Where have you been?

No, I did not drop off of the edge of the planet -- just seems like I did. Must be one of those reclusive writers...

First post of 2011...where to begin? Where to squeeze this effort into a soon to be even more crowded schedule?

Just looking around me at all the news events either ticks me off, frightens me, or sends my mind on any one of a number of rabbit trails. For me, this is not a time to discuss something that in the long run doesn't really matter much. I have my views, which by this time in my life are fairly well set -- like the Jello I had today. (Yummy, by the way. Even without the whipped cream.)

But within that I am open to learning. Starting next month I will start the pursuit of a master's degree -- by itself something I've wanted to do even before the start of my time in the Postal Service. And somehow I will have to fit that into the matrix (big word!) of my family.

But something else takes precedence even over the pursuit of higher education. My daughters, growing so fast, need me to be not just their father, but their daddy. My bride of now nearly eight years (wow!) -- if a person can start out with stunning beauty inside and out and only get better as time passes -- I have more wealth than can be measured, and am a very blessed man.

And first on the list -- my Lord, my Savior, my Jesus. Amazing that He sees this all too flawed man as someone He wants to be around.

"Where have you been, Chris? I've been here all along."

P.S. Prayers for my kiddos -- both under the weather. And prayers for my co-worker, Wayne. His journey may not have much longer to run. For healing for his body -- definitely. But primarily for his soul.

I'm not gone...

No, I am still here. I haven't given up on this blog, though it has been nearly four months. Busy, busy, busy. Just set up a separate blog for doing book reviews. (Don't have enough to do? Let's add even MORE!!) Check it out at http://postmanreads.blogspot.com.

Nearing the end of a vacation -- much desired as always. Not terribly eventful...save one event. My Dana became a Christian last Monday. That's good news any day!

And whatever day on the calendar it was, remember the Person Jesus of Christmas. Remember the Baby who came to live as one of us. Remember the Man who paid for Dana's sin...my sin...your sin. Remember the Man who hung on a cross willingly to satisfy His Father's just wrath against us -- who loved us enough to do that.

Don't forget the gift that awaits you. HIS gift.

Himself.

Colors

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14


Has it really been that long since I made a post? I've had many an idea percolating in my head for months now, but never anything put down here. Until today.

Working as a letter carrier in the summer tends to make one's self somewhat on the stinky side. Nothing, though, that a good shower won't cure.

There are many benefits of being the father of two young girls -- watching kids' shows, reading silly books (I love the Boynton books -- one of which I can quote from memory!), and the occasional bath tablet -- the stuff that turns your water blue or yellow or some other color combination. (Personally, I like the blue.) And the girls will sometimes put one in my shower, which happened today. (And a blue one at that.)

It didn't last long in the shower, and it seemed to me that it dissolved rather fast.

Sort of like what I've noticed personally lately for my life. I'm now the father of a kindergartener -- the big start was last week. And the Rachel-bear starts preschool soon herself.

I mean, didn't these girls just get here?? What happened?

Struggling? Some. But a page has turned for them...for my bride...and me. And I want to enjoy the story as it is written. It is a wonderful, precious season that will go too fast...

...like a bath tablet.

When you say nothing at all...

So go ahead and ask her
For happy ever after
Cause nobody knows what's coming
So why not take a chance on loving

"Lemonade" -- Chris Rice


It used to be that April 19 was just another day on the calendar for me. Not any more though, as tomorrow marks seven years of marriage to my bride Carrie.

As her mother might say, "Think of it as an adventure." And that it has been.

At one time I never thought that anyone would want to share the journey with me as my forever companion, but I was very wrong, and blessed for finding this out. For she has been by my side all the time, giving me encouragement (and more than one well-deserved kick in the behind) when I needed it...and by doing so, showing me what love really is.

And that is what she has done.

I love you, Carrie. Grow old with me...

Breaking the silence...

I know. It's been a long time. I could use the excuse that I've been busy, and that, to a point, is true. Lots of hours at work and trying to run a household-- both not easy tasks. But not this week -- the great word called vacation. And it was oh so badly needed.

It's not that I haven't had ideas to put down in this forum, but I have not either the time, the motivation, or the brainpower to do so most of my waking hours. Usually I try to make a point with a post -- maybe it will happen today.

I think that I need to apologize to my grandfather -- he's been gone since 1997, so face to face will have to wait. And yes, 13 years have not dulled the longing to see him again. I still miss him.

Why the apology? Because he was right. My Grandpa Buck was as dedicated as a Christian as I have known. His big specialty was end times prophecy. He loved talking about it -- so much so that I, even though I was new to the faith, learned to make myself scarce whenever the subject came up. I didn't want to hear it. Any of it.

But it never left me.

And now being a parent, I see things with more urgency and clarity. And my grandfather gave me a gift. Watch. Pay attention. And be ready for Jesus' return.

I've been paying attention to what's been going on in Washington with the health care issue. I agree with the need for reform, but the way it was done was just plain wrong. I will not apologize for that mindset -- not now, and not ever.

But it's another reminder...
...to watch...
...to pay attention...
...and to be ready.

Because I don't think it will be long.

Thank you for the gift, Grandpa. See you soon.

Hungry...

Taste and see that the Lord is good...

Psalm 34:8

5:58 am.

That's what my eyes saw on the bathroom clock as I came out of the playroom this morning. No, I was not playing all night -- just had spent the last few hours in there sleeping as the rest of the family was dealing with colds, coughing, etc. Not something I wanted any part of, but at this time of the morning it was a moot point. Last man standing...and the only one around here.

Eventually it was back to bed, but before I got there, my stomach let me know that I had better keep it happy. Strawberry yogurt it was. And it was good. And inspiration came. For me, that's pretty good in the early morning.

Now what to do with it?

There are men who have passed on into the presence of Jesus, who have stood out to me as ones who gave EVERYTHING for Him -- Eric Liddell (watch Chariots of Fire -- good movie), Oswald Chambers, Jim Elliot, and Keith Green. They loved Him with all they were. I don't want to worship them, but I do admire them. They were all out for Him.

That's what I want to be. Maybe the old song says it better than I can...

I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.

New beginnings...

Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.
-- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Just over an hour before my bedtime, and back to work tomorrow for a day. It's been a weird schedule these last two weeks with the holidays and scheduled days off. Everyone else is in bed right now, including my bride. Something knocked her down today big time -- not usual for her. She's better than she was earlier, but still not 100%. The girls, on the other hand, were energetic as they most often are.

A new year come, and 2009 in the books. (Except for tax time, that is...) The thought of a clean slate is very appealing to me right now. That and a desire to simplify on my part -- maybe a back to the basics. Go back to what matters. Ground myself in the Word. Tell others about Jesus. Be surrendered totally to Him. Get rid of the sludge, confess the sin, and leave what I can't do up to Him. Maybe nothing profound, but that is fine with me.