Spring is coming!

young authors at schweitzer 005
Originally uploaded by jimmy_best.

here is a picture of one our daffodils waiting to pop out

JJ reading at young authors night

Here is video of JJ reading the book he wrote on zebras for young authors night at his school.

Warning! My daughter Emily held the camera during taping. You might get sea sick.

Todays reflections

James 1:18

 

18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

James 3:18

 

18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:7

7 The godly care about the rights of the poor;

      the wicked don’t care at all.

Proverbs 29:17

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind
      and will make your heart glad.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004  by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

 

Beg, Borrow, or Steal

Earlier this month my brother-in-law Steve, gave me a new book entitled, "Exiles… Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture". I have been reading it as often as I can and I just finished it today on my lunch. Without question this is on of the best books ever written on how we should live as faithful followers of Jesus in the strange land we find ourselves in the 21st century. Many church critiques that are being written focus on new and different ways of DOING Church, thinking that just the right of tweaking will get it back to where it needs to be. I personally believe and so does the author, Michael Frost, we need drastically different ways of BEING Church. Frost says, "The church in fewer and fewer situations represents the best vehicle for public service or citizenship, leaving only the faithful behind to to rediscover the Christian experience as it was intended: a radical, subversive, compassionate community of followers of Jesus." … "If we are exiles on foreign soil – post-Christendom, post-literate, and so on – then maybe at last it’s time time to start living like exiles, as a pesky, fringe dwelling alternative to the dominant forces of our times" I would put this book in the beg, borrow, or steal category. Anyone interested in conversing over the book please let me know.

like a kid again

Today I was able to play a bunch of school yard kick ball with JJ’s first grade class. It was a beautiful day again here and the teacher gave the kids an extra long recess to help burn off the birthday treat donuts that were brought in for snack time. I think I am going to go and try to take the patio furniture out of storage.

relfections on Mark palmer death

these thoughts come straight from Chris Marshall at Ordinary Community in Metro-Cincy

Therefore, I’m free. I’m free to create, I’m free to say "no" to the
things that aren’t best, free to love, free to wonder, free to serve,
free to lead, free to be a good Dad, free to be a godly husband, free
to be a compelling teacher, free to be a good friend, free to pastor
and shepherd as the Spirit leads. Freedom is a by-product of living in
the Kingdom. It is not w/out suffering, but it is freedom nonetheless.

On
this day, I just wanted to say thanks to Mark Palmer. He spoke wisdom
into my life. He taught me about the importance of Jesus’ Resurrection.
He walked holy lands with me. He prayed blessing over my life. He was
one of my best friends. And even now, in a place not far away, he is
cheering me on. He’s catching waves on the river that flows from the
Temple, I can see the smile on his face. Its what he lived for. And
now, he lives that reality for evermore.

Lisa Garner Update

This was sent to me today.

Hello Everyone,

 

I just wanted to give
you all an update on the situation that Lisa is going through.  Her
trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 3rd.  It has been postponed
many times in the past, but we are almost positive it is going to go on
this date.  We know that subpoena’s have been served to witnesses,
which makes us sure it will be begin.  The trial is being held at the
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in downtown Detroit and will begin as far
as we know at 9:00 a.m. on the 3rd. 

 

I
don’t think I have to tell you that this is a horrible thing that our
families are going through.  It consumes our lives.  This has been a
horrendous year for both Craig and Lisa.  Lisa has the fight of her
life coming next week.  No one ever imagined that it would go this far,
but it has and there is nothing that we can do about.  Unfortunately it
is out of our control.  If any of you were planning on attending or
need any information, please contact me at (post a comment if you need info) This
situation is way to painful for either Craig or Lisa to talk about and
I would appreciate it if any questions were directed towards me.  We
have a very hard week coming next week and I am making every attempt to
keep Lisa as sane as possible.  Any support that can be shown at the
courthouse next week would be greatly appreciated.  Please keep Lisa in
your thoughts and prayers.  She will need all the support she can get.

 

Thank you all for everything during this traumatic time in our lives.

 

Craig and Lisa Garner

Lisa Alaniz (Craig’s Sister)

                 

My turn to be sick

Just as my daughter Sam was on the mend on Saturday afternoon, I came down with the same stomach flu that she had. I was up the the better part of the night. Thankfully it ended up being a 24hr bug for me and I was back on the mend late last night and was able to go to work this morning. I guess my theory about being exposed to so many germs help make me immune was incorrect. Oh, well. Time to go outdoors and enjoy some warm weather for a change.

signs of spring

Today when I was out taking the dog for a walk I noticed that the daffodil flowers we planted last fall are starting to push up through the soil. I could see about 1/2 trying to peek its way out. It will be cool to watch there grand arrival!

Still sick

Sam is still not feeling good. She threw up more late yesterday afternoon and a couple of more times last night and once this morning so far. This weekend we were all supposed to be going to Waterloo, Ontario to see our new baby nephew Jack, but now Sam and I stayed home because she is not feeling good and we did not want to bring any new germs along to expose our family too. I have been fine all year health wise but my theory is because I work at a school I am exposed to a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria that I build up multiple immunities. So I will nurse my little angel back to health as best I can.