New Thing

Today is a new day!  I have learned a lot over the last year.  With the help of friends, professionals, and a fantastic wife I am learning more about myself and the God who graciously created me.  With all of this learning comes a desire to share more.  So I am relaunching my blog.  As you can see I have ignored this blog for several years.  During that time I stepped up my presence on Facebook and other outlets but even then was limited in what I shared.  I am not certain as to how all of this will develop but I do know one thing.  God is literally doing a new thing in my life and if that encourages someone else in some way then it is all worth it.

Isaiah 43:19 (NASB95) 

19 “Behold, I will do something new,

Now it will spring forth;

Will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert.

Micah turns 2!!!!!

Allison wrote a letter to Micah for his second birthday. The following is that letter. I love my family.

Dear Micah,

I first started these letters to Natalie when she was two. I am determined to remember the little details of who you all are at each age. You are absolutely a little man.

I just left your room a minute ago. You are surrounded by stuffed animals, mostly dogs. It seems that each night you add another one to your collection. We've quickly gone from allowing nothing in your bed to hardly being able to find you amongst all the stuffed things. You threw away your pacifiers a few nights ago. We cut them so they would lose the suction. You had six in your bed and tried each one of them. You sighed and handed them to me one by one, saying "boken mama, boken." I told you we had better throw them away. You stood at the trash can and tried each of them one more time before throwing them in the trash. Then you simply said, "bye paci's" and you were done. You haven't asked for them since.

You are however, the master at delaying bedtime. I can't count how many times you ask for water or a light or the covers each night. Even when you are exhausted, you push the limits. You have learned to open your door and sneak out. Fortunately for us, you slam it closed behind you, so we find you in the hallway each time.

You have learned to count to six. When you play your toy drum you tap the sticks together and say "two, three four." We aren't sure who you have heard doing that, but Daddy is so excited. He says we need a drummer in the Buchanan family. You love all things music. At church you start singing most songs on the second chorus, like you are observing at first and don't want to sing it wrong.

When driving down the road, you always point out planes, boats, busses, bikes, and helmets. You feel the need to point to your own head each time you see a biker wearing a helmet. You love watching Curious George and think Elmo is the best. You always want music on while driving. Your favorite is Sadie Hawkins Dance, but you will allow us to play other songs that Bob and Larry (veggie tales) sing.

Wait a minute...

I'm back now, I just had to give you some water...

You know mostly all your colors. You love to point at everything and tell us what color it is. I think I have to give credit to daycare for this. You knew most of them before we even realized it.

You love Heidi! She is your favorite friend. I love to watch you two play and interact. It's fun to know you've had a friend since the day you were born. Heidi gave you a basketball hoop for your birthday. You love it too and always tell us you want to play with your "ball hoop."

You also love Natalie/Sissy. Everywhere she goes, you go. You've just recently started battling with her and being more assertive. For the most part though, you just really want to play with her. She is quiet protective of you and you are of her. You defend each other when time outs are given. Natalie had to go to time out the other day. You put your hand on your forehead and said, "oh no sissy!"

As you can tell, you talk ALOT. Much more then Natalie did at this age. You are articulate and so funny. You play air guitar, dance your heart out, and love to do flips in our living room.

Most of all, you are gentle and kind. You take care of all of us and our dogs. You give the biggest hugs and slobber filled kisses. You still scream "mama!!!" when I get home from work. You quietly whisper "love too" before I leave your room at night. I pray that you always maintain such a gentle spirit. It is welcoming and charming. I pray that you always hear God whispering how much he loves you and you are forever able to say to Him, "love too." I pray you grow to be a man who loves God and loves others with as much as energy as you show us all the time.

I love you so much Micah man!

Good night!

Kindergarten

Here's what I've learned this morning.

You can tell which drivers have kids and which ones do not on the way to school.

Packing lunch for a kindergarten kid takes extra time when she is helping.

I can trust an adult I barely know with the well being of my child just because she has the title "teacher".

Natalie still likes to hold my hand as we approach a new adventure.

Parking at the public library next to the school and walking over was much faster than going through the "drop off circle".

It is amazing how many friends and family pray for you and your family when you start a new stage in life (i.e. starting kindergarten).

Don't expect to accomplish a whole lot the morning of the first day of school as your phone will ring off the hook. (That's a good thing.)

When a 5 year old girl is excited to go to school she will come out of her room in the morning dressed and ready to go before you even knew she was awake.

Little brothers can be thrown off by big sister's new school experience. However, a doughnut makes things a whole lot better for brother.

I have no doubt that we have a TON of stuff to learn this year but we'll do it together. We are now slaves to the school calender. Here we go!!!!!!!1

Welcome to Kindergarten!!!!!!!!

Open Wide

Psalm 81:10 (English Standard Version)

"I am the LORD your God,
who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."

Lord, Help me to not be afraid to ask for big things. After all you are the giver of all that is good. Help me trust you have a better plan when I don't get what I think I need. Thank you, Lord for always knowing better than me.

Amen

where have you been?

I have not blogged a new entry in a looooong time.

I have so much running through my mind lately yet can't seem to take a moment and get it done in writing.

This summer is my 20 year high school reunion. WOW!!!! I can't wait to see my old class mates. I can't wait for them to meet my wife. I can't wait to meet their spouses and here how they are all doing. I hope and pray they conveniently forget certain stories from high school days:-).

As of this writing I am sort of blond. That's right. We told the church that if they raised $5000 for missions during our annual penny crusade campaign I would dye my hair blond. It's actually more of a golden color. Oh well...anything for the Kingdom.

Natalie is wrapping up her second season of soccer. She never ceases to amaze me. She is so fast and is learning so much about team work. She is fun to watch.

Micah is trying his best to keep up with his big sister. He has turned into a little monkey and is climbing on EVERYTHING!!!!

This fall Natalie could very well be in kindergarten. I'm not sure any of us are ready for that. However, she can't stay little forever.

It seems like the further I go in life the more tempted I am to use cliches like "I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow." Well, duh. I know God holds it I just wish He would spell things out in a little more detail for me. But, I guess that wouldn't be faith.

So with that in mind I reckon I should turn the light out. Close my eyes and see what God has for us when I open them again.

Can't wait.

Advent 2010-#4

Candle of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Luke 1:78b-79 ..by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 2:27b-32 When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Peace is such a wonderful yet elusive thing for folks today. We tend to look at the chaos surrounding us and ask “Is this the best it will be?” Even our health sometimes fails us and we can’t even escape the turmoil living in our own bodies.

The Bible tells us that at the perfect place and time a baby was born in the midst of a situation that did not lend itself to calmness and security. Yet, this newborn was the one who was to be known as the “Prince of Peace.”

Today we know Him as Jesus. The one who is trustworthy and faithful. In a world of empty promises he stands by His word. It seems almost too easy to think peace is available in one person. Shouldn’t we have to work harder for it? The answer is a profound “No.”

All that is required is to follow. The gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus will “guide our feet into the way of peace.” Why follow anyone else?

This advent season let us follow not the hectic pace that people tell us to follow. Rather let us follow a Prince, the Prince of Peace.

Prayer:

Dearest Father,

Praying for peace is like asking to be fed when the food is right in front of us. You are the Prince of Peace. You are our Savior and Lord. In You we have nothing to fear. Help us to ignore the fear that creeps into our lives so that we may experience more of Your peace. Lead us to the place where we may listen, wait, and enjoy the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you Father for Your constant love and watch care over us.

In Your Precious name we pray,

Amen

Advent 2010-#3

Candle of Joy

Isaiah 35:10

Luke 19:37-38

Isaiah 35:10 “..and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Luke 19:37-38 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Joy. In today’s world joy is one commodity that seems to be lacking. There is a plethora of depression, disease, and crisis all around us. People are craving relief from the busyness. Boring monotony has numbed society into thinking this is normal and there is no other way.

Then, like a holy cry of celebration, joy disrupts the monotony. Joy crashes through the headaches and stress. It cuts through the depressing thoughts to bring hope.

This is what the birth of Jesus brings us. Joy. We are so fortunate to live in the current time. We can look back and see the life-changing pattern Jesus has caused through this thing called joy. Jesus, the Savior of the world, does what no one else can. He can bring joy even when joy doesn’t make sense.

This advent season let us celebrate as never before. Let us spread joy as only His church can. Let us be exactly who Jesus tells us we are. People of Joy!

Prayer:

Dear Creator and Lover of My Soul,

Thank you for this precious season of the year. As Creator, You loved and gave us the greatest gift of all! Through the birth of Jesus, You gave us love, grace, mercy and peace! Through this gift of love, Jesus, the Savior, comes and gives us what we don’t deserve. And to top it off, He gives us joy even in this crazy world and our messed up lives – Thank You! Thank You! Your joy runs over in our lives as we see the love gift of Jesus. We love You and praise You. Amen.

this day

I will never forget this day. Rather, I will never forget this date. December 13, 2003 the most amazing woman in the world became my wife. There is so much about that day I will never forget. How I got choked up during the vows.

How beautiful she looked in her wedding dress.

How we got out of town on our way to the honeymoon just before an ice storm hit.

The last seven years have been more than worth it. We now have two kids. Two dogs. A mortgage. A minivan.

Sometimes I look in the mirror and I have to laugh and asked "when did you become an adult?"

I wouldn't trade the last seven years for anything. I can't wait to see what's next.

Today Allison had to go to work. Working for hospice provides many moments people will never forget. Today she told a family that their loved one would likely die within the next six months.

I'm sure they will never forget this day either. I'm sure they will never forget this Christmas.

Sometimes we remember because we want to.

Sometimes we remember because we can't forget.

Sometimes we remember because of the lessons we learn.

Sometimes we remember because we just can't help it.

Even though I can't remember every single day that I have lived I do remember people that God has used throughout my life to impact me in an empowering way.

My prayer today is that I may walk in a manner so that one day, maybe a day someone will never forget, they will remember me and think, "wow, he helped me walked a little closer to Jesus."

Advent 2010-#2

Here's the Advent devotion from yesterday's service...the prayer for this one was written by Troy Henderson.

Candle of The Way

Matthew 3:1-2

John 14:6

Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Everyone has been lost at some point. You don’t know where you are much less which direction to take. The hopelessness can lead to panic. Then panic can lead to decisions that are inappropriate at best.

There are lost and dying people around us all the time. People who not only know what it’s like to be lost but have convinced themselves that this is as good as it gets. “Surely if there is a God He’s too busy to bother with someone like me.” But that is exactly what Jesus did. He not only provided a way and direction out of a dark existence but allowed himself to be that “way.” To be “the” way. With Jesus there is always a way. With Jesus there is always a direction. With Jesus the lost can be found. Jesus is the way and that is a reason to celebrate.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for being our way. Thank you for taking us from the darkness. As we go throughout our days may we realize who you are and what you have done. May our eyes be set upon you and on the way you want us to travel. Thank you Lord for your love and grace. Thank you for opening our eyes to the way.

Advent 2010-#1

I know this is a little late but here is the Advent Devotion that I wrote for the first Sunday of Advent this year.

Candle of Prophecy & Hope

Isaiah 60:1-3

Matthew 24:44

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Matthew 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Darkness. No one likes it. Darkness denotes separation, aloneness, hopelessness. Darkness doesn’t mean no one else is present. It just means you can’t see them. You are not aware of who is around you.

How many days have we stumbled through completely unaware of who is around us? How many times have we conducted ourselves as if we are the only ones who exist or at least the only ones who matter? Fumbling through a darkness that is self imposed succeeds only at making us look clumsy.

Jesus is the light that was prophesied about, fulfilled that prophesy, and made everyone acutely aware of who is around. Jesus is the antithesis of darkness. In Christ we not only have his everlasting presence but access to a community, a family that we could not make happen on our own. As a part of this community we have the privilege of letting our light shine like a beacon of hope making everyone in darkness intensely aware. You are not alone.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

You display Your existence to us every day. Even when we do not pay attention You continue to surround us. You show us Your love. Help us to not take You for granted. Open our minds so we can have the pure faith of children. Keep us from being skeptical and cynical. Your love is before us. We are Your children, Lord. Thank you for being our hope.

In Your gracious name we pray,

AMEN