, stirring constantly over medium high heat, when they get a nice golden brown and let off a wonderful aroma they are done! Put on a plate with a paper towel, pat off excess oil/ butter and let cool. 

2. When nuts have cooled place in a small plastic zip lock bag. Seal it, making sure to remove excess air from bag.  Then place it on your cutting board. Smash the nuts with a meat tenderizer, (you can use and kitchen until that will bust them up) but be careful; do not rip the bag! 

3. Place nuts in a small mixing bowl (or a large soup bowl). then start adding all other ingredients. Mix it up after you add each new one. You should get a nice paste like substance forming as you go down the list. After you add the vinegar stop! DO not add oil until you are ready to serve. 

4. Add EVOO slowly while stirring until you get the desired consistency, paste should mix in and be chunky but the bread or other items on the tray should have no problem picking up a nice coating of oil. 

Serving 

Cut up some Italian Ciabatta bread into small slices and tray them,  serve with Antepasto tray and Pesto! You can make bite size sandwiches, dip you favorite items into the pesto, or whatever you like...so good! And like I said a it is a great appetizer for up 15 people or a whole lunch for our family of 6! 

Seafood Mac-N-Cheese

Seafood Mac-N Cheese

I wanted to do Lobster and Crab, but the local grocery store was out of lobster meat so I went with a bit different mix of seafood; shrimp, crab, and bay (small) scallops; if you want to use lobster substitute in place of shrimp. This is a fairly simple recipe that had a ton of great flavors. Give it a try!

1 lb.       elbow macaroni
1/4 C.     salt
1 T.        olive oil

1            medium shallot -finely diced
1/2 T.     honey
1/2 lb.    baby portobello mushrooms (6-8 caps) diced
1 T.        olive oil
1/2 C.    butter
1/2 C.    flour
6 C.       whole milk
3 C.       sharp cheddar cheese -shredded
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese - shredded
2 oz.      Swiss cheese - shredded
1/2 lb.    shrimp (smaller the better, I used 51-70)
1/4 lb.    bay scallops
1/2 lb.    crab meat
salt and pepper

1/4 C.     panko breadcrumbs


1. Use large stock pot and about 1/4 cup salt to cook noodles. Follow directions on the package. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil and set aside.

2. In a large sauce pan, saute shallots and oil together until translucent over medium heat. Add honey and continue to cook over medium heat until shallots start to caramelize. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

3. In the same pan, turn heat to low-medium low. Add butter to pan and melt. We are going to make a roux, when the butter if fully melted start to add flour to pan slowly. When it is all incorporated continue to heat stirring constantly until mixture get golden brown and steamy. Add milk SLOWLY and continue stirring. Let it heat slowly, so you do not curdle the milk, but do not boil, just want it hot and steaming.

4. Add cheeses to mixture until all are melted. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir for another minute or two then slowly start adding seafood. When all is in stir for a minute longer and until heat is back up.

5. Combine noodles and cheese sauce in large greased baking dish.  Top off with a layer of breadcrumbs and bake at 350 for 25-30 min. Until breadcrumbs get nice and crispy!

Serve hot and enjoy!

4th of July Movie List!

The Fourth of July is on a Monday this year, which means you are probably celebrating your Independence tonight, Sunday. So the question is what to do on a Monday holiday when you most likely will have "blown up" Sunday and you are just looking to relax before life returns to normal on the 5th? In honor of the years I spent running a home video rental store (what the heck is that...asks everyone under the age of 12) I have put together a list of some essential viewing for your relaxation and recuperation. I have placed the movies in several broad categories to help you narrow down your selection  but they are all uniquely 'Merican!

Family Favorites
Great films to enjoy with the whole family, good wholesome entertainment!

Pollyanna - This classic Disney film tells the story of an optimistic ray of sunshine that transforms the curmudgeonly heart of her Aunt who she is forced to live with after a tragedy strikes her life. The summer festival is the reason it makes this list!

http://video.disney.com/watch/pollyanna-trailer-4be10ff07d0f842f7f3ce022


The Sandlot - A coming of age story that is set in the Golden Age of Post-War America that centers around the greatest American Pastime- Baseball. It is charming, funny, and if you don't watch it, "You're killing me Smalls!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QDq-e1GbjE

An American Tale - Steven Spielberg tackles animation! In a precursor to what would become Dreamworks, Mr. Spielberg and Amblin tap director Don Bluth to tell the story of immigration into the US using an animated cast of animals.  Don't forget your tissues for the tear-jerking song "Somewhere, out there"!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvZfEQ_pMdg

Honorable Mention:
Johnny Tremain - Disney 1957 - Historical Fiction set in pre-revolution Boston.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure - 1985 - Warner Bros.  - Great romp across the US looking for a lost bike.
Bunker Hill Bunny - 1950- Merrie Melodies - Bugs and Yosemite Sam fight in the US Revolution.

Sports Films
Feeling patriotic through competition? Can you say U-S-A, U-S-A!

Miracle - The USA's greatest upset in sports- ever! Retelling of how the Miracle on Ice happened in the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. US vs. USSR in the height of the cold war.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v64ofT1rGOw

Rocky IV - Another US vs. USSR showdown this time in the sport of boxing! James Brown's "Living in America," as Apollo Creed's entrance music, pure fireworks! Not to mention the fight that take place during the climax of the film and quintessential 80's montages!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwJJkeOTT6Y

Race - US hero Jessie Owns, struggling for equality in his own country goes to Berlin for the 1936 Olympic games to battle Hitler and the Aryan Race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGmh3MeFArg

Honorable Mention:
42 - 2014 Warner Bros. - Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier in Baseball.
Field of Dreams - 1989 Universal - Film about baseball, farming, and a broken relationship with dad.
Remember the Titans - 2000 Disney - Football, race, and the impact of integration.

War Movies
Rooting for our brave young men who protect our freedom! So many good movies to choose from, here are some of my favs.

The Patriot - Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger star in what I think is the best movie about the Revolutionary War, even though it is historical fiction. It's kinda like Braveheart, only better because this time it is the US fighting the English. FREEDOM!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osSrajMUah4

Patton - George C. Scott standing in front of a Giant US flag giving a speech... How American is that! Story of WWII general written by Francis Ford Coppola!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-0dTpzNzwo

Glory - The best movie about the Civil War. While it is based on the true story of Massachusetts 54th and Robert Shaw the film takes some licesne. Fantastic performances from Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs-tHfM_J-Y

Honorable Mention:
Saving Private Ryan -1998 Dreamworks - The first 20 minute depiction of D-day, wow!
Unbroken - 2014 Legendary - Biopic film of WWII & Olympic Hero Louis Zamperini.
Good Morning Vietnam - 1987 Touchstone - Had to put a Robin Williams and Vietnam movie here.

Popcorn Movies
Big budget blockbuster films. Fun to watch with explosions and action to boot! No need to worry too much about the story, just sit back and enjoy!

Independence Day - Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum save the world against an invading army of aliens. Quintessential movie for the fourth of July simply because of the title. "Didn't I promise you fireworks!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZZvtQtdbzM

Captain America, The Winter Solider - You could have put any Marvel Cinematic Universe film here and been satisfied. But it is America's birthday, so I chose to focus on the greatest American superhero in the best of his solo MCU movies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82RKQPgeYRs

National Treasure - Nicolas Cage is a history buff who has discovered that the Founding Father's have hidden clues to the greatest treasure in the world in historical documents and sites. The chase is on to get there first after he is betrayed by his seedy partner who was financing the search.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J34YtrkL7ic

Honorable Mention:
Any of the Indiana Jones Films (except the fourth ...not good)
Red Dawn - Either version is good 80's is a classic, reboot had a better budget... Wolverines!
Armageddon - 1998 Touchstone - US Oil Workers blasted into space to save the World!
Terminator 2, Judgement Day - 1991 TriStar - Another saving the world, explosion-fest!

Date Movies
Needing something that she will want to watch with you, unlike most of this list so far? Try some of these.

Top Gun - Is this an awesome movie about fighter jets or is it a love story between student and teacher? Depends on your perspective but either way it is amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioWpe3hdFH0

My Big Fat Greek Weeding - Greek, how 'Merica is that? Well it does a great job looking at an American immigrant family that holds closely to the traditions and cultures brought with. Funny, sweet, and enjoyable to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0RVkqXuSCM

Brooklyn - The tale of an Irish woman who leaves home to start a new life in New York City. She has difficulty adjusting but things become easier when she meets an Italian boy and falls in love. When tragedy calls her home will she choose home or love?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ4RzlCR_lg

Honorable Mention:
Miss Congeniality - 2000 Warner Bros. - The Miss USA competition needs FBI protection.
The Philadelphia Story - 1940 MGM - Love story set in the first capitol of the US, Philadelphia.
The Great Gatsby - 2013 Warner Bros. - The classic American novel about the roaring 20's with Leo.

Comedies
Want a funny slice of America? Check out some of these comedies that show some love to the USA.

Vacation - We all remember long car rides across the country that our family told us was vacation...yeah right! Nothing goes well for Chevy Chase and the Griswold's on this road trip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMiXWKJQPEQ

Smokey and the Bandit - Another great road trip movie, this time Burt Reynolds is smuggling beer for fun against a clock. Things get sticky when he picks up Sally Fields and a law enforcement official picks up his tail!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC1uiXMQu9E

Stripes- Bill Murray and Harold Ramis join the army and give a hilarious new look at boot camp. But John Candy steals this movie!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wr3imOyEZw

Honorable Mention:
Private Benjamin - 1980 Warner Bros. - Its like stripes, but replace Bill Murray with Goldie Hawn.
Back to the Future Trilogy - Great look at the US in the Old West, 1950's, 1980's and future 2010's
Talladega Nights 2006 Columbia - NASCAR, a truly American Sport as told by Will Ferrell.

Just Because
These could have fit into other categories but didn't quite fit any criteria. But they need to be included on this list. Go America!

Forrest Gump - Tom Hanks as the titular character, takes a simple look at the major events in US history in 1950's-1990's.  Great performances from the supporting cast of Sally Fields, Gary Sinise, and Robin Wright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPIEn0M8su0

Easy Rider - Motorcycles road trip from LA to New Orleans searching for America. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper are two counter-culture hippies looking for a way to support a simple life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjlxqANj68U

The Godfather I & II - How about the classic tale of a crime family being shaped and shaping the country during the early to mid 1900's. I reccomend taking all day to watch both back to back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY1S34973zA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJr92K_hKl0

Titanic - One of the greatest tragedy's in US history told around a love story, treasure hunt, and historical fiction. Another epic film the is long viewing to eat up chunks of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCy5WQ9S4c0

Poured Out

Okay…. Not so legal disclaimer: 1. This is a fairly lengthy post, sit down, grab a cup of joe or whatever and spend some time reading and thinking through these thoughts, 2. This is not a post that is designed to make you feel guilty or shame you into my way of thinking (which I see a lot of these days, especially in the area of parenting) … not my style – I am just a normal guy who’s perspective has been totally ripped apart and rearranged… this is a reflection of my journey… not a you must go do this and do it this way because I have everything figured out…. So not the case.

“Mercy has a cost: someone must be broken for someone else to be fed. The sermon that changed your life? That messenger was poured out so you could hear it. The friends who stood in the gap during your crisis? They embraced some sacrifice of brokenness for your healing. Anytime you say, “That fed me, that nourished me,” someone was the broken bread for your fulfillment.” – Jen Hatmaker; Interrupted – NavPress 2014

This is great example of foster care/ adoption looks like. This quote is elegant, simple, and yet poignant and clear: when you enter this world you will be poured out. It is inevitable. And on many levels I understood that. We (I say we because foster care affects the whole family: my wife, my kids, extended family, me) knew going in that we would be to a certain level of difficulty laying down our lives for a kiddo (s)! We were giving up a lot of our comforts to care for and love a little one; that may or may not be part of our family (God knew before time that our son would be adopted by us one day…but we had no idea). But he was worth whatever cost it may have or could one day possibly be. We loved without abandon because that is how we are loved and that is what the kid(s) deserve. He was part of our family from the moment we met and would be for as long as we had him. As we grew to know him we hoped and prayed that he would forever be a part of our family … and that is where things start to get sticky.

How do you pray for that? In doing so are you praying against the birth family? Are you waiting for their demise to make your dreams come true? How does that work, is that even cool? It didn’t seem right, and we certainly didn’t want to be filled with joy (which we are because of the adoption) because someone else is filled with pain. So the haunting question became… How do we love well? That is to say how do we model Jesus in this situation? Not just with the baby- because that is simple he’s a baby and undeniably cute (he knows it to which is probably not good).

But how do we love the workers well? How about the judge or lawyers involved? Easy when they are “moving in a direction” that seems congruent with our goals/ desires … not as easy when it felt like they we moments away from pulling your entire world out from under your feet. A little more uncomfortable right… but still do-able; trying to be gracious as the never-ending parade of visitors come through your home. Talking and loving in difficult conversations, staying even not getting to defensive or to anxious.  Breathe, suck it up, and die to yourself, this is not about you…hard but with grace from God we can do this.

What about the birth mom? In our case; our little guy came to us in the most dire of circumstances; as most who are wards of the state are in. (I get that there is a broken system and there is all kinds of injustice happening… this was not our story) How do we feel love and compassion for her!? God don’t you know the circumstances that led to this point! Isn’t she culpable for her decisions! DO I HAVE TO LOVE HER TOO? The answer to this questions was of course yes. I can’t do that God, you are going to have to do that in me………..scary prayer, and be careful of those.  Pray for wisdom, I don’t even know how to start doing that, show me! Pray for justice, I don’t know how this situations is going to work out, I know what I want (to keep our son) but I don’t want to see anyone “fail, lose, in pain” to make that happen. How do we speak to birth mom, what do we say? First, recognize she is not a monster! She was created in Your image Lord, she has access to the same grace that has so changed my life! She has value and worth beyond imagine to You! She deserves love and to know that her story is not finished. She still has breath and You can redeem and remake her! YOU LOVE HER and that is reason enough for us to try and show her that! After our perspective shift… try: start to communicate in positive ways, pray for her, do not demean or diminish her, be grateful towards her (she eventually gave us one of the greatest gifts of our life our son), most important of all do not think of ourselves as better than her….ouch!

But - oh to get a glimpse of what God can do in her life! If I could have known, would have known what we would experience with her yesterday…would obedience have been so much easier? God’s redemption is so beautiful! She has moved on with her life…she loves the Lord… she is married… she had another child last week……now the system is involved again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh Lord this is too much! God can’t they see the progress she has made. She is not the person she was! We are now her cheerleaders and my wife is informally mentoring her! God this may break her, her family, her walk with You! Please no!

Now comes the real perspective shift! What do we have to be willing to do to keep her new family together? Is the state going to remove the baby? Do we take the baby in? How do we explain that to our son someday? Can we move them in to our home? Are we willing to be that bold? Lord this is not our son, he is hers…I know this my heart, can I be a grandparent in this situation? Will I be willing to go to court and testify? Would I stake my reputation on her and her new family as being a safe place for this child? Can I write a letter of encouragement? Can we be a safety plan? The stress level is 50 times worse than the first time because we walked into the system blindly, now we know and we are heartbroken because we also know this is a mistake! Pray for wisdom…pray for justice: God this is too big and I cannot do it. Tears from my kids facing the prospect of uncertainty, tears of grief of how this could break someone we have come to love! Yes we are willing, to all questions above but Lord, where is the redemption?

How much support does it take to stop the DHHS machine? Judge refused to sign removal papers but still wanted a hearing? As we gathered at the courthouse yesterday… a picture of complete redemption! Birth mom, her husband, and baby surrounded by a family of believers from their church! My wife and I there too, praying outside the court room in a big circle! Hearing their fears and concerns, weeping brokenhearted, Lord I will be displaced but this seems so unfair! Then we walk into the same courthouse, same attorneys as before, same judge, and a new DHHS work (not surprising due to the turnover for those often thankless heroes) completely different version of the story. A girl who was far from You, isolated, and hurting now surrounded by You, your saints called into her life, and her family (us included) … Judge sings a new song, this baby stays with his family …. Such relief … How beautiful!

Thank you for emptying me in this process Lord!

Meekness.

We are not acting like Christ.... therefore we are not acting as Christians should.

I have been on a journey, at the heart of this journey is trying to understand why the "Religious Right" ever became a thing. Why is it that evangelicals have become a voting block? Not and just any voting block, but one that when things don't go our way we claim persecution. Why have we deemed ourselves responsible to legislate our nation's morality?  Why is it that young people and millennials are leaving the church en masse?

We (the church) have played a dangerous game by stepping into the "World's" operating system of legislation, law suits, and power.....and it is killing us! Evangelicals have thought; because of the cultural and sexual revolutions of the 60's and SCOTUS cases of the 70's like Roe vs. Wade (or more modern ones that I don't even want to touch) that we need to be more in control of what is happening in our nation and if we don't stand up to protect our rights we will be living in a nation of extreme depravity, far from God, and become an irrelevant voice....which we kind of have... WHY? Beacuse we are operating as the world, not like Christ ... who calls us to meekness.

I have been reading The Cost of Discipleship By Bonhoeffer as some nice light reading when I came across this quote and teaching on the one of the Beatitudes; he wrote
 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." This community of strangers possesses no inherent right of its own to protect its members in the world, nor do they claim such rights, for they are meek, they renounce every right of their own for the sake of Jesus Christ. When reproached, they hold their peace; when treated with violence they endure it patiently; when men drive them from their presence they yield their ground. They do not go to law to defend their rights, or make a scene when they suffer injustice, nor do they insist on their legal rights. They are determined to leave their rights to God alone - non cupidi vindictae, as the ancient Church paraphrased. Their right is in the will of their Lord - that and no more. They show by every word and gesture that they do not belong to this earth.

Pasta Carbonara

One of my families' favorite types of pasta, so very easy to make and full of flavor. Pasta Carbonana is made with Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. Mine is a bit different than other recipes, but this is the way I was taught to make it....still simple and easy.


1 lb. of your favorite type of pasta noodles, traditionally it is made with spaghetti, but I like Farfalle
1 package of bacon (you can use pancetta if you like) - chopped into 1/4 inch pieces.
1 small onion -chopped
2 eggs
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
2-3 leaves of fresh Sweet Basil (chopped) (1/2 teaspoon of dried)
pinch of sugar
dash of balsamic vinegar
2 T. of butter
2 T. of flour
About 1 1/2 cups Milk - I use whole Milk (you could use 2% or half and half, but I would't use anything less)
salt and pepper to taste
optional - 3/4 cup of fresh peas or 1 can

Boil water for pasta in your stock pot, remember to salt water, it boils hotter and cooks the noodles better. You should be able to complete all other steps in time it take for water to boil and cook pasta if you have 10 min. noodles, use cold tap water, and have pre-choped other ingredients.

In an medium mixing bowl combine 1 cup of milk, eggs, cheese, basil, beat until mixed and set off to the side.

In a skillet, fry bacon after chopping into small pieces. Get it nice and crispy, you will want that texture. Drain mostly but keep just a touch of the fat (about 1 T.) in the pan. Return skillet with a bit of fat back to burner and place onions in to saute and caramelize once they start to cook down add the pinch of sugar.  Onions and fat will deglaze the pan, if not fully add just a dash of balsamic vinegar and allow to cook down. Add back in bacon (peas too) and turn down to a low simmer.

In a medium sauce pan start a roux by melting butter over low heat. Add flour and stir constantly until combined, add egg mixture and let cook for about 30 seconds. Pour into skillet with bacon continue to let cook down, it will thicken as it simmers, add more milk if sauce becomes too thick. Add a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Drain pasta, combine sauce and pasta in your pasta serving dish and enjoy!

Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, and Me

So... there is one more goal I have for this year, and I have been remiss to speak about this one for a long time. I have had in my head for a long time the idea/concept for a short film based on the music of Pearl Jam. In fact it has been marinating for the better part of a decade. So why the hesitenty to talk about this one... or to even put pen to paper to finish it, Now that I think would make an interesting blog post. I think it boils down to three reasons; in no particular order.....

A lack of confidence, sacred vs. secular, and motivation....

A lack of confidence is odd for me, in fact one of my top 5 Gallup strengths is self-assurance. I have written hundreds of dramas, scripts, and performance pieces.  I love drama and creativity, so you think that a lack of confidence would never be a problem, well....(here come the excuses) I have never written a script for a film before, what if it stinks, what if you do it all wrong, what if someone else reads it and says this is awful. If''ing my way to paralysis and never getting anywhere than a thought....

Sacred vs secular is harder.  I love Pearl Jam's music, I have since I first discovered it, so full of emotion and felling, well told stories that I related to in ways I could always understand... they seemed to give me a voice that I did not know how to convey as a young, scared, and fragile  man full of dysfunction. I got them. But the first time I was aware of problem was when I happened to wear a Pearl Jam tee (not uncommon for a 19 year old version of me) to a pre-marital counseling session for Renee and I, the person from the church we were meeting with was very disappointed that I listened to that kind of music and told me "garbage in, garbage out" which in hindsight seems to contradict some of Jesus' teachings but the message was clear - you cannot listen to this type of music if you are going to follow Jesus. While I now see the folly in this theology, it is still a hotly contested topic in evangelical circles. There is no shortage of well-intentioned brothers and sisters who will tell you exactly what you should or more importantly what you should NOT listen, read, watch, play, or wear. Mostly these are personal convictions that they put on others in the form of judgment while making themselves feel better. If that sounds like legalism ... it is! God's Spirit has not convicted me while listening to Pearl Jam, if that would happen I would stop, there are certain artist I will not support, games I will not play, movies I will not watch but that is all between God and me.

Finally motivation, but maybe not like you would think. If I sat down to write this out... I would want to see it through. It would not be okay enough for me to just write it out...I would want to take that script and see it to completion, I would want to take that idea and see it come to life. I would want to spend time with people I know (who also love film) and try my best to see this made. I would have to figure out how to get a hold of the band and see if they would 1. let me use their music and 2. how to get it made.... all of that seems very complicated to me, which generally moves me back to the question of confidence.

Here's to this year, to seeing this project done.

Dr. King and adoption... the same heartbeat

This was scheduled to post on Monday Jan.19th, sorry it is a day late.

I have long been haunted by a comment that is attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, "The most segregated hour in America happens on Sunday mornings." Dr. King was looking at the cultural influence of the Church and commenting on the fact that as a whole the Church had systematically failed in bringing about some of the things promised in scripture, that we are a new creation in Christ where background, social-economic standings, and race do not mater; we are all Children of God through faith in Christ and He is weaving us together in a new culture that is different from the world. But the Church in the USA had done the opposite of that as a whole (not to say some individual churches we not doing great things); the church was supporting the idea of separate but equal in not in words but at least in deeds.

Almost 50 years later Lecrae said this is still true of U.S. Church culture. The church is not leading the charge of racial integration, we are sill living in segregated church bodies. Maybe even more so today, as many churches have picked up on marketing to a certain niche of people, we have churches for all types of sub-cultures; cowboy or hipster, seekers or young professionals, suburban or urban; sub-section upon sub-section that makes us feel more divided instead of united.

THIS REALLY BOTHERS ME! I long for a church where people from every background, worship together as Jesus creates a culture like promised in Galatians. I long for the day when  people of all colors worship God through a lens where all are equally heirs of The King (which we are) in one body and Spirit. And I questioned why this is so hard to find in our modern day church. Why are Dr. King's words still relevant today?????

What I didn't realize until reading a book recently is this may be something that is hardwired in me because of our story walking the the process of adoption. I have spoken with Renee and several friends who are pastors and pray for me about my heart for a multi-ethnic church. It was Renee who was reading the book Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore when she said, you have to read this book....this sounds so much like what you have been talking about! And it is like the author has peered into my heart, here is a long excerpt that I so identify with, I want to plant a church like this at some point in my career....


          We're all designed for community-for brothers and sisters. That's why feminists speak so much about how powerful "sisterhood" is. It's why terrorist cells refer to their "brothers" who are readying themselves, too, for the revolution. It's why members of fraternities or sororities on college campuses name themselves "brothers" or "sisters". We all find brotherhood, for good or for ill, whether it's in a labor union, an international peacekeeping organization, or the Ku Kulx Klan. We'll identify ourselves by who is "one of us"-part of our "tribe". Unfortunately,this brotherhood is skin deep.

          Our Churches fall for the same thing all of the time. We can buy Bibles in niche editions- in the colors of our favorite sports teams or with study notes custom-made for our demographic group, whether we're recovering alcoholics or single mothers or theological intellectuals. We order our worship services around our age groups, with music designed to remind each generation of whatever was playing at the youth rallies of their college days. Our congregations are made up of people who look, talk, and think just like we do. And it never occurs to us that this is the same type of unity the world has to offer. Even in our churches, we seem to identify ourselves more according to the corporate brands we buy and the political parties we support than with each other.

          Our adoption means, though, that we find a different kind of unity. In Christ, we find Christ. We don't have our old identities based on race or class situation. The Spirit drives us from Babel to Pentecost, which is why "the works of the flesh" Paul warns about include "enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, distentions, divisions, and envy" and so forth (Gal. 5:19-21). When we find our identity anywhere other than Christ, our churches will be made up of warring partisans rather than loving siblings. And we'll picture to the world an autopsied Body of Christ, with a little bit of Jesus for everyone, all on our own terms (1 Cor. 1:12-13).

          What would it mean, though, if we took the radical notion of being brothers and sisters seriously? What would happen if your church saw an elderly woman no one would ever confuse as "cool" on her knees at the front of the church praying with a body pierced fifteen-year-old anorexic girl?  What would happen if your church saw a white millionaire cooperate vice president being mentored by a Latino minimum wage earning janitor because both know the janitor is more mature in the things of Christ?

           If we had fewer "white" churches and "black" churches, fewer "blue-collar" churches and "white-collar" churches, maybe we'd see better what Jesus tells when he says we've come into a new household with one Spirit, one Father, and one Christ.


TO that I say AMEN!

Really? That's so 20 years ago!

So I read a blog post today from a prominent Christian author, he was lamenting the "fascination of the American culture with death". His justification for this stance was the booming popularity of the television show The Walking Dead and "violent video games like Mortal Kombat". And it was maddening to me on a  few levels.

1. Mortal Kombat is a game that reached its highest peaks some 20 years ago. It was the reason that video games are now rated for content by the ESRB, it is violent and it is bloody, but it is in no way a reflection of the current culture, as it is not really culturally relevant, except if a cable channel is doing a retrospective show of the 1990's. There are plenty of violent video games, many which I would not  condone...so why would you pick one from the 90's?

2. The Walking Dead is a cultural phenomenon, highest rated show on cable television, maybe even better numbers than Duck Dynasty.  It is violent and brutal... but there is as much if not more "Biblical Content" on this show than any other Hollywood produced show. The reaches down to fundamental questions about humanity, it shows how bad things can and do get when we "as humans" determine morality for ourselves. It is the far extreme of relativism. There are a number of characters that directly quote or read from the Bible. There currently is a Pastor as one of the main characters, who when things went poorly did not do what he/or the church should do and is now in a great deal of pain and remorse for it.

So my real issue is this, we (including me) Christians are sometimes so detached from society as a whole we are unengaged in the conversations happening in our culture. If Christians (and by the way I do know many who watch the show) were able to engage our culture through a show like the Walking Dead and some of the great questions of faith it may raise; and have great Godly conversations based on a very popular show why wouldn't we be doing that? Instead mostly we sit in Ivory Towers heaping condemnation on this culture and society, tell everyone what we are against, but rarely what we are for. We hide behind our own piousness and lament on how far this culture is from our God and we point to the "awful" examples of art and expression as proof of our stance, but we would never soil ourselves by watching or partaking in such filth! We would never understand how to talk to people not of our faith because we are slowly isolating ourselves so much, that when we do need to make a point about our culture we point to something that is long past or well out of context.

We need to wake up to the world around us. God has us here and now for a purpose...it is not to hide and wait for Jesus return. We need to use whatever cultural settings we can to point people to the One who created all things! That is the way Paul and the early church did it!

Voice

In November, Renee and I were part of a group that put on a Foster Care summit at a Church here in Lincoln. The leaders asked me to perform a monologue/skit/ dramatic something as part of the event. I thought about what this would be and I ended up writing this poem/piece about foster care from the perspective of an 8 ish year old. I titled it Voice. Enjoy!

Voice

You chose to ride your glass dragon

Filled with a huff and puff

 In a cloud of smoke my life was upended

As if termites; eating at the foundation of

My life everything I know is

Lost and condemned

Days 1-5 are hard to remember

Flashes of emotions; red black and yellow

Like watching a movie, I am living someone else’s life

This isn’t my bed; I can’t get comfortable it’s too soft

Like sleeping inside of a pillow

I can’t find a position where I can breathe

Day 9 - I start to wake from the haze of the last week

The vacation is over and I know that I am not going home

But I got to see you, and I hoped

Maybe you could explain this to me or apologize

Or make it all better like when you would kiss the

Boo-boo on my knee, somehow that magic you shared

Is gone… WHY!!!????

Day 23 and a half - I am being smothered

Like a bug smashed under a tissue or wearing a sweater

In the middle of the hottest summer day or walking a mile

In shoes that are a size too small, they are really nice

But why do they keep looking at me like that

Why would they care about me when you couldn’t?

I need to find a way to grasp onto some control  

Day 41 – finally something makes sense and I have

Found a way to see something predictable

When I claw, bite, and fight I see the

Tears I was so used to seeing between you and dad

Only this time I say when they get to come

And making them appear can be so much

Control … predictable… 

Day 87 –They are still here and you are gone

I am not even sure I want to see you ever again

But it's Thursday; I'll get picked up in the van

I hate it! It is dirty and stained. You can

Smell the tears of the other kids forced to ride it

Some going home; others crying as they are ripped away

Day 103 - They took me to church and for the first time I heard

I was told that I am cared for and loved

By a God who creates and cares for all He makes,

Yet somehow I don’t feel like a masterpiece, that’s not me

I am paint by numbers with colors that don’t match right

Cheap and distorted … trash

Day 188 – This room smells

Oder as thick as the wooden bench and tables

Why are we here, when I see you I am not sure what to feel?

I want to go home, but I remember the hurt

You instilled. Mostly how you just didn’t

Care I was hungry, dirty, and scared… I just want to feel safe

Day 235 – I hate my birthday!

They tried so hard to make it special and it was

I had spaghetti and meatballs and I even got a cake

It was too much attention… then you didn’t show up

All I wanted was to see you these stupid presents

They could have saved their money the cracking

And shattering of the plastic as I twist

Smash and break feels like my heart…where were you!

Day 276 - I am done crying

Done feeling like I have betrayed you

Done feeling like this isn’t my home

My bed is now sunk in in the parts I like

My impression is left in the sheets when I wake up

This is my new normal

Day 365 – Has it been a year?

Memories orbiting back in; of the night when

All gravity ceased to exist

The world got turned upside down and

A supernova explosion left nothing but chaos

And despair….

Day 400 - The church again…this time

Something even more extraordinary:

So he decided long ago to adopt us as his children.

He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done.

 It pleased God to do it.

 All those things bring praise to his glorious grace.

God freely gave us his grace because of the One he loves.

 Can he really mean me?

Day 462 – This is over… I am never going home

It not like that is even home anymore

The shot of the gavel ringing out

Cannot even be heard over the

Final piece of my heart that breaks

For what we once were… family

What does this all mean now?

Day 515 or Day 1 – Another gavel shot

This one rings with a different tune

Family has been redefined and renewed

MY MOM quotes

 I prayed for this child.

The Lord has given me what I asked him for.

So now I’m giving him to the Lord.

As long as he lives he’ll be given to the Lord.”

And all of them worshiped the Lord there.

2015 - Welcome New Year/ New Focus

I am not a big fan of "New Year's Resolutions", half-hearted attempts to make changes in one's life, that has been made several years previously, with little follow through or commitment.

But I am starting to better understand the idea of goal setting. I have had conversations with several people over the last part of 2014 where they, or they and their spouse have gone away together to set goals for the upcoming year. While this practice seems a bit odd, spending a vacation to plan what "success"  looks like for the year, instead of spending a vacation relaxing or on a roller-coaster; I think I getting to the point where I see the need to put pen to paper on things I would like to see accomplished this year, however, this is all at the Grace and mercy of God because He will guide and direct my path, I am merely planing my steps.

Goals for 2015

1. Blog... twice a week at least, I will be seeing a lot of you all!

2. Get finances in order...somehow. See posts on My Biggest Failure, tiered of the same old same old.

3. Potty Training for Little Man, this will probably happen later in the year, but it will be nice to be diaper free.

4. Help guide my oldest to a good decision about college, go on a few visits with him. He has it narrowed down, cant believe he is graduating in May.

5. Take a family vacation!!!

6. Celebrate well; Birthdays, Anniversaries, Graduation and find joy in everyday moments.

7. Be a better friend, sometimes I feel quite lonely... I am not sure how great I am at maintaining friendships.

8. Be obedient to God's call in my life.

Snap Back to reality

Long time, no post!

The past 18 months has been a journey for my family and I into the world of foster care and adoption. For many of you who are closest to me you might have seen the on going ups and downs over the course of the year and a half; for those of you who know me in the context of this blog you will note I only posted two short times during the process. It was a journey, one of the hardest things that God has required us to step out in faith with Him. And while I still don't think it would be prudent to share details nor do I feel I have the hindsight to put that journey into its proper perspective: I do have some thoughts that I would like to share.

I have a friend that is currently "in the system" which is lingo for they have stepped to the calling of bringing children into their home. This understood in the context of Christian worldview is one of the most selfless and compassionate acts of love that can be done. At its most beautiful it is the process of reconciliation of a family (whether biological or an adoption). But it is so messy! My friend reminded me of how hard this path is today as we sat and chatted about their case. I was heartbreak and sad on so many levels. The situation of the kiddos was horrifying. My friends doing their best to provide love and support. A biological family that has so many hurts and disadvantages. And a system of government trying their best to operate both within the law and the best interest of the children and how does uncle Sam know what is best anyway. Hear this story today shook me and brought back feelings that were overwhelming during our journey in the system.

I have been praying for them all day and am heartbroken for them.

One insight I would like to share with all of you is our motive and mind/ heart position though out the whole process. One of the things I became increasingly convinced was our attitude should be encapsulated in the thought, how do we love well? It is so easy to love well the little guy who is  now a part of our family and it always has been. A little harder, but still easy to love the "workers" on your case; sure sometimes it feels like they are talking out of both sides of their mouths or that they are moving to hastily or not moving quickly enough but deep down you know that they are doing the best they can in a system that is overcrowded and moves slow. But how do love the bio parents well? How do you look at the actions that has led them to this place and have empathy for them. How do you pray for their downfall? Is that really what you praying for when you are asking for when praying for consequences or justice? How about instead, realizing that God love and cherishes them just as much he does us is a good start. How would He treat the, would He count their sins too great or would He take their choices and sins, nail them to the cross with His son? Wouldn't He do the same for mine?  Are my sins any greater or less than theirs? Isn't all sin the same? It is gut wrenchingly hard! And their is no clear answer...but we are called to feed, clothe, give food and drink, and visit those who are the "least of these" and I would suggest those "in the system" - everyone in the system (caseworkers, children, bio parents, judges, and even lawyers and foster parents) are the least of these.
Getting invloved does not mean you are going to take children into your home. Like being a missionary, I think it is a specific calling that God puts into your life; however, just as it is the job of the CHURCH (corporate and entire - not specific or individual church) to support the cause of missionaries..it is also the job of the CHURCH to support the people in this field.

Habakkuk 1:1-3

Habakkuk 1:1-3

How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.


Today, some of my waiting is over! Praise God I am new! I have a relationship with the Lord and He is doing wonderful things in my life! I haven't written for a while, but I had a chance to share a message from my favorite passage this past weekend at a youth event in Weeping Water. As the hymn goes this is my story, this is my song!

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.

Starting Over - My journey into foster care

I just realized how long it has been since we talked, sorry about that, we have been busy in my house.

I am not even sure where I am desiring to go with this post...should this be a call to action for others, am I trying to get you all involved in something larger than us, do I want you all just to hear my heart and what has been going on in our lives, or do I just need to vent. This post may turn into several as I begin writing and see what words are hitting the "paper".

Let's start at the beginning  We have become involved in the foster care process. Over the course of the past 3 months we have had 5 different boys in our home ranging in age from hours old to three years. Most of those boys were only with us for short periods of time, however, currently we have a boy that has been with us from birth and will be with us for the foreseeable future. This has been a huge adjustment me for me...my youngest turned 14 in February and to start over with a baby has been fun, challenging, joyful, and heart wrenching all at the same time. It is not an easy walk, but I am fully convinced that this is what James was talking about - when he said to "be doers" of the Word and that religion that takes care of orphans and widows is what the Lord desires. This becomes tangible in very real ways...changing diapers, or getting spit-up on (which by the way this little guy really likes to do to me when I get home from work). You forget how helpless and dependent one so small is after 14 years. It has been a very fulfilling experience.

But it is hard to guard our hearts...if that is possible at all? We would desire to provide this little guy with a loving permanent home. He is bonded to us, if I call home to talk with Renee and she puts the phone by the baby, he hears my voice and starts to coo back at me. We love him as if he were ours because he is... and yet he is not. We are in this odd state of limbo. We know what we desire, we think that would be the best option for this boy. We think most people who would here the details of how he came to be with us would agree...however; add laws, DHHS, visitations, lawyers, bio-parents, and all of the other circumstances into the mix and everything becomes cloudy.

We know God knows the outcome, we know that He is in control, and He can over rule all of those other things that muddy up the water. It is just this process is so taxing. There are visits and a constant parade of people in and out of our home; trying to keep up with the home and extra emotional baggage from the situation is completely draining and taking care of a baby on top of all that too... Like the parents of any other newborn, we just want to adjust and settle into a good family routine; however, our routine is dictated by all of the outside factors.

This could just all be amplified right now, louder than usual and harder to deal with, as the baby had visits over the weekend to make up for lost time due to weather conditions...meaning the the rhythm we have been establish on the weekends when we don't have to worry about visits, workers, etc... was taken away this past weekend.

Please be praying for us!

Christmas Music Monday!

Last night some of the Jr. High girls were having a blast singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" ... oh the joys of Christmas tunes....

But I tend to be a little more indie/emo than the traditional songs...here is one band's take one this traditional classic...Taking Back Sunday's version of "12 Day of Christmas" enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Why today?

I need help, prayer actually! I hate this situation...I can't see which way to go and how to make this work! Why today, what should I do now? How will this affect those around me? This decision will stink no matter which way it ends up going!

This breaks my heart!


I know this is very vague and I apolgize...but others are involved...just pray!

It should be thanksgiving!

What a week....sorry we haven't talked much, but I have been pretty busy! I do want to share some of the awesome things that have been going down this past week-two weeks.

* At ILA - we have had record crowds the past two weeks in a row! I am so amazed at our students and thier desire to know about God. The joy they have shown since we have started back up is awesome...I am so please I get to hang with them on Sunday nights!

* LCS Drama- the students I work with have so much to be proud of. They presented a difficult topic, the Holocaust  with integrity, passion, and a level of excellence. I am so proud that I get to serve at LCS in this capacity and am truly blessed by what the students have accomplished  Most importantly they performed for "An audience of ONE" and gave thanks to Him for the talents He has given.

* Hopes and Dreams - I am amazed by this night. We had a record number of people come to hear the story of City Impact...a number of them have decided to partner alongside of us. The ILA students were out using their God-given strengths; speaking team members were greeting all of the guests while philanthropy team students were auctioning off cookies for the next projects. My friends, Alonzo and Tonya did a great job of communicating City Impact's ministry and the affects on their family to all who were there. Just a great night, and God' has provided so much blessing from the night....we are getting ever closer to groundbreaking, keep an eye on CI's website for updates on pledges and cash donations.

* Our friend and missionary Nicole came to Hopes and Dreams, she told us about how awesome Gad has been...and she is ready to go to the field. Language school in France in January and then on to Africa. Our family will miss her but we are excited to see her go, and to see what God will accomplish through her and her fellow co-laborers!  

*Pumpkins - We had a chance to carve pumpkins as a family and with Ethan our exchange student, I am sure Renee will be posting pics soon on Facebook.

Joy!

"We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never let us down. God has poured His love into our hearts. He did it through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us."

This is what I will be talking to ILA students about this week...and it is a hard message, mostly because our human nature works so opposite to the concept in these verses. It's easy to look at the circumstances of our life, especially when we are "suffering" or going through trials...and to have little joy...which leads to a lack of hope! I look back at my own life, when I have been through very hard circumstances (in my mind) and I can see how hopeless I reacted...pity party for 1. Or I look at a someone else who is sick, with a terrible thing like cancer or diabetes....sometimes you can see the joy & strength leave them...they lose hope!

Our students at ILA have their own problems, some are "normal" teenage problems, some are things I wouldn't ever imagine going though...or things I would never want to experience again! How do we keep our joy during these horrible events! During this time in our lives!

Perspective! Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." Christians do a great job of painting a relationship with Christ as cure-all type of elixir.Look at Christian movies like "Facing the Giants," where faith in Christ and a new found devotion leads to everything working out just right...the protagonist of the film riding into the sunset with everything he ever desired from God. Or a name it and claim it mentality  as if God is some sort of supernatural vending machine that we can get to respond to our wishes with the right prayers! God, through His Son, has resolved humankind's  SIN issue, He didn't promise gumdrops and rainbows where everything is right. In fact He said the opposite!

So where is our joy! How do we keep in good cheer? How do awful things build character in our lives! God is sovereign - He works ALL things to good according to His will. He promises He will one day make ALL things new. A world without sin and the suffering that comes because of it! His goodness to us, that He loved us so much that He devised a way to bring our unholy selves into a relationship with Him, Who IS HOLY! I can't imagine why God would allow such horrific things in this world...but I believe that why is the wrong question, in asking why we are in fact going down the road that leads us to losing our joy! Perhaps we should be asking what and how, what do you want me to do in this situation and how can this hurt bring glory and honor to your name?

If you can't go...

Missions....that was our focus for years. We did not understand why God called us to "go"...but we were faithful to His leading. We understood even less when He called us away....but as we have waited and been led by Him we are in a position that only He would place us.

At City Impact, I am blessed to be working with a group of students that are seeking out His will for their lives, that are finding ways to serve the community and each other. Just this week a project the students have been working on for a long time was completed. They have been working to raise money and renovate the back yard of a shelter for battered women and children. This is the work that God calls all of us to - the widow and the orphan, the least of these!

In our new home we have extra space, God has put it on our hearts to move and now we are making room in our home for more people. We started with Renee's parents staying with us as her father recovered from surgery. They recently moved out, but during the time they were with us Renee and I went through the process of becoming licensed foster care parents. We don't know the outcome of this, only that God has given us enough love in our hearts for more children and a passion for those who are hurting.

Finally we are still called to be the church Globally, and if we can not "go" we can be senders ( and we are by supporting missionaries around the world), but we can also share the Gospel with those who come. One of our extra rooms now has the name of an Asian student on it. In his country one can not openly worship God.  He is coming to study at LCS and what better way to share the love of Christ with someone than by opening your home to them? We wont force our beliefs on him but we will allow him to see how God has penetrated every part of our family life! It is my prayer that Christ will be so present in our home that he wants to be a part of His family. 

God calls His whole church to make disciples. If you can't go- send....if you can't send find a way to serve the least of these where you are. Everything you have belongs to Him, so use everything for His Glory!