Living Life Forward

Can’t have one without the other

2011-07-04T21:49:00.013-05:00

Michelle reminded me that two years ago we worked on this project - building the fence at our front entrance – on the 4th of July.

Which led to this project…

Which ultimately led to this project on the 4th of July, 2011.

Today, we planted what we hope to be a you-pick pumpkin patch. Our dream is to have a shared family experience, for our family and for others.

The chronology of projects (and projects yet to be started and/or completed) caused me to pause, to recognize that life is a journey of experiences that build on prior experiences. God is always preparing us for what lies ahead.

At times, it seems scary when we may not be able to see around the next bend in the road, or in the darkness that is looming at the end of the headlights. However, our role is to simply trust and learn from today’s experiences so we can be prepared for the next challenge.

You simply can't have one without the other...

What are you learning from life's journey of experiences? Are you fighting the learning process or are you simply learning to trust and learn from the Master Teacher?

Two Words

2011-05-31T04:44:00.001-05:00

Ralph Son.

Two words spoken often by my dad that were either words of affirmation or sternness, depending on his tone. He would call me Ralph Son when he was trying to teach me something or when he was trying to get my attention. It’s two words I still wish I could hear but haven’t heard from him in over 16 years. (The upside is that I am certain that my Heavenly Father knows my desires and calls me that when He’s talking to me.)

It’s also words that I wish I could say but never had the chance, save for one day - 13 years ago today. Ralph Jr. lived 26 minutes and I called him that when he was alive, although he couldn’t respond to it.

Looking back over the last 13 years, I’d like to say, “Ralph Son, thank you for making a difference in my life during your short life. Thank you for fulfilling God’s purpose that He sent you to do. The world is a better place because of you and I am proud of you Ralph Son.”

My challenge is to relate to my daughters in a similar manner in which my dad related to me. I have two words for each of my daughters. They are used as words of affirmation or sternness, depending on my tone...

Two words can make a difference.

The Day After (April 29)

2011-04-30T21:30:00.006-05:00

No, this isn't a post about William and Kate's wedding. You can read thoughts about it here as shared by my Twitter friend Gail Hyatt.

I took the day off yesterday (29th) to invest in myself and my family. This is not something I typically do, so I am determined to document the fun I had so it will help me repeat the practice in the future.

We started the day with Morgan at BES. She was in the 2nd grade play as Bob Thomas, playing the role of Ty Pennington.

She did a splendid job, as did her classmates. You can see a portion of her parts here.

The faculty and staff at BES are to be commended for their creativity and patience in designing a set and helping the kids really get into the play.

Following the play, Michelle and I went on a day date - something we seldom do. I had scheduled the day off for Morgan's play and took advantage of the opportunity to schedule a round of golf for me and Michelle.

This was Michelle's first time golfing.

She was a great sport and we had a blast together. I think we have found a new pastime that we can share together.

We ended the day with an evening at the park, watching (and coaching - Michelle's role) our girls in softball and baseball. Morgan's team won.

Laney & Madison's team (which Michelle helps coach) tied.

Here are my takeaways from my day:

1. Time invested in your spouse (and kids) is never in vain
2. Kids remember if you're not there
3. It's OK to try new things
4. The world doesn't fall apart if you're not at the office
5. My kids need a healthy relationship between dad and mom
6. I need to do this more often
7. My hope for William and Kate is that they will experience this kind of love and joy the day (and years) after their wedding

Trust

2011-03-08T07:13:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, the worship team at RCC led us in an old familiar hymn - 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". While reflecting on trust and the words of the hymn, I was humbled to recognize many times in my past that God proved himself trustworthy.

In the times I've traveled
In my daily walk with Him
In the loss of my dad
In the loss of my son
In my many moves
In my career path
In daily provision
In my relationship with my wife
Three healthy daughters
The list could go endlessly on…

I’m also reminded that I can trust in God through this month’s memory verse we are learning through Upstreet…”When I am afraid, I will trust in you”. Psalm 56:3

The challenge I face on a daily basis is to be trustworthy in the arenas I find myself.

At home
As a husband
As a dad
As an employee
In public
In private

How are you proving your trustworthiness, like our God does?

2010 Year in Review for the Yoder Family

2011-01-31T20:05:00.005-06:00

Oh my - how time flies. I can't let one more month in 2011 go by without posting our family "Year in Review". I am very grateful for all of God's blessings in 2010 and look forward to 2011.

Leadership Lessons from Luke the Physician, Part 1

2011-01-22T08:30:00.002-06:00

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:51-52(NKJV)

Do you want to be a leader? Here's how – follow well.

In the preceding verses, Jesus reiterates to his mother his calling…"Didn't you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?" But in verses 51 & 52, Jesus sets the example for those who are called to be leaders.

Here's what we learn from this passage:

Jesus was called to be a leader. He knew it and he felt it.
Jesus was subject to his parents (his authority at the time).
As a result of his submission to his parent's authority, Jesus' leadership capacity grew.

As Andy Stanley so succinctly puts it in Leading From Beneath…"If you don't learn to lead under, you won't have as many opportunities to lead over."

Learn to follow well so you can lead well. There's a world out there waiting for you, so follow well first.

Thank You

2010-11-28T20:41:00.006-06:00

Two simple words that are often not spoken.

Illustration by: Frank Chimero

This isn't a post about Thanksgiving. Society shouldn't tell us when to be thankful. We should be thankful every single moment.

From the simplest act of kindness to an expression of joy and appreciation – thank you needs to be a part of our vocabulary.

When was the last time you said thank you to the waitress, your boss, your teacher, your parents, wife, husband, child, pastor, or friend.

Nancy Lubin, CEO of Do Something, wrote about these two little words in her article for the November issue of Fast Company, entitled Two Little Words. What she suggests doesn't even cost a dime. She suggests to say thank you to:

Interns
Lawyers
The Little People

Gary Vaynerchuk, a New York Times bestselling author and American businessman who was born in Belarus and immigrated to the United States as a young child has written a book entitled The Thank You Economy (not yet released). In his book he contends…

Top-down, one-way exchanges are gone, replaced by relationships based on open, honest, and constant communication between customers and business. Today, individuals and brands that out-care and out-love their competition - those emphasising quality, value, responsiveness, and attention to detail, among other essentials - see the biggest returns. Gary Vaynerchuk contends that the people and companies harnessing the word-of-mouth power provided by multiplatform media - those that can shift their outlook and operations to be more customer-aware and fan-friendly - will pull away from the pack and profit in today's markets. (Source: Amazon.com)

This weekend I saw the following commercial from GM.

It is a very timely commercial, released during the Thanksgiving season. However, it is a commercial that makes me want to remain a loyal GM owner. And it makes me wonder if the "new" GM has bought into the "Thank You Economy".

Ironically, this idea of expressing thanks is not a new idea. It is recorded in Scripture when Jesus healed ten lepers and one returned to say Thank You to his Healer.

I'm not trying to spiritualize what GM did in the mentioned commercial. However, it seems to me that GM reflects the value of saying Thank You that was demonstrated by the one returning healed leper. How many other bailed out firms have said Thank You to the American taxpayer?

Remember to say Thank You. It makes a difference to the receiver and it makes a difference in your heart.

Laney Memories 2010

2010-10-05T20:05:00.004-05:00

In an effort to create memorable moments, Michelle and I decided to invest into each of our children individually. It is something the girls look forward to – to have the undivided attention of Mom and Dad – without the distraction of their sisters. They love each other but they cherish the special attention.

This year, we arranged the special event around something they each love.

Last year while prepping our home site, Laney was riding in my brother's tractor and we heard the song "Big Green Tractor" by Jason Aldean. She asked me if that could be our special song – just me and her. I agreed so it is now our special song (and my ringtone on my cell).

Last week, Jason was in concert in Tallahassee so we went to celebrate the special evening with Laney. It was fun. It was a late night. It was worth it!

Here's the memories captured in photos.

Madison Memories 2010

2010-10-05T19:24:00.004-05:00

This year, we arranged the special event around something they each love.

Madison cheers for the Gators, so we took her to the Gator/Kentucky Wildcats football game. It was fun. It was a late night. It was worth it!

Here's the memories captured in photos.

Love Like Crazy - 16 years

2010-06-18T05:38:00.002-05:00

It's so hard to believe that 16 years flies by so fast. I am grateful that Michelle has been my friend and life partner for 16 years.

Here's to another 16 and more...to Love.Like.Crazy.

Generational Transfer

2010-06-14T05:49:00.001-05:00

I was reading 1^st Chronicles 22 this morning where it is recorded how David stockpiled the materials for his son Solomon to build God's royal temple. In verse 5, David explains why he was doing this… "My son Solomon is too young to plan ahead for this." The chapter then goes on to explain that David inventoried the material, explained to Solomon why he (David) could not build the Temple and then gave him his leadership charge. "And may God also give you discernment and understanding when he puts you in charge of Israel so that you will rule in reverent obedience under God's Revelation. That's what will make you successful, following the directions and doing the things that God commanded Moses for Israel. Courage! Take charge! Don't be timid; don't hold back." David then goes on to tell the people to follow his son's leadership. Talk about setting someone up for success…

Generational transfer doesn't happen overnight. It took David years to stockpile and prepare for the time to hand it off to Solomon. It took him years to "putting down the enemies and subduing the land". The public handover of power, authority and assets took place instantly but the behinds the scenes work, planning and preparation was years in the making.

The question I ask myself is how I am setting up the next generation for success. Am I equipping my three daughters to lead in their future chosen professions? Have I set the stage for them to experience success by "putting down the enemies and subduing the land"?

My prayer is that I will lead like David and set my kids, the next generation, up for success.

Learning to pray from Chris LeDoux

2010-05-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

DISCLAIMER: I know this may sound crazy and I do not intend to be sacrilegious.

When I was putting the girls to bed tonight, we were saying our prayers and Laney announced that you do not need to bow your head or fold your hands when you pray. I asked her what she meant and she turned on the Chris LeDoux cd that she listens to when she goes to bed...to "Bang a Drum".

Listen to the song, especially the first 30-40 seconds. He sings to pray, "Say it with your heart, your soul and believe it and say Amen." Interesting perspective of what my 8 year old picked up from a cowboy singer.

It's also neat to know that Michelle and I got to see Chris LeDoux in concert before he died. (Thanks Erin).

Cooks in the house

2010-03-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

This is what I found this evening when I walked into the kitchen. I'm glad I got to capture this moment.

We have looked forward to having space for all 4 ladies to cook and it is a dream realized.

(By the way - they were prepping potatoes for homemade mashed potatoes!)

Metal Facade and Gooseneck Lights

2010-02-09T05:21:00.002-06:00

OK, so it's unique. It's an industrial look onside of our "barn house".

You'll just have to come visit to get the full effect once they are all installed. Or come back to this site for photos of the finished product.

Trip Wire or Obstacle Course or Just a Vivid Imagination

2010-02-03T19:43:00.007-06:00

This afternoon while we were painting, the kids were playing. I'm not sure if they were bored, but I overheard Madison and Laney talking about trip wires and obstacle courses. Not really sure where they picked it up, but it was neat to watch them create this out of things they found around the construction site.

They even found a palm fronds and painted it blazen orange to mark the beginning of the trail and then marked critical spots in the "danger zone" as appropriate.

I like to think the vivid imagination for this was better than a Nintendo, a movie, or other mind-numbing activity.

Thankful for the nice weather, the construction scraps and vivid imaginations.

Sink(s) and Cooktop

2010-02-03T19:26:00.001-06:00

Today, the cabinet guys cut holes in the brand new counter tops I just paid for.

And for good reason.

They installed these...

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

2010-01-18T20:35:00.000-06:00

Here's an brief update on the house construction.

We've got most of the outside painted, at least the primer and/or first coat. We hope to have it all done by this weekend. Well not the window trim but that will get done sooner (or later).

All the inside walls are painted. At least 2 coats on all.

Most of the base board and all the window trim is in. Now, for the caulking, filling nail holes, etc. Then a light sanding and a coat or two or three (as necessary to get it to look right).

The kitchen cabinets are all installed (see below). And that's the gift that keeps on giving. It is my gift to my bride. And she will enjoy it, utilize it and keep giving from this gift. Hopefully (and likely) one of you reading this post will enjoy the gift, too.

Y'all come.

(Move in time - TBD, but not soon enough!!) There's more to do.

2009 Year in Review for the Yoder Family

2010-01-02T06:11:00.003-06:00

A year ago we began capturing the year through photos and the coolness of Animoto. This was last year's review.

Here's our 2009 year in review video. It's been an exciting year, one with many new challenges and opportunities.

I am looking forward to 2010 and moving into our new house.

Leadership Lessons from Rudolph

2009-12-15T19:15:00.006-06:00

I had the privilege to speak to the Chipley Kiwanis club today. I decided that a Christmas leadership lesson would be appropriate given the time of year.

Actually, the epiphany came to me while listening to Christmas music with Michelle during the Thanksgiving holiday (while painting the house).

Have you ever listened to the song "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" and thought of how Rudolph was an A-D-E-P-T leader? Here are my thoughts.

Rearranged, Rudolph was:

Equipped (uniquely) - Had a very shiny nose
Determined - All of the other reindeer, Used to laugh and call him names; They never let poor Rudolph, Join in any reindeer games
Available - Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Prepared - nothing in the song indicates that Rudolph went to get prepared for the request that Santa had.
Tale - Then how the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, You'll go down in history

I challenged the Kiwanis gathered to continue to invest in the community and into kids. There is no telling the return on investment but the NW Florida will be a better place to live, work, and play.

I used the following quotes in my talk:

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ~Michael Jordan

When opportunity knocks it's too late to prepare. ~John Wooden

I also introduced them to an inspirational young man named Jake Olson. Here is a link to his story. I used the story of Jake to demonstrate determination. I encourage you to read his story or watch the video and get inspired by his attitude and outlook on life.

Thanks to my friend Paul for the invitation to speak.

Progress on House Construction, Caulking, Painting, Insulation

2009-11-23T20:09:00.008-06:00

With all the siding installation complete, we have begun the tedious process of caulking, taping, covering, priming, and painting. About two hours into the process, we asked..."What have we gotten ourselves in to?" My response - a lot of work.

I've taken off this week to work on the painting project and it appears to be a daunting task. However, I was encouraged by a friend with this admonition - "You'll over estimate what you can do in a day but underestimate what you can do in a week." WHEW!!

Here's some photos to document the recent progress.

Caulking...

Team Effort

Team Effort X2

First coat of color

It's hard to imagine the final product, but here's the first shot at it.

Foam insulation application - hot, dirty, yucky job - glad it's not me.

Porch siding not complete

All front windows, door, and siding complete

The very last siding to be installed.

All complete! (siding that is)

Roof Deck

2009-10-19T18:44:00.001-05:00

Today RBW Construction put the roof decking on after finishing the trusses on Friday.

Front View

Back view from SW Corner

Front view from NE Corner

Three excited ladies. One wouldn't climb the stairs...

The adventure continues.

Trusses

2009-10-15T21:39:00.011-05:00

Today, RBW Construction began setting the trusses on our house. And from what I can tell, the bulk of the trusses are set. After two weeks of framing, the house is taking shape.

View from the back porch.

View out upstairs window.

A porch perspective.

Can't wait to invite you over...

Framing Day 2

2009-10-06T21:01:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Jackson County Lumber delivered the framing materials to the house site. In between rain showers, RBW Construction built some of the walls but none were erected. As of this evening, the four outer downstairs walls are up.

Here's the view from the driveway.

View looking East.

View looking West.

View from the front door.

View from the back door.

House Foundation and Slab - Final product

2009-09-26T16:10:00.002-05:00

Here is a video I put together from photos from yesterday's early morning concrete pour. Hampton Conrete and Finishing did a great job pouring and finishing the concrete supplied by Griffin Concrete.

Reflective quality

Porches will be poured on Monday!

Framing to start in a couple of weeks. It's taking shape.

Ready for the Pour - Almost

2009-09-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

Here's today's progress and it's almost ready for Friday's pour. The weather looks pretty good over the next few days and I am thankful for that.

House Construction Progress

2009-09-22T04:06:00.001-05:00

Here is a brief update on the progress made in the past week around the seemingly daily rain showers. I'm thankful for the rain...and sunshine.

Plumbers and electricians have made the necessary installations prior to the concrete being poured.

We hope to have the concrete poured by Friday, depending on the weather...

Labor Day, Really. Memories, Progress...

2009-09-07T20:57:00.005-05:00

Labor Day weekend was just that. We spent most of the Labor Day weekend working on prepping our house site for the contractor to begin forming for the slab. After nearly three days of work and helping hands from my family, the pad is ready for forming. I am thankful for my brother and cousin loaning me tools and equipment to make the job easier and smoother.

Michelle and the kids wanted to help run the packer and help with the laser level. We all pitched in to make it a fun family time, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Here’s the before and after, along with other memory making shots.

Staying Focused

2009-09-05T21:12:00.004-05:00

This is what the finished product should look like.

So on days like today when all it seems like I did was to move dirt from one place to another in an attempt to get the correct grade for the House pad, I come back and look at the picture of the final product.

Here's what I did today - worked on the first 15 loads and actually got a 16th to fill in the low spots.

And I enjoyed playing with the dirt moving toys.

Mounds of Dirt, Loads of Play

2009-09-04T20:20:00.001-05:00

Today we got our 15th load of dirt. Yes I'm counting. At $125 a pop, that's $1875 and within budget. Yep, I'm watching and counting carefully.

The cool thing about the project is we are making it an adventure. Madison and Morgan ventured with me today to work on the piles of dirt and guess what, they had loads of fun.

Next steps - finish leveling the dirt to the correct grade and pack. The concrete contractor begins forming on Tuesday and the foundation and slab will soon follow.

We are all excited about the adventure and the soon to be reality of our very own house that we designed and built.

View From (of) My Future Front Yard

2009-09-01T20:34:00.003-05:00

My daughters and I went to check out the status of the dirt hauled in today at the site of our new house. I stopped long enough to capture a shot of the girls in the bucket of the tractor.

Then we stopped and took a shot of the cows enjoying the piles of dirt. They were playing king of the mountain.

I'm living Tracy Byrd's song "I'm from the country"...and I like it that way.

I had a mentor recently encourage me to "Treat it like a group adventure or vacation. Keep some souvenirs along the way".

Here's the adventure and souvenirs captured all at once...

Groundbreaking, Before & After

2009-08-29T20:50:00.001-05:00

I broke ground yesterday. Literally! Here is the proof as in...

BEFORE 1

BEFORE 2

AFTER

Yesterday we signed papers on the construction loan for our house. So before the end of the day, I pulled the grass and top soil off in preparation to add fill dirt and get the elevation set to form and pour the footers and slab.

Over the next several months we will share photos and updates on the construction of our dream house and the place we will call home.

See Michelle's post here, including me and my helpers in action.

The Good Smelling Aisle

2009-08-09T16:04:00.004-05:00

The simple things in life…that I so often overlook are often the thing of pleasure for my 8-year old daughter Laney. She is one to stop and smell the flowers…literally.

After church today we stopped at Harvey's Supermarket to pick up some items and Laney insisted that we go down the "good smelling aisle". I asked what that meant and she pointed me in the direction of the detergent, soap, shampoo, and air freshener aisle.

Then she literally stopped and smelt the air fresheners…the smell good stuff.

I am challenged by Laney to slow down and stop long enough to smell the good stuff.

A Day with the Yoder Girls

2009-08-04T19:50:00.003-05:00

Summer is winding down. In just three weeks, my girls will be in school. I took the opportunity to keep my girls for Michelle this morning. Once she got home, we allembarked on an adventure in Florida's Capital. We had a fun day.

Here's the rundown.

First a breakfast date with my oldest daughter. This summer, I have tried to date my daughters and this is the last round before school starts.

Next a visit to the Museum of Florida History.

The exhibit - Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition is in Tallahassee until August 9 and I wanted the girls to experience a little of this history of the State of Florida. Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition tells the story of one of Florida's oldest and most important cultural activities. Cattle ranching in North America began when Spanish explorers introduced horses and cattle in the 16th century, and flourished in the hands of the Seminoles, Crackers, and other Floridians. Today, ranching is an essential economic activity that preserves many aspects of the natural landscape, protects water resources, and maintains areas used by wildlife or for recreation. Yet, few know about Florida's unique ranching traditions, which have been adapted to the subtropical climate, and influenced our distinctive history.

From there, we went to catch a movie. We watched Imagine That.

The girls enjoyed the movie and the time together as a family.

Next stop, we went out to eat before visiting Sam's Club…then a return to the "country".

Their favorite part of the day...Grandma's Attic in the Museum of Florida History.

I am thankful for my family and the time we get to spend together as a family.

Notes in the Hallway

2009-07-30T05:04:00.002-05:00

It doesn't take much to help me realize and recognize that I am a blessed man. In fact, if I really consider how blessed I am I would never complain or get irritated with my family. But hey, I'm human.

As a family, we have subscribed to The ReThink Group's Family Time Packs for nearly 4 years. And we will for at least another 4.

FamilyTimes™ is designed to help equip parents with easy to use tools to make the most of everyday moments together. This tool is based on the biblical model that teaches that the home should be the primary place where a child learns about God.

There are four encouragement cards inside the FamilyTimes™ pack. The encouragement cards are for parents to use to encourage your child in some small way. It may be slipping a note of encouragement in their lunch box or leaving a note on their pillow expressing how thankful I am that she is my child. Each of the four cards has a beginning like, "I have noticed… or I'm really glad…". Michelle and I have used these cards periodically and it makes a huge impact on Madison, Laney and Morgan. They enjoy the notes and it gives them a sense of purpose and belonging.

Recently, Laney (our middle daughter) took to writing notes. In two different occasions I found these notes from Laney in the hallway right outside her door. She knew that I come and check on her each morning when I wake up so she left these notes to encourage me.

I am blessed. I enjoy notes in the hallway.

Underduck

2009-07-20T20:39:00.003-05:00

Dad, can you come give us an underduck? This is what my daughters came and asked me tonight. So I obliged them and this is what they got.

Urban dictionary defines underduck as "running under someone as you push them on the swing".

Waiting

2009-07-15T21:09:00.004-05:00

When God dished out patience on April 19, 1973, I think He took a break. I say that "tongue in cheek" because I know I was created just like He wanted me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. But needless to say, I hate to wait. It just isn't my forte.

The past two weeks have been particularly difficult for me. My weakness (lack of patience) has been tested and tested. I have been forced to wait, to put my plans on hold, to release control (or at least admit that I have no control). Therefore, I was majorly impacted this past weekend when RCC began the series "The Ultimate Adventure". The message brought by Clay & Lyn Cook was based on the life of Abram and Sarai from Genesis 12-13. Listen here.

On Monday, I saw a tweet from Pete Wilson referencing the message "Forgotten" by Jeff Henderson. Jeff spoke about Abram and Sarai as well this past Sunday. His message was from Genesis 15-17. Wow, in a matter of days, the lives of Abram and Sarai were opened up to me in a whole new way, a way I've never really recognized. You can listen to Jeff's message here and download a prayer card here. I'd encourage you to do so. You will be challenged and blessed.

Here's the Promo of the message series.

Promo: "The Waiting Room" from North Point Media on Vimeo.

I took notes and have captured the essence of the message. Here are a few lines from the message.

God does not forget those who will wait on him.

The reason God allows waiting in our lives is because he is in the process of preparing you, preparing me.

In the season of waiting, God is preparing you for the next chapter, which will lead to the next chapter, which will lead…which will ultimately allow Him to write the story of your life that will glorify His Son. That's why you're here, that's why you're breathing. God has not forgotten about you. He's preparing you.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What you're facing did not catch God by surprise.

Prayer: I'm going to believe that I am "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". However, I need you to encourage me this week. I'm tired. I'm lonely. I'm frustrated. I'm scared. I'm worn out. I need you to encourage me. I'm going to choose this week that you haven't forgotten me. I'm going to choose this week that you're preparing me. But I need your encouragement.

I'm waiting. I'm accepting His process of preparing me. Just wondering what the next chapter will unfold.

PhD in PHD

2009-07-04T22:21:00.005-05:00

I have a wonderful wife who is willing to partner with me, even in my challenging projects. She is patient and humors me in my peculiar ways of building fence. I am a bit obsessive when it comes to accuracy when building. (Truth be told, I have to compensate for my lack of building experience...but please don't tell anyone.)

Michelle endured about 6 hours of grueling, hot work today while building a board fence where we hope to build a house one day...soon Michelle pitched in with the post hole digger, AKA PHD. I'd say she earned a PhD in PHD today.

See her side of the story in her post here.

Happy Anniversary

2009-06-18T05:15:00.003-05:00

Today is our anniversary and I have had the pleasure of sharing the past 15 years with Michelle. I am grateful that God blessed me with a wonderful wife who is passionate, committed, and creative. She loves me in spite of my faults, failures, and hang ups. She has partnered with me in life, love, and in pursuit of our dreams. I am fortunate to have her as a friend, parenting partner and lover.

Welcoming Committee

2009-05-18T20:32:00.001-05:00

When I drove in my driveway today from work, this is what I saw. What a wonderful welcoming committee. Two loaded up on my truck and rode the rest of the way to the house. I am thankful for my daughters.
Notice the jackets on two...it is a cool evening in May.

2009 Parade of Homes - Favorite House/Ideas

2009-05-17T20:56:00.003-05:00

This was our favorite stop today on the 2009 Tallahassee Parade of Homes.

And the two best ideas of the day that we captured are above. The tile floor and glass shower enclosure along with the high window to add light into the shower/bathroom area was really neat.

I really enjoyed spending time with Michelle. It was a dual purpose date and I am thankful that she enjoys time away with her husband.

Thanks to our friend Shelly for keeping our kids for us. We are blessed.

Morgan Passes a Milestone

2009-03-08T19:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Morgan told me that she wanted to learn to ride her “two-wheeler” which is how she refers to her bike. So, we worked on it for a couple minutes and she was off and riding. And she reached this milestone before her 6th birthday.

Today, she wanted more practice and we worked on building her confidence.

I am proud of her and the growth she is experiencing as she finds her way in this tough world.

And the neat thing...here's the post of Laney's success.

Here’s a video I captured.

Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership

2009-02-26T04:45:00.001-06:00

John Maxwell says it and it’s in the Bible. While reading 1 Kings 9 this morning, I ran across this passage that I’ve read before but this time it jumped out at me. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose in how I lead myself, in my home, at work, in the community, etc. I have no idea what hangs in the balance years down the road by the decisions I make today, tomorrow, and the next day. However, I must be pretty darn certain that I am making a wise decision when I do.

See what God says to Solomon in 1 Kings 9: 3-9 (MSG). The weight rested on Solomon’s shoulders in how he would follow God and lead his personal life.

3 And God said to him, “I’ve listened to and received all your prayers, your ever-so-passionate prayers. I’ve sanctified this Temple that you have built: My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always. 4 As for you, if you live in my presence as your father David lived, pure in heart and action, living the life I’ve set out for you, attentively obedient to my guidance and judgments, 5 then I’ll back your kingly rule over Israel, make it a sure thing on a solid foundation. The same guarantee I gave David your father I’m giving you: ‘You can count on always having a descendant on Israel’s throne.’ 6 “But if you or your sons betray me, ignoring my guidance and judgments, taking up with alien gods by serving and worshiping them, 7 then the guarantee is off: I’ll wipe Israel right off the map and repudiate this Temple I’ve just sanctified to honor my Name. And Israel will become nothing but a bad joke among the peoples of the world. 8 And this Temple, splendid as it now is, will become an object of contempt; visitors will shake their heads, saying, ‘Whatever happened here? What’s the story behind these ruins?’ 9 Then they’ll be told, ‘The people who used to live here betrayed their God, the very God who rescued their ancestors from Egypt; they took up with alien gods, worshiping and serving them. That’s what’s behind this God-visited devastation.’”

Go and lead well, starting with yourself.

She's NINE

2009-02-24T05:31:00.000-06:00

Time flies, especially as your children age. Nine years ago, we lived in Marion County on the UF Plant Science Research and Education Unit while I was a student at UF. In the past nine years, we have moved 4 times and our moves have brought us back to Calhoun County two times (I think we’re here to stay). Nine years ago, Madison Wynne Yoder joined our family and life with children began.

It seems like just yesterday that Madison was just a little crying newborn baby. Today, she is growing up to be a fine young lady, a leader, a fun loving carefree country girl.

I am honored that God has blessed me with my children and as my oldest (living) child, Madison is a joy to parent. She loves the outdoors, playing, animals, riding her bicycle, spending time with her cousins, and country music. She is energetic, full of life and has an outgoing personality. She wants to be a cowgirl, a musician, and who knows what else.

I look forward to the next 9+ years as I watch Madison transform into a lady of purpose, of elegance, into womanhood.

Here’s to the last of single digit age.

I love you Madison…your proud Daddy.

Thinking Outside of The Box

2009-02-21T04:54:00.001-06:00

What box are you in? How do you manage to push yourself to step back from your process and view the world from a different angle?

For me, it’s not easy to do. Especially recently after taking on some new challenges (read about it here and here and here and here). But I got a chance to sit in a Dr. office waiting room this week and read a magazine and I ran across this article and it helped me rethink my process.

How Greenbox Thinks Outside the Box – This is useful in any setting.

1. Have a Vision

2. Have the courage to state anew

3. Understand your customer

4. Know the art of what’s possible

5. Think about you product

And periodically step out of your box to view it from a different viewpoint. (My thought)

The season of life. Is this a dream or a nightmare?

2009-02-17T20:25:00.001-06:00

OK, so I have to admit. I feel like I am living in a dream and living a dream. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s a nightmare. Then I have to remind myself that I signed up for this.

So the dream is this – I am working in my zone…people, projects, and big picture things. This is fun. This is me. This is what I was born to do.

The nightmare…I’m not in control. I’m not able to come up for air. I’ve lost balance. I’ve had to pull back from some things I love to do…for a season.

I am missing lots of family time. I don’t know how to juggle my home, work, school, and volunteer life. I suck at being a husband, daddy, friend, and student…for a season.

I’m grateful that I’ve had time to invest heavily into my family over the past year, even further back as 3-5 years. And we all have seasons like this.

And this season will end. The beginning of the end came today when President Obama signed the Economic Recovery bill.

This is a season.

Day 41 & 42 in 2009

2009-02-11T05:17:00.001-06:00

OK, so you’ll read this and say STOP. I agree. I hope to be home early today (day 42) to take a nap.

3:30 AM – wake up

Go all day. Travel to Tampa and back.

3:30 AM – (Wednesday AM) Go to Bed

4:30 AM – wake up

5:30 AM – leave for office

I know, this ain’t sustainable. It’s just that a critical meeting got scheduled for 7 AM today (day 42)

Day 40 in 2009

2009-02-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

Here’s how my day looked like:

3:00 AM – alarm goes off, take shower, get dressed

3:20 AM – Make coffee, check emails

3:40 AM – Make breakfast

3:50 AM – read Bible

4:10 AM – Leave for work

4:25 AM – Pump $30 in gas

5:15 AM – walk into office, check emails

6:00 AM – meet with district Secretary

6:30 AM – rewrite agenda for the day

7:30 AM – meet with Secretary and Directors

8:00 AM – Meet with my team

9:30 AM – meet with team member

10:00 AM – meet with another team member

10:30 AM-1:00 PM – answer phone calls and emails

1:00 PM – meet with DEMO (permits)

2:30 PM – meet with county commission chairman

4:00 PM – answer emails

4:45 PM – leave the office

5:20 PM – arrive at home

6:00 PM – fix supper for my ladies

7:00 PM – help the girls with homework and GodTime cards

7:45 PM – put girls to bed

8:00 PM – work on homework (mine)

9:30 PM – post blog

9:45 PM – go to bed

Sleep til 3AM, start over

Bipartisanship, an example of leadership

2009-02-03T20:04:00.001-06:00

Did I read this correctly…Headline reads “N.H. Governor Picks a Republican Woman to Fill Senate Seat” as in a Democratic Governor of New Hampshire appoints a Republican and keeps the balance of power in the US Senate? My hat’s off to Governor John Lynch. You can read it here.

Déjà Vu

2009-02-03T05:05:00.001-06:00

I’ve been here before. Somehow it seems familiar.

In January 2007, I was asked by the management of JLA to lead a team of implementing a new database system across the companies US locations. I accepted the challenge and together with a “Pit Crew”, we accomplished in 8-9 months what most companies would have taken years. Now mind you, there was a lot of leg work already done before February 2 call that kicked off the start of our “race”.

Yesterday, I was called into a meeting at 8:30 to be informed that I was to lead a team. There would be a staff meeting at 9:30 where this would be announced. The team is to work with the 16 counties in District 3, all the cities (and towns) and other transportation partners in ensuring they have been contacted, that they have been given the necessary opportunity to be successful accomplishing the purposes and intent of the federal economic stimulus plan that is anticipated once Congress passes the legislation and President Obama signs the measure into law (I know – a long run-on sentence). We are to certify, document the adherence to federal guidelines and follow through over the next 2-3 years as the money is invested into local communities across NW FL.

I am humbled. I am honored. And I am thankful that the management of D3 FDOT has assembled a good team to execute our mission. I’m also grateful to JLA for the training opportunities they gave me.

I’ve got to get to work.

Confessions of a busy dad

2009-02-02T21:34:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow (February 3) would have been my dad’s 61^st birthday. In so many ways I am like him, yet in some I am not. He was a leader of leaders. He was a visionary that was ahead of his time and had difficulty in bridging the gap between what he saw should be and could be vs. the reality of his day. He loved mankind. He was personable and never met a stranger. He traveled much and was dedicated to making this world a better place to live, to work, and to raise a family.

I find myself emulating some of the best and worst of my dad. I find myself consumed by progress, passionate about change, energized about leading and communicating, and learning new and better ways to serve, to lead, to grow.

Then tonight, I realized that I am busy – too busy to be home with my family. I have only one free night this week and only one free night next week. My dad was busy later in life, but in my early childhood, he was close by. These are the days I miss farming. These are the days when I wish I could work closer to my family, that I wasn’t working on a Master’s degree, that I could be less consumed with the politics of the day, that I could be happy with being someone other than the me that I am. But then I also realized I am who God created me to be. That He wired me the way I am. That he called me to be a leader, an influencer, a difference maker in whatever context I find myself in.

Just thoughts of a busy dad and the struggles that occupy my mind.

The Plunge...GRAD School

2009-01-21T19:52:00.001-06:00

OK. I’ve been holding onto a secret from the rest of the world for about 2 weeks now. Ok, for some of you who read this...it won’t be new news. But for others, I am documenting my plunge into a new adventure. And I haven’t intentionally kept it a secret…I just haven’t had time to post about this…and I shouldn’t be now ‘cause I’ve got homework to do.

I am a graduate student at FSU, Panama City campus. I am working on a Master’s degree in Corporate and Public Communication. I am really excited about this as I have had a goal of earning a Master’s degree before I turn 40. I have 4 years, and a couple of months. So times a wastin’.

So if you wonder why there will be lengthy pauses between posts for the next couple of months…now you know. Once I get in a groove and get back into the schooling thing, I hope to get my life back.

It’s just that it’s been 8 years since I’ve been in an official classroom. I love to learn and my work and learning at JLA and now at DOT have been or are classrooms of sorts. So I consider this just another learning opportunity, another stretching experience, and another growth step.

And I am thankful that my family is supportive of me and along for the ride.

I love you guys even though I will miss two nights a week with you and will be in the books and tired a lot of the time.

To Do List

2009-01-19T20:34:00.001-06:00

I had a to do list today – on my day off, that would kill a sane man. I guess I’m insane because I feel like it killed me – and I only got about 1/3 done.

So what did I get done?

1. Built fence for Sammy (our calf) – expanded his pen

2. Castrated and dehorned Sammy – felt like old days working cows with dad – only it was over in a matter of minutes (Note to self – make sure your daughters understand that this is part of farm life)

3. Planted or actually transplanted some trees

Done but not on the list

1. Exploring the woods with my family

2. Exploring the woods with my brother and two of my girls

3. Visiting with mom, uncle and cousins

4. Hunting hogs

5. Fixing fence with brother

6. Taking trash out

7. Riding 4 wheeler

Not done but on list

1. Budgeting

2. Thinking – lots needed

3. Reading – lots needed

Not on list but needed to be

1. Scheduling wife time for 2009

2. Changing the oil in the van

3. Planning a 15^th anniversary celebration – with my wife

4. Working on Kidstuf lines

5. Journaling

Looking forward to Saturday to work on this next to impossible list.

History in the making

2009-01-05T04:01:00.000-06:00

T minus 14 days…and counting. This is an exciting time to be alive – to witness history in the making. America will be a better nation and will be another step closer to a mature organization with the election of President Obama.

While one may not agree with his stance on many issues, one can certainly applaud the manner in which he has taken action in prepping to address the economic woes of the nation. And in the manner in which he has so rapidly filled key roles in his administration.

One can only hope the days ahead are brighter and the way is clearer as we near a new mark in the history of the greatest nation on earth. And I believe God is in control of the universe…Daniel 4:17. “so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.”

God Bless America.

2008 Year in Review for the Yoder Family

2008-12-30T21:51:00.000-06:00

Here is a video we made on animoto.com. An inexpensive way to document the life we enjoy. This captures the essence of our life in 2008...who knows what 2009 holds.
Enjoy.

Tis the Season for a Fresh Start...Message Summary

2008-12-29T21:29:00.000-06:00

We concluded the Tis The Season series yesterday at RCC. And the appropriately titled message was “Tis the Season for a Fresh Start”.

Message text was Joshua 1:1-11,with reference to Joshua 3:4, 15-16.

Message main points

1. The first step to a fresh start is always the hardest.

2. The first step to a fresh start is the only way to possess the promise.

Other key points

· To take possession – it takes a combination of blessings and battles

· The children of Israel had to cross the Jordan River – a sign of aggression and an act of war

· The children of Israel were a rag tag group of people who had been slaves for 400 years and had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years

· The children of Israel didn’t have an army like the nations they were about to displace

· Sometimes we let past relationships, successes, failures, comforts, or security keeps us from possessing the future.

· Until you bury your past, you can’t live in the future

· Fear & discouragement are the enemies of a fresh start; they will keep you from possessing your future, from becoming all God wants you to be… Joshua 1:9 "Remember I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Don't be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord, am with you wherever you go."

· Fear keeps us from getting started.

· Discouragement keeps us from continuing, from finishing.

· The fear of the unknown can paralyze you “…since you have never been this way before.” (Joshua 3:4)

· Faith is an action – take possession (Joshua 1:11)

What will you be like in 365 days? What fresh start do you need to embark upon in 2009?

Listen to the message here.

Jarrod shared with RCC the fresh start that RCC Student Ministries is making in the new year. There are some exciting developments ahead for RCC. His message here.

We missed part of the regular team at RCC. The worship team did a great job while Clint was out of town. We also missed Kevin while he celebrated Christmas with family in PA.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T18:21:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to you from the Yoder family.

Here’s our Christmas letter…just to catch you up on the events of our year. 2008 has been a rewarding year for us as we have made adjustments in our lives, our jobs, and our volunteer roles.

And don’t forget to share the Grace that graced the world years ago when God sent His Son to build a bridge for relationship with His creations.

Enjoy.

The Power of One

2008-12-21T21:47:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wondered what difference you – and only you – are making in this world? Let me share with you the story of one.

Today, I was asked by a volunteer at RCC to have prayer with him. His prayer request was to help him remain focused and intent on his ministry…for his mind to not wander and shut down…he was tired. Here’s why: this volunteer works nights. He shows up at RCC at the end of his night shift to spend the 1^st service with a kid who has autism. It is his ministry. It is his service to this young man, to the parents of the young man, to the staff and other volunteers at RCC.

The volunteer asked me to share the prayer time with him to ask God to help him serve, love, and care. And to share the Grace of God with a young man who has difficulty interacting in what most of us consider normal ways.

And here’s the kicker – the volunteer showed me a “gift card” made for him by this young man’s 1^st grade brother in his small group…thank you (to the volunteer) for serving and for taking care of my brother.

The power of one – who knows the dividends this volunteer’s commitment, will pay in years to come.

Tis the Season...For The Gift I Need The Most

2008-12-21T21:20:00.001-06:00

Today’s message at RCC was simple…discover the missing ingredient. No, it wasn’t Paula Dean or Rachel Ray or Martha Stewart. It was Paul delivering truth in a POWERFUL, practical and applicable manner. The simplicity of the message was this…Christmas is about God sending the vital ingredient missing from the core of our lives in a clear remarkable way. At Christmas, God gave us what we deserve the least and needed the most…GRACE!!

The text was from John 1:14-18. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

One liners and main ideas from the message:

· For grace to be given there had to be a death

· Grace is knowing what someone deserves and doing the opposite

· You can forgive people all day long but until you give them grace you won’t be able to move past your past

· This vital ingredient (grace)shapes your view of life and people more than any other thing about you

· If grace isn’t at your core you will forget what you are for and only know what you are against

· Grace is not the minimizing of the truth, it’s opening the door so they can see the truth

· Is it difficult for you to imagine God as a God of grace – a God who sees you for exactly who you are but is offering you and everyone else exactly what you do not deserve – GRACE

· In your world of relationships; in which relationship(s) is it the most difficult for you to extend GRACE

· When you discover who you are not willing to extend grace to and why you are not willing to extend grace then you will discover an area of your life that God wants to do a work in you

· John 12:47 (NIV), "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.

· Too many times we are not like our Savior, but we are full of judging and truth – and as a result we can’t move on, we can’t get over the wrongs and the wounds because we have made ourselves someone else’s judge

The message ended with a video of recent baptisms along with Meagan singing Grace Flowed Down accompanied by Clint on the keyboard.

You can listen to the message here.

Facing Reality, Diffusing Tension

2008-12-18T20:56:00.000-06:00

I watched my boss diffuse a contentious issue today. It made me proud to be a part of that team…but more importantly I witnessed the following principle in action.

When given a choice, face reality and diffuse the tension. When given a choice, don’t run from the problem, embrace it.

My boss addressed a crowd of upset, distressed stakeholders and took the argument away from them by addressing the concerns they had before the blowup could happen. And then assured them that we were partners in the process and were working to achieve a common goal. No one fussed. No one blew a gasket.

For future reference, it works to face reality. It diffuses the tension that is pent up.

And my part in the drama – I helped give my leadership team an opportunity to break the bad news early and allow for time for processing on both sides of the issue.

Team, systems, health

2008-12-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

OK, so as a volunteer I get to be part of a team that rocks. I am grateful to be used in the way God is using me at RCC. It is fun, challenging, hard, rewarding, life changing…

Clint posted today on the team, the system, etc. He bragged a little too much on me. Makes me uncomfortable but grateful. Without some of my past experiences, I couldn’t be the vessel I am now. Without some of my training in various jobs, I couldn’t think as critically and ask the inconvenient questions.

I’m grateful for:

· Trials

· Pain

· Wacked out experiences

· Struggles in life/marriage

· Frustration with leaders

· Moving 5 times in 8 years

· GPPA

· JLA

· DOT

· Contentment through discipline

Speaking of systems, a quote from Clint tonight…”Healthy systems require healthy families, marriages, people.” So true.

Other team members – Claude, Jarrod, Kevin, Michelle

Lessons Learned Part 2

2008-12-17T05:22:00.000-06:00

Continuing my previous post on communication lessons, here’s another couple thoughts:

1. Be transparent

2. Work as a team to develop message

3. Think outside the box, but not all the time

4. You won’t get everyone’s attention

5. People are smart – they can spot a fake from a mile away

6. Slow down

7. Recognize presuppositions

8. Know the author – if you’re interpreting something

9. Know the audience that you’re talking to; and the audience something was written to if you’re interpreting something

10. Context – what’s the context you’re delivering in, the subject was written to

The last four I owe credit to my friend, Clint.

Lessons Learned Part 1

2008-12-16T05:23:00.000-06:00

I’m processing some things in my mind from a variety of sources and experiences…and I’ll call them lessons learned. Here’s a stab at it:

1. Communicating isn’t talking

2. You’ve got to be sticky

3. Perception is reality

4. People resist change – it’s natural

5. Look before you leap – if you have time

6. Make time to look before you leap – create margin

7. It’s not gonna happen like you’ve planned it out

8. Ask tough questions

9. Don’t make excuses

10. Be real, get real, or get out

Tis the Season for the Perfect Gift

2008-12-14T23:00:00.000-06:00

So what is the perfect gift you can give? Especially in the day and age of family and friends who have everything?

Today, the message was on the perfect gift...and I’ll get right to the punch line. It’s more than Love…that’s the easy answer. It’s unconditional Love. Here’s the line Paul used in his message, “What are totally forgiven; unconditionally loved and unconditionally accepted people to do with all the unforgivable, unlovable, un-accepting, difficult people in our lives?” And it’s easy to give love to those we have in “our cell phone circle”. But oh so much more difficult to give unconditional love to those who have hurt us.

Scripture passage – John 13: 34-35. A new command I give you: Love one another. (that’s easy) as I have loved you, so you MUST love one another. The key word is MUST. We are told we MUST love those who deserve our love the least. Those who have hurt us; who have used us; who have caused heartache; who have stabbed you in the back. Those are the one Jesus commands (MUST) us to Love.

So this season, the perfect gift is to give the gift of unconditional love.

It’s costly. It’s messy. It’s ugly. It’s painful. It requires effort. It’s the example set by God as He sent his own Son to be an ambassador to us – to come and connect us into a relationship with a Father who loves us unconditionally and desires a relationship with Him.

One-Liners from today:

· During this season we love to celebrate God’s love and goodness to us.

· We love to celebrate the fact that God loves me and even uses me and accepts me in spite of the fact that we do not have it all together.

· But what we all say is, “please don’t ask me to extend it to someone so unlovable, un-acceptable, and so unforgivable.”

· We can be the most judgmental, narrow minded, performance driven people around.

· When someone tells us something we MUST do it is generally something that we don’t naturally want to do.

· Somewhere in your world there are some people who need you to give them this perfect gift – of unconditional love.

· When you quit caring you quit loving

· It is the undeserving part that makes unconditional love – the perfect gift.

· At Christmas God trumped all our resistance and excuses by sending a demonstration of how we MUST love one another – the one another that does not make it on our gift list.

· This morning we want you to list some people God has laid on your heart to unconditionally love.

Meltdown in JCP in PC

2008-12-11T05:56:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I admit it. I am a softy.

We were challenged Sunday at RCC to 5 different opportunities to be generous during the Christmas season (read about it here and here or listen to it here). One of the generosity opportunities we chose to participate in is to partner with an incarcerated parent through the Angel Tree. Angel Tree is a ministry that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. It seeks to transform the lives of these families and to reconcile them to their Heavenly Father and each other.

Here is the message from a dad to his 10 year old daughter on the angel note we picked off the “Angel Tree” tree. He writes “I miss you a lot and I will be home soon. Love, Daddy”. His wish was for her to have a dress and some bath items.

I was in Panama City this week and stopped by the mall and placed myself in the dad’s shoes. What would I like for someone to get for my daughters if I happened to be in prison? How would I want someone to care and share during this Christmas Season? I called Michelle and asked her opinion of two of the dresses I had picked out. While talking with her, I cried like a baby at this opportunity to give to someone else – to be GENEROUS. It helped me remember the true meaning of this Season.

I am grateful for the challenge and encourage you to do the same for someone this Christmas Season.

On a side note – Kidstuf is this weekend and the virtue for this month is Generosity – Making someone’s day by giving something away. The Bottom-line is “Don’t let things become more important than people.”

Tis the Season...to Be Generous

2008-12-07T21:09:00.000-06:00

Not a message on Christmas, per se. But a powerful message nonetheless.

So how do you address the sensitive issues of giving and sharing the needs of the church…during the Christmas season in the middle of a recession and a huge economic downturn? Tactfully, clearly, directly, and overly selflessly. Further, ensure the vision and mission of the organization is the filter through which you share the needs and challenge the audience.

Paul shared today from the following passage: Proverbs 11:24 (NIV) One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

From his message:

Three characteristics of an open-handed person: Generosity, Abundance, Security

Three characteristics of a close-fisted person: Stinginess, Lack, Anxiety

How to go from a close-fisted to open-handed person: Exchange Stinginess for Generosity, Lack for Abundance, and Anxiety for Security

We were challenged to give to 5 causes this Christmas season.

1. Angel Tree

2. Missionary families – RCC support 6 families across the US and around the world

3. Assist a local church plant that is building a new church and needs a roof

4. Find a family to invest into

5. Rivertown Community Church…Here’s the punch of this. Paul said if you have a problem giving to RCC, and then give it to some other church or organization that is advancing the Kingdom of God.

And he said that the only people that have a problem with teaching about the evils of adultery are those who are… And the only ones who have a problem with teaching about how cheating on taxes is wrong are those who are … And the ones who have a problem with teaching about money are those who…

Bottom-line – I give because I know that intentional generosity breaks the spirit of greed in my life.

Studies show that around 70% of evangelicals give less than 2% of their income to God’s work. We should be ashamed. No wonder the world is in the shape it’s in…financially, morally, etc.

Oh, and a lot of new things today at RCC. One constant about RCC is status quo is unacceptable!

Road Signs Reflections

2008-12-01T22:25:00.001-06:00

We completed the Road signs series at RCC yesterday. Actually, Jared delivered the message and he delivered it with passion and conviction.

Series Bottom-line – Your direction, not your intention determines your destination

Song set:

1. On The Road Again – Opener

2. Happy Day

3. Never Failed Me

4. Mighty to Save

5. Nothing Back – Closer

Key points from week 2

· Direction begins with submission (choosing to lean into God, even when you don’t know what it looks like)

· Surrendering always precedes directions – light bulb…we don’t need more information

· Divine direction begins with submission

· It takes courage to take corrective action – don’t leave your life on cruise control

· We want it now…up front. God says no. trust me; I will provide it when you need it.

· Don’t prop up yourself in your own understanding

· Sometime we make dumb decisions even when we have the information to protect us

· Submission = letting God in up front rather than when we need him;

· We need God, we need a Savior

· LISTEN TO THIS – God wants control over the things that I have control over

You can listen to the message here.

Text – 1 Kings 3:5-14; Proverbs 3:5-7

A truly awesome series to touch the importance of PAYING ATTENTION to the road signs God places in our lives!

Thankful 2008 #4 - Farm

2008-11-27T22:22:00.001-06:00

A farm is a great place to be raised. And I am thankful to be able to raise my three daughters on a farm…sort of. I don’t actually get to farm, but we live on my family’s farm and our home is right next to a field. We got to watch the peanuts grow this summer and now we have oats growing at the edge of our front yard.

I am thankful for the work ethic instilled by the demands, expectations, and discipline of the farm life…especially a dairy farm. I am also appreciative that my parents expected us to pull together as a family…as a team. We work along side of each other and learned to get along, cooperate, to partner in life, fun, and even disappointments.

I am thankful for the farm even though it was farming that took my dad’s life. In fact, I admire that he died doing what he loved most.

I hope that I can share the love of farm life with my daughters. It is starting with chores, with a calf to feed daily, with a dog to care for. More chores will come as they grow older and need additional responsibility and experience.

I am even thankful I got to shoot a wild hog today….on the farm.

Agweb.com shared a program today on a “Harvest of Thanks”. The presentation reflects what is good and wholesome in American agriculture. It makes me proud of my agricultural heritage.

Thankful for fortitude - RE: Morgan is tough

2008-11-26T20:47:00.001-06:00

Ok, so the photos above are not what you likely thought about for a thankful post…but it is.

Walking in the mall today, on a whim I asked Morgan if she wanted her ears pierced. She said she did and we turned around and made our way back to Claire’s. And the result is that Morgan now has earrings.

Fortitude – she has a lot of her mom in her, and a little of me.

I am thankful that Michelle has had the fortitude to put up with me for nearly 19 years. She’s followed, supported and encouraged me. She has fortitude and it shows in her daughter. She was tough today – not even a cry.

Oh, and I’m glad I got a little dose of it as well. Of course, Michelle would call it stubbornness.

Thankful 2008 #2 - Faith

2008-11-25T05:22:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for faith. A faith that has been tested. Faith that stretches larger than I can imagine. A faith rooted and grounded in a firm foundation. A faith that has been challenged and grows.

One year ago, my faith had nearly run out of steam. However, God has helped me to remain confident that He is still in control. Who would have ever guessed the events of the coming year for me and my family? (I was challenged recently in the message of Joseph that I must remain confident that God is with me. http://tinyurl.com/6p26kx)

I am thankful for RCC and the leadership of the church we attend and volunteer at. I am grateful for the challenge of great teaching, the vision, the commitment to life change, the standards of excellence.

I am thankful for the reason for my faith, the essence of true surrender. I am thankful that we celebrate His birth in less than a month.

Thankful 2008 #1 - Family

2008-11-24T19:24:00.001-06:00

Here’s a beginning of posts for the week sharing what I am thankful for:

Since moving back to Florida on January 1, I find this an appropriate time to express why I am thankful for my family. This has sort of been a new start in many ways for us. For me, I view life through a whole different lens than when I moved away in 1999. My outlook on politics, business, government, religious activity, and spiritual life have been impacted and influenced by the immersion into different experiences (personally and professionally) during the past 8-10 years.

My wife and three daughters have embraced the changes in our lives graciously. They have accepted the downsizing of life from a house to a mobile home. They have engaged in the challenges (or rewards) of a dirt-lane lifestyle. They have encouraged our ongoing efforts to get out of debt. They have supported our volunteer roles at RCC. They have graciously experienced the death of a beloved pet.

It’s also nice to be close to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mostly, I’m thankful for Michelle; my friend and companion for nearly 19 years… 14 ½ of them as my married partner. She supports me. She encourages me. She helps me. She has challenged my thinking and helped me become more inclusive. She completes me.

I’m thankful for so much more, but I just can’t find the words to express it appropriately.

Here’s to another year of panhandle life. I wonder what life will bring in 365 days.

Where's God...When He is Silent

2008-11-23T21:28:00.001-06:00

Last Sunday’s (11/16/08) message (taught by Paul Smith) was from a familiar story in Genesis. It was about a young man named Joseph who was at an early age rejected by his family, sold into slavery, seduced and set up for rape, sentenced unjustly, and forgotten for 2 years in prison. However, the Bible never mentions that Joseph became embittered through the process. In fact, the Bible says that Joseph’s master was blessed because of Joseph.

So where is God when He is silent? Bottom-line – in any circumstance that makes you ask where’s God – THERE’S GOD! Genesis 39:2 says “The Lord was with Joseph”. Again in vs. 21 and 23.

So here’s the key thought from the message – What did Joseph do when God was silent? He did exactly what any man would do who had been rejected by his family, sold into slavery, seduced & set-up, sentenced unjustly, and forgotten for two years, who was confident that in any circumstance that makes you are ask where’s God – THERE’S GOD.

Four key questions from the message:

1. Do you know what God wants to accomplish through you? - The correct answer is no!

2. Do you know how many people God wants to influence though you? – The correct answer is no you don’t!

3. Do you know what hangs in the balance of your decision to live your life like Joseph did? The correct answer is no!!

4. Do you know what your part is in God’s plan? The answer to this question is yes. You wake up every day and ask yourself the question, what would somebody who is me do if they were absolutely confident God that in any circumstance that makes you are ask where’s God – THERE’S GOD? That’s all you have to do!

Random thoughts jotted down during message:

· Though God was silent, He was not absent

· When you respond to your circumstances as Joseph did, other people notice

· When God is silent, our responsibility is not to understand but to wake up every morning confident that God is with us

· When you’re in a “prison-like” situation, follow Joseph’s example

· Joseph didn’t have a clue that anything significant was going on in his life, however from the lens of eternity something BIG was going on

· God is working on a grander plan than we could ever imagine

· Joseph went from the prison to the palace … he was confident that God was with him and lead accordingly when he was 2^nd in command

Listen to it here.

10 questions for better understanding

2008-11-22T20:30:00.002-06:00

While reading Entrepreneur Magazine, I ran across this article written by Barry Farber entitled “Buyers Know”: Want to know what keeps customers coming back? Why don't you just ask them?

Here are the 10 questions Barry says one needs to ask customers to understand their “needs and the changes going on in their environment; to understand them better than before and better than your competitors”.

What key characteristics do you look for in a successful vendor relationship?
What am I or my company not doing that we could be doing to serve you better?
What is the one thing we would have to do to lose your business?
What are the three most important criteria you look for when investing in our types of products and services?
Who are your main customers and what are you trying to accomplish with them?
What's your biggest turnoff when dealing with salespeople?
If you were running our company, what would you do differently?
What could we do to make life easier for you?
What have vendors or sales reps (from any company) done that really impressed you or made a difference in the sales process?
If you were in front of a room filled with newly hired salespeople, what would you tell them not to do, and how would you advise them to be successful?

So here’s my point…regardless of what your business is these are 10 great questions to understand people. From government to non-profit to for-profit to religious to marriage to parenting, these questions can help you serve your customers better.

I’ve rewritten them to apply to my view of “church” questions.

What key characteristics do you look for in a church?
What am I or my church not doing that we could be doing to serve you better?
What is the one thing we would have to do to lose your attendance?
What are the three most important criteria you look for when investing (your time) in church services?
What are your main life issues and what are you trying to find to address them?
What's your biggest turnoff when dealing with churches?
If you were running our church, what would you do differently?
What could we do to make attendance easier for you?
What has our church (people) done that really impressed you or made a difference in your first or subsequent visit?
If you were in front of a room filled with church staff and volunteers, what would you tell them not to do, and how would you advise them to be successful?

At RCC, we ask the "FEEDBACK" question every week in our “Connection”. How could we do it better?

Signs, Symbols, and Monuments...Joshua 4

2008-11-15T09:24:00.003-06:00

Reading this morning in Joshua 4. Started this week in Joshua and was totally floored by how God trusted Joshua and his leadership. The trust was accompanied by the encouragement to have courage (vv. 6, 7, 9). And he was also equipped for leadership (v8).

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

So in chs. 3 & 4 when they faced the flooding Jordan River, Joshua’s courage filtered down to his leaders and the people.

And the demonstration of leadership, courage, and reassurance for future generations was accomplished by the instruction for 12 men from each tribe to select a stone from the middle of the river to create a monument to instruct future generations about how God led them.

Question to self – “What am I doing to create opportunities for my kids to view (in an historic perspective) what God has done for us? What monuments am I erecting?”

Old man and the kids...discussing relationships

2008-11-13T20:25:00.000-06:00

I know, I’m not old by any stretch of the imagination. Hello, I’m 35 years old. But on Sunday, I was the old man. I was asked by Jarrod Wester, Student Ministries Pastor to sit on a panel discussion on relationships, specifically male/female relationships. And I was the old man. Married for 14+ years. Others were married 3 years, 2 years, and dating for 7 months…so I was the old man. And was it ever fun. You can listen…here

Here are the questions we discussed.

The Questions that every Girl wants a GUY to Answer!

1. Why don’t guys brush their teeth?

2. Do guys wash their hands after they use the bathroom?

3. Why do guy so adamantly love football?

4. Why do guy love to play video games, all the time?

5. Why don’t guys act their age? Why do they think farting is funny?

6. Why do guys just nod when a girl is talking to them? What are they thinking when they do that?

7. Why do guys like “hands-on” activities, like wood work?

8. Why do guys act so fake around crowds and “show-off” to impress people?

9. Why can’t guys JUST be friends with girls?

10. Why are guys more interested in sexual things than girls?

11. Why is it so hard for a guy to shallow his pride and open up?

12. Why do guys say “I Love You” when they don’t even mean it or know what it means?

13. What goes through a guys mind when he is with his girlfriend and he sees another girl dressed inappropriately?

14. What is the quality do guys look for most in a girl?

And the questions that the female counterparts discussed

The Questions that every Guy wants a GIRL to Answer!

1. Why do girls talk so much?

2. Why does it take 6 girls for 1 of them to use the bathroom?

3. Why do girls carry their purses everywhere they go?

4. Why do girls care so much about their hair?

5. Why do girls take so long to get ready, especially before PE class?

6. Why do girls have to think, so long, about every question before they answer it?

7. Why would a girl date a guy who treats her bad and not date a guy who treats her good?

8. Why are girls so “drama-tastic” and random?

9. Why do girls expect so much out of relationships? Why can’t relationships just be casual?

10. What do girls find most attractive about a guy?

11. Why are girls so secretive amongst themselves?

I own a bank, next an automaker

2008-11-12T21:10:00.003-06:00

It looks like I will be the proud (partial) owner of an automaker. According to Anthony Mason tonight on CBS Evening News, Democratic lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would infuse $25 Billion into the Big 3 automakers as emergency loans…in exchange for an ownership stake. Looks like you and I might own more than a new car in the next few weeks.

Watch CBS Videos Online

An angel, A beauty, I'm not ready

2008-11-11T19:58:00.000-06:00

I guess the photo of me pinning a corsage on my little angel is a precursor to what I will do one day…but I’m not ready.

Morgan was an absolute beauty today; an angel as she represented the Kindergarten class at BES as the flower girl for the homecoming court. I am honored to be her dad and to have had the opportunity to share this experience with her.

I guess this is preparation for one day…

See more at http://picasaweb.google.com/ralphyoder/BHSHomecoming#

Too big to fail, false economy

2008-11-10T17:49:00.001-06:00

I just heard the dismal news…which doesn’t take much to hear these days. Just open a newspaper, turn on the news, or pull up Google news page.

1. Circuit City files for bankruptcy

2. Auto makers seeking a bailout

3. DHL closing US operations

4. Starbucks 4^th Q profit down 97%

5. McDonald’s to likely raise dollar menu prices

6. Oh, and AIG is too big to fail…WHAT – too big to fail. So the rescue package is restructured to be more accommodating.

This just signifies to me that we have been living in a false economy for way too long. But the hole is so big that any new promises kept will dig it even deeper.

And to think...I’ve been trying to get out of debt since going through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Why should I even try? Why not let the government bail me out? Oh, that’s right, I’m not big enough.

And I’m going to get out of debt. It’s the right thing to do and I’m gonna live like no one else so one day I can live like no one else.

Where's God when I'm Losing my Head - Nov 9, '08 1st service

2008-11-09T20:27:00.001-06:00

Snippets of today’s message on “Where’s God when I’m Losing my Head” (John the Baptist). Matthew 11:1-11 and Mark 6:17-20. Also John 1:29-35 & 3:30. (Listen or download) Taught by Paul Smith

· Bottom-line – God is found in His work, not in my circumstances

· At some point in your life – it won’t always go as you planned. Something will be ripped away

· The circumstance is too small to see the greatness of God

· John the Baptist doubted – Matt 11:6-11

· When you doubt, you’re self-centered, self-focused

· Jesus doesn’t kick out doubters…He calls doubters to have a whole new perspective

· Faith is built on what God is doing in the world

· God is still God and His kingdom is still advancing in this world

Friday Fever - To make a difference

2008-10-31T05:17:00.000-05:00

In this time of political rhetoric, I watch and think what are the candidates doing to make a difference in the world…rather than spending a wad of money spamming the airwaves. While I can’t control them and their incessant spending and attacking, I can focus on what I am doing to make a difference.

Here’s my list:

1. Take part of a day off of work to take my daughters to see HSM3

2. Take my daughter’s on a breakfast date with daddy – you should see how much they enjoy a little personal attention

3. Make sure I cherish and value my relationship with Michelle

4. Tell my daughters that I think their momma is HOT!

5. Invest into the lives of others through volunteer service at RCC

6. Listen to others as they share their problems – really, most folks just need someone to listen

7. Keep the main thing the main thing – time with God and listen to His word

8. Read, learn, share

9. Pass on financial peace to my family

10. VOTE!

Tuesday's Thought(s)

2008-10-28T20:55:00.001-05:00

I was reading 850 Magazine – a must read for NW Floridians. An article caught my eye as the subject is on my radar as I read a chapter in my book last night. The title of the article was “The ROI of Stress Reduction”. Here are a couple of excerpts that caught my attention.

“Today, workplace stress is estimated to cost American companies more than $300 billion a year in poor performance, absenteeism and health costs.

“Stress” has now become synonymous with “work.” Pamela Perrewé … “I think that people now believe that having a stressful job is a ‘badge of honor’ and if you are not experiencing strain from work you do not have a challenging job,” says Perrewé. “This is, of course, ridiculous, but many believe that job stress means they are somehow important.”

Many employees report headaches, back pain, and other physical symptoms that stem from their stress while ultimately leading to sick days and lack of productivity.”

“Give employees decision latitude (i.e., control) over their work. Having a sense of control over your work is a great coping mechanism…Also, make sure employees receive the training they need to do their job well.”

‘Attitude’ is important in keeping stress levels low.’ Check out what Charlie says about attitude. “I don’t have stress,” says Crist. “I love what I’m doing. There’s a lot of pressure to it but I exercise every morning. That’s a great way to maintain balance and relieve stress, if any exists. My faith helps a lot, along with my family and my friends. And I’m governor of Florida. It’s pretty joyous to be governor of Florida.”

”Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. But remember, stress isn’t always bad. Some of the best moments in life are stressful… riding a roller coaster, getting married, having a baby, getting a promotion. Happiness is the payoff.”

Drivers Ed Country Style

2008-10-28T04:46:00.000-05:00

I decided with a natural obstacle course (round rolls of peanut hay) in our
front yard, I'd take the afternoon to give my two oldest daughters a
Driver's Ed lesson, Country Style. Laney is 7 and Madison is 8. I took them
through a few maneuvers, with them at the wheel while I coached from the
middle of the front seat in my truck. (One maneuver was to get close to the
bale without hitting it. One did, one didn't.) They passed with flying
colors and it was a fun experience.
While doing this, I received a call from a friend who thought I had
completely lost it. Actually, I think this was an investment in their future
driving career. And who knows, I may have been training a future NASCAR
driver. However, I was really training a future soccer mom. But who better
to protect the lives of my future grandchildren than their grandfather. :)

From the heart of a child

2008-10-27T20:03:00.001-05:00

My oldest child shared the following with me and asked if I would put it on my blog:

Dear Sugar (our recently deceased dog),

This is me Madison. I know you don’t know this but I do. Remember the day when we took a picture with you? I hope you do. Because I’ve got it hanging in my room right now. I miss you so much. I forgot about you now that we got the puppy. I just want you to know I love you so much. I’m going to miss you so much to.

Love,

Madison

I share this with tears in my eyes as I am fully aware that Sugar will not get to read this post. However, it shines a light into the heart of a child and the simple way they think, believe, and grieve.

That's Quotable...Seth Godin in TRIBES

2008-10-23T21:07:00.000-05:00

In his book Tribes, Seth Godin writes, “Great leaders create movements by empowering the tribe to communicate. They establish the foundation for people to make connections as opposed to commanding people to follow them.”

Timeliness

2008-10-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

Oh, the timeliness of “the Lord my God”. (Taken from Exodus 6:7)

Ironies of irony…dry weather for 4-5 weeks. Beaver needs to dig his remaining peanuts and the Lord my God sends rain. I know it may seem selfish…I know it may seem trivial, but it is real. It reveals Him to me.

The message at RCC this past Sunday was about the importance of “Learning to Read God’s Blueprint” to build a firm foundation. The timeliness of the message for me…to reinforce God’s love for me as the Lord my God.

This makes me thankful…and grateful for His Love to accept me as His child.

Time to let go

2008-10-01T20:38:00.002-05:00

The caption of this picture should be Sugar Love. In this photo are 4
females that love me and four females that I love.
And loving calls for letting go. Sugar has been a part of our lives longer
than any of our children - approaching 12 years. She was like a child to us
before Madison, Laney and Morgan joined our happy family.
It's time to say good-bye. She will be transported to doggy heaven this
weekend. It will be a sad day for all of us. But a dose of reality for the
girls...and for me and Michelle.
I know this may sound shallow. There are others who are experiencing greater
heart ache. But I will claim that pain is relative. And I don't intend to
minimize human heartache with the loss of other human connections. However,
one cannot deny the connection between a human and an animal.
And life is about letting go, so I release.

In a cloud of dust

2008-09-27T20:32:00.001-05:00

We returned home tonight from our small group gathering and entered a cloud of dust. Beaver’s crew was picking peanuts in the field behind our house (through the woods). And our whole house, yard, everything was shrouded in a cloud of dust.

The best part is the smell of freshly picked peanuts. So the dust is just a part of the goodness of harvest.

Beaver – thanks for sharing the joys of harvest and rural life. We love the dust.

Senses

2008-09-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

Fall is in the air. Weather feels crisper. Sounds travel farther and are clearer. Smells of harvest are in the air.

Walked in a peanut field that was dug two days ago. Smelled only the smell that can be experienced digging plus 2-3 days.

Oh the joys of country life. Oh the joys of farm life. Oh the joys of life…itself.

Beyond that, I’m in love with my wife.

Quotable

2008-09-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

“Don’t try to put a collar on a mad dog.” ~ Larry Kelley (Dist. 3 FDOT Secretary)

PC Beach Fun

2008-09-13T22:01:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful for my three daughters and the fun we had in the pool today at the beach. Since the gulf waters were so rough and double red flag flying on "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches", we spent the morning in the pool. This is reminiscent of last year's visit to the beach for my mother-in-law's birthday.

However, it makes one reflect on how much has changed in one year's time. It is absolutely unbelievable how much water has gone under the bridge.

1. New job

2. Moved to Florida from Georgia

3. Attending Rivertown Community Church

4. Three daughters in school

5. Working with legislative staff on issues impacting NW Florida’s 16 counties

6. A growing and improving marriage

7. Living in a peanut field

8. Living in a mobile home

9. A new appreciation for leadership

10. A renewed appreciation for how special (and short) life is

11. To cherish and enjoy moments with my family

12. Seems I’m missing something

The Power of Mother Nature

2008-09-11T21:18:00.000-05:00

I was at the beach today. Actually, I was along the Gulf of Mexico along the Gulf County line on the state road leading to St. Joseph State Park. It was amazing to see 10-15’ waves crashing over the road and the wall of rocks that were placed to try to protect the road. And in fact the waves moved and decimated the wall of rocks. It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Ike could impact the Florida coastline in such a dynamic way from such a long way away.

Ever wonder what His will is

2008-09-11T05:28:00.000-05:00

In reading my Bible this morning, I ran across this passage (which I have read before but it never hit me this way) in Ephesians 1:11(MSG). “It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for”. That settles it for me. If I ever wonder what I am to do, all I need is to dig into His word and turn into His presence and find myself. But I can’t just do it when I’m “in trouble”. I need to do it daily.

It also reminds me of this passage in Exodus33:15 "Then Moses said to him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Moses was waiting and depending on God to lead him and a bunch of grumblers…and he wanted the assurance that he was “on mission”. And his assurance was God’s presence moving with them.

In the hugeness of my obstacles, it is easy to seek my own power and strength and forget to look to the one who created me to lead me. Ties into our virtue of Knowledge for this month very well…and exactly what I shared at Kidstuf on Saturday. Excerpt from Kidstuf script, “We can gain knowledge by reading the Bible and learning who God is and what He says is best for us. We’ll see how big and good He is and how much He loves us, and our trust in Him will grow. He’ll change us and help us to make wise choices, and because of that, we’ll influence others”.

Now I know.