adventures in the potty

So today was "daddy/daughter day" at the Hall house. We had a pretty great day. Natalie seemed to be having a good time. I was becoming "father of the year" in my own mind. All was right with the world until the following episode happened.

"Daddy, hurry, hurry, I need to potty before I pee pee in my pants."

Alarms went off in my head as Natalie grabbed my hand and we ran to the bathroom.

Sensing the urgency of the situation I rapidly pulled Natalie's pants down and lifted her up and placed her on the potty. That was where I made my fatal mistake.

"Daddy, no...you don't do that!!!"

*Extremely confused look on daddy's face*

"I do that!"

Ok...my independent child is now squirming her way off of the seat and pulling her pants back up only to turn right around and push them back around her ankles. Now she is ready, without the assistance of Daddy, to wiggle herself back up onto the toilet seat.

"Do you need my help?"
"No."
"Ok...let me know if you need help I'll be in the bedroom."
"No, daddy, NO!"
"Ok, what do you want me to do?"
"Sit."
"Do you need help?"

Now, I know this was a silly question seeing as I had already asked it but I figured...hey, why not. She changes her mind often and I might luck out and get a different response.

"No."
No such luck.
"Then why am I here?"
"Because I want you here."

Ok...so there I sat with my half naked daughter who was sitting on the toilet trying to figure out if peeing was the ONLY matter of business she had to tend to at the moment.

Daddy/daughter days are rarely if ever boring.

Going global

It's official. My blog has now gone international. I received a report today that I received at least one hit on my blog from the country of Spain. Thank you to that one person one stumbled on my blog long enough to be counted in the number of hits for the day. WOW...and to think...it all started with a simple dream...mmmmmmm

leadership video clip

Craig Groeschel made a great video clip about leadership. Try. Fail. Learn. Adjust. Try again. Great lesson for any leader especially pastors. Check it out here.

My wife...the superhero

Some say that she has one of the hardest jobs in the world. The level of compassion and professionalism that is required of her on a daily basis is more than most can bare. The amount of selfishness, greed, and hurt that she faces on any given day can send a grown man home in tears. Yet she stands strong. She feels the hurt but it does not stop her from helping the next family.

Then when her normal amount of energy is spent she comes home and still has enough left to love her husband and hug her daughter. All of this while feeling the new baby growing inside of her. She goes to bed exhausted. However, the next morning she gets up, gets ready, puts on her hospice name badge like a super hero does a cape and heads out to do it all over again. She is hero in so many ways.

Yesterday I was told that she is such a good pastor's wife and has such a heart for ministry. I don't know how she does it all.

She is a wife, a mother, a hospice social worker, a ministry partner, an encourager, a creative partner, a theologian, an author, a friend, a resource, a cheerleader, and so much more.

She is my wife...the superhero.

quote of the day

I came across this quote at a blog titled "Sweet Tea and Theology"...sounds like a Godly blog to me...

"The question is not, 'Am I good enough to be a Christian?' rather; the question is, 'Am I good enough not to be a Christian?"

26 mile training run

They tell us that after last Saturday we are ready for the marathon. We are just "maintaining" for the next several weeks until the actual race. Here are a couple of pics from the end of 26 miles...notice at this distance I look focused and strong. I'm a runner and I thrive on this stuff...then...the close up...

WHERE IS THE FINISH!!! I'm cold. I'm hungry. My feet hurt. I want to take a nap. I just want to...oooooo look a medal! Pretty!

first of the year

I know we are weeeeell into 2009 and I am off to a slooooow start on the blogging front. I have recently entered the world of facebook and that has taken a chunk of my "online" time lately. Come look for me at yet another site. I will try to do better but here are some updates for now...

We are pregnant again...YEAH!!!
The baby is due Aug. 24th. We are in a mad search for baby names AGAIN. (We are taking suggestions)

Tomorrow I have the longest (and coldest) training run yet for the marathon...26 miles!!!
The wind chill is supposed to be in the teens at 5am when we start. I know some of you are wishing you were that warm right now but this is FLORIDA!!! It's not supposed to be this cold. Oh well...

The marathon is Feb. 15th and right now it is consuming a lot of my thought process. I'm actually a little nervous about it.

I am 35 now and am loving life...I only have 12 months to be this age so it should be fun.

More updates later...

Wednesday night

Just a reminder...
We will be having a prayer and praise service here at WJACC Wednesday night at 7pm. Come help us anticipate a new year of seeing what God is going to do. See you there.

Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (5)

The Tree (Christmas Eve)

Scripture
Luke 2:25-32; John 10:10

25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Devotion
There is no more familiar shape during the Christmas season than the Christmas Tree. The decorated symbol of Christmas quickly transforms a normal living room into a joyful atmosphere of celebration. The most outstanding characteristic of the Christmas tree is the use of an evergreen tree. These trees are full of life. The fir tree can stand tall even under the most outrageous conditions...and in the end still be flowing with the life is was given. Jesus said that He came so that we may have life and have it to the full. This life of faith can stand the most outrageous conditions of life and in the end we are allowed to stand tall because Jesus has brought us through it. This Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our Lord, our Savior, and our Life-Giver. Don't wait another year or even another day before trusting Him for your life. Let Jesus be the king, your friend, and your way to the Father. He came for you so that you might live.

Prayer-
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for putting on flesh and walking the earth so that we may have a close personal relationship with Almighty God. You are the source of all life and we confess our need for you. Please forgive us when we act as if we are fine without You. Take us and use us to reach others with Your light of grace and love. We love you Jesus...but only because You showed us what real love is. We pray all of this in Your name.
Amen

Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (4)

The Crown
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

When you see the shape of a crown what other images come to mind? It probably is not one of a manger or of shepherds or even of a tiny little baby boy. However, this is exactly how the King of kings and the Lord of lords introduced Himself to a lost world. The fallen world needed someone with ultimate authority. The kind of authority that leads people in the ways they should go. Jesus held that kind of authority and still does today. Christmas is a time when we celebrate and have fun together. However, it is also a time when we can find direction again. We can find meaning in the midst of chaos. We can see the light through the darkness. Jesus is everything we need and this season we celebrate not only our Savior but our Lord as well. Let Jesus be your King this Christmas.

Dear Lord,

Teach us today how to submit to You. Your ways are perfect. We need your perfect guidance to obey You and walk in Your commands. Thank you for your perfect birth and
your life today that allows us to find direction and purpose. We love you. Amen.

Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (3)

The Circle - John 1:1-4;14

It is difficult to make it through a Christmas season without coming face to face with circles. They decorate homes, stores & even churches in the form of evergreen wreaths. Circles have no beginning and no end. Every time we see a Christmas wreath we are reminded of the never ending cycle of God’s love. God’s word, the expression of His never ending love, became flesh and dwelt among us. God’s unstoppable love walked the face of earth so that we may know what real life is.
Let us take advantage of this season to celebrate God’s love which did not even see flesh as a barrier to loving the world.

Prayer –

Lord, We are so grateful for your love. Thank you for loving us in spite of our selfish desires. Help us today to believe your love can accomplish anything and help us to be instr5uments of your love this Christmas. We love you, Lord. Amen

Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (2)

Star – Matthew 2:8-11

Christmas trees are topped with them. The sky is full of them. But that night there was one. This one was brighter than the others. This one would not be overlooked. It had a purpose and that was to lead. That night it guided some very intelligent individuals to their salvation wrapped in a package of flesh.
Today people are led by all types of light. Selfishness, lust, pride, addictions and others can seem overwhelmingly bright. However, the little star of Bethlehem led the wise men over hundreds of challenging miles and is still guiding paths today.
This Advent season, what light are you following? Also, what kind of light are you being for others?

Prayer –

Father,
Thank you for the star light that first led us to you. Help us to also be lights guiding others to your love and salvation this season. We love you. Amen

Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion

Shepherd Staff – Luke 2:8-20

One of the first signs of Christmas we begin to see are candy canes. For years this sweet peppermint treat has been freshening breath all over the world. Kids collect them. Families decorate their trees with them. We are all familiar with candy canes. But, how often do we think about a candy cane being shaped like a shepherd’s staff?
God revealed the good news of the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds. Even in their common existence they had a sense of responsibility and obedience that would not let them stay silent.
As we light the first candle of advent let us remember the shape of the shepherd’s staff and the fresh, exciting news that was brought that night long ago, let us be obedient in sharing the hope that is Jesus Christ this season.

Prayer –
Lord,
Thank you for the birth of Jesus Christ. This week, help us to share this good news as we walk through each day. May someone this year have their hearts opened by your love and help us to celebrate with your angels when that happens. We love you, Amen

advent and such

OK...I know I haven't updated the blog in a while and now with the Christmas season over and the new year beginning business should be picking up here at "thoughts and things". I want to give you a taste of what I've been up to lately. I am about to post all of the advent devotions I wrote for church. I know advent is over but they are all still relevant...I hope :-)

Happy Reading!

www-wonderful wacky web

I am out of control!...a few years ago I simply did e-mail and browsed the internet. Now I officially have 3 web sites of my own.
1-this site which if you are reading this you already know about
2-myspace-several youth and young adults I work with/beside keep up with myspace
3-now I have facebook which seems to have everyone else in my life following
If only we could use our combined powers for good...mmmmmmmmm

I made a decision

Today I voted for someone to be the next president of the United States of America. I have spent the last several months listening, watching, discussing, researching, reading, and doing everything I can so that I could make an informed decision. I looked at both candidates and discovered I had strong leanings towards both of them in certain areas. I also found several things that turned me off.

I looked at issues.

I looked at communication styles.

I looked at their personal lives.

I looked at their voting records.

I looked at their choices for running mates.

I did my best to cover all of the bases. To my surprise I found that I actually liked both candidates. This election is the first time where I felt like I really had a choice to make. In previous years the choice was easy. I mean you can not convince me that John Kerry was the best the DNC had to offer 4 years ago. Puhhhhleasssssse.

So I left my office today still unsure of who I would vote for. On my way out the door one of our daycare teachers challenged me to "think of your daughters future". That stuck with me all the way to the precinct. So that's what I did.

There is a good chance that whoever is elected will be president for the next 8 years. That will mean Natalie will be 10 years old when a new president is chosen. Our next president will be a major part of Natalie's first political memories. Soooo...

Do I want Natalie to experience a world where the norm for her is an African-American president? Do I want her to see the "dream" of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. be a reality? Do I want her to see a world with fewer racial barriers?

or

Do I want Natalie to see that women are capable of achieving even the high office of Vice-President? Do I want Natalie to see the world as an open door of possibilities just waiting for her to let her own dreams soar? Do I want her to see that the "glass ceiling" is not so much a factor anymore but rather a shattered former reality?

So that's what I did. I thought about my daughter's future and I voted. All the research I did came down to what kind of world do I wish for my daughter. I made a choice. I hope you took advantage of your freedom and made a choice too.

Whoever wins...I want my daughter to see her parents praying for and supporting the leaders that are in place.

Fireproof

I hate reading a book just because it's the "popular Christian book". I avoid wearing the "popular Christian clothes/bracelets/etc. I do not go out of my way to watch "Christian" movies. So I did not jump right away at the chance to see the movie "Fireproof". I had nothing against the movie or the people that made it. It just didn't grab me as a "must see" movie. Through a series of events and conversations Allison and I decided to break down and go see it last night. I was pleasantly surprised. I walked away from it NOT feeling like I had wasted my time (as I often do with so many cheesy "Christian" movies). Kirk Cameron did a great job in his role as a firefighter and husband who is trying to figure out how to save his troubled marriage. There were some very intense scenes, some funny moments, and some scenes that made you reflect on your own relationships. I'm not trying to make this movie sound like the best in the world but it was definitely not the worst. I do recommend it. Your marriage does not have to be rocky for you to get something out of this movie. Go see it and if nothing else it will encourage you to pray for your spouse and other marriages even more.

new tax plan

Scot McKnight has come up with his own tax plan. At first I was expecting something quirky and off the wall but the more I think about it the more it kind of makes sense. You can read his plan here.

wordle

Here's the wordle that came up for my blog today...try it out for yourself.

schedule breakers

It's almost cliche' now to say that things have been crazy. We all have schedules to keep and unexpected things that break into those schedules. Here's a few of our "schedule breakers" we experienced this week.
Sunday-Allison and Natalie are sick.
Monday-my folks roll into town.
Tuesday-I'm sick.
Wednesday-fairly normal...all things considered.
Thursday-my dad is sick...Natalie and I travel down to Deland with Uncle Robert and Aunt Jo to see our Uncle Raymond and meet with his Care Coordinator.
Friday-catch up from all the schedule breakers throughout the week and hopefully air out the house from all of the sickness.

As I was typing this there was a knock on my door. "We need to see if a man can open this." Right off the bat my manliness is requested and challenged. The door to the church bus will not open. After much effort and deliberation (and to make this long story sooooo much shorter) the challenge resulted in my rear-end climbing through a window in order to open the door from the inside.

After that little adventure I was informed that one of the phone lines was lit up without anyone on the phone.

After solving that mystery I was also informed that there were doughnuts in the kitchen for everyone. Of course I had to investigate this as well. After all I am planning on running 14 miles tomorrow in my marathon training.

Now it is 10:00 and I'm just now finishing this entry.
Schedule breakers...mmmmm...they make life interesting.